Bich Dong Pagoda is located in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, about 7-8 km from the center of Ninh Binh city. You can easily get there by motorbike, car, or taxi by following this route: City center – Trang An/Tam Coc road – turn towards Tam Coc tourist area – follow the signs to Bich Dong Pagoda for about 2 km.
Situated in the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ninh Binh Province, the Bich Dong Pagoda is a remarkable ancient Buddhist temple built directly into the mountainside. This architectural marvel, often referred to as "Nam Thien De Nhi Dong" (the Second Most Beautiful Cave Under the Southern Heavens), is over 600 years old. The unique aspect of this destination is its three-tiered structure, with temples built on three different levels of Ngu Nhac Mountain. The best time to visit is from September to April, when the weather is drier and cooler, providing ideal conditions for climbing the stone steps. During late spring, the lotus pond at the foot of the pagoda blooms, creating a truly breathtaking view.
Initially built in 1428 as a small temple on the mountaintop, the pagoda was rediscovered in 1705 by two monks who expanded it into a three-tiered structure. In 1774, Lord Trinh Sam renamed it "Bich Dong," meaning "Green Pearl Grotto". The site holds significant cultural and spiritual importance, with a 300-year-old bell located in the Dark Cave.
The complex consists of three separate temples designed in the shape of the Chinese character "Tam" (meaning three). The Lower Pagoda features impressive monolith stone columns and curved roofs. The Middle Pagoda is the most unique, with only its roof visible, while the rest is enclosed within the mountain cave. The Upper Pagoda sits atop the mountain, requiring a climb through the Dark Cave, which features a 50-meter passage with stalactite formations.
The absolute highlight is the journey through the caves and the climb to the Upper Pagoda. Passing through the Dark Cave, where a 300-year-old bell is housed, and emerging to the panoramic view of the "Five Fingers" (Ngu Nhac Mountains) resembling a lotus flower, is an unforgettable experience combining adventure, spirituality, and breathtaking natural scenery.
Often called "Ha Long Bay on land," Tam Coc offers a spectacular boat trip along the Ngo Dong River. The 1.5-hour sampan ride passes through three natural limestone caves (Hang Ca, Hang Hai, Hang Ba) and offers incredible views of karst mountains and rice paddies. The scenery, especially during harvest season, is world-famous.
This was the first capital of Vietnam, established by King Dinh Tien Hoang in 968. Today, visitors can explore the temples honouring King Dinh and King Le, set against a backdrop of majestic limestone mountains. It offers a fascinating historical glimpse into the 10th-century citadel.
As the largest Buddhist temple complex in Southeast Asia, Bai Dinh spans over 700 hectares with hundreds of Buddha statues, including the famous 10-metre-tall bronze statue. The site includes a newly built complex (completed 2010) alongside an ancient 12th-century pagoda, making it a significant spiritual pilgrimage destination.
Hang Mua offers a challenging but rewarding climb of approximately 500 stone steps to a dragon statue at the summit of Ngoa Long Mountain. The panoramic 360-degree view of Tam Coc's winding river, golden rice fields, and limestone peaks is possibly the best in Ninh Binh. It is extremely popular for sunrise photography.
Start your day early at 6:30 AM at Hang Mua to catch the sunrise from the dragon peak (allowing 1.5 hours for the climb). After descending, drive 10 minutes to Bich Dong Pagoda at 8:30 AM, and spend an hour exploring the three-tiered caves and temples. By 9:30 AM, drive 5 minutes to the Tam Coc boat pier, and begin a 1.5-hour sampan ride through the three caves along the Ngo Dong River, finishing around 11:30 AM. Enjoy a local lunch of goat meat near the pier until 12:30 PM. Finally, drive 15 minutes to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital for a relaxing 1-hour historical tour among the ancient temples, finishing your day at 2:00 PM. This itinerary efficiently covers the most famous sites in the region within a single day.
Wear modest, practical clothing: As a religious site, cover your shoulders and knees. Given the caves and stone steps, wear sturdy, non-slip footwear, not sandals.
Bring cash: No cards are accepted at the entrance or nearby vendors. You will need cash for parking (10,000-20,000 VND / $0.45-$0.85) and donations.
Go early and bring a torch: Visit between 6:00-8:00 AM for cool temperatures and good light. Bring a small torch or phone light for navigating the dark parts of the bat cave.
Combine with Tam Coc: Bich Dong is a 5-minute drive from the Tam Coc boat pier. A combined ticket (250,000 VND / $10.60) covers both.
Be prepared for bats: The cave connecting the middle and upper pagodas is home to many bats. They are harmless, but be prepared for the smell and the experience.
