Cai Bau Pagoda (or Truc Lam Giac Tam Zen Monastery), situated on the shores of Bai Tu Long Bay, is known as the most beautiful coastal pagoda in Vietnam. The pagoda attracts many Buddhists and tourists for pilgrimage and sightseeing.
Cai Bau Pagoda – A beautiful pagoda by Bai Tu Long Bay
Cai Bau Pagoda was rebuilt on the site of Phuc Linh Pagoda, which was formerly a place of worship for Tran Dynasty generals in the fight against the Mongol Yuan invaders in the 13th century. Today's pagoda grounds witnessed an interception battle that paved the way for the resounding victory on the Bach Dang River in 1288.
A beautiful pagoda by Bai Tu Long Bay. Photo: phatgiao.org.
The pagoda is surrounded by the lush greenery of nature. Photo: Internet.
To commemorate the merits of the Tran Dynasty heroes, Truc Lam Giac Tam Zen Monastery built a shrine within the spiritual grounds of the pagoda. Over time and through historical upheavals, the pagoda fell into severe disrepair.
Pagoda gate. Photo: phatgiao.org.
In 2007, construction of the pagoda commenced on a total area of 20 hectares in Ha Long Commune, Van Don District, Quang Ninh. After two years, the spacious and magnificent pagoda was inaugurated, commensurate with the nation's historical and cultural values.
The steps leading up to the pagoda. Photo: phatgiao.org.
Photo: @t.trangg99.
With its back against the mountain, facing the sea, and located far from residential areas, the pagoda is all the more tranquil and majestic. Cai Bau Pagoda consists of a main hall, a bell tower, a drum tower, and a three-door gate.
The main hall. Photo: Phatgiao.org.
The architecture, layout, and reliefs of the pagoda are similar to those of many other pagodas. Cai Bau Pagoda includes a two-story main hall covering 6,000 square meters, a three-door gate, an ancestral hall, a bell tower, the head monk's quarters, guest quarters for monks and nuns, the abbot's quarters, intensive practice chambers, a meditation hall, and a dining hall; notably, there is a 50m-tall Buddha statue on the mountain peak behind.
Drum tower. Photo: @t.trangg99.
Bell tower. Photo: phatgiao.org.
The main hall is the largest section, housing a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, behind which is a bronze relief of the Bodhi tree—where the Buddha attained enlightenment. Flanking both sides are statues of Manjushri and Samantabhadra Bodhisattvas, symbolizing wisdom and compassion.
Photo: @t.trangg99.
Flanking both sides of the monastery are a bell tower and a drum tower along with meticulous sculptures. To the left of the monastery stands a bronze statue of Maitreya Buddha weighing 4.8 tons.
Photo: @haianh.0409.
Pagoda grounds. Photo: @huyenbauu96.
Photo: FB Cai Bau Pagoda Truc Lam Giac Tam Zen Monastery.
From the courtyard of the monastery, visitors can look out into the distance to admire the vast waters of Bai Tu Long Bay dotted with undulating mountains. The breathtaking scenery here brings visitors a sense of peace, temporarily washing away life's worries.
Photo: @levohathieu.
View of the sea from the pagoda. Photo: @lovehandlechronicles.
Located by Bai Tu Long Bay. Photo: @ngocchan.188.
Cai Bau Pagoda advocates against burning votive paper, with no shops or street vendors outside the pagoda... thus, visitors truly immerse themselves in absolute tranquility, with only the pagoda bells and the clear sounds of nature.
