Turn your device in landscape mode.
Select a destination

Select a date
Adults
*Height from 140cm
Children
*Height from 100cm-140cm *Height from 80cm-140cm
Elders *From 60 years old
Bai Dinh Pagoda

Bai Dinh Pagoda: A must-visit spiritual site in Ninh Binh

12/03/2024 572 views

Bai Dinh Pagoda, located in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, is renowned for being the largest pagoda complex in Southeast Asia. This sacred site is not only celebrated for its impressive architecture but also for its historical significance.

Visitors to Ninh Binh should not miss out on the beauty of Bai Dinh Pagoda

Visitors to Ninh Binh should not miss out on the beauty of Bai Dinh Pagoda (Source: Collected)

During your Vietnam travel to Ninh Binh, experiencing the grandeur of Bai Dinh Pagoda is recommended. As the largest pagoda complex in Southeast Asia, Bai Dinh offers a captivating glimpse into Vietnam’s rich heritage. With its sprawling grounds and impressive architecture, it is a must-see attraction for all travelers.

1. Where is Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex?

Bai Dinh is a renowned pagoda which is located within Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, to the west of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Ninh Binh Province. It is approximately 18 kilometers away from Ninh Binh City and 100 kilometers away from Hanoi. The ancient pagoda of Bai Dinh was founded in 1136 by Nguyen Minh Khong. Since 2003, Bai Dinh has undergone a large renovation and expansion. Now, it covers a total area of over 1,000 hectares, making it the largest pagoda complex in Southeast Asia. On June 23, 2014, Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex (including Bai Dinh Pagoda) was recognized by the World Heritage Committee as the first mixed cultural and natural World Heritage Site in Vietnam.

2. Bai Dinh Pagoda opening hours and ticket prices

Bai Dinh is open daily from early morning until 9 pm to serve tourists interested in exploring Bai Dinh Pagoda at night. During festive seasons, to meet the demands of tourists, the pagoda is open 24/7.

The Bai Dinh Pagoda entrance fees are as follows:

  • Entrance ticket: free
  • Electric car service: 30,000 VND/person/one way
  • Bao Thap sightseeing ticket: 50,000 VND/person
  • Tour guide service: 300,000 VND/tour

*These details are for reference purposes only and may be subject to change.

Bai Dinh Trang An is the first mixed cultural and natural World Heritage Site in Vietnam

Bai Dinh Trang An is the first mixed cultural and natural World Heritage Site in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

>>> More on: Vietnamese pagodas: 12 sacred sites to discover the spiritual essence

2. Things to know about the history of Bai Dinh Pagoda Ninh Binh

Apart from its grand and impressive architecture, Bai Dinh also attracts tourists with its long Bai Dinh Pagoda history.

  • Over 1,000 years ago: Ninh Binh witnessed three feudal dynasties: Dinh, Early Le, and Ly, all of which embraced Buddhism as the national religion. Consequently, many pagodas were built in Ninh Binh Province, including Bai Dinh Pagoda.
  • In 1136: This pagoda was constructed when Nguyen Minh Khong discovered a cave on Dinh Mountain while searching for medicinal herbs. He chose this location to worship Buddha and meditate.

Dinh Mountain, where Bai Dinh Pagoda is situated, is a sacred place associated with many historical stories of the nation, such as:

  • In 968: King Dinh Tien Hoang suppressed a rebellion and ascended to the throne. He climbed the mountain to hold a ceremony, praying for favorable weather, national prosperity, and the allegiance of people. 
  • In 1788-1789: King Quang Trung came here to organize a ceremony to boost the morale of soldiers before marching to Thang Long to overthrow the Qing Dynasty.
  • On the sixth day of the first lunar month, 1943/1944: Tran Tu Binh chose Dinh Mountain as the location of Quynh Luu Revolutionary Base. Therefore, this is also the day of the pagoda’s festival.
  • In 1997: The pagoda was recognized as a national-level historical and cultural revolutionary relic.

4. The impressive architecture of Bai Dinh Pagoda Ninh Binh

Bai Dinh Trang An consists of an ancient pagoda and a new pagoda.

4.1. The ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda

The ancient pagoda has a cave temple architecture

The ancient pagoda has a cave temple architecture (Source: Collected)

The ancient pagoda features architectural details that reflect the Ly Dynasty’s style. It follows the cave temple architecture that is typical of other ancient pagodas in Ninh Binh. To reach the pagoda, tourists must climb over 300 stone steps through a triple-arched gate that stands at the halfway point of the ascent. At the top of the slope is an intersection that leads straight to Nguyen Minh Khong’s altar, with a bright cave for worshiping Buddha on the right and a dark cave for worshiping Mother Goddess on the left. Other points of interest here include Ngoc Well and the shrine of Saint Cao Son. Nearly 1,000 years have passed, yet the Bai Dinh ancient pagoda still stands as a testament to the enduring vitality of Buddhism in Vietnam.

4.2. The new Bai Dinh Pagoda

The new pagoda impresses tourists with its majestic statues

The new pagoda impresses tourists with its majestic statues (Source: Collected)

The new Bai Dinh Pagoda boasts prominent architecture with large structures that bear the distinctive Vietnamese architecture. Decorative details such as curved vaults resembling phoenix tails also bear the hallmark of famous traditional craft villages in Vietnam. This pagoda was constructed with the contribution of 500 artisans from renowned craft villages. Some points of interest here include the Hall of Three Worlds, the Hall of Buddha, the Hall of Guan Yin, the Stupa, the Bell Tower, and the Buddhist Academy. The new Bai Dinh Pagoda also impresses visitors with its majestic statues delicately carved against the lush green mountainside. They shine like sparkling gems, gathering the spiritual essence of a thousand-year-old legend.

