1. General Introduction to Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet
1.1. Location, History, and Spiritual Significance of Ba Vang Pagoda
Ba Vang Pagoda is located on the Thanh Dang mountain slope, at an altitude of 340 m above sea level, in Uong Bi ward, Quang Ninh province. The pagoda boasts a “tọa sơn” (sitting on a mountain) location amidst vast nature. The pagoda has a rich history dating back to the 13th century during the Tran dynasty, formerly known as Bao Quang Tu, associated with the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect founded by Emperor Tran Nhan Tong.
Throughout many historical upheavals, the pagoda was first renovated in 1706 during the reign of King Le Du Tong. After a period of destruction by war, the pagoda was rediscovered in 1987 and rebuilt with a wooden structure in 1993. Since 2007, under the guidance of Venerable Thich Truc Thai Minh, the site has been expanded with many new structures and officially became a Buddhist architectural complex in 2014.
Each spring visit to Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet holds profound spiritual value, as it is a symbol of Buddhist culture in Quang Ninh. Many tourists and Buddhist followers come to pay homage, seeking inner peace, and connecting with the nation's traditional Truc Lam Zen sect. This sacred significance contributes to the pagoda's special allure each spring.
The Tet holiday pilgrimage to Ba Vang Pagoda each year holds deep spiritual significance, as it is a symbol of Buddhist culture in Quang Ninh. (Source: Collected)
1.2. Unique aspects of Tet at Ba Vang Pagoda
Every Tet season, the space of Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet takes on a unique beauty with its peaceful mountain setting, where ancient architecture blends with majestic natural scenery. A large number of Buddhists and visitors from all over come here for their New Year pilgrimage, creating a sacred and solemn atmosphere.
The spacious pagoda grounds are meticulously landscaped with a half-moon lake and exquisite statues of deities, offering an ideal space for praying for peace and blessings. As the first rays of the year's sun touch the pagoda roof, the image of the curved roof casting its shadow on the lake surface further enhances the poetic spring scenery.
The blend of traditional architecture and natural landscape creates the unique charm of Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet. The serene beauty, full of new year vitality, always leaves a lasting impression on every visitor.
2. Guide to traveling to Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet
2.1. Route from Hanoi, Hai Phong to Ba Vang Pagoda
Departing from Hanoi to Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet usually takes about 3–4 hours for the 136 km journey by private car via National Highway 5 and provincial roads. Visitors can also choose a bus departing from My Dinh or Giap Bat bus stations to Uong Bi, then continue by motorbike taxi or taxi to reach the pagoda.
From Hai Phong, the distance is shortened to about 34 km, taking approximately 2 hours via Provincial Road 356 and National Highway 18. For a smooth trip, it is advisable to leave early in the morning to avoid heavy traffic during the Tet holidays, especially at major intersections.
To ensure a smooth journey to Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet, make sure the vehicle has enough fuel. Thoroughly check the vehicle before departing and have emergency contact numbers ready. The road to the pagoda has many turns, so drive carefully and at a moderate speed.
2.2. Moving within the province and from nearby tourist attractions
From the center of Uong Bi, visitors travel about 15 km south to the foot of Thanh Dang Mountain, then continue for another 5 km on the mountain road to reach Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet. This route is beautifully lined with lush green trees on both sides.
If departing from Yen Tu, one of the famous relic complexes, it only takes about 25 km through Cam Pha and Uong Bi to reach the pagoda. This allows visitors to combine visits to prominent spiritual sites within the same trip.
If starting from Ha Long, especially from the Sun World area, the distance is about 45 km via National Highway 18 and provincial roads. This route is suitable for combining spiritual tourism with entertainment experiences, making the spring tour to Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet more enriching and attractive.
3. Special architecture and space of Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet
3.1. Architectural highlights
At Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet, the Dai Hung Bao Dien is considered a prominent structure with a large floor area. The two-story architecture with eight gracefully curved roofs bears the strong imprint of Northern Vietnam, with meticulously carved eaves featuring Dragon, Unicorn, Tortoise, and Phoenix motifs, adorned with magnificent lacquer and gold leaf, and recognized by a record in 2014.
The white stone statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva is placed facing the three-gate entrance, along with the large statue of Amitabha Buddha, the statue of the newborn Buddha, and the system of the Three Buddhas, all contributing to the sacred atmosphere of the place. Every architectural detail reflects the dedication and talent of the artisans, highlighting the beauty of Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet.
At Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet, the Dai Hung Bao Dien is considered a prominent structure with a large floor area. (Source: Collected)
3.2. Garden Space, Arhat Statues, and Tet Decorations
The grounds of Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet are delicately arranged based on the mountainous terrain, creating a harmonious connection with the natural scenery. The 200 m² Arhat Corridor is where various Buddhist statues are placed, each with its own expression, creating a vivid and impressive feature.
The ancient well here is always full year-round and is believed to symbolize warding off illness, therefore, many Buddhists often come to collect lucky water at the beginning of the year. The lush green garden is adorned with ornamental plants, miniature landscapes, and stone benches, providing a peaceful space for those who wish to calm their minds and reflect.
During Tet, the grounds are further decorated with lanterns and New Year greeting banners, adding highlights to the majestic mountain landscape. This is also an ideal place to capture beautiful photos of the spring trip to Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet.
4. Festivals and Special Events at Ba Vang Pagoda During Tet
4.1. Spring Opening Ceremony and Major New Year Rituals
The Spring Opening Ceremony at Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet usually lasts from New Year's Eve until the 8th day of the first lunar month, including many solemn rituals. The early spring prayer ceremony welcomes thousands of Buddhists who come to offer incense, sending wishes for a peaceful, healthy, and lucky new year.
Other major New Year rituals include the ceremony for ancestors' souls, the family prayer ceremony, and especially the solemn Dharma invitation ritual. The resonant sound of the temple bell amidst the mountain landscape spreads a sacred atmosphere, creating a profound feeling for each participant.
The space at Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet becomes particularly vibrant during these days with the convergence of numerous Buddhists from all regions. The unity, sharing, and bonding in the early days of the year are also meaningful beautiful aspects, reflecting the traditional spirit of the community.
The Spring Opening Ceremony at Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet usually lasts from New Year's Eve until the 8th day of the first lunar month, including many solemn rituals.
4.2. Buddha's Birthday Grand Ceremony, Ceremony of Arousing Bodhicitta, Chrysanthemum Ceremony, and Spiritual Activities
Besides Tet festivals, Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet is also a place where many meaningful spiritual events take place throughout the year. The Buddha's Birthday Grand Ceremony, held in the 4th lunar month with a solemn Buddha bathing ritual, attracts a large number of Buddhists.
The Ceremony of Arousing Bodhicitta is held periodically, serving as an important occasion for Buddhists to vow to practice cultivation and do good deeds. The Chrysanthemum Ceremony takes place in autumn, creating a space filled with the colors of chrysanthemums, symbolizing devotion and purity offered to Buddha.
Additionally, activities such as meditation, Dharma talks, and scripture chanting are regularly organized, helping visitors and Buddhists immerse themselves in a peaceful atmosphere and turn inward. These values contribute to the appeal of Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet as a spiritual destination throughout the four seasons.
5. Suggested Itinerary for Experiencing Ba Vang Pagoda During Tet
5.1. Typical Itinerary for Visiting and Performing New Year's Rituals
Starting the day at Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet in the early morning is an ideal choice, when the air is fresh and the number of visitors is still low. From the Tam Quan gate, visitors can leisurely walk across the bridge leading to the One Pillar Pagoda on the half-moon lake, pausing to admire the scenery and capture memorable photos.
Next is the journey to the Great Buddha Hall to offer incense for peace, followed by visits to the Buddha statue areas, the Arhat corridor, and the sacred well. Each destination is deeply imbued with spiritual significance, offering a complete and profound experience.
In the afternoon, one can choose to meditate in the garden area, immersing oneself in the tranquil space to feel positive energy. At the end of the journey, visitors leave Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet with a peaceful state of mind, filled with hope, looking forward to a fulfilling new year.
In the afternoon, you can choose to meditate in the garden area, immerse yourself in the tranquil space to feel positive energy. (Source: Collected)
5.2. Combine spring travel with nearby attractions to Ba Vang
Planning to combine a visit to Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet with nearby attractions will make your spring trip more diverse. In the morning, you can visit Yen Tu, at noon, return to Ba Vang Pagoda, and in the afternoon, continue to move down to Ha Long to enjoy fresh seafood.
From Ba Vang Pagoda, visitors can easily reach Thanh Dang Mountain ecological tourist area, where there are attractive trekking routes, and the surrounding mountain and forest scenery offers an experience close to nature.
