Perched atop Ba Deo Hill within Sun World Ha Long Park, Bao Hai Linh Thong Tu Pagoda is one of the newest and most breathtaking spiritual landmarks in Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam. Inaugurated in April 2021, this pagoda combines ancient Vietnamese architecture, serene natural surroundings, and panoramic views of Ha Long Bay — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With its name meaning “The sacred temple among the green pines, a guardian of peace and prosperity for Ha Long City”, Bao Hai Linh Thong Tu represents the perfect balance between culture and nature, tradition and modernity, and spirituality and tourism.
Exploring Bao Hai Linh Thong Tu Pagoda: A Hidden Gem Among Ha Long Bay Things to Do
My Visit to Bao Hai Linh Thong Tu Pagoda
I visited the pagoda on my last day in Ha Long Bay. After finishing a boat tour around the bay, I still had a bit of time left before catching my bus back to Hanoi. I’d already returned my rental scooter, which I’d been using the previous days to explore, so I opened Google Maps to see what else I could squeeze in. That’s when I spotted Bao Hai Linh Thong Tu Pagoda, sitting high above the city on Ba Deo Hill.
I ordered a Grab and was dropped off right near the top. The pagoda turned out to be a great surprise, colourful, and incredibly photogenic. The weather was perfect that day, which made the bright red roofs and golden details stand out beautifully against the blue sky. I spent quite a while wandering around the grounds, admiring the intricate architecture and taking photos of the workers maintaining the area.
There were also several people dressed in traditional Vietnamese clothing, posing for photos with professional photographers, which added even more atmosphere to the place. From the top, the view over Ha Long Bay.
When I’d finished exploring the pagoda, I made my way toward the Cau May (Cloud Bridge) and paid the small fee to cross over to the gardens and park area. I didn’t spend too long there, though, as my main goal was to ride the Queen Cable Car back down the hill.
It was surprisingly quiet and almost eerie,walking through a park clearly designed for crowds but nearly empty. On the cable car, it was just me and one other passenger. The views were absolutely spectacular, and as we descended toward the amusement park below
1. About Bao Hai Linh Thong Tu Pagoda
About Bao Hai Linh Thong Tu Pagoda
Though recently completed, the pagoda’s design draws deep inspiration from the Late Le Dynasty (17th century). Every detail — from the carved lotus motifs to the traditional ironwood frame — reflects centuries of Vietnamese craftsmanship and Buddhist symbolism.
The pagoda was built as part of the Mystic Hill (Đồi Huyền Bí) area within Sun World Ha Long, envisioned as a spiritual sanctuary for visitors seeking peace and connection amidst the lively coastal city.
Cultural and Artistic Details
Bao Hai Linh Thong Tu is home to over 100 bronze Buddha statues, 66 of which were modeled after ancient 17th-century statues from iconic temples in Hanoi and Bac Giang. Crafted by artisans from Dai Bai Village (Bac Ninh Province) — known for its traditional bronze casting — these statues add grandeur and serenity to the pagoda.
The ironwood framework, lotus-inspired motifs, and cloud-shaped roof corners showcase the fusion of nature and spirituality that defines Vietnamese Buddhist architecture.
3. How to Get There
How To Get There
How to Get There
Reaching Bao Hai Linh Thong Tu is an adventure in itself:
- Starting Point:
- Begin your journey at Ocean Station in Sun World Ha Long Park, where you’ll purchase a Queen Cable Car ticket.
- 🎟 Adult: 350,000 VND
- 🎟 Child (1m–1.4m): 250,000 VND
- Cable Car Experience:
- The cable car offers breathtaking aerial views of Bai Chay Bridge, Cua Luc Bay, and Ha Long Bay below. It carries you directly to the Mystic Hill area, home to the Japanese Garden and Cloud Bridge.
- Cau May (Cloud Bridge):
- Cross this 100-meter suspension bridge linking two hills. Visitors often write wishes on lotus-shaped paper leaves and hang them along the bridge rails — a symbolic gesture for blessings and peace.
