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Ninh Binh temples

13 Ninh Binh temples and pagodas for culture seekers

02/09/2024 1.160 views

Ninh Binh in Vietnam has not only breathtaking landscapes but also deep heritage. Among its treasures are the numerous temples, each holding great cultural significance and spiritual value. These Ninh Binh temples offer a glimpse into the rich traditions and practices of the region.

1. Temple of Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang

After Emperor Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Dai La (Hanoi), the people built a temple to honor Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang on the former palace grounds in Ninh Binh. This temple, with Ma Yen Mountain in front and Phi Van Mountain behind, spans from a crescent-shaped lake to the main hall. Every year, during the Dinh Tien Hoang Festival on the 9th and 10th day of the 3rd lunar month, the temple hosts ceremonies to honor the first emperor of Vietnam who laid the foundation for the centralized feudal era.

Temple of Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang

This Vietnam Ninh Binh temple was recognized as a national historical and cultural relic (Source: Collected)

2. Bich Dong Pagoda

Bich Dong Pagoda, one of the most famous Ninh Binh temples, was originally established in 1428 as a small temple on a mountain peak. Now, nestled in a cave, it is a classic architectural work built from lim wood with a traditional tiled roof. The roof’s edges curve upwards like phoenix tails, creating a wave-like, graceful appearance reminiscent of a boat gliding on water. Along with Tam Coc, Bich Dong Pagoda is part of Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, which was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage site in 2014. 

Bich Dong Pagoda

Bich Dong Pagoda, one of the most famous Ninh Binh temples (Source: Collected)

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3. Bai Dinh Pagoda – on the list of Vietnam’s biggest pagodas

Bai Dinh Pagoda, located in Gia Vien District, is in the northern part of Trang An. Over 1,000 years ago, three consecutive dynasties Dinh, Early Le, and Ly, ruled from the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. They built many Ninh Binh temples in the region, including Bai Dinh Pagoda. It is a vast Ninh Binh temple complex that holds several records in Asia and Vietnam, such as having the largest gold-plated bronze Buddha statue in Asia, the longest Arhat corridor in Asia, and the largest bronze Maitreya Buddha statue in Southeast Asia. It is also the largest among Vietnamese pagodas. 

Bai Dinh Pagoda

Bai Dinh Pagoda is the largest temple in Ninh Binh (Source: Collected)

4. Thai Vi Temple – one of the most famous Ninh Binh temples

Thai Vi Temple, Ninh Binh is located in Hoa Lu District. It was built by the locals around the 13th century to honor the emperors, empresses, and generals of the Tran dynasty. The temple is beautifully situated, with the Ngo Giang River on the right and Coi Linh Mountain on the left, with a well made of green stone in front and Cam Son Mountain behind. The entrance is marked by a ceremonial gate, flanked by two solid green stone horse statues. In the middle of the 3rd lunar month each year, the locals hold a festival at the temple to honor the Tran emperors and national heroes. 

Thai Vi Temple

The architecture of Thai Vi Temple is typical of Ninh Binh temples (Source: Collected)

5. Non Nuoc Pagoda in Ninh Binh

Non Nuoc Pagoda, also known as Duc Thuy Son Pagoda, is located at the foot of Non Nuoc Mountain, near the Day River and the Van River. The pagoda was originally built during the reign of Emperor Ly Nhan Tong. In the 13th century, during the Tran dynasty, it was renovated and given the name Duc Thuy Son by the scholar Truong Han Sieu. The pagoda covers an area of 2,000 square meters and was constructed entirely from stone. It is open year-round, allowing visitors to explore its architecture, offer incense, and pray at any time.

Non Nuoc Pagoda

Non Nuoc Pagoda – an ideal place to find peace within yourself (Source: Collected)

6. Am Tien Pagoda

Am Tien Pagoda, once used as a place to imprison criminals, is located in Am Tien Cave in Hoa Lu District. It is only 400 meters away from the Temple of Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang, adjacent to the eastern wall of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. Almost isolated from the outside world, the pagoda boasts a stunning beauty. Nestled within a valley surrounded by rocky cliffs, its reflection on the water creates a picturesque scene. Visitors to Am Tien Pagoda can offer incense while enjoying the breathtaking landscapes here.

Am Tien Pagoda

Am Tien is one of the many ancient Ninh Binh temples (Source: Collected)

7. Golden Temple – among the must-visit Ninh Binh temples

The Golden Temple was built on the original site of Bat Long Temple, an ancient temple constructed by Emperor Le Dai Hanh over 1,000 years ago. The site included three small temple buildings surrounded by lush trees. It is one of the most unique Ninh Binh temples, peacefully located on a small island covering 28 hectares in Ca Voi Lake. It borders the road leading to Trang An on one side and Ninh Nhat Town on the other. The picturesque setting here provides an ideal backdrop for capturing stunning photos, making the Golden Temple a delightful stop on your cultural journey in Ninh Binh. 

