Located in the historical land of the Hoa Lu ancient capital, Bai Dinh Pagoda is not only a major Buddhist center but also a famous spiritual tourism destination, attracting millions of domestic and international visitors each year. With its magnificent scale and numerous unique architectural works, Bai Dinh has established many impressive records, becoming a source of pride for the Vietnamese people. This article will take you on a detailed journey to explore the pagoda that holds the most records in Vietnam, from its history and architecture to useful sightseeing tips.

Where is Bai Dinh Pagoda and how do you get there?

The Bai Dinh Pagoda complex is located in Gia Sinh commune, Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province, at the western gateway to the Hoa Lu ancient capital historical relic site. This location is about 15km from Ninh Binh city and about 95km from the capital city of Hanoi, making it very convenient for travel and connection to other famous attractions in the area such as Trang An, Tam Coc - Bich Dong.

To get to Bai Dinh Pagoda, visitors have many transportation options:

• Coach/Bus: From Hanoi, you can take a bus to Ninh Binh from major bus stations like Giap Bat or My Dinh. The travel time is about 2 hours. From Ninh Binh city, you can take a taxi or a motorbike taxi to the pagoda.
• Train: The train is a safe and interesting option. You can take the Reunification Express train from Hanoi Station to Ninh Binh Station, then continue by taxi.
• Private vehicle (car, motorbike): If you love freedom and want to be proactive with your time, traveling by private vehicle is ideal. From Hanoi, follow the Phap Van - Cau Gie expressway, then turn onto National Highway 1A to reach Ninh Binh. The signs to Bai Dinh are very clear and easy to follow.

What is special about the history and development of Bai Dinh Pagoda?

The Bai Dinh Pagoda complex consists of two main areas: the Ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda (Co Tu) and the New Bai Dinh Pagoda (Tan Tu). Each area has its own historical and architectural identity, creating a harmonious whole between tradition and modernity.

Ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda: The ancient pagoda was built in 1136 during the Ly Dynasty, founded by Zen Master Nguyen Minh Khong. The pagoda is situated on a high mountain, hidden in natural caves. After nearly 1000 years of history, the ancient pagoda still retains its sacred and ancient charm. The main structures of the ancient pagoda include the Temple of Saint Nguyen, the Temple of Cao Son Deity, Sang Cave (Bright Cave), and Toi Cave (Dark Cave), all of which are rich in historical and spiritual value.

New Bai Dinh Pagoda: Construction began in 2003 on this massive new pagoda, covering hundreds of hectares. This project was built with the desire to inherit and promote the values of Buddhist culture, while creating a major spiritual center for the country. The architecture of the new pagoda is deeply influenced by Vietnamese Buddhist architecture, using local materials such as ironwood, Ninh Binh green stone, and Bat Trang glazed tiles, creating a beauty that is both majestic and intimate.

What impressive records have been set at Bai Dinh Pagoda?

The grandeur of Bai Dinh Pagoda is demonstrated through a series of records recognized by domestic and international organizations. This is the highlight that creates the special attraction of this pagoda.

• Largest gold-plated bronze statue of Shakyamuni Buddha in Asia: The statue weighs 100 tons, stands 10 meters tall, and is majestically placed in the Phap Chu Hall. It is an artistic masterpiece, showcasing the talent of Vietnamese bronze casting artisans.
• Largest bronze statue of Maitreya Buddha in Southeast Asia: The statue is 10 meters tall, weighs 80 tons, and is placed outdoors with a joyful smile, symbolizing wishes for peace and happiness.
• Largest bronze bell in Vietnam: The Great Bell weighs 36 tons, is 5.5 meters high, and is housed in the Bell Tower. Its resonant, deep sound seems to carry the prayers of living beings to the Buddhist realm.
• Longest Arhat corridor in Asia: Two corridors surrounding the Phap Chu and Tam The Halls have a total length of nearly 3 km, housing 500 Arhat statues carved from monolithic green stone. Each statue is a unique sculpture, with no two being alike.
• Pagoda complex with the most Arhat statues in Vietnam: With 500 Arhats, each with a different facial expression and posture, the Arhat corridor at Bai Dinh is a remarkable museum of Buddhist sculpture art.
• Largest Jade Well (Gieng Ngoc) in Vietnam: The well has a diameter of 30 meters, a depth of 6 meters, and never runs dry. Its clear blue water is believed to bring good luck when used for ceremonies and offerings.
• Pagoda area with the most Bodhi trees in Vietnam: 100 Bodhi trees, propagated from the original Bodhi tree in India, are planted here, symbolizing the enlightenment and wisdom of the Buddha.

What is so attractive about the unique architecture of Bai Dinh Pagoda?

The architecture of the new Bai Dinh Pagoda is a harmonious combination of traditional beauty and modern scale. The main structures are built on spiritual axes, succeeding each other up the mountainside, creating a spiritual space that is both solemn and expansive.

• Tam Quan Gate: The first structure visitors enter, the Outer and Inner Tam Quan Gates are massively built with three-tiered curved roofs and exquisite carvings.
• Bell Tower: Three stories high with 24 roofs, it houses the largest bronze bell in Vietnam. From here, visitors can enjoy a partial panoramic view of the pagoda.
• Quan Am Hall (Guan Yin Hall): This hall is dedicated to the thousand-armed, thousand-eyed Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva statue, elaborately crafted from bronze, representing compassion and salvation.
• Phap Chu Hall (Dharma Master Hall): This is where the largest bronze Buddha statue of Shakyamuni in Asia is located. The hall's spacious and solemn atmosphere brings a sense of tranquility to pilgrims.
• Tam The Hall (Hall of Three Worlds): This hall worships three bronze statues of the Buddhas of the Three Worlds (past, present, and future), each weighing 50 tons. It is the largest structure in the complex, representing the Buddhist philosophy of cause, effect, and reincarnation.
• Relic Stupa: Standing 100 meters tall with 13 floors, the stupa is where Buddha relics from India and Myanmar are displayed. It is the highest point, offering a sweeping view of the magnificent landscape of Bai Dinh and the Ninh Binh region.

What should you note for a trip to Bai Dinh Pagoda?

For a fulfilling trip, you should consider the following tips:

• Ideal time to visit: You can visit Bai Dinh in any season. However, spring (from the first to the third lunar month) is the best time, with cool weather and many major festivals taking place.
• Attire: As it is a sacred place, you should choose polite, modest clothing and avoid short or revealing outfits. Because the pagoda grounds are very large and require a lot of walking, choose comfortable shoes that are easy to move in.
• Getting around the pagoda: The complex is vast, so to save time and energy, you should use the electric car service. The electric cars will take you from the parking lot to the Tam Quan Gate and between the main attractions and the Stupa.
• Health preparation: Bring drinking water and some light snacks. a complete tour can last from 4 to 6 hours.
• Maintain public hygiene: Be conscious of protecting the landscape, do not litter, and maintain solemnity in the place of worship. This is one of the important experiences of a spiritual tour in Ninh Binh.

With its massive architectural scale, magnificent natural scenery, and profound spiritual values, Bai Dinh Pagoda is truly an unmissable destination on Vietnam's tourist map. This is not just a pilgrimage for prayer and peace, but also an opportunity to discover the essence of Buddhist culture and architecture and to find peace in your soul.

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