Located in Van Don special zone, Quang Ninh province, Cai Bau Pagoda (or Truc Lam Giac Tam Zen Monastery) is located in a "mountain-facing sea" location, facing Bai Tu Long Bay.
Not only is it a place for monks, nuns, and Buddhists to study and perform ceremonies, Cai Bau Pagoda also worships generals of the Tran Dynasty who contributed to the resistance war against the Mongol Yuan army in the 13th century. Therefore, this place both carries religious values and contributes to preserving the historical and cultural traditions of Van Don land.
On an area of about 20 hectares, the pagoda complex is planned in a traditional architectural style with items such as Tam Quan gate, bell tower, drum tower, monastery, ancestral house and guest house. Prominent is the two-story main hall area of more than 6,000 m2. The upper floor is dedicated to Buddha Shakyamuni, the lower floor is a place to worship Bodhisattva and preserve Xa Loi Buddha.
The architectural items are built in harmony with the natural landscape. Curved tiled roofs, stone steps and open space facing the sea create a peaceful, solemn look, while also showing the imprint of the Truc Lam Zen sect.
One of the characteristics of Cai Bau Pagoda is a civilized religious living environment. The pagoda management board does not allow burning votive paper, and at the same time does not allow the situation of soliciting customers, exchanging small change or messy trading in the premises to occur.
Thanks to that, the pagoda has become a destination chosen by many Buddhists and tourists to worship, sightsee and return to a peaceful space in the Bay Tu Long Bay nature.
