Exploring the Spiritual Sites of Quang Ninh

Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery, also known as Yen Tu Pagoda or in Chinese characters Long Dong Tu, is a temple on Yen Tu Mountain, located in Nam Mau Hamlet, Thang Yen Cong Commune, Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province, part of the Yen Tu Monument Complex. It's not just a famous tourist destination, Truc Lam Yen Tu is also a place of serene spirituality where Emperor Tran Nhan Tong achieved enlightenment and practiced meditation. Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery is currently located on Yen Tu Mountain in Thang Yen Cong Commune, Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province. The monastery, also known as the Deer Pagoda, was chosen by King Tran Nhan Tong as a place for spiritual practice. In 1293, he renovated the entire Deer Pagoda to enhance its grandeur and solemnity. Here, the Emperor often recited scriptures and preached to monks, nuns, and laypeople who came to listen.

Today, the Yen Tu Monument Complex is a renowned spiritual destination nationwide, attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually, including Buddhists, to this serene spiritual realm. Yen Tu is a vast scenic complex with many attractions. Before ascending Yen Tu Mountain, visitors pass by the Trinh Temple, a resting place to prepare for the journey ahead. Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery is a large temple complex where monks study Buddhist scriptures and philosophy. It is likened to a school for practitioners, where monks are taught to recite scriptures, Buddhist philosophy, and the principles of meditation. There are many other places to explore such as: Hoa Yen Pagoda, Hue Quang Tower, One-Roof Pagoda, Bao Sai Pagoda, Van Tieu Pagoda, and Dong Pagoda. Dong Pagoda is the tallest pagoda on Yen Tu Mountain, entirely cast in bronze. Conquering Dong Pagoda on foot during the journey to Yen Tu Mountain is a miraculous feat. This sacred place is often visited for blessings of prosperity, health, and happiness.

Address: Thang Yen Cong Commune, Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province.

Cai Bau Pagoda, also known as Truc Lam Giac Tam Monastery, is considered a spiritual and cultural landmark with captivating architecture and landscape that attracts visitors. The pagoda was initiated in 2007, built on the foundation of Phuc Linh Temple - a shrine dedicated to the generals of the Tran Dynasty during the resistance against the Mongol invaders, and inaugurated in 2009. Situated near Bai Dai - Van Don tourist area, where the long pristine beach retains its precious natural beauty. The pagoda covers an area of about 20 hectares. With its back against the mountain and facing the sea, far from residential areas, the pagoda exudes serenity and solemnity. Cai Bau Pagoda comprises the main hall, bell tower, drum tower, and Tam Quan gate.

The main hall, the largest area, houses the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, with a bronze relief depicting the scene of the Bodhi tree where Shakyamuni Buddha attained enlightenment. On either side are statues of Manjusri Bodhisattva and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, symbolizing wisdom and compassion. The bell tower and drum tower are located on both sides of the Zen monastery. The drum tower features carvings depicting the Buddha's pilgrimage. On the left side of the Zen monastery stands a 4.8-ton bronze statue of Maitreya Buddha. From an altitude of nearly 100 meters on the Zen monastery grounds, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Bai Tu Long Bay with its rugged limestone mountains. The breathtaking scenery here brings visitors a sense of peace and tranquility, as if shedding all worries and fatigue of worldly life.

Address: Van Don, Quang Ninh.

Ba Vang Pagoda is situated on Ba Vang Mountain, in Quang Trung Ward, Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province. Located at an altitude of 340 meters, with a beautiful setting surrounded by Thanh Long and Bach Ho paying homage, a river in front, and mountains and pine forests on both sides, Ba Vang Pagoda has become a mesmerizing landscape that enchants countless visitors. Ba Vang Pagoda was built over 300 years ago, during the reign of King Le Du Tong in 1706. Throughout the centuries, the pagoda has undergone numerous renovations and enhancements. Today, the pagoda boasts a magnificent and splendid beauty, concealing many mysteries waiting to be discovered. With the distinctive charm of Northern temples, Ba Vang Pagoda is divided into 3 worship halls, 1 rear hall featuring altars for Buddha, Mother Goddess, and Ancestor worship. Moreover, Ba Vang Pagoda is renowned for having the largest main hall in Vietnam.

