Overview of Bai Dinh Pagoda

Bai Dinh Pagoda is a large pagoda complex located at the western gateway of Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, in Tay Hoa Lu Ward, Ninh Binh province. This complex includes two main areas: Bai Dinh Co Tu (ancient pagoda) and Bai Dinh Tan Tu (new pagoda built on a huge scale). The project stands out with elaborately invested traditional Vietnamese architecture, and is one of the largest Buddhist centers in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, attracting millions of tourists and Buddhist pilgrims each year.

Bai Pagoda Dinh

Bai Dinh Tan Tu Pagoda holds many Vietnamese and Asian records, such as: Asia's largest bronze Maitreya Buddha statue, Vietnam's largest Dai Hong Chung, and Asia's longest Arhat Corridor with 500 monolithic Arhat statues made of green stone. The complex serves as an important spiritual tourism center, especially vibrant in the Spring (January to March of the Lunar Calendar), when the Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival takes place, creating a sacred, bustling festival atmosphere.

Outstanding attractions at Bai Dinh Pagoda

Asia's longest Arhat corridor

Arhat Corridor

Arhat Corridor is one of the outstanding architectural works and holds an Asian record at Bai Dinh Pagoda. This corridor has a total length of up to 1,700m, built along the mountainside. This place houses 500 Arhat statues made of monolithic green stone, each statue has a different charisma and posture, creating a long journey of worship and art.

Asia's largest bronze statue of Maitreya Buddha

The Maitreya Buddha Statue of Bai Dinh Pagoda

The Maitreya Buddha Statue is another prominent symbol of the new temple area. The statue is cast in solid bronze, weighs up to 100 tons and is 10 meters high, setting a record as the largest bronze Maitreya Buddha Statue in Asia. The statue is located on a high hill, meaning joy, peace and compassion of Buddhism.

Tam The Palace and Phap Chu Palace

Dien Tam The 

Tam The Palace and Phap Chu Palace are the two main worship areas in the new temple complex. Tam The Palace houses three statues of Tam The Buddha, while Phap Chu Palace houses the largest statue of Shakyamuni Buddha in Vietnam. The architecture of the two palaces is extremely massive and majestic, showing the majesty of this Buddhist center.

Bai Dinh Co Tu (Ancient Pagoda) Area

Bai Dinh Pagoda ancient

Bai Dinh Co Tu is an ancient pagoda more than 1,000 years old, located on the slopes of Bai Dinh mountain. This area includes sacred caves worshiping Buddha, worshiping God Cao Son, and worshiping Saint Nguyen Minh Khong. The ancient pagoda has a quiet, peaceful beauty, where tourists find their spiritual and historical roots.

The largest Jade Well and Bronze Bell in Vietnam

The well Ngoc

Jade Well is a natural lake shaped like a crescent moon, with a diameter of nearly 30m, established as the largest Jade Well in Vietnam. Next to it is a large bell tower, containing a 36-ton Dai Hong Chung, the largest bronze bell in Vietnam, hand-cast locally.

Asia's largest bronze Buddha statue

Shakyamuni Buddha Statue

Shakyamuni Buddha Statue (located in the Phap Chu Palace) is made of bronze, weighs 100 tons, is 10 meters high, and is one of the largest Buddha statues in Asia. The statue is exquisitely crafted, expressing majesty and compassion, and is the focus of worship at the Phap Chu Palace.

Here are suggestions for other attractions at Bai Dinh Pagoda:

  • Three Gate Gate and Eucalyptus Garden area: Is the starting point for sightseeing, with a massive three-door gate and rows of lush green trees.

  • Relics Stupa: A 13-storey high stupa, which stores Buddha relics brought back from India.

  • Bronze Statue of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva: Located at the Avalokiteśvara Palace, nearly 10 meters high, weighing 80 tons.

  • The area where the second largest Bronze Bell is located: In addition to the 36-ton Dai Hong Chung, the pagoda also has a second bell weighing 27 tons.

  • Central Square and Yard Areas: Suitable for walking and taking photos, especially during the festival season.