>>> Discover: Things to do in Ninh Binh: Unveil 16 MOST exciting activities

5. The amazing records of Bai Dinh Pagoda in Vietnam

As of 2012, Bai Dinh Pagoda Ninh Binh had achieved 9 records in Vietnam, Southeast Asia, and Asia, including:

  • The largest bronze gilded Buddha statue in Asia: A 100-ton bronze statue housed in the Hall of Buddha.
  • The largest bronze Maitreya Buddha statue in Southeast Asia: A 100-ton outdoor statue.
  • The largest bronze bell in Vietnam: The Great Bell weighing 36 tons in the Bell Tower.
  • The tallest stupa in Asia: The Stupa with 13 floors, standing at 100 meters tall.
  • The largest pagoda complex in Vietnam.
  • The longest corridor with Arhat statues in Asia: A corridor stretching nearly 3 kilometers.
  • The most Arhat statues in Vietnam: 500 statues, each about 2 meters tall.
  • The largest well in Vietnam.
  • The most bodhi trees in Vietnam: 100 bodhi trees derived from Indian Bodhi trees.
Bai Dinh's Stupa is the tallest stupa in Asia

Bai Dinh’s Stupa, standing 100 meters tall, is the tallest stupa in Asia (Source: Collected)

6. When does the Bai Dinh Pagoda festival take place yearly?

The Bai Dinh Pagoda festival begins on the 6th day of the first lunar month and lasts until the end of the third lunar month. This is one of the largest festivals in Northern Vietnam during spring, attracting a large number of tourists from all over the country. The festival consists of two parts: the ceremony and the festival. For the ceremony, many rituals take place such as offering incense, commemorating the merits of Nguyen Minh Khong, worshiping Saint Cao Son, and honoring Mother Goddess. The festival includes cultural and spiritual activities such as processions, calligraphy writing, offering prayers, drum performances, and traditional singing.

Visit Bai Dinh to participate in one of the most vibrant spiritual festivals in Vietnam

Visit Bai Dinh to participate in one of the most vibrant spiritual festivals in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

>>> Read more: 17 famous festivals in Vietnam that culture enthusiasts should experience

7. Guide for tourists visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda

Before visiting Bai Dinh, tourists should research the best time to visit, transportation options, and important notes for a more enjoyable exploration.

7.1. When is the best time to visit Bai Dinh Pagoda Vietnam?

Tourists can visit Bai Dinh Trang An at any time of the year, as the natural scenery of Ninh Binh is always beautiful, with each season having its unique charm. However, it is advisable to embark on a Trang An Bai Dinh Pagoda tour in spring (January – March) when Ninh Binh weather is cool and there are many festivals, or in summer (May – August) to admire ripe rice fields or fragrant lotus ponds.

7.2. How to get to Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh?

Some common ways to travel from Hanoi to Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh include:

  • By motorbike: This option provides flexibility in managing schedules, provided that you are familiar with the traffic of Vietnam. Just go along National Road 1A from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, then follow the signs to Bai Dinh.
  • By coach: From Hanoi, you can catch a coach to Ninh Binh from Giap Bat Bus Station or My Dinh Bus Station. The ticket price is around 70,000 – 80,000 VND. At Ninh Binh Bus Station, you can reach Bai Dinh Pagoda with a taxi ride for about 130,000 VND.
  • By train: You can board a train from Hanoi and get off at Ninh Binh Train Station. From there, you can take a taxi to Bai Dinh. The ticket price ranges from 70,000 to 120,000 VND, depending on seat class.
There are many ways to get to Ninh Binh Province

There are many ways to get to Ninh Binh Province (Source: Collected)

7.3. What to note for an ideal trip to Bai Dinh Pagoda?

  • As you will be walking a lot during the tour, it is advisable to wear comfortable sports shoes instead of high heels.
  • As the pagoda is a sacred place, dress modestly.
  • If you want to buy souvenirs, wait until you descend from the mountain. Prices within the pagoda grounds are often higher.
  • Prepare a Bai Dinh Pagoda map to navigate the points of interest more easily.
  • Bring some loose change for donations if you want to give some.
  • If you make your visit during early spring, bring an umbrella to prepare for drizzles.
  • Besides Bai Dinh Pagoda, you can also explore other famous tourist attractions in Ninh Binh such as Trang An Ninh Binh, Tam Coc Ninh Binh, Bich Dong Pagoda, Mua Caves, and Tuyet Tinh Coc.

>>> Explore: North Vietnam Itinerary: TOP places & tips for a memorable journey

Bai Dinh Pagoda stands as a testament to Vietnam’s rich spiritual heritage. Its expansive grounds, intricate architecture, and historical significance make it a cherished destination for travelers seeking tranquility. Visitors to Bai Dinh are sure to be captivated by its beauty and serenity, leaving with memories that will last a lifetime.

In addition to Ninh Binh, Vietnam boasts many other famous destinations such as Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Ha Long, and Danang. Visiting these places, tourists can spend an enjoyable time at VinWonders. Situated at Vietnam’s most popular tourist cities, these premium entertainment complexes offer unforgettable experiences with a wide array of thrilling games, vibrant festivals, and cultural events. 

To enhance your stay in Vietnam, opt for the upscale hotels and resorts provided by Vinpearl. Vinpearl offers a diverse range of 5-star services, along with various room options and stunning landscapes.

Visit VinWonders’ entertainment complexes for endless fun

Visit VinWonders’ entertainment complexes for endless fun

>>> Book tickets of VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium, and VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park to embark on a journey filled with joy!

 

Grab the hottest deals at VinWonders

Share news via:
  • Copy to clipboard

Related Posts

Tìm vé