Guide To the Temples and Pagodas of Vietnam: #8 Bich Dong Pagoda

inseasia (61)in #travel • 7 years ago

Bich Dong Pagoda is a complex of pagodas in the heart of Tam Coc in Ninh Binh Province which in itself lies about 70 miles to the south of Hanoi. Tam Coc is often described as the Halong Bay on land. This is an astonishing area of incredibly scenic beauty in the north of Vietnam. Boat trips carry tourists through the area in trips that generally last about three hours. The incredible limestone Karst formations here are every bit as impressive as their more well known relatives in Halong Bay.

Incredible limestone karst formations are everywhere
This is a truly astonishing part of Vietnam, one of the most scenic places I have ever visited. Local people carry tourists through the valleys and tunnels to visit this astonishing area. The Bich Dong Pagoda is found on the nearby Ngu Nhac Mountain and dates from the 15th century. The three structures here are individually named as the Ha Pagoda, Trung Pagoda and Truong Pagoda. The tour guides are good at explaining the historical importance of each.

Local people row tourists around the site
This whole area is completely steeped in history. If the unbelievable geological beauty was;t enough there is plenty to enthral most people. As the river cuts through the wide valleys it is easy to see where the Halong Bay comparisons come from. This really is one of the most astonishing places, not just in Vietnam, nor Southeast Asia but indeed the world.

As you exit the caves you are greeted with the most amazing scenery

As beautiful as anywhere I have seen

Top Tip

It is best to arrive in the morning. Take a private car from Hanoi which will cost about $100. The driver will wait on the car park as you take the 3-4 hour boat trip. There are two different boat trips so make sure you take the one that you want. Though both are outstanding. As the sun reaches it’s height in the early afternoon you will need protection, so consider taking an umbrella, this is really fierce. Also in the afternoons the area gets incredibly busy with hundreds of boats making the trip.

Previously Published:

1: Giac Lam Pagoda https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/the-stunning-giac-lam-pagoda

2: Vinh Nghiem Pagoda https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/saigon-attractions-vinh-nghiem-pagoda

3: The Ong Temple https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/guide-to-the-temples-and-pagodas-of-vietnam-3-the-ong-pagoda

4: The One Pillar Pagoda https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/guide-to-the-temples-and-pagodas-of-vietnam-4-the-one-pillar-pagoda

5: Thai Vi Temple https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/guide-to-the-temples-and-pagodas-of-vietnam-5-thai-vi-temple

6: Phat Diem Cathedral https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/guide-to-the-temples-and-pagodas-of-vietnam-6-phat-diem-cathedral

7: Linh Phuc Pagoda https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/guide-to-the-temples-and-pagodas-of-vietnam-7-linh-phuoc-pagoda