Sacred Pagodas near Tien Loc Palace You Shouldn’t Miss
Nestled in the heart of northern Vietnam’s cultural cradle, Ninh Binh unfolds like a contemplative symphony of nature and spirituality. Here, moss-covered pagoda roofs gently lean against mountain slopes, and morning bells echo softly through the mist, as if awakening the peaceful skies above. Each stone step, each swirl of incense carries stories of a thousand years of faith and serenity.
From Tien Loc Palace, just a short journey brings you to tranquil Buddhist sanctuaries where the soul is gently cleansed of everyday worries, and the heart finds peace in stillness.
🕊️ Tam Chuc Pagoda – “The Ha Long Bay on Land” of the North
From Tien Loc Palace, just a short journey brings you to tranquil Buddhist sanctuaries where the soul is gently cleansed of everyday worries, and the heart finds peace in stillness.
🕊️ Tam Chuc Pagoda – “The Ha Long Bay on Land” of the North
Only about 30 minutes from Tien Loc Palace, Tam Chuc Pagoda is renowned as the largest pagoda complex in the world and a spiritual icon of the former Ha Nam province. Spanning over 5,000 hectares, it is surrounded by serene lakes, limestone mountains, and lush forests, like a living watercolor painting.
From the grand Three-Entrance Gate, visitors can either cruise across the lake or walk along a stone path to reach sacred prayer halls like Tam The Hall, Phap Chu Hall, Quan Am Hall, and the highlight: Jade Pagoda - an exquisite pagoda carved from rare green stone perched atop That Tinh Mountain.
In this sacred and tranquil space, the slow resonance of the pagoda bell is like a meditative melody that gently quiets the soul.
📍 Location: Ba Sao Ward, Ninh Binh
🕰 Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🌿 Ba Danh Pagoda – A Spiritual Haven Amid Mountains and Rivers
About 20 minutes from Phu Ly, along the Day River, lies Ba Danh Pagoda, famous for the Vietnamese saying “As deserted as Ba Danh Pagoda.”
This isn’t due to a lack of visitors, but rather its incredible stillness, so quiet you can hear the sound of falling leaves.
Built in the 10th century atop a hill overlooking the river, the pagoda reflects traditional Vietnamese architecture. Here, you can offer incense and prayers, while being immersed in the mystic charm of a sacred site surrounded by poetic landscapes.
📍 Location: Kim Bang, Ninh Binh
🕰 Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 6:30 PM
🌸 Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda – A Meditative Retreat in the Countryside
Just 25 minutes from Tien Loc Palace, Dia Tang Phi Lai (also known as Chua Dung) is tucked away in the peaceful village of Thanh Binh. Originally built during the Le Dynasty, the pagoda features ancient red brick walls, gently curved roofs, and mossy stone courtyards.
Famous for its quietude and meditative ambiance, this pagoda offers a rare escape: where the wind rustles through bamboo groves, the bell’s echo rolls down the valley, and time seems to slow. Many legends of Buddha’s manifestations and Bodhisattvas are preserved here, adding to the spiritual richness of the site.
📍 Location: Thanh Binh, Ninh Binh
🕰 Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🌾 Bau Pagoda – A Timeless Treasure in the Heart of Phu Ly
Located just minutes from Tien Loc Palace, Bau Pagoda stands as one of the most revered and architecturally unique pagodas in Phu Ly. Dating back over 1,000 years to the Ly Dynasty, it retains its classic Vietnamese charm—curved tiled roofs, wide courtyards, and a centuries-old banyan tree.
Bau Pagoda is a spiritual symbol of peace and virtue. Every spring, the resonant drumbeats and chime of bells harmonize with festive joy, creating a sacred yet vibrant atmosphere.
📍 Location: Phu Ly, Ninh Binh
🕰 Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🪷 Long Doi Son Pagoda – A Millennium-Old Sanctuary atop Doi Mountain
A must-visit on any spiritual journey around Tien Loc Palace, Long Doi Son Pagoda invites those with extra time to pause and embrace the quiet dignity of history. Over 900 years old, this pagoda once served as a major Buddhist hub during the Ly Dynasty. It still houses invaluable relics—stone steles, ancient statues, and sacred artifacts passed down through generations.
A winding stone path leads from the mountain base to the summit, where panoramic views of green rice fields and scattered village roofs unfold. With every step upward, the chime of bells blends with mountain breezes, drawing the soul into calm. Standing atop the peak, overwhelmed by nature’s grandeur yet anchored by the temple’s solemn spirit - you’ll find yourself lighter, more serene, as if the burdens of the world have quietly slipped away.
📍 Location: Duy Tien, Ninh Binh
🕰 Opening hours: Open 24/7
From the ancient serenity of Long Doi Son to the meditative atmosphere of Dia Tang Phi Lai and the grandeur of Tam Chuc, every pagoda near Tien Loc Palace carries a distinct aura—each one a sacred thread in the rich tapestry of Vietnamese culture, faith, and history. Strolling through mossy courtyards and listening to bell chimes echo into the sky, visitors feel themselves returning to a place of deep inner peace.
Your journey becomes even more fulfilling when you stay at Tien Loc Palace, a central Phu Ly hotel that offers effortless access to these spiritual destinations. With elegant rooms, attentive service, and a welcoming atmosphere, Tien Loc Palace is not only a place to rest but also a perfect starting point for your soulful exploration of northern Vietnam’s sacred heritage.
