1. Introduction to Ba Vang Pagoda and the meaning of Tet spring pilgrimage
During Tet, Ba Vang Pagoda is a familiar destination for pagoda visits for many Buddhist followers and tourists in Quang Ninh. The pagoda not only boasts over 700 years of history but is also associated with pagoda visiting and early year spring outings.
Ba Vang Pagoda is a famous spiritual spring travel destination, attracting a large number of tourists. (Source: Collected)
1.1. History and location of Ba Vang Pagoda
Ba Vang Pagoda is located on the Thanh Dang Mountain at an altitude of 340 m, in Quang Trung ward, Uong Bi city, Quang Ninh province. In the past, the pagoda was named Bao Quang Temple, built in the 13th century during the Tran dynasty, associated with the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Buddhism sect founded by Buddhist King Tran Nhan Tong.
Time has left traces through ancient bricks and tiles with delicate patterns found here. In 1706, during the Le Du Tong dynasty, Ba Vang Pagoda was restored by Zen Master Ma Ha Sa Mon Tue Bich Pho Giac, considered a period of restoration and continuation of the values of the Truc Lam Zen Buddhism sect. In 1987, the remnants of the pagoda were discovered by local people while searching for cows, leading to its reconstruction with wood in 1993 and large-scale construction from 2007.
The architecture of Ba Vang Pagoda bears the traditional Northern Vietnamese style with the Dai Hung Bao Hall, a 2-story, 8-roofed structure with an area of 4,500 m², one of the largest-scale constructions in the region when inaugurated in 2014. The Bell Tower and Drum Tower are symmetrically located, each covering 112 m², nổi bật with a great bronze bell weighing up to 3 tons and the largest single-log drum in Vietnam. The Half Moon Lake with the One Pillar Pagoda on a lotus creates a poetic landscape, combined with the Arhat corridor with 18 majestic stone statues, completing the unique Zen space.
1.2. Why Ba Vang Pagoda is a popular Tet spring travel destination in Quang Ninh
In the early days of the year, Ba Vang Pagoda Tet welcomes a large number of Buddhist followers and tourists praying for peace and safety for their families. Its location on Thanh Dang Mountain provides fresh, spacious air along with a sense of luck and tranquility for those who come to worship Buddha.
The pagoda's unique architecture blends with the lush green mountain scenery, the clear lake reflecting the pagoda, and the largest Amitabha Buddha statue in the Northern region, creating a solemn scene. The sound of the pagoda bell echoing through the mountains and forests in the early morning contributes to the solemn atmosphere, making Ba Vang Pagoda always a favored choice for tourists wishing to start the new year in Quang Ninh.
2. Schedule, opening hours, and notes for Tet 2026
The Lunar New Year days are always a special time at Ba Vang Pagoda, when the sacred atmosphere within the pagoda becomes even more profound. Understanding the schedule and regulations will make your first visit of the year complete.
Understand the operating schedule and opening hours during Tet 2026 to plan your journey proactively. (Source: Collected)
2.1. Ba Vang Pagoda Opening Hours Tet 2026
Ba Vang Pagoda is open from early morning to late evening all year round, especially during the Lunar New Year. For the most accurate schedule of opening hours in the early days of 2026, visitors should contact the pagoda directly or visit the pagoda's official website before departing.
Based on previous years' experience, Ba Vang Pagoda Tet opening hours may vary each year and according to the pagoda's announcements to meet the needs of many Buddhists for New Year's prayers. This allows visitors to enjoy the fresh morning air and easily visit before the crowds increase during the day.
2.2. Number of Visitors, Atmosphere, and Information to Know
Each Tet holiday, Ba Vang Pagoda welcomes a large number of pilgrims and visitors to attend the New Year's ceremonies. The atmosphere here is both solemn and warm, with chanting, spreading incense, and prayers originating from sincere devotion.
The spacious area of Ba Vang Pagoda allows visitors to move and perform rituals comfortably. Areas such as the Dai Hung Bao Dien Hall, Ban Nguyet Lake, or the La Han Corridor are harmoniously arranged, making it convenient for visitors to worship Buddha and admire the mountain scenery in the sacred New Year atmosphere.
3. Outstanding Festivals and Activities at Ba Vang Pagoda Tet
Every spring, Ba Vang Pagoda Tet becomes the center of many unique spiritual activities. Traditional rituals are solemnly organized, offering visitors a unique and meaningful Vietnamese Buddhist cultural experience.
Unique festivals and spiritual rituals offer meaningful experiences. (Source: Collected)
3.1. Spring Opening Festival and Traditional Rituals
The early days of the new year at Ba Vang Pagoda begin with the Spring Opening ritual. On the morning of the first day of Tet, the pagoda bell rings far and wide, signaling the start of a new year and creating a solemn atmosphere.
