Top 9 Most Sacred Temples and Pagodas in Quang Ninh Province

Long Tien Pagoda is the largest pagoda in Ha Long City, Quang Ninh, built in 1941 and renovated several times, now standing grand and pristine. Long Tien Pagoda has been famous for a long time, as mentioned in ancient poetry: "Hong Gai has Mount Bai Tho, the Dau Go Cave, and Long Tien Pagoda." Located at the foot of Bai Tho Mountain, the pagoda features unique architecture inspired by the Nguyen Dynasty. Upon entering, visitors will see the main gate topped with a statue of the Amitabha Buddha seated in meditation. Below, there's a bell tower with the inscription 'Long Tien Tu'. The main hall worships Buddha, with statues of Tran Dynasty generals on the right and the Tam Phu Thánh Mẫu on the left.

The three-door entrance consists of the 'Huu', 'Vo', and 'Dai' gates. Outside the gate stands a statue of Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism in China and Vietnam. The temple’s architecture follows the character 'Dinh'. Inside, there are statues of important figures, including the revered Tran Hung Dao and the Vân Phương Thánh Mẫu. The highest position in the main hall is a statue of the Three Pure Ones, with various other divine figures surrounding it, including the Avalokiteshvara with a thousand eyes and hands. The 'Cuu Long' statue (or Shakyamuni) is also present, a masterpiece dating back to the Le Dynasty.

Annually, Long Tien Pagoda hosts a festival on the 24th of the 3rd lunar month, attracting numerous pilgrims and tourists.

Loi Am Pagoda is located on Mount Linh Thu, in the Dai Yen Ward of Ha Long City. This ancient pagoda has stood for centuries and is famous for its beautiful natural scenery and sacred atmosphere. The journey to Loi Am is quite challenging, requiring a boat ride across Yen Lap Lake, followed by a hike through steep, winding mountain paths to reach the temple.

Loi Am Pagoda, with a 500-year history, was built during the 15th century under the reign of King Le Thanh Tong. It was praised as one of the notable landmarks of the Hai Dong region. In 1997, the pagoda was designated as a national historical monument. Although not as grand as newer temples, it is revered as a sacred site, nestled among the ancient forests of “Linh Thu Ky Son” and remains a top destination for visitors across Southeast Asia.

Along the journey, visitors can gaze upon the tranquil beauty of Yen Lap Lake, which resembles a serene painting, or explore the untouched, dense forests surrounding the area. At the base of the mountain, visitors can enjoy local dishes like roasted mountain chicken while taking in the stunning views. Annually, on the 27th day of the first lunar month, the pagoda hosts a festival that attracts numerous visitors seeking peace and blessings.

Ho Thien Pagoda is an ancient temple located on Phat Son Mountain in the Bình Khê Commune, Đông Triều Town, Quảng Ninh Province. Once a grand temple, it now remains as ruins due to years of neglect, dating back to the Tran Dynasty.

This historical site is perched at about 1,000 meters above sea level in the untouched wilderness of the Yen Tu mountain range. Ho Thien Pagoda has great cultural and historical value, with much of its history recorded in the inscriptions on the Viên Quả and Viên Nhân steles found here.

The pagoda complex covers approximately 2.5 hectares and is home to several architectural structures, numbering over twenty, which stand resilient against the passage of time. Of particular interest are the 13 ancient towers from the Tran and Le-Nguyen dynasties. Among them is a prominent seven-tiered tower, standing 11 meters tall, made of green stone that rises majestically toward the sky.

Ho Thien Pagoda holds immense spiritual and cultural significance. Efforts are currently underway to restore and preserve this precious site, making it an ideal destination for those who appreciate the beauty of ancient, pristine places.

Trinh Pagoda, also known as Bi Thuong Pagoda, is located on a hillside in Bi Thuong village, which was formerly part of Yen Hung district, Quang Yen province, now a part of Uong Bi city in Quang Ninh province. The original structure was built during the Later Le dynasty and faces southwest. Its architecture follows the ‘-’ shape, covering an area of nearly 20m².