Before stepping inside the pagoda, visitors will be amazed by the uniquely designed system of statues, each standing over 2 meters tall. Among these statues, the most impressive is the largest wooden statue of Amitabha Buddha in the North. Another must-visit attraction is the enormous never-ending well. Legend has it that anyone who drinks from this well will be cured of all illnesses and remain in good health. Therefore, many visitors come here hoping for the chance to drink this sacred water. The tourist area of Ba Vang Pagoda is also famous for its artificial mountain landscape designed to blend in seamlessly with nature. Here, you can enjoy a peaceful and serene atmosphere that purifies the soul, leaving behind the dust of worldly concerns.

Address: Quang Trung, Uong Bi, Quang Ninh.

Loi Am Pagoda is located on a road in Dai Yen Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province. Situated on Loi Am Mountain at an altitude of 503 meters, resembling a vast plateau. Behind the pagoda, there is a stream for settling disputes and a perennially clear fairy well. Additionally, near the pagoda is Hang Pagoda, covering an area of 8.5m2, resembling a single-roof house, resembling a giant tortoise. Loi Am Pagoda was formed in the 15th century during the reign of King Le Thanh Tong. During the resistance against French colonialism, the pagoda became a base for the 98th battalion and achieved victory. In 1997, the pagoda was certified as a National Historical Monument by the Ministry of Culture. The pagoda attracts the largest number of visitors in the Southeast Asian shrine chain. One of the unique features of Loi Am Pagoda is that visitors come to the temple to make merit by bringing red bricks. However, the temple has already prepared the bricks and tied them into pairs for those with good intentions. This is because the ancient temple has existed for a long time and has gradually deteriorated over time.

Recently, the pagoda has been renovated and many construction projects have been added. Because the pagoda is located on a high mountain, transporting materials from afar is very labor-intensive. Therefore, even if it's just a few bricks, Buddhists also have to carry them to the temple to show their sincerity. The small temple hides itself on the big mountain, amidst thousands of clouds, without any distractions. The good thing is that when you stand in front of the temple, you are not dazzled by the majestic mountain scenery, not because the temple is flat but because it still maintains its solemnity. On the right side of the temple is a small path leading to the Mother Temple. A little further is Hang Cau. At noon, the sunlight shines down on the sparkling lake like a painting. Loi Am Pagoda is an ideal spiritual tourism destination. If you are planning to travel to Quang Ninh, do not miss visiting Loi Am Pagoda where you can not only offer incense, pray for blessings and peace but also admire the mysterious yet poetic beauty.

Address: Dai Yen, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh.

Cua Ong Temple is located in the Northeast of Cam Pha town, situated on a not very high hill, right by Bai Tu Long Bay. This place creates a harmony between mountains, forests, and the sea, a magnificent scene of the Northeastern region of our country. It has been over 700 years since the glorification of Hung Nhuong Dai Vuong Tran Quoc Tang - a talented general of the Tran Dynasty who made significant contributions to guarding the Northeastern region of the motherland. Every year, during the Lunar New Year, the temple holds festivals: Opening ceremony at the Upper Temple; Memorial ceremonies, prayers, and offerings at the Lower Temple; grand commemoration ceremonies; and finally, returning the deity to the peaceful sanctuary; along with many traditional folk games... The terrain of Cua Ong is a narrow valley running along Highway 18, nestled between two high mountain ranges. Since ancient times, the road passing through Cua Ong has been the only route to the Northeastern border area and vice versa. Cua Ong serves as a bridge connecting the Eastern region with the rugged mountains and rich mineral areas and the vast Western region of Quang Ninh province.

Cua Ong Temple not only holds immense historical value but also boasts unique artistic and cultural values of the ethnic people. The panoramic view of the temple complex, situated on not very high hills, intertwined harmoniously under the ancient trees, creates a serene, majestic, beautiful yet solemn atmosphere... All built with materials such as cast stone, Bat Trang bricks, lime mortar, terracotta floor tiles, terracotta roof tiles... Architectural decorations follow the symbols of Dragon, Unicorn, Tortoise, and Phoenix... The interior of the temple is made of durable, beautiful woods such as ironwood, ebony, teak... The frame of the temple is constructed with beams, bridges, roads, and pillars... embellished with intricate bas-reliefs, murals, couplets, and ornate motifs painted with gold and silver. When visiting the Cua Ong temple relic area, tourists will explore three main areas: the Lower, Middle, and Upper temples, distributed in three different positions ascending gradually. Currently, Cua Ong Temple still preserves 34 large and small statues, meticulously sculpted by artisans, with well-proportioned sitting postures, gestures, and serene dragon features, carrying high artistic values...

