Bich Dong Pagoda

Bich Dong Pagoda is a nearly 600-year-old ancient pagoda in Ninh Binh.

This special national heritage belongs to Trang An’s scenic complex, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage.

Bich Dong, being renowned for its unique architecture, included 3 small pagodas: Thuong Pagoda (upper), Trung Pagoda (middle), and Ha Pagoda (lower), all put in the shape of the Chinese word “Tam” (三). These pagodas stretch from foot to top of Truong Yen Mountain. From Thuong, the highest one, you could get a bird view of Ninh Binh countryside.

Besides, Bich Dong Pagoda is also known for its entrance—a signature stone bridge over a romantic lotus pond, which attracts many travelers.

History

Historians can’t tell exactly when Bich Dong Pagoda was built. However, one thing is for sure: in 1428, the Pagoda was just a small, simple pagoda, located at the foot of Truong Yen mountain.

It wasn’t until 1705 that two monks named Tri Kien and Tri The, who were on their pilgrimage, stopped by Truong Yen Moutain. Seeing that the mountain has beautiful terrain and already has a pagoda, the two monks decided to stay and repair the old pagoda on their own. From a small and hidden pagoda, two monks rebuilt it into three pagodas named Thuong, Trung, and Ha, as we see today.

In 1774, Lord Trinh Sam visited Bich Dong and was amazed by its beauty. The roughness of the mountains, the refreshing green of the lotus ponds, and the blue of the sky surrounded Bich Dong, prompting him to change its name to Bich Dong, meaning Green Cave.

Highlights

The Gate

Bich Dong Pagoda’s gate is what makes it famous among travelers. Constructed in the traditional Vietnamese style with three doors, a bridge connects the gate to a lotus pond. Blooming from May to July, the pond covers Bich Dong pagoda in romantic settings: the pink of the lotus and the vast greens of Ninh Binh countryside. It’s definitely worth stopping for some Instagram photos!

Tip: Prepare for the heat as Ninh Binh experiences middle summer from May to July.

Three pagodas

Bich Dong’s three pagodas ascend from the base of Truong Yen Mountain. It’s in the shape of “Tam” (三), so exploring them is like a climbing adventure. But all your effort will be worth it. Each pagoda has its own special features, especially when you climb to Thuong Pagoda, where you can enjoy the panorami beauty of Hoa Lu and Ninh Binh.

Tip: Hiking or sporty shoes are highly recommended.

Ha Pagoda was the lowest. Constructed in Dinh (丁) shape, it consists of 5 holy rooms mainly worshiping Buddha.

From Ha, going up 120 steps along the S-shaped path to Trung. This pagoda is considered the most special structure: half in a cave, half outdoors. About 6 meters from Trung is the Dark Cave, which house a large bell cast and hung by Tri Kien & Tri The monks in the 18th century.

To get to Thuong, the highest pagoda, follow a path 40 steps up. Getting there, you will be awarded with a stunning view. 5 separate mountains are presented into your eyes—looking like 5 lotus petals. Locals called them “Ngu Nhac Son,”  including Tam Sang Mountain, Gia Dinh Mountain, Con Lon Mountain, Dau Cau Mountain, and Hang Dua Mountain.