Bo Da Pagoda

Bo Da Pagoda is an ancient Buddhist pagoda located in Tien Son Commune, Viet Yen District, Bac Ninh Province, northern Vietnam. Originally built in the 11th century during the Ly Dynasty and later expanded, it is one of the largest and oldest pagodas in the region. Notable for its traditional northern Vietnamese architecture, extensive garden of 121 ancient stupas and tombs, and preserved Buddhist woodblocks, it was recognized as a National Special Relic and remains an important pilgrimage site.

Visitors can expect a tranquil Buddhist temple complex set among gardens and traditional northern Vietnamese architecture with curved tile roofs, wooden structures, and courtyards. The main areas include the three-entrance gate, main worship halls with Buddha statues, and the renowned stupa garden containing 121 ancient brick stupas and tombs of monks. The grounds are peaceful, surrounded by bamboo and rural landscape, offering opportunities for sightseeing, photography, and observing religious practices.

Bo Da Pagoda was originally built in the 11th century during the Ly Dynasty and was significantly restored and expanded in the 18th century under the Le Dynasty. It became a major center of Truc Lam Zen Buddhism in northern Vietnam. The pagoda preserves 121 ancient stupas built from the 18th century onwards for revered monks and nuns, and a collection of Buddhist woodblocks. It was classified as a National Special Relic in 2016.

The pagoda is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site and center of Truc Lam Zen Buddhism. It holds significant religious value for Vietnamese Buddhists, preserves traditional Buddhist scriptures, woodblocks, and rituals, and represents classic northern Vietnamese pagoda architecture and spiritual heritage. Annual festivals attract pilgrims and visitors for prayer and cultural activities.