In the early 19th century, the pagoda was rebuilt on its original site, maintaining its ‘-’ shape but with a smaller scale. In the early 20th century, a fire severely damaged it, prompting a devout follower, Mrs. Bui, to contribute to its reconstruction. The new design took the shape of the 'Dinh' character, with three front halls and a rear shrine. The pagoda was destroyed again during the French resistance. In 1993, with donations from local people, it was rebuilt in a single-story, three-room style. Further restoration was completed in 1999, making the structure more spacious and elegant.

Trinh Pagoda boasts a traditional ‘internal strength, external beauty’ architecture, with a front hall, main sanctuary for Buddha worship, side rooms dedicated to the 18 Arhats, and a hall to honor the three founders of the Truc Lam Zen School. It also includes shrines for the Three Holy Mothers and Three Kings, reflecting the deep spiritual beliefs of the Vietnamese people. The pagoda's statues are cast in bronze or carved from jackfruit and sandalwood.

In 2006, with government funding and donations from pilgrims, Trinh Pagoda was expanded to its current impressive size. Today, it serves as the focal point of the entire Yen Tu pagoda system and is the headquarters of the Quang Ninh Buddhist Association.

The Temple of General Tran Quoc Nghien is situated at the foot of Bai Tho Mountain, in the Ben Doan area of Ha Long city. The temple rests on elevated land, with the rugged mountain behind it and an expansive view of Ha Long Bay to the front.

Tran Quoc Nghien, the second son of the legendary General Tran Hung Dao, was a valiant and capable military commander in the resistance against the Mongol invasions in the late 13th century. This temple was established by local sailors who passed through the area, honoring his heroic deeds. It commemorates Hưng Vũ Vương, Tran Quoc Nghien, a revered general known for his wisdom, loyalty, and filial devotion. It stands as a tribute to the extraordinary service of this great figure in Vietnamese history.

The temple is a beautiful and spiritual landmark, boasting a history that stretches back centuries. It consists of a central hall, three worshipping rooms, and a rear sanctuary. The shrine to the Mother Goddess is positioned to the right of the main hall, while the Buddhist temple is to the left. The central hall houses the main altar for Tran Quoc Nghien, with additional shrines dedicated to the First and Second Princesses on either side. The temple is richly equipped with ceremonial items, including ritual poles, the Eight Treasures, and various sacred implements. Over the years, the temple has been renovated and restored numerous times, preserving its cultural and religious significance. The temple grounds also feature an ancient well, which despite its proximity to the sea, contains clear and sweet water.

Every year, a festival is held at the Temple of General Tran Quoc Nghien on April 29-30, celebrating his life and achievements. This temple is not just an impressive historical site, but also a revered and spiritually significant location.

Am Ngoa Van Pagoda is located in An Sinh and Binh Khe communes, Dong Trieu district, Quang Ninh province. This vast complex is divided into four areas, consisting of 15 distinct pagodas and towers, including Thong Dan - Do Kieu, Ngoa Van, Da Chong, and Ba Bac. The Ngoa Van Pagoda, positioned at the center of the site, is a popular destination for visitors from afar. The name 'Am Ngoa Van' means 'The Pagoda in the Clouds'.

At an altitude of over 500 meters above sea level, the pagoda offers stunning views of the rolling hills, often shrouded in mist, with clouds drifting through the landscape every morning. The pagoda is nestled against the Ngoa Van peak, which is covered by clouds throughout the year, with the Cầm River winding gracefully in the distance, creating a scene reminiscent of a fairy tale. This ancient pagoda has long been a part of the special national heritage site of the Tran Dynasty and is located atop Yen Tu Mountain in the Dong Trieu mountain range. The pagoda has been recently restored and a cable car system was inaugurated on January 9, 2016 (Lunar calendar). Since then, January 9 each year has been celebrated as the Am Ngoa Van Festival, one day before the Yen Tu Festival.

The celebration of the Spring Festival at Ngoa Van is a cultural event with deep humanistic values, paying tribute to the immense contributions of King Tran Nhan Tong and honoring the philosophical teachings of the Truc Lam Zen school, preserving the traditional values of Vietnamese Zen Buddhism.

Ba Vang Pagoda, also known as Bao Quang Temple, is located on the mid-slope of Thanh Dang Mountain in Quang Trung ward, Uong Bi city, Quang Ninh province. The pagoda sits in a stunning location at an altitude of 340 meters, with the river stretching out in front, the mountain towering behind, and a beautiful forest of pine trees on both sides. Today, Ba Vang Pagoda is a popular destination for visitors from near and far.

