Bich Dong Pagoda: Guide to the Three-Tiered Cave Temple in Ninh Binh | Vietnam Purple Travel Guide

(map, reviews)

Admission Fee: Free

Opening Hours: 6am – 6pm daily

Bích Động Pagoda is often called the ‘Pearl of the Green Cave’. It offers a tranquil blend of natural beauty, cave temples, ancient architecture, and panoramic views — all tucked into the dramatic limestone karst landscape that defines the region.

History & Spiritual Significance of Bich Dong Pagoda

Bích Động Pagoda was founded in 1428, during the Early Lê Dynasty, by two Buddhist monks (Trí Kiên and Trí Thể), who came to the area seeking a quiet place for meditation. They discovered this mountain and its hidden natural caves, and with support from local villagers, began carving and constructing a unique three-level temple complex directly into the mountain's face.
In 1773, Lord Trịnh Sâm, a feudal lord of northern Vietnam, visited the pagoda and was so impressed by its serene beauty that he renamed it ‘Bích Động’, which means ‘Green Pearl Cave’. The name reflects both the lush surroundings and the temple’s otherworldly charm.
The site has since become an important pilgrimage destination and a cherished cultural relic that blends Buddhism, Vietnamese folklore, and nature worship.

Why You Should Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

At Bích Động you will see ancient wooden pagodas, walk through a mystical cave, pass sacred altars, and climb steep stone steps providing some nice views of the rice paddies, lotus ponds, and karst mountains of Tam Cốc.
Unlike larger and busier tourist attractions, Bích Động maintains a sense of intimacy and spiritual quiet.

What to See at Bich Dong Pagoda

• Scenic Lotus Pond and Entrance Bridge

  When you come from the parking lot, you approach to and walk over the arched stone bridge which leads over a lotus-filled pond, flanked by moss-covered gates and limestone cliffs. In summer, blooming lotus flowers add a splash of color and serenity to the scene.
  Here are some photos that we took:

  

  

• Lower Pagoda (Chùa Hạ)

  Located at the base of the mountain, this pagoda is built in traditional wooden style with curved tiled roofs. It features shrines to Buddha and Bodhisattvas, along with ceremonial incense burners. It is often the starting point for both spiritual rituals and visitor exploration.
  Here are some photos that we took:

  

  

• Middle Pagoda (Chùa Trung)

  Reachable by ascending about 100 stone steps, this second-tier pagoda is partially built into a cave. Inside, you will find a dimly lit chamber with altars, Buddhist statues, and votive offerings.

  Important: In order to proceed and see the real highlights of Bich Dong Pagoda, you need to take the nearly invisible walking path between the rocks to the left of the Middle Pagoda, and the Middle Pagoda. The path leads you behind the Middle Pagoda and into a cave.

  Here are some photos that we took:

  

  

• Dark Cave (Hang Tối)

  Following the path that begins to the left of Middle Pagoda, and then behind it, you will get to the dark cave passage, home to shrines and ancient carvings. It is narrow and mysterious, offering a peek into the meditative, hidden world of early monks.
  Here are some photos that we took:

  

  

• Upper Pagoda (Chùa Thượng)

  The final climb leads up more stairs. There is one area during the ascend where you have nice views of the rice paddies, lotus ponds, and karst mountains of Tam Cốc. This is the best view – once you are up at the top, trees will block your views.

  

  Once you get to the top, you will see the highest shrine, situated in a smaller grotto near the mountain’s summit. To manage expectations: The shrine does not sit at the top of the mountain, it is barely at mid-height. But the trail ends here.
  This spot used to offer stunning panoramic views over the Tam Cốc valley, with endless green fields and snaking rivers below, but they are now blocked by trees.
  So, all you can do here is to admire the shrine.

  

  

Practical Tips

• Dress modestly: Shoulders and knees should be covered when entering pagoda interiors.

• Respect local worshippers: This is an active spiritual site—move quietly and avoid taking flash photos of altars or monks.

• Bring water and good footwear: The steps can be steep and slippery, especially after rain.

Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.

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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

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