Bich Dong Pagoda is a famous spiritual tourist destination in Ninh Binh. The pagoda stands on the slope of a mountain and fits in well with the caves that are already there. You can walk around and enjoy the peaceful and calming environment. If you prefer learning about history, culture, and nature, Bich Dong Pagoda Ninh Binh is a wonderful place to go.
Why is Bich Dong Pagoda famous?
Bich Dong Pagoda Ninh Binh is a well-known spiritual tourist destination, attracting a large number of domestic and international visitors.
Location and famous names
Bich Dong Pagoda is located in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, amidst the characteristic limestone mountains and countryside of Ninh Binh. It is known as the “Second Most Beautiful Cave in Southern Vietnam,” a title reflecting the outstanding beauty of its cave and pagoda complex within nature. Be one of the destination in Trang An complex, Bich Dong Pagoda is often chosen by international tourists as part of their heritage exploration journeys.
Long History and Cultural Value
Built in the 15th century, Bich Dong Pagoda has a close connection to the history of Vietnamese Buddhism. Despite numerous renovations, the pagoda retains its ancient charm and solemn atmosphere. The name “Bich Dong” means “a green gem” to emprove the pagoda as a pure and peaceful beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Unique architecture connected to mountains and caves
The special feature of Bich Dong Pagoda Ninh Binh is its architecture. The pagoda is built along the mountainside, divided into three levels: Lower Pagoda, Middle Pagoda, and Upper Pagoda. Each level is located to natural caves, creating a harmonious blend of religious structures and natural landscapes. This is a rare architectural style, giving visitors the feeling of both visiting the pagoda and exploring the caves.
Impressive sightseeing and exploration experience
The journey to Ninh Binh Bich Dong Pagoda takes you through ancient stone steps, cool caves, and tranquil spaces. The higher you go, the wider the view opens up, allowing visitors to admire the panoramic view of the fields, rivers, and majestic mountains. This spot is an ideal stop for taking photos and appreciating the slow-paced beauty of the Northern Vietnamese countryside. Many Bich Gong Pagoda photos have been created when visitors were taking the sightseeing of Bai Dinh Pagoda.
The combination of spirituality and nature
Ninh Binh Bich Dong Pagoda is not only a place of worship but also a destination suitable for visitors who love gentle and profound experiences. The tranquil atmosphere, lush green landscape, and long-standing cultural values make this place an attractive destination for international tourists who want to learn about Buddhism, history, and nature in Vietnam all in one trip.
How to get there
Bich Dong Pagoda is about 7 km from Ninh Binh city center and is very convenient to get to.From Hanoi, you can take a train or bus to Ninh Binh city, about 2-2.5 hours.When arriving in Ninh Binh, you tranfer to taxi, motorbike, or bicycle towards the Tam Coc – Bich Dong tourist area. The path takes about 15-20 minutes. You can join a tour that travel from Hanoi to Tam Coc Bich Dong for more safe and convienient.
Many international tourists also choose to combine a boat trip to Tam Coc first, then travel by bicycle or electric vehicle to Bich Dong Pagoda to fully enjoy the natural landscape and peaceful atmosphere of the area.
History of Bich Dong Pagoda
Bich Dong Pagoda history dated back to 1428, during the Later Le Dynasty, initially as a small pagoda located within a limestone cave.In 1705, two monks, Tri Kien and Tri The, renovated and expanded the pagoda into a complex of three levels: the Lower Pagoda, the Middle Pagoda, and the Upper Pagoda, connected to natural caves.In 1774, Lord Trinh Sam, during a sightseeing trip, named the place Bich Dong, meaning “green cave like jade,” to praise the harmonious beauty of the mountains, caves, and pagoda architecture. Bich Dong Pagoda has kept its old-world elegance over the years. It is now one of the most famous Buddhist pagodas and an important cultural and spiritual site in Ninh Binh.
Three levels of Bich Dong Pagoda
The three levels at Bich Dong Pagoda are a system of pagodas built according to the altitude of the mountain slope.
Lower Pagoda (Chua Ha)
Chua Ha is located at the lowest point, closet to the entrance to the pagoda complex. This is where you will stop first. Chua Ha offers a spacious and airy area, often used as the main place of worship.The architecture of the Chua Ha is traditional, harmonizing with the surrounding landscape.
Middle Pagoda (Chua Trung)
Chua Thuong is higher up than Chua Ha, and part of it is built inside a natural cave. You have to walk through dark caves and stone steps to get to this pagoda. This road makes you feel like you’re on an amazing adventure. The area around Chua Trung is tranquil and near to the mountains and wildlife.
Upper Pagoda (Chua Thuong)
Chua Thuong is at the top of the mountain, close to the peak. From here, you can see the mountains, farmland, and river below in all their glory. People frequently think of Chua Thuong as the last stop on the way to Bich Dong Pagoda, even though it is little.
What to see at Bich Dong Pagoda
When visiting Bich Dong Pagoda, you can discover many unique experiences combining culture, spirituality, and nature:
Exploring the pagoda’s architecture within the cave
Bich Dong Pagoda stands out with its three-tiered pagoda system built into the mountainside and natural caves.Moving through the stone steps, dark caves, and ancient pagoda space offers a feeling of both spiritual exploration and nature discovery.