Traditional activities include offering incense for peace at the beginning of the year, worshipping the Three Jewels, and specific rituals of the Truc Lam Zen school. Visitors can participate in picking lucky branches at the start of the year, entrusting their wishes for a peaceful and prosperous new year. This is also a favorable occasion to deeply feel the spiritual atmosphere and receive meaningful blessings from the monks and nuns in the pagoda.
3.2. Spiritual Activities at the Beginning of the Year: Praying for Peace, Sightseeing, Tet Incantations
At Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet, the spiritual space is open to those seeking peace, love, or prosperity at the beginning of the year. In the Great Buddha Hall, visitors can perform the ritual of praying for peace before the solemn altar of the Three Worlds and the statue of Amitabha Buddha.
Visiting sacred sites such as the Bell Tower, the Half-Moon Lake, or the Arhat Corridor offers a profound spiritual experience. Pilgrims seeking love often go to the area of the One Pillar Pagoda on the lotus pond, while those praying for wealth and prosperity visit the altars of the Three Jewels. Each area has its own significance, catering to different wishes, helping visitors perform rituals according to Buddhist tradition.
4. How to Travel to Ba Vang Pagoda During Tet
To ensure a smooth and safe trip to Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet, detailed planning is essential. Its convenient location in Uong Bi, Quang Ninh province, makes the pagoda easily accessible from various regions.
Moving to the pagoda in Uong Bi is very convenient thanks to good connectivity. (Source: Collected)
4.1. Traveling from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and surrounding provinces
From Hanoi, the journey to Ba Vang Pagoda is quite easy with a distance of over 120 km. Tourists can take a bus or sleeper bus, with travel time lasting 3-4 hours via National Highway 18 to Uong Bi. Alternatively, if traveling by private car, you can take the Hanoi - Ha Long expressway and then turn onto Provincial Road 295, with a total time of only about 2-3 hours.
Upon arriving at Uong Bi bus station, you can continue by taxi or ride-hailing motorbike taxi to reach the pagoda. Nearby provinces such as Hai Phong, Ha Long are also convenient to Ba Vang Pagoda via National Highway 18 or provincial roads, with travel time of only 1-2 hours. For those coming from afar, flying to Noi Bai and then traveling by road is a reasonable option.
4.2. Ba Vang Pagoda Spring Tour Services Tet 2026
Many travel companies currently offer package tours to Ba Vang Pagoda combined with a visit to Yen Tu, making the spiritual journey at the beginning of the year more complete. Group tours are designed with reasonable itineraries and affordable costs, suitable for families or groups of friends on a spring outing.
If you want flexibility in time, tourists can choose a private tour with a personalized itinerary. Joining a tour makes it more convenient for travel and sightseeing with a guide who understands the history, traditional rituals, and unique features of Ba Vang Pagoda . Especially during Tet, tourists are supported with transportation and services, allowing them to focus on valuable spiritual experiences.
5. Special experiences when visiting Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet spring festival
Every step at Ba Vang Pagoda Tet is a solemn yet relaxing experience, blending ancient space with the mountainous nature of Quang Ninh. This is an opportunity for visitors to pilgrimage and explore the depth of culture.
Spring travel journey combining solemn spiritual space and beautiful nature. (Source: Collected)
5.1. Must-see structures: Great Buddha Hall (Dai Hung Bao Dien), Half Moon Lake (Ho Ban Nguyet), Bell Tower (Lau Chuong), Quan Am statue
The Great Buddha Hall (Dai Hung Bao Dien), with an area of 4,500 m², and a 2-story, 8-roof structure, is the most outstanding feature at Ba Vang Pagoda. The solemn interior space with large Buddha statues and 37 paintings depicting the life of the Buddha creates a sense of majesty. This is also where the most important peace-praying ritual of the pilgrimage takes place.
The Half Moon Lake (Ho Ban Nguyet) with its One Pillar Pagoda on a lotus is a charming miniature landscape, very attractive in the morning when the early year's sunlight is abundant. This is an ideal photo spot, exuding the serenity of the harmony between sky and water. The Bell Tower (Lau Chuong) with its 3-ton great bell and the Drum Tower (Lau Trong) with Vietnam's largest single-log drum contribute to creating a tranquil space for visiting and praying at the pagoda with echoing bells and drums.
Visitors are advised to start their tour from the tam quan, continue through the Half Moon Lake (Ho Ban Nguyet), enter the chinh dien, and finish at the hanh lang La Hán to fully appreciate the beauty of the mountains and forests. The Quan Am statue and many other Buddha statues within the premises create a complete spiritual space for the spring journey.
5.2. Enjoy vegetarian cuisine and local specialties around the pagoda during Tet
At Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet, you will have the opportunity to enjoy traditional vegetarian dishes in the serene atmosphere of the meditation center. The vegetarian dishes here are prepared from fresh ingredients, carrying the distinct flavors of Northern Vietnamese cuisine, very suitable for the early days of the year.
