Explore Dong Pagoda: A Majestic Blend of History and Spirituality

Explore Dong Pagoda, Asia's largest bronze sanctuary, renowned for its stunning architecture and rich spiritual history. Hãy nghe Nguyễn Thế Dương (Quảng Ninh) một travel blogger nổi tiếng bật mí .

Dong Pagoda stands tall with its impressive architecture, making it one of the most renowned spiritual destinations in Quang Ninh province. Join me on a journey to explore this unique bronze pagoda.

1. Introduction to Dong Pagoda

1.1 Where is Dong Pagoda Located?

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Address: Nam Mau Hamlet, Thuong Yen Cong Commune, Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province.

Nestled atop a high mountain, Dong Pagoda is a proud representation of Vietnamese Buddhist culture. It is here that King Tran Nhan Tong abdicated the throne to practice Buddhism and founded the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect. The pagoda, made entirely of bronze, stands on the highest peak in the area, earning its title as the largest bronze pagoda in Vietnam and Asia. This architectural marvel is the result of the hard work and talent of thousands of builders. Not only a symbol of art and engineering, Dong Pagoda is also a sacred and mystical place attracting millions of visitors annually for sightseeing and prayer, especially during trips to Ha Long.

1.2 Ideal Time to Visit the Pagoda

Dong Pagoda is an ideal destination for those who love exploring natural beauty and Buddhist culture. You can visit Dong Pagoda anytime as the air here is always fresh and cool. However, if you want to participate in the Yen Tu festival, you should visit from the 10th day of the first lunar month until the end of March. This is the busiest time, so plan your trip, accommodations, and meals in advance for a smoother journey.

1.3 The History of Dong Pagoda

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Dong Pagoda is a symbol of Vietnamese Buddhist history and beliefs. It was initially built by the consort of Lord Trinh in the 17th century but was later destroyed by natural disasters and human activities. The pagoda was rebuilt with reinforced concrete in 1930, and in 2005, it was restored to its original design by the Quang Ninh People’s Committee. The pagoda, also known as Thien Truc Tu, symbolizes the dwelling of Buddha and is considered a place of supreme importance. It is believed to have the power to call rain and harness cosmic energy for life.

2. How to Get to Dong Pagoda

According to the MIA.vn travel guide, there are two main routes if you are traveling by personal vehicle:

Route 1: From Hanoi, head towards Bac Ninh and follow National Highway 18 to Trinh Temple. From there, turn left for about 10km to reach the Yen Tu spiritual tourism area. Alternatively, you can start from Hai Phong, Nam Dinh, or Thai Binh to reach Uong Bi, pass through the intersection of National Highways 10 and 18, and continue to the destination.

Route 2: If you are traveling by bus, take a bus to Quang Ninh with a stop at Trinh Temple. From there, you can take a motorbike taxi or a taxi to the Yen Tu tourist area.

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Once at the Yen Tu tourist area, you can reach Dong Pagoda either by walking or taking a cable car. Walking involves traversing rugged, rocky paths but allows you to enjoy the beauty of the mountains and temples along the way. The cable car saves time and effort but misses some of the pilgrimage experience. You can choose one or combine both methods to reach Dong Pagoda.

3. Admiring the Unique Architecture of Dong Pagoda

3.1 The Largest Bronze Pagoda in Asia

Atop Yen Tu Mountain stands a magnificent bronze pagoda like a precious gem. Dong Pagoda, crafted by skilled artisans from Y Yen, Nam Dinh, is inspired by Keo Pagoda in Bac Ninh. Weighing 70 tons, the pagoda is not large but sturdy, standing firm on the rocky mountain peak. With Tran dynasty architectural style, its intricate carvings and elegant curves on the roof and eaves showcase exquisite craftsmanship. The pagoda was constructed using pure bronze imported from Australia, consisting of 4000 components, the heaviest weighing 1.4 tons. After meticulous work, Dong Pagoda shines like a golden lotus on the sacred mountain.

3.2 A Pagoda Enveloped in Mist Year-Round

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Perched on Yen Son peak, Dong Pagoda is shrouded in mist throughout the year, necessitating special construction methods to withstand harsh weather. It is built like a giant lotus on a high rock, with each rock slab resembling a radiant petal while the pagoda sits in the center. The eastern side has gentle slopes, while the western side has steep cliffs, making the journey to the pagoda challenging. The path is so narrow that it fits only one foot at a time. Reaching Dong Pagoda feels like walking through clouds to a mystical heavenly realm.

3.3 Participating in the Yen Tu Festival

From the first to the third lunar month, Dong Pagoda hosts a festival attracting millions of pilgrims. The festival begins with solemn ceremonies at the mountain’s foot, followed by a pilgrimage to Yen Son peak. This unique cultural and spiritual event captivates countless domestic and international visitors.

4. Tips for Visiting Dong Pagoda

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Wear respectful, modest clothing; avoid revealing attire to show reverence to Buddha and the monks.

Bring a jacket as the temperature at the mountain peak can be quite cold, especially in winter.

Do not litter, damage the environment, or harm the pagoda. Maintain cleanliness, reverence, and serenity while visiting.

You can pray, offer incense, and present offerings to show respect to Buddha and the monks. Dong Pagoda is known for its spiritual efficacy, where visitors come to pray for peace, luck, love, prosperity, or any other wishes. It is a famously sacred place in Ha Long.

Missing the chance to visit Dong Pagoda while in Ha Long would be a regret. Before setting off, don’t forget to note this address in your travel guide to ensure you visit this remarkable site. I wish you a wonderful trip to Ha Long with friends and family, filled with memorable experiences.

Nguyễn Thế Dương (Quảng Ninh)