Bai Dinh Pagoda is located on Bai Dinh Mountain in Ninh Binh Province, northern Vietnam. It is one of the largest and most significant Buddhist complexes in Vietnam, covering more than 700 hectares. The site consists of two main areas — the ancient temple nestled in a natural cave and the new grand complex built between 2003 and 2010.

The origins of Bai Dinh date back over a thousand years to the Dinh and Le dynasties. The original cave temple was used as a sacred site for meditation and religious ceremonies. Ancient Buddha statues and relics can still be found within the limestone caves, bearing witness to centuries of devotion.

The modern Bai Dinh complex was constructed as a monumental project to celebrate Vietnamese Buddhism and create a national spiritual center. Its architecture harmoniously blends traditional Vietnamese design with grand modern scale, using fragrant wood, bronze, and stone to symbolize purity, strength, and endurance.

Highlights of the pagoda include the massive bronze Buddha statue—the largest in Southeast Asia—standing over 10 meters tall and weighing more than 100 tons, a 13-story stupa offering panoramic views of Ninh Binh’s mountains, and the Arhat Corridor that stretches over 3 kilometers lined with more than 500 Arhat statues.

Bai Dinh is also the site of the annual Bai Dinh Festival, held after the Lunar New Year. The festival honors the Buddha, national heroes, and the country’s spiritual heritage, featuring cultural performances, chanting ceremonies, and thousands of pilgrims journeying from across Vietnam.

Surrounded by lush forests and karst mountains, the atmosphere at Bai Dinh is serene and awe-inspiring. Visitors can explore the ancient cave temple for quiet meditation or admire the magnificent architecture of the new pagoda complex, which represents the enduring faith and artistic mastery of Vietnamese Buddhism.

Today, Bai Dinh Pagoda serves not only as a major tourist and pilgrimage destination but also as a regional hub for Buddhist studies, attracting visitors, monks, and scholars from all over the world to experience its profound spiritual and cultural legacy.

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How to Get There

• From Hanoi, travel about 95 km south to Ninh Binh by car or bus (around 2–3 hours). Local taxis or electric carts can take visitors from Ninh Binh city to the pagoda complex.

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Travel Tips

• Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, as it is a sacred site.

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking and climbing stairs.

• Early morning visits are best for cooler weather and fewer crowds.

• Combine your trip with nearby attractions such as Trang An or Tam Coc.

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Admission Fee

• Free entry for the main temple complex.

• Electric tram service inside: around 30,000–60,000 VND per person.

• Tower access (optional): around 50,000 VND.

Opening Hours

• Daily from: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM.