1. Overview of Bac Ma Pagoda Dong Trieu
Bac Ma Pagoda is an ancient pagoda located in Dong Trieu city, Quang Ninh province, which has long been associated with the spiritual life of the local people. Besides its spiritual value, the pagoda is also a revolutionary historical relic, linked to important milestones in the struggle movement of the people in the Dong Bac region.
In modern history, Bac Ma Pagoda is mentioned as a landmark within the space of the Fourth Military Zone (Dong Trieu Military Zone, Tran Hung Dao Military Zone) – an important revolutionary base during the pre-uprising period of 1945. The interplay between spiritual and historical elements has created a special depth for this pagoda in the cultural life of Dong Trieu.
1.1. Geographical location of Bac Ma Pagoda Dong Trieu
Bac Ma Pagoda is located in Bac Ma village, Binh Duong commune, Dong Trieu city, Quang Ninh province, within the traditional Northern Vietnamese countryside. The area around the pagoda is a harmonious combination of an old residential area, rice fields, and green spaces, providing a peaceful atmosphere suitable for worship and spiritual tourism.
From Bac Ma Pagoda, visitors can conveniently travel to the Tran Dynasty relic complex in Dong Trieu, which includes many prominent sites such as An Sinh Temple, Ngoa Van Pagoda, and Ho Thien Pagoda. Thanks to this location, Bac Ma Pagoda is often included in tours and pilgrimages to explore the history and culture of the Dong Trieu region.
From a historical perspective, the area of Bac Ma Pagoda is located within the space of the Dong Trieu – Kinh Mon – Chi Linh region, which was once the center of operations for the Fourth Military Zone. This area is considered a bridge between the revolutionary base areas of Cao – Bac – Lang and the Northern Vietnamese plains, contributing significantly to the process of struggling for power in 1945.
Bac Ma Pagoda is located in Bac Ma village, Binh Duong commune, Dong Trieu city, Quang Ninh province (Source: Collected)
1.2. Meaning of the name and spiritual role of Bac Ma Pagoda
The name "Bac Ma" is associated with the ancient place name of the area, reflecting the close connection between the pagoda and the land here. Over time, Bac Ma Pagoda has become not only a Buddhist work but also a spiritual anchor for the community of Dong Trieu city.
During the resistance years, along with places like the communal house and Ho Lao Pagoda, the communal house – Bac Ma Pagoda is a place that marks the persistent, silent yet resilient patriotic spirit of the local people. These historical values have contributed to the special role of the Dong Trieu region in the revolutionary movement of the Northeast region.
Today, Bac Ma Pagoda serves as an important Buddhist activity space for the local people. People often come to the pagoda to worship Buddha, pray for peace, seeking peace in their spiritual lives. At the same time, the pagoda is also a destination helping tourists and younger generations understand more about the historical traditions, culture, and patriotic spirit of the Dong Trieu land.
2. History of formation and development of Dong Trieu's Bac Ma Pagoda
2.1. Origin of the pagoda's formation
According to local historical documents and research on the Dong Trieu region, Bac Ma Pagoda was formed quite early, associated with the development of Buddhism and the spiritual life of the village community in this area. The exact time of the pagoda's construction is not yet precisely documented, however, many opinions suggest that the pagoda was built during the post-Le period, when Buddhism continued to play an important role in the spiritual life of the people in the Northern Delta region.
In the social context of the early period, Bac Ma Pagoda was not only a place to worship Buddha but also a common living space for the community, where people placed their faith, prayed for peace, and aspired to traditional moral values.
Panorama of Bac Ma Pagoda in Dong Trieu (Source: Collected)
2.2. Bac Ma Pagoda through historical periods
Throughout feudal dynasties, Bac Ma Pagoda was maintained and preserved as an important cultural-religious institution of the locality. Although not a major Buddhist center, the pagoda still exists within the cultural-historical space associated with the Dong Trieu region, which was once the center of Truc Lam Buddhism during the Tran dynasty.
During its existence, Bac Ma Pagoda has been renovated and restored many times to meet the religious needs of the people and to overcome the effects of time and natural disasters. Renovation efforts were carried out according to the conditions of each period, contributing to the preservation of the pagoda's architecture and spiritual space.
Especially, in the 20th century, Bac Ma Pagoda is associated with the local revolutionary history, being one of the landmarks within the Fourth War Zone (Dong Trieu War Zone, Tran Hung Dao War Zone). During this period, the pagoda was not only a place for religious activities but also associated with the patriotic spirit, solidarity, and struggle of the people of Dong Trieu.
2.3. The current period: Preservation and promotion of the relic's value
Entering the current period, Bac Ma Pagoda is being preserved as a historical-cultural relic associated with the local community's life. Renovation and preservation work on the pagoda's architecture and landscape are carried out to ensure a solemn space, suitable for Buddhist activities and the needs of visitors seeking historical understanding.