A visit to Ba Vang Pagoda is a spiritual journey to a sacred and mystical land, situated with all the elements of natural beauty— a river in front, mountains behind, and the iconic Thanh Long and Bach Ho mountains flanking it—making it a breathtaking sight. Ba Vang holds the record for having the largest main hall among all the pagodas in Vietnam.

The pagoda was originally built in 1706 during the reign of King Le Du Tong. Over time, and after the devastation caused by natural disasters and wars, Ba Vang became a ruin. In 1988, the temple was restored and rebuilt with wood, and in 1993, the pagoda was completely reconstructed. Most of the original relics were lost, with only a stone incense holder, a stele inscribed with the name of a Zen master, and some stone bases remaining.

Ba Vang Pagoda is renowned not only for its sacred atmosphere but also for its picturesque setting and serene landscapes. The temple has recently undergone a significant renovation, and its intricate architecture, along with its stunning lighting at night, creates a magical and enchanting ambiance. The pagoda also regularly hosts Buddhist teachings and meditation retreats, drawing numerous practitioners who come to study and practice the teachings of Buddhism.

Cai Bau Pagoda, also known as Truc Lam Giac Tam Zen Monastery, is located in Thon 1, Ha Long commune, Van Don district, Quang Ninh province, about 65 km from Ha Long City. Despite being established only in 2009, this pagoda has already become a prominent destination attracting visitors from across the country.

The pagoda is built on the historic site of the Phuc Linh Temple, which honored the generals of the Tran dynasty who fought against the Mongol invaders in the 13th century. This area witnessed a pivotal battle that set the stage for the famous victory at the Battle of Bach Dang River in 1288. To honor the heroic sacrifices of the Tran generals in defending the nation, the Truc Lam Giac Tam Monastery was built within the sacred grounds of the pagoda, an unprecedented decision in history. After enduring the ravages of time and war, Cai Bau Pagoda was rebuilt in 2007. Spanning 20 hectares in Ha Long commune, Van Don district, the pagoda was completed in 2009, restoring its grandeur and historical significance.

The pagoda complex covers approximately 20 hectares and includes the main hall, bell tower, drum tower, and Tam Quan gate. Nestled against the mountains with the sea at its front and far from residential areas, the pagoda exudes a serene and majestic atmosphere, making it an ideal place for peace and reflection.

Cua Ong Temple, located in Cam Pha city, is dedicated to Hung Nhuong Vương Tran Quoc Tang, a legendary general of the Tran dynasty. Much like Cai Bau Pagoda, Cua Ong Temple is beautifully positioned 'at the foot of the mountains, facing the sea,' sitting atop a hill that overlooks the stunning Bai Tu Long Bay.

Situated in the Cua Ong ward of Cam Pha City, this historical site has been recognized as a national cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. It has become a prominent spiritual destination for visitors both from Quang Ninh and beyond. The temple is dedicated to Hung Nhuong Dai Vuong Tran Quoc Tang, the third son of Hung Dao Dai Vuong Tran Quoc Tuan, who played a pivotal role in repelling the Mongol invasions in the 13th century.

The structure is built using materials like molded stone, Bat Trang bricks, sugar-coated mortar, fired clay floor tiles, and glazed tiles. The architecture is adorned with motifs of the dragon, unicorn, turtle, and phoenix. Inside the temple, durable, beautiful wood such as ironwood, lim, and rosewood is used, while the beams are crafted in traditional styles. The temple's walls are decorated with intricate carvings, couplets, and stunning gilded patterns. Nestled next to Bai Tu Long Bay, with one side against the mountains and the other facing the sea, the temple offers a picturesque view, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

The temple was originally divided into three sections: lower, middle, and upper. However, much of the structure was destroyed during the wars, leaving the upper section relatively intact. Although the main festival is celebrated in the second lunar month, visitors come throughout the year, especially during the early days of the lunar New Year to pray for good luck. At Cua Ong, visitors can also enjoy a local delicacy, the famous 'Tay Nong Ep' cake, a delicious regional specialty.