Bich Dong Pagoda: Things You Need to Know

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Peacefully located in the Truong Yen range, Bich Dong Pagoda is an ancient pagoda belonging to the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, which has been classified as a special national monument and recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Renowned for its pristine and tranquil setting, Bich Dong pagoda is the perfect destination for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday urban life. If you are in Ninh Binh or nearby, take some precious time to immerse yourself in the majestic, peaceful place of Buddhist temple. Today, please leave behind all the tiring days of burdens and worries, and join me on a journey to visit Bich Dong Pagoda.

General Information about Bich Dong Pagoda

Bich Dong Pagoda is located in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. It is about 9 km from Ninh Binh city and 2 km from Tam Coc wharf. 

Bich Dong Pagoda, also known as the “Green Pearl Grotto,” is a collection of three Buddhist temples arranged in ascending order on Ngu Nhac Mountain’s slope. Originally built in 1428 during the reign of King Le Thai To, the pagoda underwent subsequent renovations and expansions in 1705 by two monks named Tri Kien and Tri The. 

The pagoda is renowned for its unique architecture that seamlessly blends with the surrounding natural landscape of caves, mountains, rivers, and rice fields. It serves as a place of worship and meditation for both Buddhists and locals who hold faith in its sacred power and legends.

How To Get To Bich Dong Pagoda?

To visit Bich Dong Pagoda, you have two options: a day trip from Hanoi or an overnight stay in either Ninh Binh city or Tam Coc town:

From Hanoi:

• By Train: The distance between Hanoi and Ninh Binh is approximately 100 km and can be covered in about 2 hours by bus or train. You can purchase train tickets either at the station or online which costs around 80,000 VND (3.5 USD) for a hard seat. The train offers a comfortable journey with the added bonus of scenic views along the way.
• By Bus: If you’re in Hanoi, you can reach Ninh Binh by taking a bus from Giap Bat bus station. Buses to Ninh Binh have frequent departures, so you needn’t worry about missing a trip.
• By Motorbike: To travel from Hanoi, head towards the 1A highway – Ninh Binh road on your motorbike, and then continue following road 30/6 until you reach this intersection. 

Once in Ninh Binh city, you can hire a taxi or rent a motorbike or bicycle to reach Tam Coc, situated roughly 7 km away. From Tam Coc town, Bich Dong Pagoda is easily reachable as it is just 2 km away.

History and Architecture of Bich Dong Pagoda

About History 

Bich Dong Pagoda was constructed in 1428 by two mandarins of King Le Thai To, Nguyen Nghiem and Dinh Dien. They were captivated by the beauty and serenity of the area and named it Bich Dong, which means “Green Pearl.” They also placed a stele to document their visit and express admiration for the scenery. Unfortunately, the original pagoda was later damaged due to wars and natural disasters.

In 1705, two Buddhist monks named Tri Kien and Tri The arrived at Bich Dong and stumbled upon a hidden cave containing a Buddha statue. They resolved to reconstruct the pagoda with three levels: Ha Pagoda (Lower Pagoda), Trung Pagoda (Middle Pagoda), and Thuong Pagoda (Upper Pagoda). Each level possesses distinctive characteristics and features.

About Architecture

First, we have Ha Pagoda, which is located at the base of the mountain. It has a traditional “Dinh” house design with two-tiered roofs. Inside the main hall, you’ll find a magnificent statue of Amitabha Buddha sitting on a lotus throne. There are also statues of Bodhisattvas, Arhats, guardians, and other deities. Just in front of the pagoda, there’s a stone bridge that stretches across a lotus pond, leading to a gate with four pillars.

Moving halfway up the mountain, you’ll discover Trung Pagoda. This one has two parts: an outer section and an interior cave. The outer part boasts a two-tiered roof with three rooms, while the inner part features a dome-shaped ceiling adorned with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. Inside the main hall, you’ll be fascinated by a bronze bell and three stone statues of Amitabha Buddha, Van Thu Bodhisattva, and Thi Kinh Bodhisattva. And don’t miss the altars and offerings that can be found within the cave.

Lastly, we have Thuong Pagoda near the mountain’s summit. It may be the smallest, but it’s also the highest level of the pagoda. It consists of just one room with a single roof. Inside the main hall, you’ll discover a tranquil statue of Buddha Sakyamuni sitting on a stone pedestal. Additionally, there are several captivating paintings and calligraphy displayed on the walls. From Thuong Pagoda, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Bich Dong Pagoda is from April to June or October to December. During these months, the weather is dry and cool, and the scenery is beautiful and green. 

To see the green rice fields turning yellow and the blossoming lotus, summer time from May to July is suitable choice for visitors love natural scenes. 

Nevertheless, Bich Dong Pagoda is open year-round for exploration, so choose a time that suits your preference and schedule.

Tips and Advice

To have a more enjoyable and memorable visit to Bich Dong Pagoda, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for walking and climbing.
• Bring water and snacks since there aren’t many shops or restaurants nearby.
• Show respect for the local culture and religion by dressing modestly and behaving politely at the pagodas.
• Avoid weekends and holidays when it gets crowded and noisy.
• Stay vigilant about your belongings and be aware of scams or touts.

Final Thoughts

 Above is the detailed guide about Bich Dong Pagoda that I have experienced and summarized. I hope you enjoyed this article and if you have any questions about Bich Dong Pagoda, please leave a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can. 

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