Address: Cua Ong, Cam Pha, Quang Ninh.

According to historical records, the Shrine of Revered Mr. Tran Quoc Nghien was built here around the late 13th century, and it has undergone several renovations. According to the renovation stele at the Shrine, in the Year of the Buffalo (1913), boat owners often came here to rebuild the shrine to commemorate his contributions. The shrine, named Phuc Linh Tu (Phuc Linh Shrine), now belongs to Hong Gai Ward, Ha Long City. It is a small shrine with a beautiful location, on high ground facing Ha Long Bay, featuring a three-room main hall and a rear hall with nail-shaped architecture. Inside the shrine, there are complete ritual objects, ceremonial vessels, and ritual utensils... Today, the shrine is located within the Bai Tho Mountain relic complex - Long Tien Pagoda, which was recognized as a national historical and scenic relic by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 1992.

The festival at the Shrine of Revered Mr. Tran Quoc Nghien was revived in 2008. Every year, around the end of the third lunar month, people in the area flock here to attend the festival, which has become a traditional cultural feature of the local people. The festival includes ritual ceremonies, opening speeches, holy offerings at the Shrine of Revered Mr. Tran Quoc Nghien, followed by a procession of the deity's palanquin from the shrine along 25 - 4 Street to Le Thanh Tong Street, stopping at Long Tien Pagoda, then returning to the shrine, releasing souls, and releasing floating lanterns into the sea. The festival also features ceremonial singing, ceremonial music, lion and dragon dances, pole pushing, tug of war, human flag dance... This is not only a beautiful historical relic but also a very famous and sacred shrine. If you have the opportunity to visit Quang Ninh, you must not miss this ancient and sacred shrine.

Address: Tran Quoc Nghien, Hong Gai, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh.

Long Tien Pagoda is considered the largest pagoda and a famous historical relic in Ha Long City, belonging to the Northern Buddhist sect. The pagoda was built in 1941, featuring architectural style and carvings of the Nguyen Dynasty's temples. The pagoda houses statues of Buddha and the Trần dynasty's generals who contributed to the country. Long Tien Pagoda: The pagoda has a unique architecture of stacked beds and decorative motifs of dragons, phoenixes, and stylized flowers and leaves. At the top of the three entrances is a statue of Amitabha Buddha in a sitting posture, below which is the bell tower, prominently displaying the three large characters 'Long Tien Tu'. On either side are two couplets. The main hall worships Buddha, the right hall worships the Tran dynasty's generals, and the left hall worships the Three Palaces of the Holy Mother. The three entrances include the 'Owned' door, the 'Void' door, and the 'Great' door. At the top of the Three Entrances is a statue of Amitabha Buddha, below which is the bell tower, prominently displaying the three large characters 'Long Tien Tu', with two couplets on either side.

Outside the Three Entrances is a statue of Bodhidharma, the founder of the Chan Buddhism in China and Vietnam. The main hall and side halls are built in the 'Dinh' character architectural style. This is where many generals are worshipped. The left side of the main hall worships the father - Saint Tran Hung Dao, and the right side worships the mother - Saintess Van Phuong. At the beginning of spring, Long Tien Pagoda is called the Trinh Pagoda. Everyone wants to come to Long Tien Pagoda to offer incense before continuing their pilgrimage to Yen Tu, the Cua Ong temple... The pagoda festival is held on the 24th day of the third lunar month every year, with a procession to the Shrine of Revered Mr. Tran Quoc Nghien (the Shrine of Revered Mr. Tran Quoc Nghien is the eldest son of Tran Hung Dao) at the foot of Bai Tho Mountain, then to the An Duong Vuong temple, and back to the pagoda. Long Tien Pagoda has been recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Information and Tourism as a national historical and cultural relic. With its convenient natural location, the Pagoda is one of the must-visit attractions for tourists and Buddhists near and far.

