10 sacred and scenic pagodas in Quang Ninh worth visiting once

1 Ba Vang Pagoda - A famous pilgrimage destination on Thanh Dang Mountain

When mentioning prominent spiritual tourism destinations in Uong Bi, many travelers often choose Ba Vang Pagoda for its convenient location and expansive grounds. The pagoda is situated on Thanh Dang Mountain, at an altitude of about 340m above sea level 

This is also an ideal destination for those traveling to Quang Ninh who wish to combine pilgrimage, sightseeing, photography, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere amidst nature.

2 Dong Pagoda - The experience of conquering the sacred Yen Tu peak

On the journey to explore Yen Tu, Dong Pagoda is always a must-visit destination for many travelers. Located on the summit of Yen Tu at an elevation of about 1,068m, it is considered the highest and most sacred site within the Yen Tu monuments and landscape complex.

To reach Dong Pagoda, visitors can choose to hike along mountain trails or take a cable car to cut down travel time. Upon reaching the summit, offering incense amidst the mountain clouds and taking in panoramic views of majestic nature leaves a profound impression on many. The current Dong Pagoda structure weighs over 70 tons, standing as a unique symbol of architecture and faith in Yen Tu.

3 Hoa Yen Pagoda - A serene stop on the Yen Tu pilgrimage

Located along the pilgrimage route to the summit of Yen Tu, Hoa Yen Pagoda is a familiar rest stop for many visitors before continuing their ascent. Situated at an altitude of about 534m, the pagoda boasts a serene atmosphere and holds an important position in the network of Yen Tu's pagodas, hermitages, and stupas. Visiting Hoa Yen Pagoda, you can pay homage to the Buddha, tour the ancient grounds, and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

4 Trinh Pagoda - The first stop

For many visitors, the Yen Tu journey often begins at Trinh Pagoda, considered the place to “pay respects and present oneself” before entering the realm of the Buddha. This is a familiar stop to offer incense, pray for peace, and prepare one's mind before proceeding with the exploration of the Yen Tu complex.

5 Cai Bau Pagoda - A place of worship overlooking Bai Tu Long Bay

Cai Bau Pagoda (Truc Lam Giac Tam Zen Monastery) is an ideal destination for travelers who appreciate a spiritual retreat near the sea. Located in Hamlet 1, Van Don Special Zone, the pagoda leans against the mountain and faces Bai Tu Long Bay, offering an open and peaceful landscape.

Visiting Cai Bau Pagoda, you can offer incense, tour the main sanctuary, Bell Tower, and Drum Tower, and take in the panoramic view of Bai Tu Long Bay from the monastery courtyard at an elevation of nearly 100m above sea level. From here, limestone ranges and the vast blue sea create a stunning vista, especially at sunrise or sunset.  

6 Long Tien Pagoda - An ancient place of worship at the foot of Bai Tho Mountain

Right in the center of Ha Long, Long Tien Pagoda is a perfect destination for travelers wishing to combine city sightseeing with pagoda visits in one itinerary. Nestled at the foot of Bai Tho Mountain in the Hon Gai area, it is not far from the ferry pier and many famous attractions in Ha Long, making it very convenient to visit.

Built in 1941, Long Tien Pagoda is one of the largest and most renowned pagodas in Ha Long. The complex bears distinctive traditional Vietnamese Buddhist architecture with a three-entrance gate, a main sanctuary, and intricate ornamental details. In 1992, Long Tien Pagoda along with the Bai Tho Mountain monument cluster was recognized as a national historical and scenic relic.

7 Loi Am Pagoda - A scenic journey amidst the mountains and forests of Ha Long

If you are looking for a pagoda that is not overly crowded yet offers plenty of nature experiences, Loi Am Pagoda is a destination worth considering in Ha Long. Perched on Linh Thu Mountain at an altitude of about 400m above sea level, it is one of the ancient pagodas over 700 years old in Quang Ninh.

At Loi Am Pagoda, you can take a boat ride across Yen Lap Lake, continue hiking across hillside trails to reach the pagoda, and then offer incense, explore the main hall, the stupa garden, and the Meditation Hermitage.

8 Ngoa Van Pagoda - The Truc Lam sanctuary on Bao Dai Mountain

For those who appreciate spiritual journeys intertwined with Tran Dynasty history, Ngoa Van Pagoda is a notable stop in Dong Trieu. The pagoda is situated on Bao Dai Mountain at an altitude of nearly 1,000m, associated with the site where King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong once practiced asceticism and attained Nirvana.

In spring, the Ngoa Van Festival takes place here, drawing large crowds of locals and travelers to pay homage and pray for peace.

9 Quynh Lam Pagoda - A renowned ancient temple within the Tran Dynasty complex

Quynh Lam Pagoda is ideal for travelers who want to explore deeper into Truc Lam Zen Buddhism and the Tran Dynasty heritage in Dong Trieu. Located on Tien Du Mountain in Trang An Ward, covering an area of about 8.5ha, it was once likened to a renowned ancient sanctuary of the Eastern Region.

This destination holds great historical value, perfect for combining into an itinerary covering Ngoa Van, Ho Thien, and other Tran Dynasty relics in Dong Trieu.

1 0 Ho Thien Pagoda - An ancient destination on the slopes of Yen Tu Mountain

Ho Thien Pagoda is a suitable choice for travelers who prefer a peaceful, ancient, and somewhat more untouched atmosphere compared to bustling spiritual attractions. The pagoda sits on the slopes of Phat Son Mountain in the Yen Tu range, Binh Khe Commune, Dong Trieu, and is one of the relics associated with the Truc Lam Zen Buddhist lineage of the Tran Dynasty.

The site was recognized as a national historical-cultural relic in 2006, well suited for an itinerary exploring Tran Dynasty relics in a reflective, unhurried manner.

The top 10 pagodas in Quang Ninh above are wonderful recommendations for temple visits, spring journeys, and sightseeing with family. Before the trip, remember to plan a suitable itinerary, wear modest attire and comfortable shoes, and pack lightly to make your visit to Quang Ninh's spiritual destinations convenient and fulfilling.