Alongside preservation efforts, Bac Ma Pagoda is increasingly mentioned in spiritual tourism itineraries in Dong Trieu, connecting with the Tran dynasty relic complex and other historical-cultural destinations in the area. The promotion of the relic's value not only contributes to heritage preservation but also helps spread the cultural, historical, and spiritual values of the Dong Trieu region to a wide audience of tourists.
3. Architecture and landscape of Bac Ma Pagoda in Dong Trieu
3.1. Overall architecture of Bac Ma Pagoda
Bac Ma Pagoda follows the common layout of Northern Vietnamese Buddhist pagodas, consisting of main sections such as the triple gate, front hall, upper sanctuary, and inner sanctuary, arranged along a vertical axis, creating a continuous and solemn space for worship.
The pagoda's architecture has a simple style, close to the rural landscape of Dong Trieu. The structures use traditional construction with tiled roofs, wooden frames, and brick walls, with limited elaborate decoration. The overall space is moderate and balanced, creating a tranquil atmosphere, suitable for Buddhist activities and community religious life.
3.2. Notable features within the pagoda's grounds
The main hall is the central section of Bac Ma Pagoda, where the Three Jewels altar is located with a system of Buddha statues arranged solemnly according to tradition. The statues bear the familiar style of Northern Vietnamese Buddhism, reflecting the spiritual faith and reverence of the local people.
Besides the main hall, the pagoda has auxiliary structures such as the Ancestor's house, the pagoda yard, and spaces for common activities. The pagoda yard is spacious and airy, often serving as the venue for Buddhist ceremonies on full moon days, the first day of the lunar month, and holidays.
Within the pagoda's grounds are preserved some horizontal lacquered boards, couplets, and worship items of certain cultural-artistic value, contributing to the expression of Buddhist thought and the moral traditions of Vietnamese people, while enriching the worship space.
The statues in Bac Ma Pagoda bear the familiar style of Northern Buddhism (Source: Collected)
3.3. Landscape space and visiting experience
Bac Ma Pagoda possesses a quiet space, relatively separate from the surrounding residential area, creating a relaxing feeling for visitors. Greenery, the temple yard, and architectural items are arranged harmoniously, contributing to maintaining a solemn and pure atmosphere.
With a moderate scale and gentle space, Bac Ma Pagoda is suitable for activities of worship, sightseeing, and seeking peace in spiritual life. Visitors to the pagoda often spend time strolling around the premises, observing the architecture, offering incense to Buddha, or taking photos with a spiritual and simple mood.
The pagoda's space aims for a slow-paced experience, suitable for those who wish to learn about Buddhist culture and feel the peacefulness of the Dong Trieu countryside.
4. Directions to Bac Ma Pagoda, Dong Trieu
4.1. Traveling from Hanoi, Hai Phong, Ha Long
Bac Ma Pagoda is located in Dong Trieu city, Quang Ninh province, an area with convenient transportation links to major cities such as Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Ha Long. Therefore, visitors can easily arrange day trips or combine visits to multiple destinations in the area.
From Hanoi, traveling to Dong Trieu is relatively convenient by private car, motorbike, or bus. If traveling by private vehicle, visitors often choose expressways or national highways connecting to Quang Ninh, then continue to the Dong Trieu area. The average travel time is about 2.5–3.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the chosen route. With buses, visitors can catch routes to Dong Trieu or routes passing through this area, then continue to the pagoda by taxi or ride-hailing service.
From Hai Phong, the distance to Dong Trieu is shorter, suitable for short trips. Visitors can travel along routes directly connecting to Quang Ninh, with travel time usually ranging from 1.5–2.5 hours. Personal vehicles allow for a flexible schedule, while buses are suitable for those who want to travel lightly without driving themselves.
If departing from Ha Long, visitors travel along provincial routes within Quang Ninh to Dong Trieu city. With the increasingly complete transportation system, this journey is quite convenient, with an average travel time of about 1.5–2.5 hours, depending on the specific starting point in the Ha Long area.
Overall, a private car is a suitable choice if visitors want to be proactive with their time and combine visits to many spiritual and historical sites in Dong Trieu.
The travel distance to the pagoda is very convenient, so visitors can choose many options such as personal car, bus, taxi, ride-hailing service… (Source: Collected)
4.2. Moving within Dong Trieu area to Bac Ma Pagoda
From the center of Dong Trieu city, visitors continue to move along urban routes or inter-regional roads to reach Bac Ma Pagoda. The road to the pagoda is relatively easy to travel, but it has the characteristics of a rural area, so some sections have a moderate width. Moving slowly, observing carefully, and asking locals when necessary will make the journey smoother.
During the rainy season, some small road sections may be slippery or waterlogged, so visitors should pay attention to choosing suitable vehicles and ensure safety while traveling. During festivals, full moon days, or weekends, the number of people visiting the pagoda may be higher than usual, so going early and arranging time reasonably will help avoid crowds, making it convenient for parking and worship.
