Explore the Timeless Beauty of Lôi Âm Pagoda, a Spiritual Landmark in Quang Ninh

Most of us are familiar with Quang Ninh for its majestic natural landscapes like the unparalleled beauty of Halong Bay, the pristine Tra Co Beach, and more. But did you know that this region is also home to architectural marvels of spiritual significance such as Lôi Âm Pagoda - one of the oldest temples in the country? In today's article, Mytour invites you to discover the serene charm of this place. Scroll down to read on!

Introduction to Lôi Âm Pagoda - Its History and Location

Lôi Âm Pagoda is located in Dai Yen Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province, approximately 16km (about 30 minutes by car) from the city center of Ha Long. Situated on Mount Lôi Âm, with an elevation of about 500m, the pagoda spans an area of about 100m2, including the main hall, several ponds, caves, the Hang Cau Cave behind the pagoda, the Holy Well, and the Oan Cleansing Stream.

Surrounded by majestic mountain landscapes, Lôi Âm Pagoda is a sight to behold. @VOV

With a history of over 700 years, Lôi Âm Pagoda is one of the oldest temples in Quang Ninh Province and Vietnam. Dating back to the 15th century during the reign of King Lê Thánh Tông, the pagoda is steeped in mysterious spiritual legends. During the resistance war against the French, Lôi Âm Pagoda served as a base for Battalion 98 and was recognized as a National Historical Heritage Site in 1997. With the development of tourism in Vietnam, the pagoda has become a popular destination for tourists and Buddhist followers both domestically and internationally.

Guide to Reaching Lôi Âm Pagoda

If you're coming from the central capital of Hanoi, you can take the Ring Road 3 and National Highway 5B to access the Hạ Long - Hải Dương Expressway, then continue on National Highway 18 towards Tân Lập Lake. At Tân Lập Lake, you can catch a boat for approximately 50,000 - 70,000 VND per person to reach the foot of Mount Lôi Âm. From there, you can trek up to the pagoda, but be prepared to traverse 7 steep hills and slopes, taking nearly an hour to reach the top.

Travelers will take a boat to reach the foot of Mount Lôi Âm and then trek up to the pagoda. @Lôi Âm Pagoda Fanpage - Quảng Ninh

When is the Best Time to Visit Lôi Âm Pagoda?

It's recommended to visit Lôi Âm Pagoda during mild weather conditions, preferably when it's dry or with minimal rainfall due to the steep mountainous terrain, which can become slippery during rainy and windy days. You can monitor the weather in Hạ Long to determine the best time to visit the pagoda, typically from June to August each year, to coincide with an enjoyable trip to Hạ Long.

The first lunar month of the year, typically in January, is a lively time at Lôi Âm Pagoda with various traditional festivals. You can visit the pagoda during this time to partake in the festive celebrations and pay respects for luck and peace in the new year for yourself and your family.

Unmissable Highlights When Visiting Lôi Âm Pagoda

Nestled against majestic mountains and surrounded by lush greenery, Lôi Âm Pagoda exudes a serene beauty, offering visitors a tranquil atmosphere and a sense of inner peace.

The Architecture of Lôi Âm Pagoda Takes You Back to Vietnam of Centuries Past

While Lôi Âm Pagoda may not boast vast grounds or grandiose structures like many other temples, it possesses a distinct ancient charm. The pagoda resembles ancient shrines with its curved tiled roofs and intricately carved dragon and phoenix details on sturdy columns, which have stood the test of time.

Inside the temple grounds lies a courtyard paved with familiar clay bricks, surrounded by ancient trees that almost entirely envelop the space, contributing to a cool atmosphere. From the stairs, balconies, entrances, incense burners, to the Buddha altar and the Mother Goddess shrine, everything exudes an ancient charm. Visitors will feel as if they are admiring the ancient waters of Vietnam from centuries past, steeped in tradition and tranquility.

The timeless beauty of Lôi Âm Pagoda unchanged over 700 years. @mia

The journey to Lôi Âm Pagoda is adorned with beautiful scenery.

To fully appreciate the beauty of the road to Mount Lôi Âm, visitors need to take the land route to the pagoda. Though somewhat tiring, the breathtaking scenery along the way will surely make the effort worthwhile. You will pass through 5 gentle hills and 2 steep hillsides with pristine landscapes on both sides, filled with countless lush trees, contributing to a serene and tranquil atmosphere.

In the distance, the winding mountain roads emerge and disappear amidst the ethereal mist. A notable sight here that impresses many travelers is the vast and sprawling pineapple plantation. The lush green pineapple fields, abundant with ripe fruit, offer a picturesque backdrop for exploration and photo opportunities.

The scenery along the road leading to Lôi Âm Pagoda is adorned with countless lush trees. @Vietnamnet

The picturesque view of Yên Lập Lake, far away from Lôi Âm Pagoda.

Not only known for its ancient and tranquil scenery, Lôi Âm Pagoda is also a favorite spot for sightseeing among many travelers. From the pagoda, you can admire the scenic beauty of Yên Lập Lake surrounded by rugged hills in the distance. Yên Lập Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Quảng Ninh province, dotted with numerous small floating islands. When viewed from above, it resembles a miniature version of Hạ Long Bay.

Standing atop Lôi Âm Pagoda and gazing towards the lake, you'll feel small amidst Vietnam's majestic nature. The serene water reflects the shadows of the mountains and rows of pine trees, creating a breathtaking scene reminiscent of imaginary landscapes. After visiting Lôi Âm Pagoda, if it's not yet dark, head to Yên Lập Lake for a delightful boat ride, guaranteed to be very enjoyable!

