Bich Dong Pagoda – featuring 3 x different pagodas on a mountain
Last Update: 24th October 2020
Originally built in the 10th Century, Bich Dong Pagoda is located 11 kilometers from Ninh Binh City, near Tam Coc. Actually, it is composed of three pagodas. As they lie at different elevations on the mountain, they are called Tru Pagoda, Trung Pagoda and Thuong Pagoda.
Bich Dong Pagoda Fast Facts
- Name: Bich Dong Pagoda
- Number of Pagodas: 3
- Who visits: Adventure, Photography, Hiking, Buddhists
- Things to do there: Photographers, Adventurers, Hikers, Buddhist Disciples
- Time required: 1 – 2 x Hours
Bich Dong Pagoda is completely wooden buildings complex. No nail is used in the structure. Standing on the top of the mountain and also called Thien Ton Cave,, Thuong Pagoda where Avalokitesvara is worshiped overlooks the refreshing rural scenery around Tam Coc. The stone steps on the mountain is a little slippery. If you take your children or the elder to explore the pagoda, it is not suggested that you hike up to the Thuong Pagoda out of safety concerns. You can also see the statue of Đinh Bộ Lĩnh (924 – 979) and the bells he used in the pagoda.
Under a huge rock, Trung Pagoda is to worship Buddha Sakyamuni. Visitors can also enjoy amazing views of the Tam Coc from Trung Pagoda. It is built to commemorate the princess in the Dinh Dynasty (968 – 980). It is said that when she had the news that the emperor, her father in the Dinh Dynasty was murdered in 979, she killed herself by jumping into the nearby well.
Tru Pagoda was built under the order of Emperor Le Hoan (941 – 1005). The art works created in the 10th and 11th Centuries are well-preserved in the hall. You may find the archway carved with Chinese characters.
The best time to visit the pagoda is in the morning. As it is near Tam Coc, you could explore both of them in one day.
The best months to visit are from March to November.
Unfortunately, there is no direct bust to the pagoda from Ninh Binh or Hanoi. Thus, the only option is to rent a vehicle.
- Opening hours: 24 hours.
- Tourists can visit the pagoda for free.
- Please wear comfort anti-hiking shoes as some of the stone steps on the mountain is slippery.
- Please wear an umbrella in case it showers.
- Please take enough food and drinking water with you.
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including Bich Dong Pagoda, among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.