For families with young children, combining a visit to Sun World Ha Long makes the trip both spiritually meaningful and offers entertainment activities. Such a flexible itinerary makes the spring trip to Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet suitable for all family members.
Combining a visit to Sun World Ha Long makes the trip both spiritually meaningful and offers entertainment activities.
6. Worship Experience and Notes for Visiting Ba Vang Pagoda During Tet
6.1. Dress Code and Customs for Attending Ceremonies and Praying for Peace
When visiting Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet, choosing modest and neat attire is a way to show sincerity and respect for the sacred space. Men should wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants; avoid shorts or sleeveless shirts. Women should choose long-sleeved shirts, skirts, or long pants, and be mindful not to wear overly short clothing that reveals shoulders or is too revealing.
Suitable attire colors are neutral tones such as white, gray, and beige, limiting bright or overly vibrant colors. Footwear should be easy to remove when entering the main sanctuary. When entering sacred areas, remove hats and sunglasses to show solemnity.
Regarding worship customs, light incense with sincerity, bow respectfully before the statues, and limit loud talking within the pagoda grounds. When offering gifts or donations, follow the management board's instructions to ensure rituals are performed correctly at Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet.
6.2. Tips for Staying Healthy, Safe Travel, and Support Services During Crowded Periods
To ensure health during peak days at Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet, bring drinking water and light snacks, especially if traveling long distances. The road up to the pagoda has many steep sections, so bring motion sickness medication if needed and take adequate rest breaks.
Personal vehicles such as motorbikes and cars should be parked in the safe parking lots arranged by the pagoda. During times of high visitor numbers, arrive early to easily find a convenient parking spot and avoid long walks.
The pagoda offers support services such as restrooms, resting areas, and vegetarian eateries for visitors. A team of volunteers is always available to assist with guidance and provide necessary information. Additionally, prepare personal medications and keep emergency contact numbers handy to proactively handle any needs during your spring outing at Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet.
7. Cuisine and Specialties of the Uong Bi Region When Visiting Ba Vang Pagoda for Spring
7.1. Vegetarian Dishes and Specialties for Devotees During Tet
Within the grounds of Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet, the vegetarian menu is quite diverse, including vegetarian vermicelli, vegetarian pho, vegetarian rice dishes, and elaborately prepared vegetable dishes. Notably, the vegetarian fish cake made from mushrooms and flour, with its attractive presentation, is always a favorite among visitors.
During Tet, vegetarian banh chung and vegetarian banh tet are meticulously prepared with a subtly fragrant filling of mung beans and shiitake mushrooms. Additionally, mung bean sweet soup and lotus seed sweet soup are ideal desserts, offering a natural, refreshing sweetness that is perfect after a vegetarian meal.
Vegetarian fish sauce, made from fermented mushrooms and vegetables, offers a rich flavor that is not significantly different from traditional fish sauce. All dishes use clean, hygienic ingredients, fitting the spiritual atmosphere of Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet.
Within the Ba Vang Pagoda premises during Tet, the vegetarian menu is quite diverse. (Source: Collected)
7.2. Suggestions for places to enjoy Quang Ninh specialties/cuisine
After leaving Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet, visitors can visit the Uong Bi central area to enjoy Banh tai long ep, a specialty cake with a chewy, soft crust and a delicious meat filling. Banh gat gu, with its unusual shape and mild sweetness, is also a must-try dish.
Uong Bi beef pho stands out with its clear broth, thinly sliced fresh beef, served with aromatic herbs, offering an unforgettable flavor. Jellyfish noodle soup, with crispy jellyfish and a rich sweet and sour broth, is characteristic of the Quang Ninh coastal region.
On the routes from the pagoda to the city center, many eateries serve local specialties at reasonable prices. Fresh seafood such as shrimp, crab, and fish from nearby coastal areas are also prepared in various ways, enriching the culinary experience during the spring trip to Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet.
Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet is not only a famous spiritual destination in Quang Ninh but also a place for everyone to find peace and tranquility at the beginning of the new year. Amidst the majestic mountainous space, imposing architecture, and solemn festival atmosphere, visitors have the opportunity to participate in peace-praying rituals, pay homage to the Three Jewels, and enjoy rare moments of reflection. If you are looking for a meaningful spring journey, Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet is definitely an ideal choice to start the new year with good luck and positive energy.
