One of the most reputable religious sites in Vietnam is the Bai Dinh Pagoda, which can be found in Ninh Binh Province. It is certainly a must-see for anyone who is interested in culture because it is situated near the Trang An Complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Bai Dinh Pagoda complex is comprised of a pagoda that dates back to ancient times and the larger temple that is built. A significant number of Buddhist pilgrims from all around the country make their way to this location.
History of Bai Dinh Pagoda
Address: Gia Sinh, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh
Opening Hours: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm from Monday to Sunday.
Entrance fee: Free
- Electric Car: 50,000 VND/person/trip,
- Ticket to Bao Thap Tower: 70,000 VND/person
- Parking: 15.000 VND ( motorbike) and 40.000 VND ( car/taxi)
Bai Dinh Ninh Binh is also known as the Bai Dinh Temple Spiritual and Cultural Complex, is a Buddhist temple complex that can be found atop Bai Dinh Mountain in Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam.
A pagoda that dates back to ancient times and a pagoda that is more recently built together make up the complex. It is a significant destination for Buddhist pilgrims from all around the country to see the pagoda.
During the reigns of three feudal dynasties in Vietnam, namely the Dinh (968-980), the Early Le (980-1009), and the Ly at Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel (1009-1010), Buddhism was widely practiced and considered to be the most prominent religion in the country.
In light of this, several pagodas were built in the area over these periods, the most notable of which is the historic Bai Dinh Pagoda, which is located on the western side of Dinh Mountain.
It was during the Dinh Dynasty that the pagoda was constructed, and it was there that Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang created a shrine to pray for favorable weather conditions.
The Bai Dinh Pagoda was created during the Ly Dynasty as a place to meditate, treat illness, and assist the residents, according to other texts that detail the history of the Buddhist temple. It has been said that the pagoda is one of the most significant places of devotion for individuals who practice Buddhism, Taoism, and Mother Goddesses.
Architecture of Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex
The new Bai Dinh Pagoda, Ninh Binh
The new Bai Dinh Pagoda spans 700 hectares, is located in Ba Rau Hill and is close to Hoang Long River. It is a big complex that contains many buildings that were constructed from 2010 to 2023. Huge halls, gardens, and enclosures are all components of the new pagoda’s architectural architecture.
When compared to other Buddhist pagodas in Vietnam, the Bai Dinh Pagoda stands out due to its enormous size. It is the largest construction in this area, and it is called Tam The Hall. It measures over 59 meters in length and 34 meters in height. The indigenous stones and timbers from Ninh Binh, as well as the tiles from Bat Trang Village, are used in the construction of the building.
Traditional Vietnamese architecture is characterized by the pagoda’s curved finials and soaring corner eaves, which combine to create the appearance of a phoenix’s tail. To create the inside, materials sourced from traditional Vietnamese artisan communities were utilized. Among these are the bronze sculptures contributed by Y Yen, the stone carvings contributed by Ninh Van, the woodwork contributed by Phu Loc, and the needlework contributed by Ninh Hai.
The ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda
The distance from the new pagoda to the old pagoda is 800m. There are over three hundred stone steps that make up the walkway, and to reach the entrance, you must first pass beneath an intricate gate.
On the slope, the actual pagoda can be found tucked away in several little caves. Mountain spirits and Buddhist deities are worshipped in this location.
Outstanding landmarks
The Bell Tower is a tower that is built like an octagon and has three levels of varied building heights. In terms of diameter, the base is 49 meters. A platform in the shape of a lotus is used to support the tower, which stands at a height of fourteen meters. A bronze bell that weighs 36 tons can be found inside.
The hallway with Arhat statues is the longest corridor in Asia, and it is lined on both sides with a total of five hundred statues of Arhat individuals.
This well, which is shaped like a moon and is known as Gieng Ngoc (The Pearl Well), was built approximately one thousand years ago. This structure has a diameter of thirty meters and a depth of six meters.
The Hall of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara is a seven-compartment ironwood structure that measures 14.8 meters in height, 40.4 meters in length, and 16.8 meters in width.
Inside is a bronze statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara that weighs eighty tons and has a multitude of eyes and hands that are embellished with gold.
There are ancient Buddha relics from India and Burma that are housed in the Bao Thap Tower, which is a tower that is 100 meters tall, 13 stories tall, and has 72 stairsteps.
The Maitreya Statue is a bronze statue that stands at a height of ten meters and is situated on the highest peak of the Bai Dinh Pagoda. The largest outdoor bronze Maitreya Statue in Southeast Asia, it weighs 80 tons and is the largest statue of its kind.
Best Time To Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda
If you want to travel to Trang An, Ninh Binh, the best time to visit is from January to March on the lunar calendar.
You have the option of combining sightseeing trips with participation in pagodas praying ceremonies or important festivals that are held in the region.
It is important to note that this is also the peak festival visitor season, which means that there will be a lot of people there.
Alternatively, if you want to avoid the congestion and bustle of the scene, you can visit the Bai Dinh Pagoda at a different period during the year.
How to get to Bai Dinh Pagoda?
The distance from Bai Dinh Pagoda to Hanoi is about 95km. There are serveral ways to transfer to Ninh Binh such as taxis, buses, and private cars. It takes around 2 hours to reach to Ninh Binh from Hanoi by bus, private car. However, renting a private car from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is the best way to transfer to Trang An, Ninh Binh.
You will feel safe, comfortable, and free to plan, an itinerary.
You can explore the Ninh Binh tour a day from Hanoi to have much time to visit with highlight attractions of the city such as Trang An, Tam Coc, Mua Cave, Cuc Phuong National Park, Phat Diem Stone Cathedral,…
The Bai Dinh Pagoda is widely considered to be among the most well-known pagoda complexes in Vietnam and also in Southeast Asia. On any trip of Vietnam’s cultural heritage, it is without a doubt a location that should be visited.
