Bai Dinh Pagoda
Vietnam's monumental Buddhist sanctuary.
π₯ Highly Recommended
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Introduction
Bai Dinh Pagoda (ChΓΉa BΓ‘i ΔΓnh) is a vast Buddhist spiritual complex located in the Trang An UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ninh Binh province. It consists of an original ancient temple on Dinh Mountain and a new, monumental pagoda area constructed in 2003. The complex is recognized for holding numerous national and Asian records for its immense scale, including the longest Arhat corridor and the largest gilded bronze Buddha statue in Asia.
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Bao Thap Stupa
This 13-story, 100-meter-tall stupa is the highest structure in the complex. An elevator inside takes visitors to the top floor, offering panoramic views of the entire pagoda grounds and the surrounding limestone karsts. The stupa also houses sacred Buddha relics.
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Tam The Hall
The largest building in the complex, the Tam The Hall houses three massive bronze Buddha statues, each weighing 50 tons, representing the past, present, and future. The hall's impressive architecture and grand scale make it a central point of the visit.
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Arhat Corridor
This remarkable covered corridor is the longest in Asia, stretching over 1.7 kilometers. It contains 500 intricately carved stone statues of Arhats (enlightened disciples of Buddha), with each statue displaying a unique posture and facial expression.
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Phap Chu Hall
This hall contains a monumental bronze statue of the Gautama Buddha, which holds a record as the largest in Vietnam. The structure is an excellent example of the grand-scale architecture that defines the new pagoda complex.
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The Great Bell
Located in the bell tower, this is the largest bell in Vietnam, weighing 36 tonnes. Its casting required intricate craftsmanship, and its resounding chime is a significant feature of the pagoda.
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Ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda
Situated about 800 meters from the new pagoda on a nearby mountain, the ancient temple offers a more serene and historic atmosphere. Reached by climbing over 300 stone steps, it includes a series of small caves and temples dedicated to Buddha, mountain spirits, and the Ly Dynasty monk Nguyen Minh Khong.
Getting there
From Ninh Binh City Center to Bai Dinh Pagoda (approx. 15 km):
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π Taxi: 20-25 mins | 200,000 - 250,000 VND ~ $8 - $10 USD
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π Ride-Hailing App (Grab): 20-25 mins | 150,000 - 200,000 VND ~ $6 - $8 USD
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π΅ Motorbike: 25-30 mins. A popular option for independent travelers; rentals are widely available in Ninh Binh and Tam Coc.
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β οΈ Many visitors combine a trip to Bai Dinh with other nearby attractions like Trang An or Hoa Lu. It is common to hire a private car or motorbike for the full day for greater flexibility.
Hours & Admission
π Opening hours:
- Monday - Sunday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Notes: The complex remains open daily, including during public holidays.
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π« Ticket prices:
- Entrance Fee: Free.
- Electric Car (required for most visitors): 60,000 VND (~ $2.40 USD) per person for a round-trip ticket.
- Bao Thap Stupa (with elevator): 50,000 VND (~ $2 USD) per person.
- Notes: Tickets for the electric car and stupa are sold at the main entrance ticketing booth. The electric car is highly recommended as the complex is too large to explore entirely on foot.
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πΆ Best time to visit:
- The best time of year is from January to March, when the weather is cool and dry. This period also hosts the Bai Dinh Pagoda festival after the Lunar New Year, though it can be very crowded. To avoid crowds, visit on a weekday morning, right after it opens.
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β Recommended duration:
- Plan for at least 3 to 4 hours to see the main highlights without rushing. The sheer size of the grounds and the travel time on the electric car require a significant time commitment.
Tips from locals
Local tips
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π As a functioning religious site, there is a strict dress code. Ensure your shoulders and knees are covered before entering the complex. Wraps and cover-ups are sometimes available for rent at the entrance, but it's best to come prepared.
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π The complex is enormous. Even with the mandatory electric car service between the entrance and the main pagoda area, you will still do a substantial amount of walking and climbing stairs, especially if you visit the ancient pagoda. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.
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πΈ The fee for the elevator to the top of the Bao Thap stupa is well worth it. It provides the best possible vantage point for photography, offering a complete overview of the pagoda's layout against the backdrop of Ninh Binh's distinctive landscape.
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π‘ The electric car service operates on a fixed route with designated stops. You get off at the main entrance to the temple area and must walk back to the same stop to return to the parking lot. Keep your return ticket safe and be mindful of the last car's departure time, usually around 9:00 PM.
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Be aware
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β οΈ The scale of the complex can be overwhelming and physically demanding for some visitors, particularly the elderly or those with mobility issues. Plan your route, use the electric car, and don't try to see everything if you are short on time or energy.
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ποΈ Be prepared for some commercial activity. The site is a major tourist destination, and you will encounter many shops, food stalls, and people offering photography services. A polite "khΓ΄ng, cαΊ£m Ζ‘n" (no, thank you) is usually sufficient if you are not interested.
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π₯ During major Vietnamese holidays, especially the Lunar New Year (Tet) and the subsequent spring festival season (from the 1st to the 3rd lunar month), the pagoda can be exceptionally crowded with domestic pilgrims and tourists. If you prefer a quieter experience, avoid visiting during these peak times.
FAQs
Is there an entrance fee for Bai Dinh Pagoda?
No, there is no fee to enter the main pagoda complex. However, you must pay for the electric car service to get around and for entry into specific attractions like the Bao Thap stupa.
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What is the dress code for Bai Dinh Pagoda?
Visitors must wear respectful attire that covers their shoulders and knees. Shorts, skirts above the knee, and tank tops are not appropriate.
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How much time do you need at Bai Dinh Pagoda?
You should allocate a minimum of 3 to 4 hours to visit the main sights comfortably. The complex is very large, and time is needed for the electric car transport and walking between halls.
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Can you walk around Bai Dinh Pagoda?
While you can walk, it is strongly discouraged. The distance from the entrance to the main pagoda area is several kilometers. The electric car service is considered essential for nearly all visitors.
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What is Bai Dinh Pagoda famous for?
It is famous for being one of the largest Buddhist complexes in Southeast Asia and holding several records, including the largest gilded Buddha statue in Asia and the longest Arhat corridor.
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Is Bai Dinh Pagoda a part of the Trang An boat tour?
No, it is a separate site within the larger Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. You visit the pagoda on foot (with the help of an electric car), while the Trang An tour is done by boat through caves and grottoes.
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What are the opening hours?
The pagoda is open every day from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
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Is it better to visit Bai Dinh or Hoa Lu?
This depends on your interest. Visit Bai Dinh for its grand scale, modern religious architecture, and impressive records. Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital for its deep historical significance as Vietnam's first capital, featuring older, more understated temples.
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How do I get to the ancient pagoda (BΓ‘i ΔΓnh Cα» Tα»±)?
From the main area of the new pagoda, the ancient temple is located up a nearby mountain. It requires a separate walk and a climb of over 300 stone steps.
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Is there an elevator in the Bao Thap stupa?
Yes, there is an elevator that takes visitors to the 12th floor for a panoramic view. A separate ticket of 50,000 VND is required to access it.
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