Bich Dong

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Bich Dong, Buddhist temple complex in Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình Province, Vietnam.

This Buddhist temple complex consists of three separate structures built into and around natural limestone caves, connected by stone pathways that climb through rocky terrain adorned with moss-covered sculptures and flowering trees.

Originally constructed in 1428, the site was abandoned during periods of conflict and later restored in the early 18th century by two Buddhist monks who dedicated themselves to reviving the complex and its religious practices.

The site is designed to represent a symbolic lotus flower, with five surrounding mountains forming its petals, reflecting traditional Vietnamese beliefs in feng shui and the spiritual significance of natural landscapes.

Visitors can reach the complex by walking about 1 to 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) from Tam Coc or by taking a short taxi ride costing approximately 20,000 Vietnamese dong each way.

The middle temple is partly built inside a natural cave and features a copper bell from the 18th century that local tradition says can be rung to bring justice to those wronged.

Location: Phường Nam Hoa Lư

Address: 6W99+C23, Ninh Hải, Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình 430000, Vietnam 430000

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 07:30-16:30

GPS coordinates: 20.21746,105.91571

Latest update: December 1, 2025 15:28

Ancient temples and architecture in Vietnam

Vietnam retains an architectural heritage that spans several centuries. From the Confucian temples in Hanoi to the Cham towers in the country's interior, including the imperial citadels of Hué, these structures reflect influences from Hindu, Chinese, and European traditions that have shaped the land. Each building illustrates a specific period, from the 7th century with Po Nagar's towers to modern constructions of the 20th century. The Temple of Literature in Hanoi, founded in 1070, embodies the Vietnamese educational tradition with its five successive courtyards. In Hué, the Thien Mu Pagoda has stood since 1601 with its seven-story tower rising 70 feet (21 meters) over the Parfum River. The Cham towers of Binh Dinh and Nha Trang showcase the craft of this civilization through their brick ornaments and stone sculptures. The port city of Hoi An features an architectural ensemble from the 15th century, combining Chinese, Japanese, and European styles. These sites offer a tangible journey through the country's architectural and cultural evolution.

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« Bich Dong: Buddhist temple complex in Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình Province, Vietnam » is provided by Around Us (aroundus.com). Images and texts are derived from Wikimedia project under a Creative Commons license. You are allowed to copy, distribute, and modify copies of this page, under the conditions set by the license, as long as this note is clearly visible.

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