Five Vietnam pilgrimage destinations perfect for spiritual seekers: Booking.com

Booking.com, the world's leading digital travel company, has suggested some destinations in Vietnam for those seeking spiritual enrichment and a chance for reflection and connection, including Ba Den mountain and Bai Dinh pagoda.

Ba Den mountain - the holy mountain of the south

Rising 986 meters above sea level, Ba Den mountain in Tay Ninh province is one of southern Vietnam’s most revered spiritual destinations, attracting pilgrims and visitors year-round.

This year, the festival starts from the 4th to the 30th days of the first lunar month (February 1 to February 27, 2025). Thousands of pilgrims ascend the mountain to participate in the Ba Den mountain festival - the largest spiritual festival in southern Vietnam, honoring Goddess Linh Son Thanh Mau.

Beyond the festival, visitors can also enjoy the breathtaking views from the summit, and, during the first lunar month, an enchanting tulip paradise awaits, with over 115,000 tulip bulbs blooming across the mountaintop, adding a touch of vibrant color to the spiritual landscape.

Bai Dinh pagoda, a majestic Buddhist sanctuary

As Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist complex, Bai Dinh pagoda in the northern province of Ninh Binh is a must-visit destination for those seeking spiritual renewal and tranquility.

While the Lunar New Year celebrations draw large crowds, visiting after the initial rush offers a more peaceful setting to appreciate the grandeur of this expansive complex.

Visitors can admire the intricate details of the golden Buddha statues, wander through the serene Arhat corridor with its hundreds of unique statues, and marvel at the towering pagoda that dominates the landscape.

The best time to visit Bai Dinh pagoda is during the Bai Dinh festival, taking place from 6th of the first lunar new month. The event features prayer ceremonies, water procession rituals, and traditional performances, attracting devotees from across the country.

Linh Ung pagoda, a coastal sanctuary

Perched on the Son Tra peninsula, overlooking the vast expanse of the East Sea, Linh Ung pagoda in the central city of Danang offers both spiritual solace and breathtaking panoramic views.

This coastal sanctuary is home to Vietnam’s tallest Lady Buddha statue, a majestic figure standing at 67 meters tall.

Early in the year, visitors flock to Linh Ung pagoda to pray for protection, peace, and prosperity in the new year while enjoying the cool coastal breeze and the stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape. The serene setting and the gentle sound of the waves create a calming environment for reflection and prayer.

The Lady Buddha Worship festival, a special occasion for devotees, is held from March 16-18, 2025 (17th to 19th days of the second lunar month).

Huong Pagoda in Hanoi

Each spring, Huong pagoda welcomes thousands of pilgrims. The journey to this sacred site is an experience in itself. Visitors embark on a picturesque boat ride along the Yen River, surrounded by misty mountains and lush forests, creating a tranquil and reflective atmosphere.

The boat ride leads to the foot of the mountain, where a trek begins, winding its way through breathtaking scenery to Huong Tich cave, considered the “Buddha’s Paradise on Earth”, where worshippers pray for good health, prosperity, and blessings for the new year.

The Huong Pagoda festival, one of Vietnam's largest and most vibrant Buddhist celebrations, runs from February 3 to May 1, 2025 (6th day of Lunar New Year holiday Tet to the third lunar month), attracting millions of visitors each spring.

Yen Tu mountain in Quang Ninh

For centuries, Yen Tu mountain in the northern province of Quang Ninh has been a revered Buddhist pilgrimage site, known as the cradle of Vietnamese Zen Buddhism.

Visitors can embark on a spiritual hike to Dong pagoda, perched at 1,068 meters, with many believing this pilgrimage during Lunar New Year holiday Tet brings wisdom and clarity for the year ahead.

The annual Yen Tu festival, a major cultural and religious event, attracts thousands of devotees every year. This year, the festival took place from February 8-13, 2025 (11th to 16th days of the first lunar month), commemorating the spiritual journey of King Tran Nhan Tong, who founded Truc Lam Zen Buddhism.

Varun Grover, country head, Vietnam at Booking.com, commented that Vietnam's ancient temples and pagodas, each with their own rich history and unique architecture, hold a special allure for travelers seeking spiritual connection.

"These sacred sites not only showcase the beauty of Vietnamese culture but also offer a pathway to deeper understanding and inner peace. Spiritual travel plays a vital role in preserving these traditions and fostering a connection to Vietnam's heritage," he added.