Experiencing a tranquil atmosphere
Visitors looking for peace, quiet, and a taste of traditional Vietnamese Buddhist life will love the pagoda’s calm setting, which is away from the noise and activity of the city.
Admiring Ninh Binh’s characteristic natural scenery
From the higher levels of the pagoda, especially the Upper Pagoda, visitors can admire the panoramic view of the limestone mountains, rice fields, and winding river – a very characteristic scene of the Tam Coc – Trang An region.
Photography and slow travel experience
Bich Dong Pagoda is an ideal location for photography, with its backdrop of mountains, ancient pagodas, and lush green nature. Visitors can combine a visit to the pagoda with cycling or boating in Tam Coc to enjoy the slow pace of life and fresh air of the Northern Vietnamese countryside.
Learn about local history and culture
Through the architecture, layout of the pagoda, and worship spaces, visitors have the opportunity to learn more about the history, Buddhism, and traditional culture of Ninh Binh in particular and Vietnam in general.
Best time to visit Bich Dong Pagoda
The best time to visit Bich Dong Pagoda is during spring and early summer, when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is at its most beautiful.
- From January to March (lunar calendar), the weather is cool and there is little rain, making it ideal for sightseeing. This is also the festival season, when the pagoda has a sacred and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists who want to experience traditional Vietnamese spiritual culture.
- From April to June, Bich Dong Pagoda enters the rice harvest season in Tam Coc – Ninh Binh. The sunny weather and the golden rice fields nestled among the limestone mountains create a very impressive landscape, especially attractive to international tourists and photography enthusiasts.
- Visitors should avoid going during the rainy season (approximately July–September) as the stone steps can be slippery and cave exploration less convenient. Visiting in the early morning or late afternoon is also ideal to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the pagoda.
Visitor information and entrance fees
Bich Dong Pagoda is open to visit daily. The Bich Dong pagoda opening hours are usually from around 7:30 AM to 4:30-5:00 PM. You should go in the morning or early afternoon for a more comfortable visit and to avoid the heat. Bich Dong pagoda entrance fee is free. You can enter the pagoda area, admire the scenery, and worship without needing to purchase Bich Dong pagoda tickets.
Bich Dong Pagoda is located within the Tam Coc – Bich Dong tourist area, so many visitors often combine it with a Tam Coc boat trip. Tam Coc entrance tickets (for a boat trip on the Ngo Dong River) are usually separate, with common prices for adults and children regulated at the ticket counter.
Additionally, visitors may incur some minor costs such as parking for motorbikes or cars. Services such as bicycle rental, electric vehicle rental, or tour guides are available upon request.
Ticket and service prices may vary depending on the time of year, tourist season, or holidays. Tourists should prepare cash and ask for specific information at the ticket counter or reception area for the most convenient experience.
Read more: Dinh Tien Hoang Temple: Idea place to explore the culture
Suggested itineraries including Bich Dong Pagoda
Here’s a suggested one-day itinerary combining a visit to Bich Dong Pagoda, perfect for those who prefer a relaxed pace:
Morning
Start your day at Tam Coc tourist area with a boat trip on the Ngo Dong River. Enjoy the scenic views of the limestone mountains and rice fields on both sides of the river while experiencing the peaceful atmosphere of Ninh Binh countryside. After about 1.5–2 hours, the boat trip ends, and you can travel by bicycle or electric vehicle to the nearby Bich Dong Pagoda.
Mid-afternoon
Visit Tam Coc Bich Dong Pagoda along the route from Lower Pagoda, Middle Pagoda to Upper Pagoda. You’ll have time to admire the scenery, take photos, and learn about the pagoda’s architecture and history. After the visit, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the Tam Coc area with Ninh Binh specialties such as mountain goat and crispy rice.
Afternoon
Travel to Mua Cave for a mountain climb and panoramic views of Tam Coc from above, or choose to visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu if you want to learn more about history. At the end of the afternoon, visitors can return to Ninh Binh city center or relax at a homestay or resort in the Tam Coc – Trang An area.
This itinerary is suitable for those who enjoy cultural and spiritual experiences combined with nature sightseeing and are not in a hurry. If you prefer a slower pace, you can split the itinerary into two days according to Lily’s Travel’s suggested schedule to fully enjoy Ninh Binh. Inbox Lily’s Travel for more specific advice!
Bich Dong Pagoda is not only an ancient spiritual destination but also a place where the harmonious beauty of Ninh Binh’s architecture, history, and nature converges. Each step of the tour is a slow, tranquil experience, allowing visitors to clearly feel the rhythm of local life and culture. If you are looking for a gentle, profound yet enriching journey, Bich Dong Pagoda is definitely a choice not to be missed. Combine a visit to Bich Dong Pagoda with other highlights such as Tam Coc, Mua Cave, or Trang An by booking a package tour to make your trip more convenient, save time, and fully enjoy the beauty of Ninh Binh.
Read more: Thien Ha Cave: Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors
