Meta description: Discover the magnificence of Bai Dinh Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s largest and most revered Buddhist temples. 

Explore Bai Dinh Pagoda – the LARGEST Pagoda in Ninh Binh

Welcome to the enchanting world of Bai Dinh Pagoda, a majestic Buddhist sanctuary nestled in the serene landscapes of Ninh Binh province in Vietnam. With its grandeur, rich cultural heritage, and spiritual significance, the pagoda stands as one of the country’s most revered and impressive religious sites. Join us on a journey to discover the beauty, tranquility, and profound spirituality that define this remarkable destination. Apart from its religious significance, this place has also become a popular ecotourism and spiritual destination. It has set multiple records in Vietnam and Asia, attracting visitors with its grandeur and cultural heritage.

Is Bai Dinh Pagoda worth visiting?

In Northern Vietnam, the Bai Dinh Pagoda is a well-known Buddhist pagoda. It is well known for being one of Southeast Asia’s largest temples. For those who enjoy culture, it is definitely a must-see because it is close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trang An Complex. Magnificent buildings, fine sculptures, and a multitude of statues, notably the largest and heaviest statue of Shakyamuni Buddha in Asia, can be seen within the pagoda complex. Beautiful gardens adorn it, featuring the famous Bodhi trees that are imported from Indian temples. The key details regarding the pagoda that you should be aware of before setting off on your journey are listed below.

Overview of Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex in Ninh Binh 

Location, opening hours, entrance fee

The pagoda is located in Gia Sinh commune, Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province, approximately 12 kilometers from the city center of Ninh Binh and about 100 kilometers from the capital city of VietNam. The opening hours are between 6:00AM to 9:00PM, Monday to Sunday.

If you have the opportunity to visit this destination for worship, prayer, and religious activities, don’t miss out on the sightseeing activities. You do not need to pay an entrance fee when visiting the pagoda. However, the overall area is extremely large, so you need to rent an electric car if you are traveling with young children or elderly people. The pagoda complex is vast and connected to the scenic Trang An landscape, allowing you to combine additional sightseeing trips and utilize related services with the following expenses:

• Electric scooter rental: 30,000 VND/ride.
• Exploring the Trang An scenic area: the boat ticket price is 150,000 VND/person.
• Electric tram ticket: 60,000 VND/person.
• Bao Thap entrance ticket: 50,000 VND/person.
• Tour guide fee: 300,000 VND/tour applied for the new area; 500,000 VND/tour for the new and ancient pagoda areas.

History

Over 1000 years ago, during the reigns of the Dinh, Early Le, and Ly dynasties, Buddhism was highly regarded and considered the national religion. As a result, numerous ancient pagodas were constructed, including Bai Dinh Pagoda, situated in the Trang An mountain range. The pagoda’s history dates back to the Dinh dynasty, yet it still retains architectural details and artifacts that bear the strong imprint of the Ly dynasty.

The pagoda is considered a land of kings, saints, and deities. The ancient Bai Dinh Mountain was where Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang held ceremonies to pray for favorable weather and harmonious winds. It was also chosen by King Quang Trung to conduct flag-raising rituals, inspiring soldiers before their victorious march to Thang Long to defeat the Qing invaders.

In 1997, the pagoda was recognized as a national-level historical, cultural, and revolutionary heritage site. Over the centuries, it faced destruction and damage due to wars and natural disasters. However, resilient devotees and Buddhist communities continuously restored and rebuilt the pagoda to preserve its sacred significance. 

In 2003, a large-scale construction project began to transform Bai Dinh into a more expansive and magnificent complex. The project aimed to showcase traditional architectural styles while incorporating modern elements. The new pagoda area boasts impressive structures, including immense statues, ornate halls, and meticulously crafted details.

Today, this pagoda stands as a symbol of Vietnam’s enduring religious and cultural heritage. It attracts both domestic and international visitors seeking spiritual solace, cultural immersion, and the opportunity to witness the architectural marvels that blend ancient traditions with contemporary design. The temple’s history and development highlight its significance as a revered destination in Vietnam.

