Ngoa Van Pagoda – The majestic and sacred “holy land” of Buddhism

1 Finding Ngoa Van Pagoda

Ha Long is renowned as the birthplace of Vietnamese Buddhism, home to many famous pagodas such as Cai Bau Pagoda, Loi Am Pagoda, and Yen Tu Pagoda. For this reason, it is known as our country’s “Buddhist land,” associated with stories of spiritual practice dating back to the time of Buddha Emperor Tran Nhan Tong.

Ngoa Van Pagoda is located in An Sinh and Binh Khe communes, in Dong Trieu City, Quang Ninh Province. The complex is divided into 4 areas, comprising 15 groups of towers and pagodas. These include Ngoa Van, Da Chong, Ba Bac, and Thong Dan - Do Kieu. Ngoa Van Pagoda itself is situated at the center and attracts the most visitors.

You may not know that Ngoa Van Pagoda is also called Ngoa Van Hermitage Pagoda, meaning “the pagoda on the clouds.” It sits more than 500m above sea level. From the pagoda, you can gaze out toward the distant, rolling hills, where white clouds drift around them in the early morning. What’s more, the pagoda rests against Ngoa Van Peak, which is shrouded in clouds year-round. In the distance, the winding Cam River adds to the scene’s beauty, like a heavenly landscape bestowed by nature.

See also: The sacred temple of Duc Ong Tran Quoc Nghien in Ha Long

2 When is the ideal time to visit Ngoa Van Pagoda?

Thanks to its ideal location, Ngoa Van Pagoda has distinctive features in every season, creating beauty that is sure to captivate visitors. This is especially true at the start of the year, from the first to the third lunar month.

At this time, the weather here is fresh and mild, neither too hot nor too cold. It is also when many lively festivals take place, such as the Ngoa Van Spring Festival, which embodies heartfelt wishes for peace and a safe, fulfilling pilgrimage.

In addition to this period, you can also visit Ngoa Van to enjoy the scenery at other times of the year. One notable occasion is the Vu Lan Festival, held annually on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month.

3 Discover the unique features of Ngoa Van Pagoda

3.1 Ngoa Van Pagoda – A place steeped in history

Ngoa Van Pagoda was built during the Tran dynasty. It was further restored during the Later Le dynasty to refine its architecture. This is where Buddha Emperor Tran Nhan Tong practiced and attained enlightenment, making it a sacred site of Truc Lam Buddhism.

As you explore the Ngoa Van Pagoda complex, you can discover an impressive site arranged across 3 levels. The lowest level comprises 15 relic sites at the foot of the mountain, including the ancient Tan Long forest, Thong Dam, Do Kieu, Phu Am Tra, Da Chong, and Ba Bac. These sites are connected by a winding path that gradually climbs toward the summit. Along the way up to Ngoa Van Pagoda, you can admire each of these remarkable historical sites.

After completing the first level, you can explore the second, whose relic sites lie on the southern slope of Bao Dai Mountain. This part of the Ngoa Van Pagoda complex was restored and rebuilt in 2014. MIA.vn is especially impressed by its two-part layout, modeled on the Ngoa Van Pagoda built during the Late Le period: the structure consists of two main halls, the rear hall and the front hall. The second level is also often chosen as the venue for spring festivals and other important ceremonies. Be sure to visit in March each year to take part in prayers for national peace and prosperity, attend the spring-opening ceremony, and admire the pagoda’s breathtaking scenery.

The final level, and the highest point we at MIA.vn would like to introduce, is the Ngoa Van historic site. Thanks to its ideal elevation, the site stands out for its ethereal beauty, veiled year-round in magical layers of mist and surrounded by a natural landscape that is both unspoiled and enchanting. 

The mystical peak mentioned here is also home to many sacred historical traces connected with the final days of Buddha Emperor Tran Nhan Tong’s spiritual journey. These include Ngoa Van Thuong and Ngoa Van Hermitage, where, according to legend, the emperor entered nirvana atop a large rock in the lion’s resting posture. Another is the Buddha Emperor Tower, which houses part of his relics and stands beside Ban Co Peak, the highest point.

3.2 The breathtaking beauty of pristine nature

Ngoa Van Pagoda not only preserves sacred traces of the glorious history of Buddha Emperor Tran Nhan Tong, but also stands out for its unspoiled yet exceptionally beautiful natural setting. Located in the Dong Trieu arc, the pagoda is almost entirely embraced by a series of lush, verdant mountains stretching as far as the eye can see. 

The local ecosystem is remarkably diverse, with many rare species of plants and animals that have been preserved to this day. If you love nature and want to see century-old trees or vast bamboo forests, be sure to visit.

Another highlight is Thong Dan, a forest filled with tall pine trees, their breezy songs rising together like an orchestra. Since ancient times, Zen monks have chosen this place as their burial ground after passing away. Its distinctive feng shui is reminiscent of Van Tieu Pagoda in Yen Tu: a unique architectural arrangement featuring a tomb tower flanked by two towering pine trees. 

Despite the many changes over time, the scenery here still evokes the “breath” of a heavenly realm. The vegetation remains lush throughout the year, with vast pine and bamboo forests among the most striking sights. If you visit Ha Long, you can admire the ancient beauty of the old pagoda and immerse yourself in the mountains’ romantic, poetic natural surroundings.

What could be more wonderful and serene than making a pilgrimage to Ngoa Van Peak, lighting incense to pay homage to the Buddha Emperor, and strolling around the front courtyard? Look out over the magnificent mountains, interspersed with white clouds like a perfect ink-wash painting. In such a moment, you can feel a profound sense of peace and experience the soul at its most beautiful and untouched. In truth, Ngoa Van Pagoda is a wonderful gift bestowed by the Buddhist land of Ngoa Van upon every traveler fortunate enough to visit.