Overview:

: Bai Dinh Pagoda is a massive Buddhist temple complex located in Gia Vien district of Ninh Binh province in Vietnam. With an area of over 700 hectares, Bai Dinh Pagoda is the largest complex of Buddhist temples in Vietnam and is an important spiritual site for both local and international visitors. The main temple area is located on one of Vietnam’s four holy mountains and consists of hundreds of monks and nuns living in multiple temple buildings. The complex is filled with many statues and structures, including a 500-year-old Dzao Minh Cave, a 30m high bronze Guan Yin statue and a bell tower which is one of the tallest in Vietnam. The pagoda also holds various ceremonies and festivals throughout the year and is known for its beautiful landscape, mountains and valleys. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Vietnam
Prominent Features:

1. Largest pagoda in Vietnam - Bai Dinh Pagoda is the largest pagoda complex in Vietnam. The pagoda complex consists of 500 statues of Arhats, a 500-year old bronze Buddha, and three Bodhisattvas sculpted out of stone. 2. Home to Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas - Inside the Bai Dinh Pagoda complex is the majestic Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas, which is a massive chamber with around 10,000 tiny Buddha statues caressed with gold paint. 3. Beautiful landscapes - Visitors can wander around Bai Dinh Pagoda and be awed by its beautiful landscapes decorated by lush gardens and green trees. Despite that the complex covers a large area, it is a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere that one can experience. 4. Ancient architectures - Visitors can also appreciate its ancient architectures. The design and construction of the complex is a wonder to behold as it is distinctively different from the modern pagoda constructions seen in Vietnam. 5. Monastery and Cultural Centre - Located within the Bai Dinh Pagoda complex is the Tam The Monastery and Cultural Centre. The centre is responsible for preserving the pagoda’s values, believes and cultural characteristics so as to pass down from generation to generation. This national monument of Vietnam portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Bai Dinh Pagoda of Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam, is one of the most important and largest pagodas in the country. The ancient history of the pagoda dates back to the 10th century, during the Dinh Dynasty, when the first Buddhist temple was built. In 1010, King Dinh Tien Hoang ordered the construction of this temple in the remote mountain area of Nguyen Binh in Ninh Binh, as a place of worship. In the centuries leading up to the 18th century the pagoda suffered numerous wars and natural disasters, however, each time it was destroyed it was rebuilt and restored with even greater vigorous effort. In 1773, under the rule of the Trinh Lords, the pagoda saw huge expansion supported by the Emperor Minh Mang and by making several improvements over its existing shrines, it became a center of worship for the people of Vietnam. The most recent expansion of the pagoda was completed in 2010 and involved constructing several large and imposing structures, such as the Great Hall of the Sage, the Hall of Panorama, and the Statuary. The pagoda now consists of five main complexes including a Global Peace pagoda, Temple of Avalokitesvara, Tower of the Grand Buddha, and the Monument to Motherly Greatness. The Bai Dinh Pagoda is highly valued by the people of Vietnam and is a major attraction for visitors to the area. It is visited throughout the year by both Vietnamese and international visitors. In the lead up to the Lunar New Year, the pagoda sees a surge in attendance as thousands of devotees flock to pay their respects to the deities and receive blessings. You must visit one of these historical places in Vietnam on your Vietnam tour

Interesting facts:

•Bai Dinh Pagoda is the largest temple complex in Vietnam and one of the most significant Buddhist sites in Southeast Asia. •The original pagoda was first built during the Tran Dynasty (1225-1400). The current incarnation dates back to 2003. •Bai Dinh Pagoda is known as the home of Vietnam's biggest bronze Buddha statue which stands at 10 meters tall and weighing in at 300 tons. •The Pagoda's 500 Arhats Hall holds the largest collection of Arhat statues, both seated and standing. •Bai Dinh Pagoda’s grounds cover an area of 300 hectares and is home to more than 500 Buddhist statues and sculptures. •The complex contains a four storeys tower known as the “Thap But”, which is home to many of the Pagoda's statues and sculptures. •Bai Dinh Pagoda is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists in Vietnam and contains an enormous bell tower and numerous statues depicting various figures from Buddhism. Visit one of the famous monuments of Vietnam with your friends and family.