Address: Bach Dang Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh.

Ngoa Van Pagoda - a temple often likened to sitting on the clouds of Quang Ninh, has long been known as a flourishing place of the Truc Lam Zen sect. It would be a regret if spiritual travelers overlooked this destination. Ngoa Van Pagoda is located on Bao Dai Mountain, spanning across the areas of An Sinh and Binh Khe communes, Dong Trieu town, Quang Ninh province. The pagoda complex stands out as a grand and sacred architectural ensemble of the Truc Lam Zen sect on the Yen Tu mountain range. The Yen Tu range is traditionally associated with Emperor Tran Nhan Tong's enlightenment journey, hence Ngoa Van Pagoda is considered the sacred land of Truc Lam Buddhism. Positioned at the central southern slope of Bao Dai Mountain (now Vay Rong Mountain), the pagoda stands at an average elevation of 588m - 644m above sea level, majestically nestled against the mountain. The pagoda is renowned as a cluster of architectural structures distributed from the foot to the summit of Ngoa Van peak. This area, commonly referred to as the 'Collapsed Pagoda' or 'Ancestral House and Chessboard Altar,' holds significance during the Spring Opening Festival at Ngoa Van every year, attracting millions of pilgrims to Yen Tu - Dong Pagoda. However, it's important to note that only a few thousand pilgrims visit Ngoa Van and the western Yen Tu area each year due to difficult transportation. Ngoa Van Pagoda is known as an ancient temple built and expanded during the reign of Le Trung Hung, later restored under the Nguyen dynasty. Time, however, spares no one, and over the years, the sacred site of Truc Lam Buddhism has been destroyed. Nevertheless, the renovated relics and structures stand as a testament to Ngoa Van Pagoda's enduring spiritual significance. Presently, Ngoa Van Monastery has been renovated, and the pilgrimage route to Ngoa Van is no longer as challenging as before. Visitors can now travel more conveniently thanks to various vehicles that take them directly to the monastery gates, or alternatively, they can choose to trek the stone steps, requiring only 2000 steps to reach the destination. From the cable car, tourists can also admire the beautifully crafted and majestic scenery of Ngoa Van Pagoda.

Address: An Sinh and Binh Khe Communes, Dong Trieu Town, Quang Ninh Province.

Quang Ninh boasts numerous ancient temples, steeped in spirituality, attracting a multitude of adherents and sightseers. Among these temples, the Ancient Ho Thien Pagoda stands out. Situated within the Trần family historical site in Dong Trieu, over 90km from Hanoi and approximately 80km from Ha Long, the Ancient Ho Thien Pagoda is one of the renowned historical temples, though ravaged by time, now reduced to ruins. Located on Phat Son Mountain, a sacred peak of the Yen Tu range, the Ancient Ho Thien Pagoda was built following the 'Dragon embraces Tiger' orientation. According to feng shui, this is an auspicious location where celestial energies converge. Despite its incomplete architectural state, the Ancient Ho Thien Pagoda holds historical and literary value. Notably, a 300-year-old stone stele, considered the most beautiful among Quang Ninh's relics, remains with clear inscriptions praising the beauty of Ho Thien and the virtues of the Trinh lords. Historically, it was a site for the Tran dynasty's teachings. During the Later Le period, the pagoda was nearly in ruins before being meticulously restored by subsequent dynasties.

To visit the Ho Thien Pagoda, travelers must traverse dense bamboo forests and challenging pathways. However, upon arrival, they'll sense the enveloping sanctity. Witnessing the remaining relics of this sacred land and reminiscing about its architectural artistry, described only in history books, evokes profound reflections on its lost treasures. Today, Quang Ninh's tourism attracts a diverse array of international visitors, drawn to pilgrimage and sightseeing. Coupled with the Dong Chieu historical site, the Ancient Ho Thien Pagoda increasingly welcomes tourists and devotees seeking solace for their souls. Beyond providing tranquil moments, the Ho Thien Pagoda leaves visitors with profound impressions of its significance in the development of Buddhism in Quang Ninh and the nation as a whole.

Address: Dong Trieu Town, Quang Ninh.