  • Tram line: Important transportation support to explore the entire large temple complex.

Best time to travel

Bai Dinh Pagoda can be visited all year round, but the most vibrant and sacred time, attracting a large number of tourists, is in the Spring (from January to March of the lunar calendar). At this time, the weather in Tay Hoa Lu Ward is cool and dry, ideal for outdoor pilgrimage and worship activities. In particular, this is the time when the Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival takes place, lasting throughout the spring, turning this place into the largest spiritual festival center in the country, creating an extremely bustling, sacred atmosphere.

On the contrary, in the Summer and Fall (from May to October), Bai Dinh Pagoda has a quieter, more pure beauty. Although the weather can be hot during the day, visitors will avoid the crowds of the festival season. This is the right time for those who want to leisurely admire the pagoda architecture, explore the Arhat Corridor and Buddhist records in a peaceful space.

Transportation information

Bai Dinh Pagoda is located in the west of Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, with a convenient location to travel from Hanoi and neighboring provinces via road and rail.

Air

Although Ninh Binh province does not have a civil airport, tourists can access this area via two large nearby airports:

  • Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) – Hanoi Departure airports: Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang, Can Tho, etc. Travel time (to Bai Dinh, estimated): 2 - 3 hours (after landing) After landing, tourists should take a taxi or limousine to travel along Phap Van - Cau Gie - Ninh Binh Expressway, go to Trang An Street to reach West Hoa Lu Ward.

  • Tho Xuan Airport (THX) - Thanh Hoa Departure airport: City. Ho Chi Minh (SGN) Travel time (to Bai Dinh, estimated): 1.5 - 2 hours (after landing) Suitable for southern tourists, then travel by road via National Highway 1A to reach Bai Dinh area.

Rail

The Thong Nhat North - South railway is an economic and safe means to get there. near Bai Dinh Pagoda area.

  • Hanoi - Ninh Binh Station Departure station: Hanoi Station Travel time (estimated): About 2.5 hours Ninh Binh Station (Hoa Lu Ward) is the nearest station. From here, visitors need to take a taxi or motorbike taxi/bus for about 20-30 minutes (about 15 km) to get to Bai Dinh Pagoda (West Hoa Lu Ward).

Passenger car and Limousine

This is the most popular and flexible means of traveling directly from Hanoi to tourist areas.

Limousine bus Hanoi to Ninh Binh

  • Hanoi - Bai Dinh Pagoda/Hoa Lu Departure station: Giap Bat bus station, Nuoc Ngam bus station, or inner-city Limousine offices Travel time (estimated): 1.5 - 2 hours (according to the highway) High quality limousine lines (such as Trang An Limousine) have direct shuttle service to the gate of Bai Dinh tourist area.

Movement in the Bai Dinh area

To visit and move inside this very large pagoda complex, visitors have the following options:

  • Electric vehicle: Transportation: Electric vehicle Reference ticket price: About 30,000 VND/trip (one way) This is the main and necessary means of transportation. to move from the entrance gate/parking lot to the main shrines and ancient pagodas.

  • Taxi and Motorbike Rental (From Ninh Binh Station): Taxi: Local taxi companies (Mai Linh, Xuan Thanh) operate in Hoa Lu Ward. Motorbike rental:

    • Dung Manh Motorbike Rental Service (Hoa Lu Area) - 800A Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoa Lu Ward | Price from 100,000 - 150,000 VND/day

    • Suitable for travelers who want to freely explore Bai Dinh, Trang An and Hoa Lu ancient capital.

Accommodation information

Class sang

Vissai Ninh Binh Hotel (The Vissai)

Vissai Ninh Binh Hotel 

  • Address: Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoa Lu Ward, Ninh Binh Province – price from 1,000,000 VND/night

4-star hotel located on a major road, strategically located to move to Bai Dinh area. The hotel provides high-end resort services, luxurious rooms, swimming pools and entertainment areas, suitable for travelers with business or family vacation needs.

Hoang Son Peace Hotel

  • Address: No. 123 Truong Han Sieu Street, Hoa Lu Ward, Ninh Binh Province - prices from 800,000 VND/night

4-star hotel located in the center of Hoa Lu Ward (about 15km from Bai Dinh), convenient for tourists who want to stay in the central urban area to combine sightseeing.

Resort

Bai Dinh Riverside Resort

  • Address: Truong Yen Village, Tay Hoa Lu Ward, Ninh Binh Province - price from 1,300,000 VND/night

The resort is located in a prime location along the river, near the Bai Dinh area. This place offers a quiet resort space, with a separate swimming pool and bungalow area, very suitable for tourists who want to relax and enjoy the peaceful natural beauty of the limestone mountains.

Trang An Retreat

  • Address: Located near Trang An tourist area, Tay Hoa Lu Ward, Ninh Binh province - prices from 1,200,000 VND/night

A bungalow-style resort, located between rice fields and limestone mountains, providing a high-quality experience. Very suitable for those who want to immerse themselves in Ninh Binh nature.

Other experiences

Tuan Ngoc Hotel

  • Address: Near Bai Dinh Entrance Gate, Tay Hoa Lu Ward, Ninh Binh Province - price from 500,000 VND/night

This 3-star hotel is located very close to the Bai Dinh Pagoda area, providing comfortable, clean rooms at reasonable prices. It is the top economic choice for pilgrims.

Bai Dinh Hotel

  • Address: Near Tam Quan Gate, Tay Hoa Lu Ward, Ninh Binh province - price from 450,000 VND/night

The hotel is located right in the area temple administration, providing convenient accommodation services for tourists. The hotel has basic, clean rooms, helping visitors easily access Bai Dinh Pagoda.

Suggested more accommodation options

  • Tam Coc Charming Bungalow: High quality bungalow option near Tam Coc, suitable for combining with Bai Dinh (Nam Hoa Lu Ward).

  • Ninh Binh Central Hotel: 3-star hotel in the center of Hoa Lu Ward, basic amenities.

  • Homestay/Motel in Hoa Lu Ward: Concentrates of many homestays and motels with prices from 350,000 VND/night, suitable for backpackers.

Festival cuisine and culture

Famous restaurants

Thang Long restaurant

Thang Long Restaurant

  • Address: Trang An, Tay Hoa Lu Ward, Ninh Binh province – price: 100,000 – 200,000 VND/person

Thang Long Restaurant has a spacious space, large parking lot and comfortably serves large and small groups. With a team of professional staff, a long-serving kitchen and very good food quality, Thang Long restaurant is a prestigious place and a familiar address for many large and small groups of tourists when traveling to Trang An (near Bai Dinh). The restaurant stands out with dishes made from Ninh Binh Mountain Goat. Specialties such as scorched rice, slime fish, and mountain snails are all sold and clearly listed on the menu. The restaurant's strengths are good food quality, low price, many staff and fast service. The restaurant is open all day from 7am to 8pm.

>Thuy Duong Ninh Binh Restaurant

  • Address: Truong Yen, Tay Hoa Lu Ward, Ninh Binh province - price: 100,000 - 200,000 VND/person

Thuy Duong Ninh Binh Restaurant is located in the area near Bai Dinh Pagoda and Trang An. With a spacious and airy space, the restaurant is a reliable address serving tourist groups. Like other famous restaurants in the area, Thuy Duong specializes in specialties from Mountain Goat and Scorched Rice, ensuring quality and affordable prices.

Local Cuisine

>Vegetarian Rice at Bai Dinh Pagoda Area

  • Suggested address: Vegetarian restaurants are located near the temple gate and parking lot of Tay Hoa Lu Ward: Coming to Bai Dinh Pagoda, visitors often choose vegetarian rice or vegetarian noodle soup to enjoy after the pilgrimage.

  • Millet cake: A rustic snack, often sold at street vendors around the pagoda area during the festival season, famous for its sweet and crispy taste.

>Mountain Goat Meat and Ninh Binh Scorched Rice

  • Main specialties: Mountain Goat meat (firm, low fat) and Scorched Rice (crispy, served with heart-kidney sauce or shrimp paste). These are two iconic dishes of Ninh Binh.

  • Suggested address: Specialty restaurants in Hoa Lu Ward (Tran Hung Dao Street) or Tam Coc area (Nam Hoa Lu Ward).

Cuisine discovery experience

Vegetarian Restaurant on the Temple grounds

  • Address: Some dining areas on the Bai Dinh campus, Tay Hoa Lu Ward: The restaurant serves buffet or a la carte vegetarian lunch, helping visitors save travel time.

  • Experience Cuisine: Enjoy a vegetarian meal in the peaceful space of the temple.

Hoa Lu Ward Food Street

  • Address: Central area of Hoa Lu Ward (near Ninh Binh Station): The area has many breakfast restaurants, bun cha restaurants, beef pho restaurants and local snack shops, very convenient for tourists staying in the center.

Cultural experience of Bai Dinh Pagoda

Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival

Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival

Opens from January 6 and lasts for three months in the spring, in Tay Hoa Lu Ward. This is the largest and most sacred festival, attracting tens of thousands of Buddhists and tourists. The festival stands out with incense offerings, prayers for peace, and folk cultural activities. The festival creates a bustling, sacred space, an opportunity for visitors to worship and find some spiritual peace at the beginning of the year.

Pilgrimage rituals

Pilgrimage through the Arhat Corridor, worship Asia's largest Maitreya Buddha Statue, and climb the bell tower to ring the Great Bell. Participate in rituals of offering incense and praying for peace at the main shrines (Tam The Palace, Phap Chu Palace), which have profound cultural and spiritual meaning.

Some other cultural experiences in the surrounding area:

  • Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Festival: Taking place in the third lunar month at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Relics Area (Tay Hoa Ward) Lu).

  • Cheo singing, Van singing: These traditional art forms are often performed at major festivals of the province.

Amusement area

Pineapple Hill Ecotourism Area (Combined with sightseeing)

Pineapple Hill Ecotourism Area

Pineapple Hill Ecotourism Area is located in the vicinity of Bai Dinh Pagoda and Trang An, and is an entertainment destination for picnics and relaxation. This place has green pineapple hills, creating a beautiful landscape, suitable for taking photos and walking. Visitors coming here can enjoy the airy, quiet space, different from the festive atmosphere at the temple.

Reference ticket price:

  • Entrance ticket: About 20,000 - 30,000 VND/person (Depending on season).

  • Services: This area provides refreshment services and some small camping spots.

Amusement area in Hoa Lu Ward

Hoa Lu Ward, the center of the province (about 15km from Bai Dinh), concentrates many urban entertainment facilities to serve residents and tourists. This area has service complexes such as cinemas, night dining areas and cafes, suitable for tourists looking for modern entertainment in the evening after visiting the temple.

Reference ticket price:

  • Cinema: About 50,000 - 90,000 VND/ticket.

  • Entertainment complex: Free admission, fee based on service.

Some other experiential amusement parks near Bai Dinh

  • Phoenix Park (Phoenix Garden): Located in West Hoa Lu Ward, near Bai Dinh area. This park has built landscape areas, lakes and resting spots.

  • Hand route from Bai Dinh to Trang An: This route is suitable for cycling or walking (about 6km) amid beautiful karst scenery, providing a relaxing and sporty experience.

  • The Children's play areas (Kid Zones) at Hotels/Resorts: Some 4-5 star resorts near Bai Dinh and Trang An (such as Vissai Hotel, Legend Hotel) provide play areas, private swimming pools, serving family guests.

Suggested tours

Experience tours

Hanoi Tour - Bai Dinh Pagoda 1 day

  • Itinerary: Hanoi - Bai Dinh Pagoda (visit Arhat Corridor, Tam The Palace, Ancient Pagoda) - Hanoi

  • Transportation: Tourist car + electric car

  • Reference tour price: 700,000 - 900,000 VND/person

  • Organizing unit: Pilgrimage and cultural tourism companies

Tour Ninh Binh – Bai Dinh – