Ngoa Van Pagoda: a sacred destination in Quang Ninh
Located on Bao Dai Mountain, Dong Trieu District, in the northern province of Quang Ninh, Ngoa Van Pagoda Relic Complex is a sacred pilgrimage site attracting tourists all year round.
Ngoa Van contains traces of ancient culture in the complex of the Tran Dynasty special national relic site in Dong Trieu Town. — VNS Photos Doan Tung
Ngoa Van is where Buddha-Emperor Tran Nhan Tong (1258-1308) founded the Truc Lam Zen Monastery, a line of Buddhist meditation imbued with Vietnamese culture, and attained Nirvana. It has been considered the holy land of the Tran Dynasty and Truc Lam Zen Monastery ever since.
The sacred place is a perfect destination for those who want to find inner peace.
From the foot of the mountain to the Ngoa Van summit, researchers have found countless traces of ancient architecture and culture from different times, such as from the Tran, Le and Nguyen Dynasties.
Ngoa Van Pagoda means “Pagoda in the Clouds”. At an altitude of 600 metres above sea level, the pagoda has a beautiful landscape, leaning against the cloud-covered Ngoa Van peak. Its surreal scenery makes this sacred place a perfect destination for those who want to find inner peace and pray for a happy and peaceful year.
As one of 14 historical relic sites of the Tran Dynasty (1225-1400), the pagoda was approved by the Government as a special National Heritage in 2014. It has also been developed as one of 14 tourism destinations in Quang Ninh to meet the demand for the spiritual tourism of monks and pilgrims across the country.
Ngoa Van is associated with King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong’s journey of Buddhist practise and enlightenment.
The statue of King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong in Ngoa Van Pagoda on Bao Dai Mountain.
The pagoda was the final destination in King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong’s journey of Buddhist practise and enlightenment.
Ngoa Van Pagoda is visited by pilgrims across the country all year round.
Pilgrims can either walk or take the cable cars to visit Ngoa Van Pagoda.
The tower of Buddhist King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong on the top of Bao Dai Mountain contains many mysteries.
Ngoa Van Pagoda is surrounded with clouds all year round. — VNS Photos Doan Tung
