Explore Bich Dong Pagoda in Ninh Binh

An ancient pagoda located in Bich Dong mountain range, from the 15th century. It was a small pagoda and then became a pagoda with the reputation” The second beautiful cave pagoda”. In the 18th century, there were two monks stopped in this place and they mobilized to donate for repairing the old pagoda to become the new one with 3 areas: The Low pagoda, the middle pagoda and the high pagoda in the mountainside.
 
In 1774, Lord Trinh Sam visited the pagoda, enjoyed the beauty of landscapes with mountain ranges, rivers, rice fields, trees and caves, so he named the pagoda as Bich Dong Pagoda which means the Green Cave.

The lotus pond and gate into Bich Dong Pagoda 

Lower pagoda as 5 compartments built on a high platform at the foot of the mountain.
All the columns in Low pagoda are made from the block of stone with more than 4m high. It was a very hard work to make those stone column.
 
To go to the middle pagoda, from the Lower Pagoda, follow 120 stone steps to the middle of mountain. This is a pagoda with the most unique architecture, a half attached to the rocky mountain, a half is outside. The middle pagoda has 3 compartments to worship Buddha, this is the most solemn and quiet place.

On the right hand of Middle Pagoda, there are steps leading the Dark Cave, there is a bronze bell and a nature exoneration bridge. According to the legend, anyone who has an unjust, just go through the Exoneration Bridge and knock the bell 3 times. And they will be exonerated.
The Dark cave also was used to be a workshop where produce the weapon for fighting against the French colonials.

The Middle Bich Dong pagoda

The stalactites and stalagmites in the Dark cave are beautiful as it was called” the second beautiful cave”. A lot of emulsion layers in the cave with many different shapes such as the shapes of whales, turtles, eagle, Quan Yin Bodhisattva... All together with the darkness and the bright of the cave make this place magic and sacred. In the cave, besides the Quan Yin, Mother Nature’s Mountain also is worshipped there.

The Dark Cave in Bich Dong Pagoda 

To reach to Highest pagoda, just go 22 steps and pass through the Dark cave. The pagoda is located on the top of the mountain. Keep going on about 30 stone steps to Thuong (Highest) pagoda. People call this pagoda Dong Pagoda (East Pagoda) as it faces to the east. This is the smallest one in Bich Dong Pagoda, only worship the statue of Quan Yin, two side of pagoda are Son Than (Mountain Lord) and Tho Dia (Land god).

From this highest pagoda, you could get a great panoramic view of peaceful villages and the beautiful landscapes which the nature blessed for the Ninh Binh and its people.
The Pagoda attracts tourists not only by its unique architecture but also by its charming and poetic surroundings.

The Highest Bich Dong Pagoda

Bich Dong is an ancient pagoda that has been ranked a special national historical monument.
There is not only the historical value, spiritual culture but also the great combination between architecture and majestic nature in this pagoda.
Visiting Bich Dong Pagoda, you will get rid of all your sorrows and immerse yourself in a solemn and peaceful atmosphere.

Entrance fee for Bich Dong Pagoda is FREE.