Bich Dong Pagoda is a beautiful and historic religious site located in Ninh Binh province, Vietnam. Often referred to as the “Second Most Beautiful Cave in Vietnam,” Bich Dong Pagoda is a must-visit destination for its serene atmosphere, rich cultural significance, and stunning natural surroundings.

The best time to visit Tam Coc – Bich Dong: Tam Coc – Bich Dong is beautiful in every season, each season has its own unique features. Visitors can come here in January, February or March to admire the green color of young rice or go to Tam Coc – Bich Dong in May, June or July to see the brilliant yellow color of ripe rice fields.

Highlights of Bich Dong Pagoda

-Historical Significance

Built in the 15th century during the Le Dynasty, Bich Dong Pagoda is an ancient Buddhist temple with deep spiritual roots. The name ” Bich Dong” means ” Green Pearl Cave,” inspired by its picturesque setting amids lush mountains and tranquil waterways.

-Architectural Layout: The pagoda consists of three separate tiers:

Ha Pagoda(Lower Pagoda): Located at the base of the mountain

Trung Pagoda (Middle Pagoda): Situated halfway up, accessible by a series of stone steps.

Thuong Pagoda (Upper Pagoda): Nestled inside a cave at the mountain’s peak.

This unique design incorporates both open-air and cave architecture, blending harmoniously with nature.

-Scenic Surroundings

Bich Dong Pagoda is set against a backdrop of dramatic limestone karsts and surrounded by lush greenery. Nearby, you can find serene lotus ponds that enhance the area’s tranquility, making it a favorite spot for photography.

-Cave Exploration

The upper pagoda opens into a cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of the cave while experiencing the peaceful ambiance of the temple.

-Cultural Experience

As an active religious site, Bich Dong Pagoda provides visitors with an opportunity to observe Buddhist rituals and connect with the spiritual heritage of Vietnam.

-Access and Location

Bich Dong Pagoda is located about 3 kilometers from Tam Coc. You can easily reach it by bicycle, motorbike, or boat, which adds to the adventure of visiting.

Sightseeing spots at Bich Dong Pagoda you should not miss

1.The road leading to Bich Dong Pagoda: Bich Dong Pagoda is likened to a precious gem lying peacefully in the heart of the vast mountains. The natural scenery surrounding it all arounding it all around has contributed to enhancing the old, nostalgic look of the pagoda even more. Walking on the stone steps leading to the pagoda, you will see rows of lush trees growing on both sides of the road, and below are the wild flowers blooming in a hurry. This has contributed to highlighing the ancient, peaceful and somewhat mysterious beauty of Bich Dong Pagoda, appearing and disappearing in the midst of the vast green forest.

2.Ha Pagoda: To reach Ha Pagoda, you will have to go through a paved road at the foot of the mountain, about 55m long, leading to Tam Quan gate. This is the only road that takes you to the first pagoda in the complex of three pagodas at Bich Dong Pagoda.

Ha Pagoda was built in the basic Dinh style of Vietnamese pagoda architecture, on a high stone foundation at the foot of the mountain. The roof of the pagoda is divided into two curved floors with a system of 8 roofs. The facade of Ha Pagoda is divided into 5 compartments, of which the upper hall occupies two compartments, supported by wooden pillars, large beams carved from solid stone, without joints and over 4m high. More specifically, the rafters, crossbeams and longitudinal beams of the pagoda are also completely made of ironwood, the core to creat solidity.

3.Trung Pagoda: After visiting Ha Pagoda, when returning to the yard, turn your head to the North, you will encounter a path with 80 stone steps around the mountainside. This is the only path leading to the halfway point of the mounatain and also where Trung Pagoda is located. The padoda is located on a cliff shape like a dragon with a wide open mouth, which makes everyone even more excited.

4.Thuong Pagoda: The pagoda located at the highest position in the complex of three pagodas in Bich Dong. Thuong Pagoda is located near the top of the mountain. The path leading up to the pagoda is along the mountainside and has more than 40 stone steps. The pagoda is about 60 meters highter than the brick yard, built in the Southeast direction and is a place to worship Bodhisattva Quan Am. More specifically, when standing from the highest position of Thuong Pagoda , you will be able to see Chong Sach Mountain, Voi Mountain lying peacefully in the middle of Ngu Mon field. Thuong Pagoda is also home to the precious flower Kim Son Kim Cuc – a small flower, yellow in color and good for the eyes.

5.Dark Cave: From the Trung Pagoda area, you go up about 21 more steps to reach Dark Cave. Today, in the cave there is still a large bronze bell that was cast by two monks Tri Kien and Tri The in 1707. Going a little further, you will see large paintings with embossed images appearing under the flickering light of the electric lights here with images of fairies, young boys, flying dragons, turtles, elephants, tigers, treasures,etc.

This enchanting destination offers a mix of history, spiritually, and nature, making it a highlight for those exploring the Ninh Binh region. Come explore Ninh Binh with us. Contact us via Whatsapp +84 918889981