Bai Dinh Pagoda

Bai Dinh Pagoda is a famous Buddhist temple in Ninh Binh, Vietnam. Many people visit it because it's beautiful, peaceful, and has a lot of cultural value. Bai Dinh Pagoda is a significant place for Buddhism in Vietnam and a great place for tourists to explore Vietnamese culture and spirituality.

Bai Dinh pagoda from above

History

The original Bai Dinh Pagoda was built in the 13th century during the Ly Dynasty. It was constructed in a picturesque location at the base of Dinh Mountain. Over the centuries, the pagoda underwent several renovations and expansions. However, it gained widespread recognition and significance during the early 20th century when it was expanded and rebuilt in a grand scale. In 2003, the construction of a new and much larger Bai Dinh Pagoda complex began. This ambitious project aimed to create one of the largest Buddhist temple complexes in Southeast Asia.

After years of construction, the new Bai Dinh Pagoda complex was completed and inaugurated in 2010. It features a vast array of beautifully designed temples, stupas, statues, and ornate architecture. Due to its impressive scale and cultural importance, Bai Dinh Pagoda has become a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors from around the world who come to admire its architectural beauty and experience its tranquil surroundings.

Things to see in Bai Dinh Pagoda

Tam Quan Gate 

The Tam Quan Gate, also known as the Three Entrance Gate, is the main entrance to the Bai Dinh Pagoda complex.

Tam Quan Gate

Old Bai Dinh Pagoda and New Bai Dinh Pagoda

The Old Bai Dinh Pagoda is the original temple of the complex and has a long history dating back to the 13th century during the Ly Dynasty. It is located at the base of Dinh Mountain and is characterized by its ancient architecture and serene atmosphere.

The Old Bai Dinh Pagoda

The New Bai Dinh Pagoda is a modern temple complex constructed in the early 2000s and is located near the Old Bai Dinh Pagoda. It is one of the largest temple complexes in Southeast Asia and is known for its grandeur and vast scale. The New Bai Dinh Pagoda features impressive architecture, large prayer halls, towering statues, numerous stupas, and a significant number of intricate Buddhist sculptures.

The New Bai Dinh Pagoda

Bell Tower

The Bell Tower in Ninh Binh is one of the tourist attractions situated within the premises of the New Bai Dinh Pagoda.

The Bell Tower

The most impressive feature of this bell tower is its massive bell, weighing up to 36 tons. This bell is entirely cast from pure bronze. On the surface of the bronze bell, there are numerous sections inscribed with Chinese characters and eye-catching dragon motifs.

The Biggest Bronze Bell in Vietnam

Bao Thap Tower

Bao Thap Tower at Bai Dinh stands at a height of 100 meters, consisting of 13 floors connected by 72 stair steps. Inside the tower, it houses precious Buddhist relics from both India and Burma. The tower's ceiling is intricately designed in the mystical Indian fashion, while its interior walls are adorned with sculpted Buddhist-themed images. The tower is also adorned with thousands of small statues. To reach the top and enjoy panoramic views of the pagoda and its surroundings, you have the option to either climb the 72 stairs independently or take an elevator for an additional fee.

Bao Thap Tower

Light Cave and Dark Cave

Light Cave (Hang Sang) and Dark Cave (Dong Toi) can be found near the initial main temple after ascending the stairs. These caves, although compact in size, are richly adorned with statues depicting deities and Buddha.

Inside Light Cave

Ngoc Well

The Ngoc Well is the largest temple well in Vietnam. Specifically, Ngoc Well covers a total area of up to 6,000 square meters, with a wide diameter of nearly 30 meters and a depth of up to 6 meters. The surrounding landscape of Ngoc Well at Bai Dinh Pagoda is also stunning, featuring lush and towering green trees. The water in Ngoc Well is traditionally believed to have healing properties and was used for treating various ailments for kings and the people. Nowadays, the water from Ngoc Well is used for ceremonial purposes during temple festivals.

The unique beauty of the Ngoc Well of Bai Dinh Pagoda

Maitreya Statue

The bronze statue, standing at a height of 10 meters and weighing a remarkable 80 tons, represents Maitreya in the likeness of a meditating monk. It is acknowledged as the largest outdoor bronze Maitreya Statue in Southeast Asia.

Maitreya Statue

Corridor with Arhat Statues

This wooden structure is up to 1,052m long with 500 statues of Arhat positions made from monolithic green stone weighing about 4 tons.

Corridor with Arhat Statues

Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara Hall

This is where the bronze Buddha statue weighing 80 tons and 9.57m high is located. This is the largest bronze statue of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva in Vietnam.

Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara Hall

Tam The Hall 

Tam The Hall is situated atop a hill, elevated at 76 meters above sea level. It spans 59.1 meters in length and 40 meters in width. Within the hall, you'll find three colossal bronze statues of Tam The Buddha, each towering at a height of 7.2 meters and weighing a remarkable 50 tons. These statues are acknowledged as the largest bronze Tam The statues in all of Vietnam.

Tam The Hall

Ticket price and opening hours

Opening hours Bai Dinh Pagoda: daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Entrance fees: Free

Other price: 

- Parking fee: 40,000VND/car or 15,000VND/motorbike

- Electric car: 30,000VND/person/way or 60,000VND/person/round trip

- Guide service: 300,000VND for new pagoda or 500,000VND for both ancient and new pagoda.

- Visit Bao Thap Tower: 50,000VND/person

- Toilet fee: 2,000VND/person/time

In conclusion, Bai Dinh Pagoda, located in Ninh Binh province, stands as a magnificent testament to Vietnamese spirituality and architectural splendor. For a memorable visit to Bai Dinh Pagoda, trust Asia King Travel, your dedicated partner in creating an unforgettable journey through this remarkable destination.

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