All You Need To Know About Ba Vang Pagoda in Quang Ninh
Ba Vang Pagoda in Quang Ninh is the most impressive and beautifully designed temple in Ha Long region. When visiting this land of mines, tourists cannot miss the chance to admire the scenery of the pagoda and immerse themselves in the sacred and tranquil beauty of this place. Follow Vietnam Budget Car Rental to explore more details about this unique temple.
An Introduction to Ba Vang Pagoda in Quang Ninh
On the side of Thanh Dang Mountain, in the Quang Trung Ward of Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province, is Ba Vang Pagoda, which is also called Bao Quang Tu. At 340 meters above sea level, the temple is in a beautiful spot, tucked against a mountain with a calm river in front of it and huge pine woods on both sides, making for a peaceful, green scene. So, both Ba Vang Pagoda and Long Tien Pagoda are seen as symbols of the spiritual heart of this place.
Visiting Ba Vang Pagoda in Quang Ninh has become popular among tourists because it is seen as a holy Buddhist site with great Feng Shui. So, word of mouth has spread, and now many people agree that if you go to Quang Ninh, you should definitely stop by Ba Vang Pagoda.
When is the best time to visit Ba Vang Pagoda in Quang Ninh?
From the 8th day of the 1st lunar month to the 9th day of the 9th lunar month, during the Spring Festival, is the best time to visit the pagoda. Also, the pagoda hosts meditation workshops every month, which are a great way to start a new journey toward inner peace and enjoy the peace of this beautiful place.
How do you get to Ba Vang Pagoda in Quang Ninh?
If you're starting your journey from the two major cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the best way to maximize your experiences both during the trip and at the destination is to rent a private car in Hanoi or rent a private car in Ho Chi Minh City to travel to Quang Ninh first. After that, you can leisurely make your way to Ba Vang Pagoda.
The history of Ba Vang Pagoda in Quang Ninh
It was built in 1706, when King Le Du Tong was in charge. The ups and downs of history and the damaging time of war did a lot of damage to Ba Vang Pagoda.
In 1988, a lot of money was spent and repairs were made to the temple. Almost everything was remade out of wood. In 1993, the province of Quang Ninh chose to rebuild the whole temple complex. At the moment, only a stone agarwood tree, a memorial stele for a meditation master, and the foundation stones at the base of the columns are left. These are what keep the temple's history alive.
By January 2011, Ba Vang Pagoda had been rebuilt on a huge scale again because more monks, Buddhists, and people spreading the Buddha's lessons needed to practice their religion. Because of this, the temple has become one of the most popular and well-known places for spiritual tourists to visit.
Explaining the Name "Ba Vang Pagoda"
According to Master Thich Truc Thai Minh, "Ba Vang" refers to three precious treasures: Dharma Treasure, Buddha Treasure, and Monk Treasure. This name is close, easy to remember, and easy to understand, without diminishing the inherent nobility of the Triple Gem in this serene meditation place.
The Sino-Vietnamese name of this temple is Bao Quang Tu. Translated into Vietnamese, "Tự" means temple, and "Bảo Quang" means precious light. Thus, "Bảo Quang Tự" translates to a temple with precious light. Perhaps, this name reflects the ancestors' desire that Ba Vang Pagoda will radiate the precious light of the Dharma everywhere. Simultaneously, it guides sentient beings to escape the sufferings of life, helping them attain enlightenment and achieve wisdom.
Top attractions at Ba Vang Pagoda in Quang Ninh for you
1. Statue of Quan The Am Bodhisattva
You should not miss the chance to look at the Statue of Quan The Am Bodhisattva on the lotus stage when you go to Ba Vang Pagoda in Quang Ninh. This statue is made of granite and stands 10 meters tall. It weighs almost 50 tons and is one of the biggest single-piece figures in Vietnam.
2. One Pillar Pagoda
Inspired by the original One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi, this pagoda is situated amidst the Crescent Moon Lake, offering a harmonious blend of ancient grandeur and graceful elegance. The One Pillar Pagoda at Ba Vang Pagoda in Quang Ninh is a sacred destination where many visitors come to pray for their children's well-being and peace.
3. Main Hall of Ba Vang Pagoda
Vietnam Record Association recognized Ba Vang Pagoda as the "Pagoda with the largest mountain main hall in Indochina." Standing majestically in the middle of the Thanh Dang mountain range, the grand main hall is sure to impress any visitor.
Built in just three years, the main hall is a sight to behold with its arching red-tiled roof and elaborately carved designs. Visitors can get insight into the Buddha's enlightened wisdom and limitless compassion during his teachings through the 37 panels carved by Master Thich Truc Thai Minh inside the temple, which illustrate important episodes in the Buddha's life.
4. Inner Triple Gate
This structure, standing at a height of 15 meters and a length of over 23 meters with 29 stone steps, features intricately designed couplets on both sides of the gate. The entire construction is grand, majestic, and incredibly splendid. In front of the Triple Gate, the Buddhist flag and the national flag are hung side by side, symbolizing the message that Buddhism always accompanies the nation and contributes to the prosperity and development of the country.
