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Interesting Things To Do In Ninh Binh, Vietnam - Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda

With a history spanning over 1000 years and intertwined with the lands of numerous feudal dynasties, from the Dinh and Early Le to the Ly, this complex is nestled to the west of the ancient capital Hoa Lu, situated in Gia Sinh Commune, Ninh Binh Province, approximately 95 kilometers from Hanoi. Encompassing a vast area of 539 hectares, it hosts both the ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda and the new Bai Dinh Pagoda. Recognized as the largest complex of Buddhist pagodas in Vietnam, holding numerous records not only in the country but also in Southeast Asia and Asia, Bai Dinh Pagoda Ninh Binh is surely a destination that you should visit in your itinerary in Vietnam.

1. A glimpse of the spiritual and historical site
2. History of Bai Dinh Pagoda - The Holy Land In Ninh Binh
3. Majestic architecture of Bai Dinh Pagoda:
- 3.1. The new Bai Dinh Pagoda:
- 3.2. The ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda
4. Best time to visit Bai Dinh Pagoda
5. How to visit Bai Dinh Pagoda
6. Helpful tips

1. A glimpse of the spiritual and historical site

Address : Gia Sinh, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh
Opening hours : 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Entrance fee: Free (Note: It’s not required for Bai Dinh Pagoda entrance fee; however, the journey from the entrance gate to the temple complex is quite far. It’s recommended for an electric car ride instead)
Service fees :
- Parking fee : 40,000 VND/car or 15,000VND/motorbike
- Electric car : 30,000 VND/person/way or 60,000VND/person/round trip
- Visit Bao Thap Tower : 50,000 VND/person
- Toilet fee : 2,000 VND/person/time
Google map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/Xt9aNoM72jfWTHQq9

The name of the pagoda, Bai Dinh, carries profound significance: "Bai" signifies the act of worshiping heaven, earth, and the Buddha, while "Dinh" implies elevation or being on high. Translated, Bai Dinh means worshiping heaven and earth with the Buddha situated on a high mountain. This meaningful name directs attention to Dinh Mountain, a site where heroic events in Vietnamese history unfolded. Founded by King Dinh Tien Hoang over 1,000 years ago, Bai Dinh Mountain served as a sacred place to pray for favorable weather and rain. Later, King Quang Trung chose this location to inspire soldiers before embarking on a mission to defeat the Qing army in Thang Long.

Through the passage of more than a millennium, the ancient temple stands as a testament to the enduring vitality of Buddhism in the spiritual life of the Southern people. Moreover, the historic Bai Dinh Pagoda Vietnam holds significance as a national historical and cultural relic in the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, boasting both spiritual richness and scenic beauty. This blend of historical importance and natural allure makes Bai Dinh Pagoda a place to be cherished and admired by visitors.

Bai Dinh Pagoda, one of Southeast Asia's largest temples, holds multiple national and regional records. In 2012, this pagoda holds 9 record:

The most extensive gilded bronze Buddha statue in Asia
Southeast Asia's biggest bronze Maitreya Buddha statue
Vietnam's most extensive temple complex
The pagoda boasts Vietnam's most substantial bronze bell
The pagoda grounds house Vietnam's largest jade well
Asia's longest Arhat corridor is found in the temple area
Vietnam's largest collection of Arhat statues is situated in the temple area
The pagoda holds the record for planting the most Bodhi trees in Vietnam

2. History of Bai Dinh Pagoda - The Holy Land In Ninh Binh

Bai Dinh Pagoda Vietnam with its time-honored past

During the reigns of three dynasties—Dinh, Early Le, and Ly—in the capital of Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh), Buddhism flourished, becoming the national religion. This era witnessed the construction of numerous pagodas, including the ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda situated on the western slope of Dinh Mountain. What makes the history of Bai Dinh Pagoda truly fascinating is its historical roots dating back to the Dinh Dynasty, yet it exhibits architectural details and artifacts that distinctly reflect the Ly period.

Bai Dinh Pagoda derives its name from its orientation towards Dinh Mountain, a site where pivotal events in Vietnamese history unfolded. King Dinh Tien Hoang established an altar here to pray for favorable weather, and later, King Quang Trung selected it for a flag ceremony, rallying soldiers before their campaign to Thang Long against the Qing army. In the 16th century, Dinh Mountain became a contested territory between two feudal groups—Le-Trinh and the Mac dynasty, with the Mac government only holding control from Ninh Binh backward. During the resistance war, Bai Dinh served as a revolutionary relic in the Quynh Luu war zone, where leaders of the Communist Party of Vietnam propagated the revolution to the people.