Structure

Until now, the Bai Dinh Pagoda complex consists of an ancient pagoda area and a newly constructed area since 2003. The pagoda stands proudly on the mountainside, overlooking a serene emerald lake and majestic rocky peaks. Notably, the pagoda is located at the western entrance to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.

With a history of over 1000 years, the architectural style of the pagoda encapsulates the unique beauty of ancient times. Despite the presence of the new pagoda area, designed and built in a grand and magnificent manner, it still harmoniously blends with the traditional essence.

When you visit, you will feel an incredibly serene and refreshing atmosphere. Upon entering the gate, you can stroll along the corridor adorned with statues of Arhats, which encircles the pagoda complex. Inside the pagoda, there are numerous small gardens with green plants, especially the Bodhi trees brought from Indian temples.

It is not only a religious site but has also become a renowned ecotourism and spiritual destination. Bai Dinh pagoda has achieved eight records in Vietnam and Asia, such as having the largest bronze bell in Vietnam, the tallest and heaviest statue of Shakyamuni Buddha in Asia, the largest gilded bronze Triple Gem statues in Vietnam, the largest bronze statue of Laughing Buddha in Southeast Asia, the longest Arhat corridor in Vietnam, and the largest number of Bodhi trees in Vietnam. This destination truly offers a captivating experience that combines spirituality, cultural richness, and natural beauty.

When and how to get to Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex?

The best time to visit the scenic area and the complex is from January to March in the lunar calendar. During this period, the weather is usually pleasant, and the landscape is at its most beautiful. Additionally, on the 6th day of the Lunar New Year, the place holds a festival, providing an excellent opportunity to combine sightseeing with participating in the traditional festivities.

However, if you prefer a quieter and more serene atmosphere, you can visit the pagoda on any regular day when there are fewer tourists. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the tranquil and peaceful ambiance of the surroundings.

To reach Bai Dinh Pagoda, you can follow these general directions:

• By Air: If you are traveling from outside of Vietnam or from a distant location within the country, the nearest major airport is Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. From there, you have several options to reach Ninh Binh City.
• By Road: From Hanoi, you can take a taxi, private car, or a combination of public transportation to reach Ninh Binh City. The approximate distance from Hanoi to Ninh Binh City is around 100 kilometers (62 miles), and the journey takes around 2-3 hours depending on traffic conditions. You can choose one of the following recommendations:
  • Taxi/Private Car: Hire a taxi or arrange for a private car from Hanoi to Ninh Binh City. This is a convenient option, but it can be relatively more expensive. It is advisable to negotiate the fare beforehand or use reputable taxi services.
  • Bus: Take a public bus from Hanoi to Ninh Binh City, which is the capital of Ninh Binh Province where Bai Dinh is located. From Ninh Binh City, you can then take a local bus, taxi, or hire a motorbike taxi (xe om) to reach Bai Dinh City.

• Local Transportation: Once you arrive in Ninh Binh, you can use taxis, motorbike taxis (xe om), or rent a bicycle or motorbike to explore the city and reach Bai Dinh. Local transportation options are readily available near tourist areas and transportation hubs.

It is recommended to check the current transportation schedules and options, as they may be subject to change. Additionally, consider using reliable and licensed transportation services to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

What To See At The Bai Dinh Pagoda 

Nguyen Saint Temple

The Nguyen Saint Temple is an ancient temple located in the village of Diem, formerly known as Dam Gia Loan, later changed to Dam Xa. Today, it is divided into two communes, Gia Tien and Gia Thang, in Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province. The temple was built on the foundation of an ancient pagoda in 1121. Later, the local people believed that the old house belonged to Duc Thanh Nguyen, so they relocated the pagoda to the west and dedicated the old site to worship him. The Nguyen Saint Temple has been recognized as an architectural and artistic heritage site by the Ministry of Culture and Information since 1989.