- Final Ascent:
- From the end of the bridge, you can either walk or take an electric car up to the pagoda entrance.
Alternatively, you can simply take a taxi or Grab scooter straight to the top of Bao Hai Linh Thong Tu Pagoda. There’s a small car park available, and I wouldn’t recommend walking up — the hill is quite steep, and with rides being so affordable, it’s definitely worth saving your energy for exploring the pagoda itself
🕒 Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
💰 Entrance: Free of charge
4. Architectural Highlights
Architectural Highlights
Architectural Highlights
Covering nearly 4,000 square meters, Bao Hai Linh Thong Tu Pagoda is a masterpiece of traditional Vietnamese architecture, featuring intricate carvings, layered roofs, and natural harmony with the mountain landscape.
1. Tam Quan – The Three-Entrance Gate
The main gate welcomes visitors with its sweeping tiled roofs and cloud-shaped carvings. The central doorway is reserved for monks and ceremonies, while two side doors invite tourists and devotees to enter. Above the main gate, a wooden plaque bears the pagoda’s name in elegant calligraphy.
2. Ngu Phuong Bao Thap – The Five-Directions Stupa
Standing 18 meters tall, this jade-green stone tower symbolizes purity and enlightenment. Its shape resembles a blooming lotus — the emblem of Buddhism. A statue of Buddha Shakyamuni sits serenely atop the stupa, gazing over Ha Long Bay.
3. Tam Bao – The Main Sanctuary
The spiritual heart of the complex, Tam Bao houses three grand bronze Buddha statues:
Amitabha (A Di Đà): Enlightenment and liberation
Shakyamuni (Thích Ca Mâu Ni): Compassion and wisdom
Maitreya (Di Lặc): Happiness and prosperity
These three represent the “Three Jewels” of Buddhism — the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
4. Ancestor Hall
Located behind the Main Sanctuary, this hall is dedicated to King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong, founder of the Truc Lam Zen School. Revered for his wisdom and humility, he renounced his throne to pursue spiritual enlightenment and spread Buddhist teachings throughout Vietnam.
5. Mother Goddess Hall
Opposite the Ancestor Hall, this shrine honors Bodhisattva Guanyin (Avalokitesvara) — the embodiment of compassion. Inside are 37 gilded jackfruit wood statues, intricately crafted with traditional Vietnamese artistry.
6. Arhat Corridors
The left and right corridors house 18 bronze Arhat statues and carved Buddhist scriptures such as the Diamond Sutra and Lotus Sutra, offering visitors teachings on mindfulness and compassion.
6. Scenic Views and Atmosphere
Scenic Views and Atmosphere
Scenic Views and Atmosphere
The pagoda’s location is one of its greatest treasures. Surrounded by pine forests and perched high above Ha Long Bay, Bao Hai Linh Thong Tu offers panoramic views that stretch from the sea to the city skyline.
At sunrise, the mist drifts gently across the bay, while at sunset, golden light bathes the temple in warmth. At night, soft illumination transforms the pagoda into a glowing sanctuary amid the dark hills — an unforgettable sight for photographers and peace-seekers alike.
7. Travel Tips
Travel Tips
Travel Tips
✨ Best Time to Visit:
- Spring (February–April) for cool weather and temple festivals.
- Autumn (September–November) for clear skies and scenic views of Ha Long Bay.
🙏 Dress Code:
Wear modest clothing — long pants and sleeves are recommended. Avoid loud behavior and remove shoes before entering main halls.
📸 Photography:
Allowed in outdoor areas, but be respectful when inside prayer halls.
8. Nearby Attractions
Nearby Attractions:
- Sun World Ha Long Park (for rides, cable cars, and scenic viewpoints)
- Bai Chay Beach (10 minutes away)
- Quang Ninh Museum (25 minutes drive)
- Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh (30 minutes drive for hot spring relaxation)
Ha Long Bay Beyond the Cruise
Poem Mountain
Poem Mountain offers stunning views of Ha Long Bay and reaching the summit is a bit of an adventure in itself. However, I’d recommend skipping it if you’re not comfortable with some steep and slightly sketchy climbing
