Bich Dong Pagoda — Attraction in Ninh Bình Province

Bich Dong Pagoda, nestled in the scenic karst landscape of Ninh Binh, Vietnam, offered an unforgettable experience that seamlessly blended natural beauty, spiritual serenity, and historical significance. My visit to this three-tiered pagoda complex was both awe-inspiring and deeply calming. Architectural and Spiritual Highlights The pagoda is divided into three distinct levels—Ha Pagoda (Lower Pagoda), Trung Pagoda (Middle Pagoda), and Thuong Pagoda (Upper Pagoda)—each offering unique experiences. Ha Pagoda, located at the base, welcomed me with its traditional Vietnamese architecture and a serene lotus pond that perfectly set the tone for the journey ahead. Climbing further to Trung Pagoda, nestled within a cave halfway up the mountain, I found myself enveloped by a tranquil atmosphere ideal for quiet reflection. Finally, reaching Thuong Pagoda at the peak was both a physical and spiritual ascent. The breathtaking panoramic views of lush valleys, limestone mountains, and winding rivers were nothing short of spectacular. Natural Beauty One of the most striking features of Bich Dong Pagoda is its harmonious integration with nature. The pagodas are built against the mountainside, surrounded by verdant landscapes and dramatic limestone cliffs. The lotus pond at the entrance added a touch of tranquility, especially during the blooming season when vibrant flowers float gently on the water. Exploring the nearby Bich Dong Cave added an element of adventure to my visit, with its dark interiors and fascinating rock formations. Personal Experience The peaceful ambiance of the pagoda made it an ideal place for meditation and introspection. As I ascended through its tiers, each step felt like a journey into deeper serenity. The quietness at Thuong Pagoda was particularly moving; standing there amidst ancient statues and moss-covered altars while gazing at the sprawling countryside below was profoundly humbling. I visited during sunset, which enhanced the beauty of the surroundings with golden hues—a highly recommended time for anyone planning a trip. Tips for Future Visitors • Bring comfortable walking shoes as climbing to Thuong Pagoda involves steep steps. • A flashlight or phone light is useful for navigating through Bich Dong Cave. • Visit during sunset for stunning views and fewer crowds. • Respect the sanctity of this religious site by maintaining quietness and mindfulness throughout your visit. Final Thoughts Bich Dong Pagoda is more than just a tourist destination; it’s a spiritual retreat that offers peace and connection amidst nature’s splendor. Whether you’re drawn by its historical significance or its breathtaking scenery, this hidden gem in Ninh Binh is well worth exploring. My time there was enriching and left me with lasting memories of...

Bich Dong Pagoda – Serene Setting with a Touch of Adventure

Bich Dong Pagoda, nestled in the lush landscapes of Ninh Binh, Vietnam, is a tranquil spiritual site offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. The pagoda complex comprises three tiers—Ha (Lower), Trung (Middle), and Thuong (Upper) pagodas—each built into the mountainside, providing visitors with a unique experience as they ascend through the serene environment.

The journey to the top involves a short but steep hike, taking approximately 15–20 minutes. While the climb can be challenging, especially in the summer heat, the panoramic views of the surrounding rice paddies and karst formations make it worthwhile. It’s advisable to visit early in the morning to avoid the midday sun and enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere.

Entrance to Bich Dong Pagoda is free of charge. However, there is a modest parking fee of around 10,000 VND for motorbikes and 5,000 VND for bicycles. Some nearby stalls offer free parking if you purchase a drink or snack from them.  

The pagoda is open daily from early morning until late afternoon, allowing visitors ample time to explore the site at their own pace. 

Overall, Bich Dong Pagoda offers a serene escape into nature and spirituality. While the hike requires some effort, the peaceful environment and stunning views provide a rewarding experience for those who...

Average pagoda area; worth to come if you have some extra time and can stomach some parking scams, but otherwise could skip.

The pagoda itself is decently pretty, you walk through the main gates and can get to the three levels of pagodas. There are indeed free coverups once you go through the main initial gates. Don't have to pay anyone for coverups or admission.

There aren't many informative signs so we just googled for some information on the pagodas. There's bat caves behind the uppermost pagoda but we didn't want to be near bats so we skipped them.

And finally the parking: we saw all of the reviews about parking scams. There was a guy shouting at us with a whistle trying to signal us into the labeled parking. We tried to pull to the right near the Gao restaurant where other motorbikes were already, but he continued shouting and directing us towards their parking. Not wanting to get scammed, we drove to the other side of the plaza and a nice lady at one of the cafe/convenience stores said we could park there but then gestured to us to buy a drink when we returned (I think). We needed water so we were fine paying the 10-20k to get some water and parking. After we parked, the scam guy was still shouting at us "why". You probably could park for free anywhere further or before on the road without harassment; we say a cafe labeled "free parking" a few meters...