5. Lotus Garden
Tourists to Ba Vang Pagoda in Quang Ninh may experience a magical enchanted garden experience when visiting the lotus garden. The landscape paints a vivid picture of nature with its verdant grass, multicolored flowers, and a plain wooden bridge. With such a serene background, it's impossible not to want to take a selfie and record those priceless moments with a camera.
6. Buddha's Birth Statue
At Ba Vang Pagoda, visitors undoubtedly cannot take their eyes off the intricately crafted statue of the Buddha's birth, with one hand pointing to the sky and the other to the earth, standing solemnly on the nine-dragon platform.
The combination of the jade green color of the lotus platform, the red color of the temple roof, and the majestic mountainous scenery forms a sacred and impressive scene. The Buddha's Birth Statue has become a captivating attraction for tourists at Ba Vang Pagoda.
7. Meditation Garden
The meditation garden at Ba Vang Pagoda is a tranquil and peaceful place with houses imbued with a "meditative" atmosphere. It is a place for those who want to temporarily forget the city's hustle and bustle, desiring to slow down and find peace and tranquility for their souls.
8. Divine Well
There is an underground water supply in this historic well that supplies clean, pleasant water all the time. Drinking water from the Divine Well on New Year's Eve is said to bring good fortune and pleasure to anyone who do so in the next year.
The water here supposedly has medicinal qualities, according to folklore as well. Hence, while visiting Ba Vang Pagoda in Quang Ninh, make sure you don't pass up the chance to drink the sacred water from the Divine Well, which will purify your spirit and bring you good fortune.
9. Buddha Relic Altar
Buddha relics are small crystalline particles resembling precious gems, with various shapes. These relics are collected from the cremation ashes of the Buddha. When visiting Ba Vang Pagoda, don't pass up the chance to make offerings at the Buddha Relic Altar. This activity is believed to bring many blessings.
10. Tinh Tam Lake
To capture beautiful pictures when visiting Ba Vang Pagoda in Quang Ninh, you must visit Tinh Tam Lake. The atmosphere here is serene, tranquil, surrounded by lush green trees. Whether day or night, just raise your camera, and you will capture images that are as pure as distilled water.
Top cuisines when going to Ba Vang Pagoda in Quang Ninh
In the Ba Vang Pagoda tour, travelers surely cannot overlook the famous specialties of Quang Ninh province, such as:
- Grilled Cuttlefish: The famous grilled cuttlefish is an absolute must-try while in Quang Ninh. Using fresh ingredients that entice the taste sensations results in a delightful flavor.
- Yen Tu Apricot Wine: The apricot wine here is attractive to tourists due to its delightful aroma and flavor. This type of wine is even believed to have health benefits, such as treating insomnia and digestive issues.
- Geoduck Clam: The seafood in this region is well-known in the coastal area of Quang Ninh. Visitors can enjoy a distinctive and intriguing flavor of geoduck clams in a variety of meals.
- Peanut Worms: This is the most expensive specialty in Quang Ninh. Peanut Worms can be used to prepare various dishes or bought dried as a thoughtful gift since they are considered a good tonic.
- Gat Gu Cake: This is a specialty of Yen Tien region, similar to pho but softer and chewier. It is most delicious when eaten hot.
Some considerations at Ba Vang Pagoda in Quang Ninh
1. Things to Prepare
Dress modestly and conservatively, wearing refined clothing. Those not adhering to the guidelines may be reminded by the temple management and may not be allowed inside the temple until their attire is appropriately adjusted.
Choose comfortable footwear such as flat shoes, sneakers, or low-heeled shoes for ease of walking, as the temple grounds are expansive and involve a lot of walking, sometimes on hilly terrain. Avoid wearing high heels.
2. Guidelines During the Visit and Worship at Ba Vang Pagoda
- If you are driving, please park in designated areas and obey the temple administration and security personnel's directions.
- Use polite and respectful language, avoid speaking loudly, and stop from making jokes near the Buddha's entry. Speak softly, gently, and with correct manners.
- Avoid pushing, shoving, and crowding throughout your stay and worship. Maintain a suitable spiritual demeanor inside the temple.
- Do not bring any harmful or explosive objects, as well as drugs or addictive substances. Avoid bringing improper cultural items and materials, as well as distributing literature that promotes warped ideas, without the authorization of temple management.
- Do not access restricted areas or the monks' private rooms marked with "No Entry" signs.
- Avoid eating, drinking, or littering on temple grounds.
- Do not ring bells, beat drums, or use other ceremonial instruments without permission.
- Money offerings should be placed in the merit donation box or given over to the merit record table, as is customary. Ensure that offerings are given in a polite way.
- Do not break branches, pluck flowers, climb trees, or participate in any damaging behavior on temple grounds. The common landscape should be carefully preserved.
With its unique architecture and majestic natural scenery, Ba Vang Pagoda in Quang Ninh is an ideal spiritual tourism destination. If you are seeking a place to temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of the city, why wait any longer? Grab your backpack and head here right away. Hopefully, the shared experiences in this guide will help you have a meaningful exploration journey!
