More than 1000 years ago, Ninh Binh existed 3 feudal dynasties Dinh, pre-Le and Ly. All three dynasties were interested in Buddhism and considered Buddhism as the national religion. Therefore, these dynasties built many pagodas in Vietnam, including Bai Dinh pagoda.

Legend has it that here National Master Nguyen Minh Khong once went to find a medicinal plant that turned into a tiger for King Ly Than Tong. He chose this place to set up a Buddhist temple and a place of practice in 1136. In 1997, Bai Dinh pagoda was recognized as a national historical and cultural relic site. It is the place where heroic events in history took place.

Bai Dinh means the place where the worshiping takes place at the top of a high mountain. The word worship here worship means to worship the general. Bai Dinh pagoda complex includes an ancient pagoda area and a newly expanded pagoda area built in 2003. With an area of ​​1700 hectares, Bai Dinh pagoda is set a record as the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia. Asia, and many categories hold the largest records in Asia and Vietnam. The pagoda is located in the Trang An scenic complex which has been recognized by UNESCO as a world natural and cultural heritage, the first dual heritage of Southeast Asia. Over the years, this place has become a famous place, attracting many Buddhists and visitors.

The three gates is an indispensable presentation point in the temples in Vietnam. Architecturally, you will see that 'Three Gates' is built entirely of wood, to build 'Three Gates', the pagoda used about 550 tons of logs. 'Three Gates' has a bed-stack architecture, 16.5m high, 13m wide, 32m long. Typically you see in the middle of 'Three Gates' there are 4 pillars, each tree is about 14m high and weighs 10 tons.

To remember and give thanks for Quoc su Nguyen Minh Khong's merit, after nearly 1000 years, the pagoda has restored the four great gases with the desire to pray for the nation's peace and prosperity, favorable rain and wind. One of the four great gases is Bao Thien Stupa. With exquisite architecture containing the quintessence and efforts of artisans, the stupa has now become a sacred symbol of Bai Dinh Pagoda. The structure of the stupa is imbued with Vietnamese culture. The tower has 13 floors, 100m high, the base of the tower is a solid octagonal with a circumference of 30m. Covering the entire outer part of the stupa is Bat Trang fired bricks with decorative patterns in the Ly dynasty's artistic style such as flying clouds, water waves, and lotus petals. Around the 8 sides are small stone Buddha statues placed harmoniously from the foot up to the tower, creating a special highlight for this place.

The three-way palace is one of the most magnificent and beautiful main halls of the temple. With a height of 34m and a width of 2,364 square meters, the structure is finished with reinforced concrete painted in wood color. The temple is a place to worship the three Buddhas representing three periods: past, present, and future. All the statues worshiped here are set the largest record in Vietnam, weighing 50 tons, 7.2 meters high. Looking from left to right you will see the past Buddha in the left icon is Amitabha Buddha, the present Buddha in the middle is the symbol of Shakyamuni Buddha, the future Buddha in the right icon is Maitreya Buddha. Because these three statues are symbols of all Buddhas in Buddhism and placed on the highest place called the main hall.

The Bell Tower has a height of 18.25m, a diameter of 17m, built in the architectural style of an ancient 3-storey octagonal bell tower with 24 roofs, shaped like a giant stylized lotus flower. On the steeple hangs a 36-ton bell cast by Hue artisans. In 2007, the bell was certified by the Vietnam Record Book Center as ""the largest Dai Hong Chung in Vietnam"" – the biggest bronze bell in Vietnam.

With these unique and outstanding features, they have contributed to creating a majestic and colorful Bai Dinh pagoda complex. Blending into the convergence of the spirit of mountains and rivers, of the national spirit and of outstanding people. Therefore, Bai Dinh Pagoda is not only a spiritual tourist destination but also the pride of the whole Vietnamese nation. This place is not only the place where many important cultural and political events of the country take place, but has long become a famous destination attracting thousands of tourists to visit and admire.

During the day, Bai Dinh Pagoda attracts visitors with its grand architectural complex and majestic statues intricately carved. However, at night, under the dazzling lights that illuminate the entire mountainous region, the pagoda's mystical beauty becomes even more evident, with every line and angle standing out. The serene atmosphere envelops the surroundings, making each step of the visitors feel calm, peaceful, and spiritually uplifting, guiding them towards the values of truth, goodness, and beauty.  

The Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex is not only a place that gathers many cultural values and exquisite sculptures but also an ideal destination for all visitors.

Bai Dinh Spiritual Cultural Tourism Area

Address: Gia Sinh Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province

Hotline: 1900966909

• Round-trip electric car ticket:

  • Adults: 100,000 VND/person

  • Children (1-1.3m): 70,000 VND/person

• Shuttle electric car (includes: shuttle car between points, Pagoda Tower ticket, foot bath):

  • Adults: 300,000 VND

  • Children (1-1.3m): 210,000 VND

• VIP electric car (includes electric car and tour guide to visit the temples): 4,000,000 VND

• Tour guide: 500,000 VND/tour