Bich Dong Pagoda - Ninh Binh

Bich Dong Pagoda

"We visited this very nice pagoda in our 1 day trip in Ninh Binh which is around 120 km from Hanoi. This located on a nice mountain with a beautiful entrance bridge. It is such as quite and pure place so we can refresh and enjoy the view as well as know more about the Buddhism thanks to our super guide Kevin. We are so lucky when we can try the persimmon fruits that was grown up right on the pagoda garden. It is so good. "

Bich Dong Pagoda

The Bich Dong Pagoda - is actually the second most beautiful cave in the country. The temple was built on a limestone hill that was formed millions of years ago. He was already mentioned in the 18th century for its beautiful white limestone, found only in this area. The whole cave consists of three small temples, the first of which is located at the foot of the mountain. The second temple was at the entrance to Bich Dong Cave and the third, also the smallest, is situated at the top of the mountain, where you have a beautiful view of the green valley.

All three of the temples are made of rare wood, with tiles which have the shape of the tail of a phoenix or the cutter blade is of an old weapon. From a distance it seems the temple resembles a wooden boat floating on the river.
The temple was built in the 18th century by two monks, who admired the tranquil and alluring landscape. They decided to stay and to build a temple for the Buddhists, who wanted to pray for the prosperity of the country. The Pagoda is located at the foot of the mountain.

The pagoda is equipped with special roof pattern. From the foot of the mountain visitors must have dozens of stone steps rise to the entrance of the cave where the second temple. But to get to the third temple, you have to cross the cave.

Inside the cave is a bronze bell, which was created three centuries ago by the founders. Here is also the prayer room for Buddha
At one time it's pitch black inside. So you must be very careful where your steps. Inside you'll find carved a number of Buddhist sculptures in stone and hollow stalactites, where you can play some songs by beating on it. Some of these caves were used by the Viet Minh to hide from the French in the First Indochina War.
One of the kings of Vietnam (Tu Duc) was so impressed with all the beautiful scenery with the mountains, waterways and fields, that he gave this place a very beautiful and romantic name, Bich Dong, which literally means "Green Pearl Cave".
Although much is being renovated again, this magnificent temples with its caves is worth visiting. It is a destination, which must have visited once in your life time.

One of the caves

Uit een reisverslag:

"We besloten dan ook maar om weer op de motor te stappen en zelf door het gebied heen te rijden. Ook hadden we al gezien dat er een pagode, de Bich Dong Pagoda, in de buurt was, welke half in de bergen was gebouwd, dus zijn we daar maar heen gereden om die te bekijken. Een mooie tempel wel, met een aantal trappen die je moest beklimmen om er te komen."