Bich Dong pagoda is one of the famous scenic spots of Ninh Binh province, where it is known as "Nam Thien De Nhi Dong" (meaning the second most beautiful cave in the South). Bich Dong pagoda is one of the sacred places that tourists always find when they have the opportunity to visit Ninh Binh.
Bich Dong pagoda is located in Dam Khe village, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. This is a cultural and historical relic that has been ranked as a special national relic and is located in the Trang An Landscape Complex, recognized by UNESCO as the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.
According to an old legend, around 1705, during the reign of King Le Du Tong, two monks with the legal names Tri Kien and Tri The met to become brothers. Tri Kien is from Vong Doanh, and Tri The is from Dong Xuyen, Nghia Hung, Nam Dinh. Two like-minded monks wanted to spread Buddhism and build more temples everywhere. When coming to Ninh Binh, Bich Dong mountain has a beautiful terrain and an old pagoda is available. The two monks decided to repair the old temple. Then they went to ask for donations and built the three ancient temples of Ha, Trung and Thuong to practice.
In 1774, Lord Trinh Sam visited the pagoda, looking at the panoramic view of mountains, caves, rivers, fields, trees, the pagoda seemed to converge on the green background of the pagoda, so he named the pagoda Bich Dong.
Bich Dong pagoda is located in a charming mountainous area, built in the style of "Tam" Chinese character, three non-contiguous buildings, along the mountainside, based on the mountain position from low to high into 3 separate temples: Ha, Trung and Thuong. The unique thing of Bich Dong pagoda is that the mountains, caves and pagodas complement each other, and are hidden among the great green trees, making the pagoda blend in with the spectacular natural scenery.
Bich Dong pagoda is not only known as the most sacred ancient temple in Hoa Lu ancient capital from the past to the present, but also an ancient and dignified work of art in harmony with the bright natural scenery which makes the panorama of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage region more perfect and timeless. Bich Dong pagoda is a typical scenic spot in the Trang An Landscape Complex - a World Cultural and Natural Heritage that visitors cannot miss when coming to Hoa Lu ancient capital, Ninh Binh.