Bich Dong Pagoda
Attraction
4.3 (3253 reviews)
Nestled into a mountainside, this ancient tiered pagoda is near 3 natural caves & reachable by boat.
6W99+C23, Ninh Hải, Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình 430000, Vietnam
Did You Know?
Multi-Level Pagoda Complex
Bich Dong Pagoda is unique as it comprises three separate pagodas built into different levels of the Ngu Nhac Mountain: Ha Pagoda (lower), Trung Pagoda (middle), and Thuong Pagoda (upper).
Meaning of 'Bich Dong'
The name 'Bich Dong' translates to 'Jade Grotto' or 'Green Cave,' given by a 19th-century scholar, Nguyen Nghiem, due to the stunning green moss and lush surroundings of the mountain and caves.
Major Reconstruction
While its origins date back further, the current structure of Bich Dong Pagoda largely stems from a significant reconstruction and expansion in 1705 by two Buddhist monks, Tri Kien and Tri The.
Vietnam's Second Most Beautiful Cave
King Le Canh Hung bestowed upon Bich Dong the poetic title 'Nam Thien De Nhi Dong,' meaning 'Second Most Beautiful Cave in the South of Vietnam,' recognizing its exceptional natural beauty and spiritual significance.
Highlights from Reviews
• Free admission
The pagoda offers free entry, making it an accessible and budget-friendly cultural attraction for all visitors.
• Stunning scenery
Visitors are treated to breathtaking views of limestone mountains, lush greenery, and water lily ponds, perfect for photography.
• Unique architecture
The pagoda complex is uniquely built into a mountainside, featuring multiple levels and impressive cave temples to explore.
• Serene atmosphere
The site provides a calm, tranquil, and spiritual environment, ideal for reflection and escaping the hustle and bustle.
• Hidden exploration
Beyond the main pagodas, there are hidden paths leading to stunning valleys, lakes, and additional cave systems.