The Bai Dinh Pagoda complex today comprises both the ancient pagoda and a new pagoda constructed in 2003. The ancient pagoda, located approximately 800m south of the Tam The Hall in the new pagoda, can be reached via a 300-step stairway. This serene shrine features a main prayer hall and natural caves, where locals offer prayers to Buddha and mountain spirits such as Genie Cao Son and Saint Nguyen. Recognized in 1997 as a national historical-cultural-revolutionary relic, the ancient pagoda holds significant cultural and historical value in Ninh Binh Vietnam.

The new architecture, alongside the ancient pagoda, is both majestic and massive, yet deeply rooted in tradition. It has received recognition as the largest complex in Southeast Asia, adding to its appeal and making it a beloved destination.

3. Majestic architecture of Bai Dinh Pagoda:

3.1. The new Bai Dinh Pagoda:

The new Bai Dinh Pagoda complex, spanning 80 hectares on Ba Rau hills near the Hoang Long River, is a breathtaking sanctuary that will captivate visitors from their very first glimpse. This expansive complex, meticulously constructed in multiple phases from 2003 to 2010 by 500 artisans hailing from traditional villages across Vietnam, offers a myriad of awe-inspiring structures.

There’re many things to do in Bai Dinh Pagoda, especially admiring the structures of the new pagoda:

Bell Tower

Bell Tower of Bai Dinh Pagoda

Rising 22m high and 17m wide, resembling a lotus plant, the ancient bell tower boasts an octagonal shape with a three-layer curved roof. It houses a record-breaking 36-ton bronze bell and a 13-ton bronze drum in the Dong Son Bronze design.

Corridor with Arhat Statues

Corridor with Arhat Statues in Bai Dinh Pagoda

This wooden structure features a distinctive "Gia chieng – Chong ruong" truss style, hosting 500 stone Arhat statues, each a masterpiece from the villagers in Ninh Van stone craft village (Hoa Lu). It is recognized as the longest corridor of its kind in Asia.

Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara Hall

The 80-ton gold-coated statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara in Bai Dinh Pagoda

A seven-compartment ironwood structure housing an 80-ton gold-coated bronze statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, the largest in Vietnam.

Phap Chu Hall

The 100-ton bronze Buddha statue of Phap Chu Hall in Bai Dinh Pagoda

A five-compartment hall featuring a 10m high, 100-ton bronze Buddha statue, recognized as the largest in Vietnam.

Tam The Hall

Three bronze statues of Tam The Buddha in Bai Dinh Pagoda

Perched on a hill, this hall houses three bronze statues of Tam The Buddha, the largest bronze Tam The statues in Vietnam.

Bao Thap Tower

Bao Thap Tower in Bai Dinh Pagoda

A 100m tall tower with 13 floors, holding sacred Buddha relics, featuring intricately sculpted images related to Buddhism.

Maitreya Statue

Maitreya Statue in Bai Dinh Pagoda

At the highest point, a bronze 10m high, 80-ton Maitreya Statue, recognized as the largest outdoor bronze Maitreya Statue in South East Asia.

You can visit other notable attractions in the new Bai Dinh Pagoda Ninh Binh, such as the Stone House with 55 compartments, each made of stone and placed on a stone turtle. Additionally, visit the Bodhi Tree Garden, home to the largest collection of Bodhi trees in Vietnam, including 100 trees from India.

Bodhi trees in Bai Dinh Pagoda

3.2. The ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda

Nestled quietly atop a serene mountainous area, the ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda, covering an area of 27 hectares, offers a humble contrast to the grandeur of the new structure. Located about 800m south of the Tam The Hall in the new pagoda, the ancient pagoda captivates with its modest appearance.

The journey to the ancient pagoda begins with the Ngoc Well (Pearl Well) near the foot of Dinh Mountain. Over a millennium ago, the Buddhist monk Nguyen Minh Khong utilized water from this well to prepare herbal medicines for the local people and Crown Prince Duong Hoan. The site, spanning 6000m2, is 6m deep and 30m wide. Notably, the water level has never run dry since its construction, earning it recognition in the Vietnam Book of Records as the largest Ngoc Well in Vietnam.

