Top 5 Tips for Visiting Ba Vang Pagoda and Essential Considerations

When visiting Ba Vang Pagoda, you can also indulge in several iconic dishes that represent the essence of Quang Ninh, such as:

• Tien Yen Hill Chicken: These chickens are raised entirely in the wild, foraging for food and running freely on the hills. Their meat is exceptionally firm and flavorful, leaving a lasting taste in your memory.
• Gat Gu Cake: Similar to pho or steamed rice rolls, Gat Gu is a unique type of cake made by wrapping thin layers into long rolls. The dish originates from Tien Yen, where it is made with rice soaked overnight and blended with leftover rice to create a chewy, delicious texture.
• Sá Sùng: A rare seafood delicacy, Sá Sùng was historically used as a tribute to kings and nobles. In traditional medicine, it is considered a powerful aphrodisiac and stamina booster. It can be dried, soaked in saltwater, or cooked in soups, stews, and even pho broth for an extra savory flavor.
• Yen Tu Plum Wine: A special fermented wine made from fresh plums and sometimes honey, this drink is crafted using different local recipes, with each region adding its own touch. It has many health benefits, such as improving digestion, reducing anxiety, and boosting immunity due to its organic acids and amino acids.
• Squid Paste: A delicious, famous specialty, this squid paste is often paired with sticky rice. The soft, fragrant sticky rice blends perfectly with the sweet, rich taste of the squid paste, making for an unforgettable combination.

To ensure a fulfilling pilgrimage and spiritual offerings at Ba Vang Pagoda, please keep the following guidelines in mind:

• Avoid using rude language or raising your voice; speak softly, calmly, and politely.
• Do not push, shove, or crowd others. Always offer help to the elderly and children.
• Weapons, drugs, addictive substances, explosives, inappropriate materials, or unapproved publications are strictly prohibited inside the temple.
• Do not enter restricted areas or the monastic quarters reserved for monks and nuns.
• Make sure not to litter in the temple grounds; maintain cleanliness and respect for the environment.
• Avoid engaging in inappropriate behavior that goes against the temple's cultural and spiritual norms.
• Do not ring the bells, strike the drums, or interfere with the temple's sacred instruments without permission.
• Offerings should be presented respectfully, and donations should be placed in the designated donation boxes or at the registration desk. Do not leave money carelessly around the temple.
• Always inquire about the price before buying souvenirs, as during festivals, there may be price hikes.
• Avoid purchasing goods with unclear origins or superstitious products in the tourist area, as some vendors may deceive customers by selling fake or low-quality items.
• If you want to shop, ask the local residents for recommendations on reputable stores that sell authentic products.

If you're planning a trip, it's essential to prepare a detailed itinerary and learn more about your destination. Mytour recommends visiting Ba Vang Pagoda in Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh, particularly during the beginning of the year, the start of each month, or on weekends. These times offer a peaceful, serene atmosphere, perfect for spiritual reflection and joining the local devotees in prayer.

For first-time visitors, you can reach the pagoda in two ways: by private vehicle (car or motorbike) or by bus:

• If you’re taking the bus, you can catch a ride from major bus stations in Hanoi like My Dinh, Gia Lam, or Luong Yen. Look for buses heading to Quang Ninh, with ticket prices ranging from 90,000 VND to 100,000 VND. Once you arrive in Uong Bi, take a taxi (about 50,000 VND) to reach Ba Vang Pagoda.
• If you prefer traveling by motorbike, head from central Hanoi towards Chuong Duong Bridge, follow Nguyen Van Cu, and continue on National Road 18 to reach your destination.

When visiting the pagoda, it’s important to dress neatly and respectfully to show reverence for the sacred place. Men can opt for formal trousers and a shirt, or a simple T-shirt paired with knee-length shorts. For women, skirts and sleeveless tops are not advisable; it’s best to dress modestly and wear something that reflects the culture of the place. Please keep this in mind!

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking. Sneakers or flat shoes are ideal, as you will be walking and exploring for extended periods. High heels should definitely be avoided, as you’ll need to walk and climb around the area.

The pagoda is located at an elevation of 340 meters on the stunning Thanh Dang Mountain, making it essential to wear comfortable footwear, especially for the hike. Ba Vang Pagoda is surrounded by breathtaking views, so don’t forget to bring a camera or filming equipment to capture the beautiful moments with your friends and family. Additionally, it’s a good idea to exchange some small currency in advance for donations at the temple’s offering tables.

Chùa Ba Vàng còn có tên gọi là Bảo Quang Tự. Phía trước Chùa là dòng sông Bạch Đằng thơ mộng, hai bên Chùa là Tả Thanh Long và Hữu Bạch Hổ, phía sau Chùa được ôm vào núi Thành Đẳng hùng vĩ. Khi đến với Chùa Ba Vàng các bạn sẽ như bị choáng ngợp trước vẻ đẹp nên thơ trữ tình với những công trình tinh xảo và tuyệt mỹ.

Để đi vào cõi tâm linh chúng ta sẽ đi qua cổng tam quan của Chùa. Cổng được thiết kế với ba lối đi vào, bên trên là gác mái, các bạn đi theo bậc thang lên trên là có thể ngắm cảnh phía trước và sau cổng chùa rất đẹp. Tiếp theo là những điểm thăm quan như: Lầu Chuông (112 m2), Lầu Trống (112 m2), Hành Lang La Hán (200m2), Ngôi Đại Hùng Bảo Điện (4500m2), Nhà Bảo Tàng (700 m2), Thư Viện (700 m2), Khu Nhà Tăng (1600 m2), Thiền Đường (960 m2), Giếng cổ. Các bạn nên đi hết những điểm nêu trên để trải nghiệm đầy đủ nhất.