Bai Dinh Pagoda preserves numerous valuable artifacts such as stone lamps, scripture columns, ancient stone steles from the Le and Nguyen dynasties, stone lions, decorative tiles from the Le period, two stone pedestals from the Ly-Tran period, ancestral tablets, ritual objects from the Le period, and 50 royal edicts from the Le and Nguyen dynasties. These priceless cultural assets contribute to the research of the nation’s history, culture, and traditional art.

Cao Son Deity Temple

The Cao Son Deity Temple is built with its back against the mountain, with a corridor separating it from the valley in front. The Cao Son Deity Temple is one of the three temples that King Dinh Tien Hoang ordered to be built to worship the guardian deities of the three concentric rings surrounding the capital city of Hoa Lu. To the west is the Cao Son Deity Temple, to the east is the deity Thien Ton, and to the south is the deity Quy Minh.

According to legend, Cao Son was the 17th son of King Lac Long Quan who ascended the mountain and was later deified. He helped the people through healing, teaching, assisting them in their livelihoods and protecting the villagers from destructive forces. 

As an expression of gratitude towards him, the people established a temple within the Pagoda complex and hold a colorful and solemn festival there every year. So, if you have the opportunity to visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, be sure to visit the Cao Son Temple to pay homage to the deity.

Buddha Dharma Lord Temple

To express your wishes and aspirations, you can visit the Main Dharma Hall (Dien Phap Chu) of the pagoda to communicate with the Buddha. In front of the hall, there is a spacious courtyard with a pond for releasing life in the center, which you can visit and explore.

Inside the Main Dharma Hall, there are three arched doorways, three horizontal lacquered boards, and couplets praising the merits of the Buddha and the beauty of the pagoda. These are the products of human intelligence and the cultural heritage of Buddhism and our nation.

The Main Dharma Hall is built in the architectural style of the Tam The Temple, with two layers of curved roofs. Each layer consists of four roofs covered with brown ceramic tiles, and there is a long corridor to create height, allowing for air circulation and natural light. 

The Kuan-Yin Hall

The Kuan-Yin Hall is the main hall of Bai Dinh Pagoda, where the Bodhisattva Guanyin is venerated. The hall features distinctive architecture with elaborate brackets and hidden columns meticulously arranged. The special feature of the hall is its two floors, eight roofs, and 32 columns, reaching a height of 11.8 meters. Each column of the hall rests on a square stone pedestal in the shape of a lotus blossom. All these details contribute to the unique and novel architectural style of the worship hall.

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Stupa 

This famous destination in Ninh Binh has long been famous for its majestic Bao Thap (Bell Tower), which bears the glorious mark of the Ly Dynasty in Buddhist architecture. The Bai Dinh Stupa is a massive structure that stands at a height of approximately 13.5 meters (44 feet) and has a base circumference of about 48 meters (157 feet). 

The tower is adorned with intricate patterns and impressive motifs such as lotus petals, clouds, and bodhi leaves. Notably, the entire tower is made of fired clay originating from the Bat Trang pottery village. The Bao Thap is considered a distinctive symbol representing the cultural life of the Vietnamese people. When entering the tower, you will be amazed by the incredibly sacred yet splendid space inside. 

Located on the summit of Bai Dinh Mountain, the Bai Dinh Stupa is considered the largest stupa in Vietnam and one of the largest in Southeast Asia. It is a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists and attracts numerous visitors who come to pay their respects, offer prayers, and appreciate its architectural beauty.

Maitreya Statue

The Maitreya Statue in the Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex is an impressive structure that stands at a towering height. It is made of bronze and measures around 10 meters (33 feet) in height. A bronze figure standing ten meters tall and situated atop Bai Dinh Pagoda’s tallest hill. It is Southeast Asia’s largest outdoor bronze Maitreya statue, weighing eighty tons. The statue depicts Maitreya seated in a meditative pose, symbolizing tranquility and spiritual awakening.

The Maitreya Statue is located within the grounds of the complex and serves as a focal point for devotion and reverence. Visitors to the Complex can approach the statue, offer prayers, and make offerings as a sign of respect and devotion.

