Bổ Đà Pagoda
Bổ Đà Pagoda
Bổ Đà Pagoda
Bổ Đà Pagoda
An ancient center of Zen Buddhism and home to a unique collection of Buddhist texts on woodblocks.
Bắc Giang
Temple
Cultural Tourism
Bổ Đà Pagoda is one of Northern Vietnam's most important spiritual centers, recognized as a Special National Monument. Located on Phoenix Mountain, this architectural complex combines centuries of history of the Lâm Tế Zen sect, a unique collection of ancient stupas, and priceless Buddhist texts carved on persimmon wood.
- Visit duration
2–3 hours
- Average budget
from $25
- Admission
40,000 ₫
- Best months
Oct – Apr
- Languages on-site
Vietnamese, English
What you need to know
The temple was founded in the 11th century during the Lý dynasty, and its current architectural appearance took shape in the 18th century. The complex harmoniously combines five key zones, including the main temple and the Tam Đức hermitage. The layout allows visitors to move freely between all structures without leaving the covered area.
Main attractions:
Stupa Garden:
A vast walled area (8,000 sq. m) with 110 stupas housing the remains of over 1,200 monks and nuns. This is a unique historical site where the architecture is strictly regulated by monastic rules.
Buddhist Texts:
A collection of over 2,000 woodblock prints recognized by the World Records Union (Worldkings) as the oldest in the world. They are made from rare and extremely durable persimmon wood.
Artifacts:
The temple preserves over 40 Buddha statues dating from the 17th to 19th centuries, as well as valuable bronze bells and epigraphic monuments.
Dry season with comfortable temperatures. We highly recommend visiting the temple during the annual festival held from the 16th to 18th days of the second lunar month (April 3–5, 2026).
On-site
- Getting there
Bus or transfer (55 km from Hanoi)
- Accommodation
Hotels from $15 in nearby towns
- Cash
Mandatory
- Connectivity
4G, Wi-Fi in hotels
- With kids
Ok for ages 6+