The area around the pagoda also has many eateries serving Quang Ninh specialties, allowing visitors to easily combine culinary experiences with their pilgrimage. Enjoying traditional dishes from the mining region in the spring atmosphere contributes to making the trip even more memorable.
6. Experience, notes, and useful tips for visiting Ba Vang Pagoda at the beginning of the year
Preparing in advance for the trip to Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet will help bring meaningful, complete, and convenient experiences. A few small notes will help the pilgrimage at the beginning of the year proceed smoothly, in the true spiritual spirit.
Prepare your attire and offerings carefully to ensure a smooth pilgrimage at the beginning of the year. (Source: Collection)
6.1. Attire, Offerings, and Items to Prepare
When visiting Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet, choose modest and polite attire to show reverence for the sacred space. Wear neat clothing, avoiding outfits that are too flashy or short. Soft, comfortable shoes will be convenient for exploring the vast grounds.
Offerings typically include incense, fresh flowers, fruits, and sweets. You can also purchase offerings at reasonable prices right at Ba Vang Pagoda. Please be mindful of general hygiene, dispose of trash in designated areas, and follow instructions for lighting incense and praying to preserve the spiritual atmosphere for everyone.
6.2. Best Times to Visit the Pagoda and Tips for Impressive Tet Photos
Mornings from 6:00-8:00 AM or late afternoons from 4:00-6:00 PM are suitable times to visit Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet. During these times, the air is fresh, the light is gentle, making it convenient for sightseeing, worship, and taking commemorative photos.
A suggestion for beautiful photos at Ba Vang Pagoda is to choose a wide shot at Moon Lake with the image of the One Pillar Pagoda reflected on the water. When photographing at the Great Buddha Hall, shoot from below to emphasize the grandeur of the architecture. The Arhat Corridor in the afternoon will yield artistic shots with golden light and long shadows of stone statues.
6.3. Safety Precautions and Valuables Protection During Peak Times
During the Tet season at Ba Vang Pagoda, which attracts large crowds, you should pay attention to protecting your personal belongings. Avoid bringing many valuables and always keep an eye on your bag, phone, and wallet. While participating in ceremonies in the main hall, keep your belongings in a visible place.
Vehicles should be parked in designated areas and locked securely. The monks, nuns, and Buddhists at the pagoda are always enthusiastic to assist you if needed. Adhering to guidance on movement and visiting will ensure your safety and facilitate all pilgrims at Ba Vang Pagoda.
7. Suggested Itinerary for Spring Travel to Ba Vang Pagoda Combined with Quang Ninh's Tourism Ecosystem 2026
Combining a trip to Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet with other tourist destinations in Quang Ninh will offer a vibrant spring travel experience, optimize your time, and add value to your journey.
Combining temple visits with Quang Ninh tourist attractions makes the journey rich. (Source: Collected)
7.1. Sample 1-day Itinerary: Ba Vang Pagoda - Yen Tu - Quang Ninh Specialties
Start your day from Ha Long or Uong Bi, travel to Ba Vang Pagoda for sightseeing, worship, and enjoying the scenery for the first 2-3 hours of the day. This time is sufficient to fully experience spiritual activities and admire the pagoda's architecture.
At noon, you can enjoy vegetarian rice at the pagoda or visit nearby eateries, then continue your journey to Yen Tu, just a 30-45 minute drive away. At Yen Tu, visitors can choose to take the cable car or hike to conquer the sacred peak. At the end of the day, return to Bai Chay, enjoy Quang Ninh specialties such as fried squid cake, crab spring rolls, and admire Ha Long Bay scenery as the afternoon descends, concluding a fulfilling spring trip.
7.2. Suggested Combination of Destinations: Sun World Ha Long Park, Bai Chay, Cua Ong
A 2-day itinerary can begin with Ba Vang Pagoda and Yen Tu on the first day. On the second day, you can explore Sun World Ha Long with its many modern games and admire Ha Long Bay from above, followed by relaxation at Bai Chay with its long, sandy beach and water sports activities.
Cua Ong Temple, where Duc Thanh Tran Hung Dao is worshipped, is a suitable spiritual destination to incorporate into the itinerary, creating a rich chain of spiritual cultural experiences. Due to its proximity to Yen Tu, travel between these locations is convenient, allowing you to fully enjoy the mountainous scenery of Quang Ninh in the early days of the year.
Ba Vang Pagoda during Tet is not only a pilgrimage destination but also a place where the soul finds peace amidst the sacred mountain and forest scenery. The experiences here will bring a good start to the new year 2026. Prepare for a meaningful spring trip and share your beautiful feelings from this spiritual journey!