Admiring the pristine beauty of Hang Cậu.

To the right of Lôi Âm Pagoda is a small path leading to Ban Mẫu, and a little further down is Hang Cậu. This is one of the most sacred caves near Lôi Âm Pagoda. Hang Cậu appears as a giant lizard statue with an area of about 8.5m² and a height of about 2.2m, untouched by human hands. It is a masterpiece of nature that has existed for a long time.

Eating spots near Lôi Âm Pagoda.

Duck Noodle Soup by Mrs. Thủy

Address: 233 Hạ Long, Bãi Cháy Ward, Hạ Long City, Quảng Ninh Province

After a fulfilling exploration at Lôi Âm Pagoda, what could be happier than enjoying a hot bowl of duck noodle soup filled with tender duck meat and crunchy pickled bamboo shoots? If you're a fan of hearty duck noodle soup with authentic flavors of Hạ Long, head to Mrs. Thủy's duck noodle soup restaurant at 233 Hạ Long. You'll surely have a satisfying meal with a large bowl filled with delicious toppings at an affordable price of just a few tens of thousands of đồng.

Quang Phong Restaurant

Address: Lô C112A, Old Quarter, Hạ Long City, Quảng Ninh Province

Quang Phong eatery is renowned for its simple yet incredibly delicious dish: white rice with crispy squid cake. The squid cake is made from fresh, tasty squid meat seasoned with spices and fried to perfection. The white rice, fragrant and sticky, is cooked from the finest grade of rice. When eaten together with fish sauce or various braised meats, it's both satisfying and mouthwatering. Each serving typically ranges from 35,000 to 50,000 VNĐ.

The white rice with crispy squid cake at Quang Phong eatery is simple yet incredibly delicious.

Golden Crab Restaurant, Bãi Cháy

Address: 32 Phan Chu Trinh, Hạ Long City

When in Hạ Long, indulging in seafood is a must. If you're in a group, then Golden Crab Restaurant in Bãi Cháy is the ideal destination for you. It attracts visitors with its seafood hot pot, featuring a sweet and savory broth and freshly caught seafood. On chilly Hạ Long evenings, savoring a spoonful of hot pot soup is truly a fulfilling experience.

Phương Nam Restaurant

Address: Đỗ Sĩ Họa, Cái Dăm Urban Area, Bãi Cháy, Hạ Long City

If you visit Lôi Âm Pagoda on a mild day in Hạ Long, make sure to stop by Phương Nam Restaurant for dinner. Not only will you enjoy delicious dishes from all three regions of Vietnam, but you'll also admire the poetic beauty of Hạ Long Bay and feel the gentle breeze while dining.

The spacious ambiance at Phương Nam Restaurant in Hạ Long.@Fanpage Phương Nam Restaurant Hạ Long

Where to stay when visiting Lôi Âm Pagoda?

If Lôi Âm Pagoda is a must-visit on your Quảng Ninh trip, then choose one of the following hotels near Lôi Âm Pagoda for accommodation to make your travel easier!

An Phú Hạ Long Hotel

Address: Hùng Thắng Ward, Hạ Long City, Quảng Ninh Province

An Phú Hạ Long Hotel is a 4.5-star quality hotel in Quảng Ninh with incredibly affordable prices. The hotel is about a 30-minute drive from Lôi Âm Pagoda and is also very close to Cái Dằm Market, Tuần Châu Beach, Bãi Cháy Market, and Hạ Long Bay Cruise Terminal. The hotel rooms, ranging from 18 to 20 m2, are fully equipped with modern amenities and offer a variety of room types to meet all guests' accommodation needs.

Luxurious accommodation space at An Phú Hạ Long [email protected]

Minh Đức Hotel Hạ Long

Address: Hùng Thắng 8, Hùng Thắng Ward, Hạ Long City, Quảng Ninh Province

If you're looking for a reasonably priced place to stay without compromising on quality, privacy, and comfort, consider Minh Đức Hotel Hạ Long. While the hotel may lack extravagant architectural and interior decorations, it still meets the standards of an ideal accommodation for your Hạ Long trip. With spacious rooms and city-facing windows, this place is sure to provide you with comfortable moments of relaxation.

Minh Đức Hotel Hạ Long offers spacious, clean, and convenient accommodations.@MinhDucHotelHalongFanpage

Merit Hạ Long Hotel

Address: Hoàng Quốc Việt, Hùng Thắng Ward, Hạ Long City, Quảng Ninh Province

Merit Hạ Long Hotel is a 2-star hotel that offers you a memorable 5-star experience. Most of the rooms at Merit Hạ Long Hotel have a cozy connection with nature, with some offering stunning mountain views. The hotel is decorated primarily in white and brown tones, creating a familiar yet luxurious atmosphere.

Here are some hotel amenities you shouldn't miss out on:

Average Cost for Visiting Lôi Âm Pagoda

Depending on the sightseeing, accommodation, and dining preferences, the travel expenses for visiting Lôi Âm Pagoda may vary for each traveler. Here are some fixed costs for a day trip to the pagoda per person:

Some Tips for Visiting Lôi Âm Pagoda

Conclusion

Although the journey may be somewhat challenging, with the natural scenery and unique architecture of Lôi Âm Pagoda, this temple has become a famous spiritual tourism destination visited by many travelers during their trip to Ha Long (Quang Ninh). To make your pilgrimage to the temple more convenient, don't forget to book a hotel near Lôi Âm Pagoda and purchase entertainment tickets on Mytour, where there are plenty of attractive deals waiting for you!

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