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Sights - Bich Dong Pagoda + 3 Levels
Bich Dong literally means Emerald Green Grotto. Is is named it because the pagoda was in a rich green natural area. Consensus is that the Bich Dong Pagoda was first built in 1428 or around that time, during the reign of Ly Thai To. Alas it must have fallen in to obscurity because in 1705 it was re-discovered by two monks - hidden by dense jungle foliage. They then had it rebuilt with 3-layers pagoda, which is what we see today.
Bich Dong Pagoda has a traditional construction style, made from wood and stone with brick tiled roofs. It has 3 separate layered structures: Ha Pagoda (Lower Pagoda), Trung Pagoda (Middle Pagoda) and Thuong Pagoda (Upper Pagoda). These 3 pagodas are built in ascending order and to reach them you must climb some some steep steps.
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Ha Pagoda - The lower pagoda is used as a shrine to worship Buddha and is situated at the foot of the mountain. To get here you must first cross a stone bridge over a lotus flower pond and through a lovely courtyard.
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Trung Pagoda - Located half way up, the 2nd temple is divided in to two areas. Inside the cave as well as outside. The pagoda has a bronze bell with sophisticated engravings as well as the three huge stone statues of Amitabha Buddha, Van Thu Bodhisattva and Thi Kinh Bodhisattva.
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Thoung Pagoda - Has two temples, one of the earth god and one for the mountain god. Access is via the cave where you can find the image of non celestial characters. This pagoda, being the highest up also has a rather nice view of Tam Coc.
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