Ascending a 300-step stairway to the mountain, visitors will arrive at the ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda. The architectural design follows the form of "Tien Nhat – Hau Cong," with the front designed in the "Nhat" script and the back in the "Cong" script. This traditional and harmonious architectural style features vividly carved ancient arrays, adorned with intricate flowers, powerful dragons, and unicorns.

The pagoda houses the Light Cave for Buddha worship, the Cao Son Temple dedicated to Genie Cao Son, the guardian god of the Vu Lam mountains, which serves as the gateway to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. It also includes the temple of Saint Nguyen (Nguyen Minh Khong), a Zen Master and revered magician considered a saint by the people. The Dark Cave within the pagoda is dedicated to the worship of the mother and fairies. Worshiping boards for Buddhism, Mother, and Fairies are placed within the heart of dim caves, enhancing the sacred and mysterious atmosphere. The caves' ceilings have transformed into the sturdy roof of the ancient pagoda, preserving this sacred place for centuries. According to Vietnamese folk beliefs, this land is the birthplace of kings, saints, and gods.

4. Best time to visit Bai Dinh Pagoda

From January to March of the lunar calendar, amidst the gentle spring climate is the best time to visit Bai Dinh Pagoda. This season offers a delightful blend of sightseeing tours, pagoda prayer ceremonies, and engagement in major festivals within the region. However, visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda during other times of the year ensures a more tranquil experience, away from the hustle and bustle.

5. How to visit Bai Dinh Pagoda

How to get to Bai Dinh Pagoda ? To get to Bai Dinh Pagoda, you first need to travel to Ninh Binh from Hanoi. Here are various transportation options:

By bus

Travelling to Ninh Binh by Bus

Depart from My Dinh or Giap Bat bus station in Hanoi and take a bus to Ninh Binh, with a fare of approximately 120,000 VND for a 2-hour journey.

By motorbike

Travelling to Ninh Binh by Motorbike

Begin your journey from Giai Phong Street, heading towards Phap Van - Cau Gie Highway, and proceed straight. Follow the signposts along the roads until you reach Ninh Binh Province. Once in Ninh Binh, it's easy to navigate to the pagoda.

By train

Travelling to Ninh Binh by Train

Trains departing from Hanoi to Ninh Binh take around 2 hours. Upon arriving at Ninh Binh railway station, you can take a taxi or motorbike taxi to Bai Dinh Pagoda. Note that train schedules may be subject to changes based on weather conditions or operational safety. You can then continue your journey to Bai Dinh Pagoda by taxi or motorbike (approximately 30 minutes), or opt to stay overnight at a hotel if you catch a late train to visit Bai Dinh Pagoda the following day.

Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex is located about 12km from Hoa Lu ancient capital, 25km from Ninh Binh City or around 90km from Hanoi.

In Ninh Binh, you can take motorbike, scooter, taxi, or even bicycle to reach the pagoda.

Take a look at Top 05 Best Ways To Travel From Hanoi To Ninh Binh

6. Helpful tips

When visiting this spiritual site, opt for modest and courteous attire.
Choose comfortable sneakers over high heels to safeguard your feet and ensure easier navigation through the hilly and steep terrain.
Carry sunscreen or umbrellas for sunny days and rain gear for the rainy ones.
Refrain from touching the statues with your hands.
Strictly prohibit drawing or painting on the statues or walls; remember to contribute to the donation boxes to preserve the pagoda's beauty.
Exploring Bai Dinh Pagoda at night offers a captivating experience, allowing you to relish the serene atmosphere and behold the enchanting lights of the pagoda. (Note: The electric car operates only until 8:00 pm)
When contemplating what to pray for at Bai Dinh Pagoda, it's important to focus on sincere wishes, particularly for a year filled with prosperity, peace, good fortune, and health for your family. Success in your prayers is enhanced by genuine intentions and the respectful offering of incense to the Buddha.

Certainly, Bai Dinh Pagoda Ninh Binh stands as a wonder crafted by the synergy of nature and human endeavor, proudly representing Vietnam with its distinctive architecture, cultural richness, and historical significance.

To ensure a satisfying experience far beyond your expectations, please CONTACT AUTOUR ASIA, TRAVEL AGENCY VIETNAM now.

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