Ngoa Van Pagoda - A Majestic and Sacred Buddhist "Holy Land"

1 Locating Ngoa Van Pagoda

Ha Long is famous as the cradle of Vietnamese Buddhism with many renowned pagodas such as Cai Bau Pagoda, Loi Am Pagoda, Yen Tu Pagoda... For this reason, it is known as the "Buddhist land" of our country, closely linked to historical monastic stories dating back to the era of King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong.

Ngoa Van Pagoda is located in An Sinh and Binh Khe communes, Dong Trieu city, Quang Ninh province. This complex is divided into 4 zones with 15 different clusters of towers and shrines/pagodas, including: Ngoa Van, Da Chong, Ba Bac, and Thong Dan - Do Kieu. Ngoa Van Pagoda itself is located at the center and is the site attracting the most visitors for pilgrimages.

You might not know that Ngoa Van Pagoda is also known as Ngoa Van Hermitage Pagoda, meaning "pagoda lying on the clouds." Located at an altitude of over 500m above sea level, from the pagoda you can cast your gaze across rolling mountain ranges in the distance, where white clouds drift gently every early morning. Moreover, the pagoda leans its back against Ngoa Van Peak, which is shrouded in clouds year-round, while in the distance winds the Cam River, creating a picturesque scene as lovely as a fairyland bestowed by nature.

See more: Sacred Duc Ong Tran Quoc Nghien Temple in Ha Long

2 Ideal time to visit Ngoa Van Pagoda?

Thanks to its ideal location, Ngoa Van Pagoda displays unique characteristics throughout each season of the year, exuding beauty that leaves visitors utterly captivated—especially in the early days of the year, spanning from the first to the third lunar month.

During this time, the weather here is remarkably fresh and temperate, neither too hot nor too cold. In addition, this period hosts many vibrant festivals, such as the Ngoa Van Spring Festival, carrying the meaningful intention of wishing for peace and a complete, smooth pilgrimage journey.

Apart from the above timeframe, you can also visit and take in the scenery around the Ngoa Van area on other occasions throughout the year, most notably during the Vu Lan Filial Piety Festival held on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month each year.

3 Discovering unique highlights at Ngoa Van Pagoda

3.1 Ngoa Van Pagoda - Where longstanding history is preserved

Ngoa Van Pagoda was originally constructed during the Tran Dynasty. Up until the Later Le Dynasty, the pagoda continued to be restored and renovated to perfect its architectural design. This is where King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong attained spiritual enlightenment; hence, it is considered the sacred land of Truc Lam Zen Buddhism.

When exploring the Ngoa Van historical relic site, you will discover an impressive three-tiered complex. Among these, the lowest tier comprises 15 relics situated at the foot of the mountain—specifically the Tan Long primeval forest, Thong Dan, Do Kieu, Phu Am Tra, Da Chong rock field, Ba Bac... These relics are linked together, forming a winding path that gradually ascends toward the mountain summit. Thus, along your trek conquering Ngoa Van Pagoda, you can admire each of these distinctive relics one after another.

After traversing the first tier, you will experience the second tier featuring relics nestled on the southern slope of Bao Dai Mountain. This is one of the structures of Ngoa Van Pagoda that was restored and rebuilt in 2014. Speaking of its architecture, MIA.vn is deeply impressed by the "Nhi" (二) character-shaped layout—an architectural style recreating Ngoa Van Pagoda as built during the Revival Le Dynasty, consisting of two main halls: the Rear Hall and the Front Hall. The second tier is also frequently chosen as the venue for organizing spring festivals and other significant ceremonies. Be sure to visit around March each year to participate in ceremonies praying for national peace and prosperity, the spring opening ceremony, and to explore the magnificent scenery of the pagoda complex.

The final tier, which also occupies the highest altitude that MIA.vn wants to introduce to you, is the Ngoa Van relic site. Thanks to this ideal elevation, the Ngoa Van relic stands out with its mystical beauty, wrapped year-round in ethereal mists alongside a pristine yet exquisitely splendid natural setting. 

Beyond that, this mystical mountain summit also preserves numerous sacred historical vestiges associated with the final days of King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong's monastic life, specifically: Ngoa Van Thuong, Ngoa Van Hermitage—where, according to legend, King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong entered Nirvana upon a large boulder in the sleeping lion posture—or the King-Monk Stupa (Phat Hoang Thap), which houses part of the King-Monk's holy relics, and where Ban Co (Chessboard) Peak is perched at the highest point.

3.2 The masterpiece of pristine nature

In addition to safeguarding distinctive, sacred traces of a glorious historical era under King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong, Ngoa Van Pagoda is also renowned for its pristine yet breathtaking natural landscape. Located within the Dong Trieu mountain arc, Ngoa Van Pagoda is embraced and sheltered by endless, lush green mountain ridges stretching on and on. 

The local vegetation is immensely diverse and rich, home to many rare flora and fauna species preserved intact to this day. If you are a nature enthusiast wishing to admire centuries-old trees or sprawling bamboo forests, you must certainly pay a visit here.

Furthermore, the imagery of Thong Dan with its forest filled with tall pines, accompanied by the wind whistling through the needles like an orchestra in full performance, creates an unforgettable impression. Since ancient times, this place was chosen by Zen masters as their final resting place after passing away. It closely resembles the distinctive feng shui feature at Van Tieu Pagoda on Yen Tu: a unique architectural ensemble comprising a tomb stupa flanked by two soaring ancient pines. 

Despite weathering through turbulent eras, the breathtaking scenery here still carries the subtle essence of an earthly paradise. The vegetation thrives lushly all year round, most remarkably featured in the boundless pine and bamboo groves. Given the chance to travel to Ha Long, you will be able to behold the ancient elegance of this historic pagoda while simultaneously immersing yourself in the deeply romantic and poetic atmosphere of the mountainous forests.

What could be more wonderful and serene than embarking on a pilgrimage up to Ngoa Van Peak, lighting an incense stick to venerate the King-Monk, and strolling around the front courtyard to gaze out upon an entire sky and mountain expanse blending seamlessly with white drifting clouds—resembling an exquisite ink-wash painting. That is also the moment one feels the most profound peace, beauty, and purity in one's soul. Simply put, Ngoa Van Pagoda is truly a magnificent gift bestowed by the Buddhist land of Ngoa Van upon every traveler who has the fortune to journey here.