Bich Dong Pagoda

Although Bich Dong Pagoda was constructed using the Tam-shaped construction typical of old Vietnamese pagodas, the incorporation of the mountains and caverns here makes it stand out among other pagodas in Ninh Binh.

Tam-shaped architecture can be simply understood as the pagoda complex is divided into three separate blocks and built parallel to each other, like three straight lines. These three pagoda sections are Ha Pagoda (below), Trung Pagoda (in the middle), and Thuong Pagoda (above), all built along the slope of Truong An Mountain. From afar, Bich Dong Pagoda is surrounded by green mountains and forests, like a precious gem waiting to be discovered.

The road leading to Bich Dong Pagoda

Walking down the stone walk with lush flowers and plants on both sides, tourists will notice the enormous Tam Quan gate that leads to the Bich Dong Pagoda.

The Tam Quan gate is distinguished by its delicate and graceful curved-roof construction, which stands out in the midst of the lyrical nature. In front of the temple gate, there is a small pond that blooms with fragrant lotus flowers every summer, adding to the beauty and charm of Bich Dong Pagoda’s surroundings.

It is not difficult to see why this entrance is a popular photo location for travelers visiting the Tam Coc – Bich Dong tourism region!

Ha Pagoda

Visitors may access Ha Pagoda in the Bich Dong Pagoda complex by passing through the Tam Quan gate and following the 55-meter-long trail up the mountain.

This pagoda was built in typical Vietnamese style, with five shrines dedicated to Buddha sculptures. The exquisite wooden pillars are delicately carved, and the extravagant curving pagoda roof system brings a solemn appearance to the pagoda. 

Trung Pagoda

From Ha Pagoda, visitors continue up 80 stone steps to the North to reach Trung Pagoda, which lies halfway up Truong Yen Mountain. This remarkable pagoda was constructed inside the mountain, with just the roof and pagoda entrance visible from the outside, providing visitors with a unique experience.

On the gate of Trung Pagoda, the Chinese letters “Bich Dong” from the period of Lord Trinh Sam are still visible. Inside, the pagoda is separated into three chambers for worshipping Buddha and the Holy Mother.

Visitors can come here, burn incense, and pray for health, luck, and happiness!

Thuong Pagoda

Thuong Pagoda is located at the highest position in the Bich Dong Pagoda complex, connected to Trung Pagoda by 40 stone steps to the top of the mountain. The pagoda was built with two longitudinal houses and a curving roof like a bird soaring.

Thuong Pagoda is where Guanyin Buddha, Mountain and Land Deities are worshipped. In addition to the major worship halls, Thuong Pagoda contains a small well and an open pagoda yard with a panoramic view of the Tam Coc mountains and forests.

In the middle of Trung Pagoda and Thuong Pagoda, there lies Toi Cave. This is a magnificent limestone cave where you can admire the stalactites and witness the ancient bronze bell cast in 1707.

Xuyen Thuy Dong

Xuyen Thuy Dong is a long, crescent-shaped water cave that runs through Truong Yen Mountain and along the Bich Dong Pagoda above. Xuyen Thuy Dong Gate is positioned opposite the route to the pagoda, therefore tourists to Tam Coc will take a boat through this cave and then ascend the mountain to see Bich Dong Pagoda.

Bich Dong Pagoda is more than just a sacred pagoda; it is also a piece of art that combines nature and human’s artistry, drawing all tourists to learn about Vietnam’s unique cultural heritage.

Tam Coc

Tam Coc is the primary attraction of the Tam Coc – Bich Dong Tourism Area, which has water caverns hidden behind rugged limestone rocks. Visitors may take a boat and have a relaxing time drifting around the lake in the beautiful natural surroundings.

Mua Caves

Mua Caves is an exceptional site with stunning mountains and surroundings. The Mua Caves overlook offers a breathtaking perspective of the Tam Coc – Bich Dong Eco-tourism Area.

Thung Nham Bird Park

Thung Nham Bird Park is part of the Thung Nham Eco-tourism Area, which is a breathtaking setting that contains not only a large-scale bird habitat and a poetic river system, but also unique outdoor leisure areas, including camping grounds and flower gardens.

Thai Vi Temple

This is a unique spiritual destination in Tam Coc, where you may learn about Ninh Binh’s history and culture.