Nestled in the ancient capital of Vietnam, Ninh Binh province, Bai Dinh Pagoda offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life. Located just a couple of hours away from Hanoi center, this pagoda is a must-visit destination for those seeking spiritual solace and breathtaking natural surroundings.
Location
Situated on the western slope of Dinh Mountain, Bai Dinh Pagoda boasts a serene forest setting. Stepping into this sacred place, visitors are greeted by an ancestor-worshipping house at its heart, while the Bright Cave on the right side is dedicated to the Buddha. The pagoda also features a small temple for Genie Cao Son and another temple worshiping Saint Nguyen, accompanied by the mystical Dark Cave that honors the Fairy. The harmonious blend of enchanting landscapes and peaceful ambience makes Bai Dinh Pagoda feel like a fairyland, offering a sense of serenity and tranquility to all who visit.
Furthermore, visitors can explore numerous other grottoes and caves, including the Fairy Cave with its seven smaller caves and the Cave of Ba Chua Thuong Ngan (the goddess of forests). These natural wonders abound with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites, showcasing various shapes and sizes that spark the imagination.
On the other side of Dinh Mountain lies the new Bai Dinh Pagoda, which has been under construction since 2003. Spanning across an extensive 80-hectare area, this pagoda complex comprises Tam The Temple, Phap Chu Temple, Quan Am Temple (Bodhisattva Temple), Bao Thap, a bell tower, and a dormitory area for Buddhist monks.
Every material used to build the pagoda is locally sourced from nearby provinces. The construction required the expertise of around five hundred craftsmen, as well as groups of workers from renowned traditional craft villages such as Phu Loc (known for woodwork), Ninh Van (known for stone carving), Y Yen (known for bronze casting), and Van Lam (known for embroidery). These artisans utilized Vietnamese materials, such as Ninh Binh’s green stone and Bat Trang’s ceramic tiles, to infuse the architecture of Bai Dinh Pagoda with distinctive Vietnamese characteristics.
Worshiping Monuments
Tam The Temple and Phap Chu Temple are the focal points of this grand religious complex. Encompassing a total area of 1,000 square meters, these two temples hold immense significance. The Phap Chu Temple stands tall at an impressive height of 22 meters, consisting of five partitions. At its center stands a massive bronze statue of the Buddha Sykamuni, measuring 10 meters in height and weighing 100 tons. Recognized as the largest statue in Vietnam, it was crafted from pure bronze acquired from Russia, casted, and installed by renowned artisans from Y Yen, Nam Dinh. Additionally, the temple houses several national records, including the three largest horizontal lacquered boards (hoành phi) and three intricately sculpted and engraved “Cua Vong” doors. In Tam The Temple, three statues of Tam The symbolize the past, present, and future. Standing at 12 meters in height and weighing 100 tons each, these statues are truly awe-inspiring.
The pagoda’s uniqueness is further accentuated by the “Great Bell,” a colossal 36-ton bell housed within the Bell Tower. Additionally, visitors can marvel at the 70-ton bronze drum on the tower’s floor. Another remarkable attraction is the Bodhisattva Temple, where the largest Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva statue can be found. This majestic statue, with its thousand hands and eyes, symbolizes protection and universal salvation for all.
Moreover, the hill on the right-hand side of Phap Chu Temple is adorned with a collection of 500 stone-carved statues of Arahat. These statues, standing at an impressive height of 2.3 meters, were intricately carved from Ninh Binh stone. Each statue depicts different positions and gestures, creating a magical and vibrant atmosphere.
Without a doubt, Bai Dinh Pagoda is a masterpiece that seamlessly blends the wonders of nature with human ingenuity. It stands as a proud testament to the unique architecture, culture, and historical value of Vietnam.
Useful Information
- Location: Bai Dinh, Ninh Binh
- Best for: Family, couple, solo
- Entrance: Free
- Hours: 8AM – 5PM
- Distance to city center: 0.4km (0.2 mi)
Plan your visit to Bai Dinh Pagoda and bask in the tranquility of this majestic retreat. For more travel guides and inspiration, visit Travel Guide.