Trúc Lâm Phật Tích Bản Giốc Pagoda

Perched on the forested slopes of Phia Nham Mountain in northern Vietnam’s Cao Bằng Province, this pagoda complex is a spiritual beacon overlooking the breathtaking Bản Giốc Waterfall. Officially inaugurated in December 2014, the pagoda holds the distinction of being the first Buddhist temple built along the northern border of Vietnam. This strategic and symbolic location, just 500 metres from the famous waterfall and near the Chinese border, adds both spiritual weight and geopolitical significance to the site.

The architecture of the pagoda blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings, showcasing classic Vietnamese design sensibilities. The site includes traditional structures like the Tam Quan (Three Entrance) Gate, Tam Bảo (the Main Hall), an ancestral shrine and a Mother Goddess temple. A bell tower housing a 1.5 ton bronze bell adds to the sacred atmosphere. Particularly striking are the serene gardens populated with statues of Arhats (fully enlightened beings who have overcome all desires and suffering, attaining nirvana and freedom from the cycle of rebirth) and Bodhisattvas, both which contribute to a tranquil ambiance that invites meditation and admiration.

What makes this site especially meaningful is its dedication to not only Buddhist principles but also local heroes. Among them is Nùng Trí Cao, a legendary 11th-century leader of the Nùng ethnic group, native to the mountainous borderlands between northern Vietnam and southern China. Born around 1025 in what is now Cao Bằng Province, he rose to prominence as a defiant champion of frontier autonomy. He led multiple uprisings, at times allying with the Vietnamese court and at others rebelling against it, ultimately declaring the independent Kingdom of Đại Lịch.

Though his reign was brief and eventually crushed by the Chinese Song Dynasty, his actions symbolised the fierce independence of the highland peoples and their resistance to external control. Today, Nùng Trí Cao is honoured not as a rebel but as a regional hero and protector. His shrine at the Pagoda pays tribute to his legacy, reinforcing the temple’s deeper role as both a place of Buddhist practice and a monument to local identity. By commemorating him alongside sacred Buddhist figures, the pagoda acknowledges the spiritual power of historical memory, where defense of the homeland becomes an act of devotion. His story continues to resonate in the rugged landscape he once fought to protect, making him a vital thread in the cultural fabric of northern Vietnam.

The location offers awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding karst landscape, with misty mountains rising in every direction and the emerald waters of the Quây Sơn River winding through the valley. From the pagoda’s elevated terraces, visitors can see directly across the border into China. This striking proximity enhances the pagoda’s identity as a guardian of Vietnam’s cultural and spiritual integrity, nestled in a region long marked by both connection and conflict.

The pagoda also represents the modern revival of the Trúc Lâm Zen tradition, a Vietnamese Buddhist sect founded in the 13th century by Emperor Trần Nhân Tông. Emphasising mindful living and simplicity, the sect’s philosophies are embedded in the daily rituals and aesthetic choices of the site. Through education, meditation practice and ceremonial events, Trúc Lâm Phật Tích Bản Giốc Pagoda keeps this centuries old lineage vibrant and relevant to contemporary spiritual seekers.

For those visiting, the experience is more than just scenic. Each year, coinciding with the beginning of Tết (the Vietnamese Lunar New Year), the pagoda becomes a cultural hotspot during the Peony Festival. Visitors are treated to a landscape bursting with floral colour, local performances and traditional games, fostering an energetic environment that combines spiritual respect with community celebration.

The views from the pagoda are stunning

Location : Trúc Lâm Phat Tích Pagoda, Dàm Thủy Commune, Trùng Khánh District, Cao Bằng Province,Vietnam

How to get there : Some companies will include a visit here as part of the Ha Giang Motorbike loop tour however if you're coming from Cao Bằng city, travel approximately 85 km east via National Highway 3 toward Trùng Khánh District, then continue about 25 km on Provincial Road 206 to the Ban Gioc area. The pagoda sits just 500 metres from Ban Gioc Waterfall, perched on Phia Nham Mountain with panoramic views of the surrounding valley and the Chines border. From the base, visitors can walk for about 10 minutes up a series of steep stone steps or take a motorbike taxi to the summit. The journey takes 2 to 3 hours by private car or motorbike and local buses or shuttle vans are also available to Trùng Khánh or Ban Gioc, though onward travel to the pagoda may require a motorbike taxi.

Attraction Info : Trúc Lâm Phật Tích Bản Giốc Pagoda is open daily and shares operating hours with the Ban Gioc Waterfall between 7:30am to 5:30pm, extendable to 5:30pm during peak season. There is no separate entrance fee for the pagoda if you’ve already paid the 45000 VND ticket to Ban Gioc Waterfall.

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