1 Locating Loi Am Pagoda
Loi Am Pagoda is located along a route in Dai Yen Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province. Situated at an elevation of 503m with sweeping views reminiscent of an expansive plateau, the location of Loi Am Pagoda is widely praised for its ideal and distinctive vantage point. Furthermore, behind the pagoda lie Giai Oan Stream and Tien Well, draped year-round in crystal-clear emerald hues that breathe refreshing vitality into the surroundings. Adjacent is Hang Pagoda (Cave Pagoda) covering an area of around 8.5 square meters, jutting out like a single-roofed dwelling resembling a gigantic monitor lizard.
See also: Explore Ngoc Vung Island, both peaceful and extraordinarily charming
The airy, serene ambiance of Loi Am Pagoda perched in a prime location amidst magnificent natural wonders
2 Directions to Loi Am Pagoda
To reach Loi Am Pagoda, you must traverse 5 steep hills and 2 gently sloping hills. The total estimated time to complete the journey is around 1 hour. However, this route remains quite rugged due to narrow trails, winding bends, alternating wide and tight spots, and twisting turns. Not to mention on rainy days, the path becomes slick and slippery, making it very difficult to traverse and easy to fall.
Since cable car services are not yet available, most visitors must hike on foot to reach Loi Am Pagoda
3 Discovering Notable Highlights at Loi Am Pagoda
3.1 Key Historical Milestones
Loi Am Pagoda was established in the 15th century during the reign of King Le Thanh Tong. During the resistance war against French colonialism, the pagoda served as a revolutionary base for Regiment 98 and achieved notable victories. In 1997, Loi Am Pagoda was recognized by the Ministry of Culture as a National Historical Relic of the year. Since then, the pagoda has become one of the premier destinations drawing numerous visitors across Southeast Asia.
3.2 Admiring the Unique Beauty of Loi Am Pagoda
On the path leading to the pagoda, both sides are lined with tall, ancient green trees, under which vast carpets of pineapple plants stretch across the land. On winter days, the scenery here is submerged in a sea of pure white mist, drifting lightly like evening smoke. More precisely, it resembles nothing less than a miniature celestial paradise.
Loi Am Pagoda is relatively compact compared to the grand canvas of nature, tucked away on a high mountain amidst the sprawling greenery of thousands of forested peaks and ethereal misty clouds. Interestingly, standing before the pagoda, one does not feel overwhelmed by the boundless sea of mountains and clouds. That is because Loi Am Pagoda exudes an immense solemnity, standing unswayed before the sheer majesty of nature.
The entrance gate appears familiar to frequent visitors of Loi Am Pagoda
To the right of the pagoda lies a small path leading to Ban Mau (the Mother Goddess Altar)—a sanctuary dedicated to Mother Goddesses such as Mau Lieu, Mau Thoai, Mau Thuong Thien, Mau Lieu Hanh... Continuing a bit further, visitors will encounter Cau Cave. This is one of the most sacred spots at Loi Am Pagoda, shaped like a giant monitor lizard sculpted from natural stone, standing 2.2m tall and spanning 8.5m2.
3.3 An Ideal Vantage Point for Touring Yen Lap Lake
Yen Lap Lake is one of the largest freshwater reservoirs in Quang Ninh Province. The waters embrace the mountain foothills, creating winding curves alongside charming natural islets such as Canh Islet, Giap Gioi Islet, and Ban Tay (Hand) Islet... Along with this is a vast pine forest blanketing the soaring, poetic hills.
From the vantage point of Loi Am Pagoda, gazing down reveals a panoramic view of rippling waters resembling a miniature Ha Long Bay. On autumn afternoons, as twilight descends, the evening sunlight casts glistening reflections across the water's surface. Complemented by the surrounding ethereal landscape, merely gazing from the mountain summit leaves you so enchanted by the tranquil lake that you will hardly want to leave. Today, a variety of services are available to offer visitors immersive experiences on the lake, including kayaking and boat tours...
Boat tour services provide visitors with delightful recreational experiences on Yen Lap Lake
3.4 The "Peculiar" Custom of Visitors to Loi Am Pagoda
While visitors to Ngoa Van Pagoda or Cai Bau Pagoda usually come carrying only bags, you might be astonished to witness the "peculiar" practice of visitors at Loi Am Pagoda: carrying red bricks up the mountain as merit offerings instead of paper money. Bricks are offered because the pagoda is very ancient and has gradually deteriorated over time. These bricks are prepared in advance by the pagoda, so visitors only need to tie them into pairs and carry them up to the merit-making site.
Recently, the pagoda has undergone extensive renovations, with several new structures being added. Given its high mountain location, transporting construction materials is exceptionally arduous. Therefore, alongside visitors, Buddhist devotees actively assist in carrying bricks up the mountain as a heartfelt gesture of devotion.
Loi Am Pagoda is an ideal spiritual tourism destination. If you are planning a trip to Quang Ninh, you certainly shouldn't miss this landmark. And don't forget to share your wonderful experiences with MIA.vn after immersing yourself in the peaceful, sacred atmosphere here!
