Bai Dinh Pagoda is a renowned Buddhist temple in Northern Vietnam. Discover more about this remarkable site with our comprehensive Bai Dinh Pagoda guide!

The expansive Bai Dinh Pagoda complex (Source: Collected)

Bai Dinh Pagoda, located in Ninh Binh Province, is one of the most prestigious religious sites in Vietnam. Situated near the Trang An Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is an essential destination for those passionate about culture. Below is key information about the pagoda to help you plan your visit.

1. Notable Records of Bai Dinh Pagoda Ninh Binh

Bai Dinh Pagoda is famous for being one of the largest temples in Southeast Asia and holds numerous national and regional records. As of 2012, the pagoda holds nine prestigious records, including:

• The largest gilded bronze Buddha in Asia
• The largest bronze Maitreya Buddha statue in Southeast Asia
• The largest bronze bell in Vietnam
• The tallest stupa in Asia
• The largest pagoda complex in Vietnam
• The longest Arhat corridor in Asia
• The largest number of Arhat statues in Vietnam
• The largest Pearl Well in Vietnam
• The largest number of Bodhi trees in Vietnam
  

2. About Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

2.1. Location, Opening Hours, and Entrance Fees

• Address: Gia Sinh Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province

• Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM (daily)

• Entrance Fees:

  • Bai Dinh Pagoda Entrance: Free

  • Electric Car: 60,000 VND/person/one-way trip (operates until 8:00 PM)

  • Bao Thap Tower Ticket: 50,000 VND/person

  • Parking: 40,000 VND/car, 15,000 VND/motorbike

Bai Dinh Pagoda, also known as the Bai Dinh Temple Spiritual and Cultural Complex, is located on Bai Dinh Mountain in Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province. It includes both an ancient pagoda and a newer, larger pagoda, making it a significant destination for Buddhist pilgrims from across Vietnam.

2.2. History

Buddhism became widespread and was considered the primary religion during the Dinh, Early Le, and Ly dynasties in the Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) citadel.

As a result, numerous pagodas were built in the region, with the original Bai Dinh Pagoda on the western side of Dinh Mountain being one of the most notable. The pagoda was constructed during the Dinh Dynasty, where Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang established a shrine to pray for favorable weather.

Other historical records suggest that Bai Dinh Pagoda was further developed during the Ly Dynasty as a place for meditation, healing, and helping the local community. Over time, the pagoda became an important center for worship, not only for Buddhists but also for Taoists and those devoted to Mother Goddess worship.

2.3. Structure

The Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex consists of two primary parts: the newly constructed Bai Dinh Pagoda and the original ancient pagoda.2.3.1. The New Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex

Spanning 80 hectares, the new Bai Dinh Pagoda is located on Ba Rau Hill, near the Hoang Long River. This large complex, built between 2003 and 2010, includes various structures such as large halls, gardens, and enclosures.What sets Bai Dinh Pagoda apart from other Vietnamese Buddhist pagodas is its grand scale. The Tam The Hall, the largest structure in the complex, stands at 34 meters in height and spans over 59 meters in length. The pagoda’s materials, such as local stones and timber from Ninh Binh and tiles from Bat Trang Village, reflect traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship.

The architectural design also incorporates typical Vietnamese elements like the curved finials and soaring corner eaves, which resemble a phoenix’s tail. The interior features materials from Vietnamese craft villages, including bronze sculptures from Y Yen, stone carvings from Ninh Van, woodwork from Phu Loc, and needlework from Ninh Hai.

2.3.2. The Ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda

Situated around 800 meters from the new pagoda at the base of the mountain, the ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda is accessed by a 300-step stone pathway that leads to an ornate gate. The pagoda is nestled within several small caves on the mountain slope, where both Buddhist deities and mountain spirits are worshiped.

2.3.3. Outstanding Landmarks

• The Bell Tower: An octagonal tower with three levels of varying sizes, the base has a diameter of 17 meters, and the tower stands at 18.25 meters tall. It is supported by a lotus-shaped platform, and inside it houses a 36-ton bronze bell.
  

• The Arhat Statue Corridor: This is the longest corridor in Asia, containing 500 Arhat statues on both sides.
  

• Gieng Ngoc (The Pearl Well): This moon-shaped well, dating back about 1,000 years, has a diameter of 30 meters and a depth of 10 meters.
  

• The Hall of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara: This seven-compartment ironwood structure stands 14.8 meters tall, 40.4 meters long, and 16.8 meters wide. Inside is a large bronze statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, weighing 80 tons, adorned with gold and featuring many eyes and hands.
  

• Bao Thap Tower: A 99-meter-tall, 13-story tower with 72 steps, which houses sacred Buddha relics from India and Burma.
  

• Maitreya Statue: The 10-meter-tall bronze Maitreya statue, located at the highest point of Bai Dinh Pagoda, weighs 80 tons and is the largest outdoor bronze Maitreya statue in Southeast Asia.
  

3. When and How to Get to Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex

3.1. Best Time to Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda
The ideal time to visit Bai Dinh Pagoda is during the spring (from the first to the third lunar month). At this time, the weather in northern Vietnam is pleasant, making it a great period to explore, participate in rituals, and enjoy the festivals at Bai Dinh Pagoda and Trang An Complex. The Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival also takes place during spring.

However, since this is peak tourist season, it can get crowded. If you prefer a more peaceful visit, it might be better to plan your trip at another time.

3.2. How to Get to Bai Dinh Pagoda

The Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex is about 95 kilometers from Hanoi, 15 kilometers from Ninh Binh City, and 7 kilometers from Hoa Lu Citadel.

There are several ways to travel from Hanoi to the pagoda, including by bus, motorcycle, or car. It typically takes around 2 hours to travel by private car or tourist bus. If you opt for public transportation, you will need to take a taxi from the bus stop to the pagoda.

4. Tips for the Best Sightseeing Experience at Bai Dinh Pagoda

• Dress Code: Dress modestly when visiting the pagoda.

• Footwear: Wear comfortable sneakers instead of high heels for easy walking around the complex.

• Weather Preparation: Bring sunscreen, an umbrella, or a rain jacket in case of weather changes.

• Respect: Do not touch the statues, nor should you draw or carve on the statues and walls.

5. Remarkable Destinations Near Bai Dinh Pagoda

5.1. Tourist Attractions

• Trang An Ninh Binh: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful karst formations and cave systems, take a boat ride through its lush landscapes and ancient temples.

• Tam Coc Ninh Binh: Often called “Halong Bay on Land,” this area offers scenic boat rides through rice paddies and limestone formations, providing a tranquil and picturesque experience.

• Thung Nham Bird Park: A haven for birdwatchers, this park is home to various bird species and features lush gardens where you can observe colorful avian life.
  

5.2. Exceptional Restaurants Near Bai Dinh Pagoda

• Tam Coc Lantern Restaurant: Situated in the Tam Coc area, this restaurant offers outdoor dining in a scenic setting, where you can enjoy Vietnamese cuisine surrounded by lanterns and greenery.

• Thao Beo Restaurant: A popular spot in Ninh Binh, known for serving authentic Vietnamese dishes, including fresh seafood, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

• An Tam Coc: Located in the Tam Coc region, this restaurant offers both Vietnamese and international dishes and is praised for its friendly service and convenient location for tourists exploring Ninh Binh.

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