5. Spiritual experience at Bac Ma Dong Trieu Pagoda
5.1. Pilgrimage and Buddha worship activities
Bac Ma Pagoda is a familiar spiritual destination for the people of Dong Trieu city, where traditional pilgrimage and Buddha worship activities take place. When visiting the pagoda, Buddhists and visitors often offer incense, worship Buddha, and pray for peace and health for themselves and their families.
The pagoda's atmosphere is relatively quiet and solemn, suitable for worship, sightseeing, and quiet contemplation. Many people choose to visit the pagoda during less crowded times of the day for a more relaxed experience, while maintaining solemnity during the pilgrimage.
Overall, worship activities at Bac Ma Pagoda are conducted in a simple manner, in line with the local community's religious practices.
Pagodas are familiar spiritual activity places for the people of Dong Trieu city (Source: Collected)
5.2. Festivals and Spiritual Cultural Activities
On the full moon day, the first day of the lunar month, and some Buddhist holidays during the year, Bac Ma Pagoda often welcomes many local people to offer incense and worship Buddha. The atmosphere on these days is usually busier than usual, but still maintains solemnity in the sacred worship space.
Besides its religious significance, the pagoda also plays a role in the cultural and spiritual life of Dong Trieu residents, serving as a place to maintain religious practices and foster community bonding during traditional holidays. Through these activities, Bac Ma Pagoda contributes to preserving local cultural values and providing spiritual support for the local people.
6. Tips and Notes for Visiting Bac Ma Pagoda
When visiting and paying respects at Bac Ma Pagoda, visitors can prepare a few basic things to ensure a smooth trip and maintain the solemnity of the sacred worship space.
Regarding attire, prioritize polite, modest, and neat clothing. Muted colors are generally more suitable when visiting a pagoda, helping worship and visiting proceed with reverence.
During the visit, visitors should pay attention to appropriate behavior such as speaking softly, moving slowly, and limiting the use of noisy audio devices. When offering incense and worshipping Buddha, follow the general guidance at the pagoda to ensure order and solemnity in the worship area.
Additionally, maintaining cleanliness and the landscape is very important. Visitors should dispose of trash in designated areas, limit bringing food and drinks into the worship area, and be mindful not to touch plants, worship items, or architectural elements within the pagoda grounds. Small but appropriate actions will help maintain the serene atmosphere of Bac Ma Pagoda.
Regarding visiting times, the pagoda can be visited year-round. If you wish to enjoy a quiet atmosphere, visitors can go on weekdays or early in the morning. On full moon days, the first day of the lunar month, and Buddhist holidays, the number of people visiting the pagoda is usually higher; in this case, visitors should plan their time accordingly to make travel and worship more convenient.
In Bac Ma Pagoda, there are several historical relics, so visitors need to ensure order and solemnity when visiting and worshipping here (Source: Collected)
7. Suggested itinerary for visiting Dong Trieu
7.1. Half-day – 1-day itinerary to explore Dong Trieu
Dong Trieu is suitable for a half-day to one-day itinerary thanks to its concentration of many historical – spiritual destinations. In this journey, Bac Ma Pagoda can be arranged as an opening stop for worship in a relatively quiet space, or as an ending point to conclude the trip more gently, depending on the tourists' time and direction of travel.
If traveling for half a day, after visiting Bac Ma Pagoda, tourists can continue to the Tran Dynasty relic complex area in Dong Trieu. Within this cluster of destinations, An Sinh Temple is a frequently chosen site for visiting and offering incense. Depending on the itinerary, tourists can also visit some hermitages, pagodas, and relic sites located within the same cultural – historical space of the Dong Trieu region.
With a one-day itinerary, tourists can spend more time sightseeing, learning about the architecture and worship spaces at each destination, then rest and have a meal in the central area of Dong Trieu city before concluding the trip.
If visiting for half a day, after visiting Bac Ma Pagoda, tourists can continue to the Tran Dynasty historical site complex in Dong Trieu (Source: Collected)
7.2. Suggested nearby tourist experiences
Besides spiritual and historical attractions, tourists can combine culinary experiences in the central Dong Trieu area with local dining options according to their needs. Arranging meals interspersed with the sightseeing itinerary helps make the trip balanced and more comfortable.
From Dong Trieu, tourists can also extend their journey to other areas of Quang Ninh for sightseeing and relaxation. If you want to combine additional destinations and services within the Sun Group ecosystem in Quang Ninh, you should choose an option that suits your route, length of stay, and travel plan, to ensure the itinerary is not too packed and maintains a good pace of experience.
Bac Ma Pagoda Dong Trieu is a spiritual destination with enduring historical and cultural value, characterized by its serene atmosphere and the ancient charm typical of the Tran Dynasty land. Visiting this place during your journey to explore Quang Ninh, tourists can not only worship and sightsee but also have the opportunity to pause, feel the depth of local culture, and share their own unique experiences.