Golden Temple

The Golden Temple is impressively designed in octagonal shapes (Source: Collected)

8. Nhat Tru Pagoda in Ninh Binh

Nhat Tru Pagoda is located in the outer area of the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. The pagoda’s name is associated with a special artifact preserved there – a stone pillar (tru) with Buddhist scriptures, a relic of significant value. Nhat Tru Pagoda is also a cultural and spiritual space where local festivals and rituals are held annually, the most notable being the Khao Tong Dragon Boat Festival on the 15th day of the 1st lunar month. Visitors to this pagoda can appreciate its architectural beauty and explore the ancient Buddhist pillar and other relics preserved at the site.

Nhat Tru Pagoda

Nhat Tru Pagoda is named after the Buddhist pillar (Source: Collected)

Read more: Things to do in Ninh Binh: Unveil 15 MOST exciting activities

9. Dau Pagoda – one of the oldest temples in Ninh Binh

Dau Pagoda is an ancient pagoda located in Yen Khanh District. Built during the reign of Emperor Ly Thai Tong, the pagoda showcases the architectural style of the Tran dynasty. Situated on a 5,000-square-meter area, Dau Pagoda retains some precious artifacts from the Tran and Later Le periods, such as a lotus pedestal and the Dien Thanh stele. Over the years, the pagoda has undergone numerous restorations to preserve its grandeur. It contributes to education of the local heritage and supports the local tourism while enriching the spiritual life of the community.

Dau Pagoda - one of the oldest temples in Ninh Binh

Dau Pagoda showcases the architectural style of the Tran dynasty (Source: Collected)

10. Duyen Ninh Pagoda

Duyen Ninh Pagoda was built in the 10th century during the reign of Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang. Historically known as a place of romantic couples, the pagoda is now regarded as one of the most popular spiritual sites in Vietnam for those seeking blessings in love. Due to this reputation, it is often referred to by young people as the Pagoda of Love. Over more than ten centuries, much of the original architectural features have been lost. Today, Duyen Ninh Pagoda has a more modest design, with a main hall, ancestral worship house, guest room, dining hall, garden, and stupa. 

Duyen Ninh Pagoda

Duyen Ninh Pagoda is one of the most ancient Ninh Binh temples (Source: Collected)

11. Dong Dac Pagoda

Dong Dac Pagoda, built in 1838, follows the traditional layout of the “Dinh” Chinese character, with a front hall and a main hall. The entire structure is made of ironwood, from the pillars to the beams and crossbars. The intricate carvings on the beams, pillars, panels, and doors are exquisite works of art on wood. Over the years, Dong Dac Pagoda has undergone several renovations, with the most recent one occurring about 60 years ago. Despite the passage of time, the pagoda has retained its architectural significance.

12. Dich Long Pagoda in Ninh Binh

Dich Long Pagoda, located in Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh. is a vast complex that includes a stone peak with 16 monolithic stone pillars, a temple dedicated to Ly Quoc Su, a crescent-shaped lake, five three-tiered towers, a three-chamber pagoda, a Buddha garden, and a stupa garden. Dich Long Pagoda is a harmonious blend of man-made architecture and natural beauty, featuring elements of height and depth, light and shadow, as well as music and art, all set amidst lush greenery and creating a heaven-like atmosphere.

Dich Long Pagoda in Ninh Binh

Dich Long Pagoda is a unique site among Ninh Binh temples (Source: Collected)

13. Ban Long Pagoda

Ban Long Pagoda, located in Hoa Lu District, was recognized as a national historical and cultural relic in 1994. It is one of the oldest temples in Vietnam, established over 10 centuries ago, even before the Dinh dynasty. According to legend, the locals discovered a cave on a mountain and, having found a coiled dragon inside, decided to build a pagoda there. The pagoda is situated within a cave in the Dai Tuong mountain range, which has a shape resembling a giant dragon facing the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. Despite the passage of time, the pagoda remains a sacred spiritual site for generations of locals and visitors from afar.

Ban Long Pagoda

Ban Long – a thousand-year-old pagoda (Source: Collected)

Read more: Ninh Binh itinerary: The ultimate 5-day backpacking trip

Exploring these Ninh Binh temples offers culture seekers a deep dive into Vietnam’s rich heritage. Whether you are drawn by the architectural beauty, historical significance, or spiritual atmosphere, these Ninh Binh temples are essential stops on any cultural journey through Vietnam.

When planning a trip to Ninh Binh, consider combining your visit with a tour of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, which is just a short drive away. As a top destination for international travelers in Vietnam, Hanoi offers a rich blend of historical and modern experiences.

For a fun experience, you can visit VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park, which is located to the east of Hanoi. This sprawling water park complex is perfect for a day of excitement, featuring water rides, wave pools, and family-friendly attractions. It is an ideal spot to unwind after exploring the cultural treasures of Ninh Binh, providing a balanced blend of adventure and leisure on your trip.

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