Tips

In addition, because it is a sacred place when visiting a temple, you should pay attention to some things such as:

• Dress appropriately: As Bai Dinh Pagoda is a religious site, it is important to dress modestly and respectfully. Wearing comfortable shoes is also recommended as there is a significant amount of walking involved.
• Follow the rules and regulations: Respect the rules and regulations set by the pagoda authorities. This may include restrictions on photography, specific areas that are off-limits, or rules regarding behavior and noise levels. Be mindful and follow the instructions given by the staff.
• Take care of your belongings: As with any tourist destination, it’s important to keep an eye on your belongings and be cautious of pickpockets. Carry only essential items and keep valuables securely stored.
• Be respectful: this destination is a place of worship for many Buddhists. While exploring, be mindful of your actions and avoid any behavior that may disrupt the peaceful atmosphere. Keep your voice low and be considerate of those who are there for spiritual purposes.

As a significant architectural and spiritual site, Bai Dinh Pagoda should be visited at least once in a lifetime.

FAQs

What is the significance of Bai Dinh Pagoda?

The significance of Bai Dinh Pagoda in Vietnam’s religious and cultural landscape is immense. It is considered one of the most important Buddhist temples in the country, symbolizing the deep-rooted spiritual beliefs of the Vietnamese people. Bai Dinh Pagoda is revered as a place of worship, pilgrimage, and cultural heritage, attracting both local devotees and international visitors.

How large is the Bai Dinh Pagoda complex and what are its main architectural features?

The Bai Dinh Pagoda complex is vast, covering an area of over 500 hectares. It is comprised of several sections, including the ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda (also known as the Bai Dinh Ancient Pagoda) and the new Bai Dinh Pagoda (or the Bai Dinh Temple Complex). The main architectural features include towering pagodas, intricate statues, beautiful gardens, and expansive courtyards. Notably, the complex houses the largest bronze statue of Buddha in Southeast Asia, standing at a towering height of 100 feet.

Any religious practices and ceremonies that take place at Bai Dinh Pagoda?

Bai Dinh Pagoda is known for its rich religious practices and ceremonies. Devotees and monks engage in daily rituals such as chanting, meditation, and offering prayers. Major Buddhist festivals, such as Vesak (Buddha’s Birthday), attract large crowds of worshippers who participate in processions, candle-lighting ceremonies, and other religious rituals. These practices reflect the deep spiritual devotion and cultural traditions associated with Bai Dinh Pagoda.

What are some notable attractions and highlights that visitors should not miss?

Within the Bai Dinh Pagoda complex, there are several notable attractions and highlights. The Great Bell Tower, with its impressive bell, is a prominent feature. The Arhat Hall showcases 500 life-sized statues of Arhats (Buddhist disciples). The Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Statue, standing at 80 feet tall, is another remarkable sight. Additionally, visitors can explore the quiet and scenic Bai Dinh Ancient Pagoda, with its historical and cultural significance.

How can visitors best experience the spiritual atmosphere of Bai Dinh Pagoda during their visit?

To fully experience the spiritual and serene atmosphere of Bai Dinh Pagoda, visitors are encouraged to participate in meditation sessions and observe the rituals conducted by the monks. It is advisable to dress modestly and respectfully, as this is a sacred religious site. Exploring the peaceful gardens and enjoying the tranquil surroundings can also enhance the spiritual experience. Taking part in festivals or special ceremonies, if timing allows, provides a deeper understanding of the religious traditions and cultural heritage associated with Bai Dinh Pagoda.

Conclusion

As our exploration of Bai Dinh Pagoda comes to an end, we leave with a deep appreciation for the grandeur and cultural significance of this sacred place. The towering statues, ornate architecture, and peaceful ambiance have left an indelible impression on our hearts and minds. This pagoda is not just a testament to Vietnam’s rich religious heritage, but also a symbol of tranquility and spiritual serenity. Whether you seek cultural immersion, spiritual enlightenment, or simply a peaceful retreat amidst nature, it offers an experience that is truly unforgettable.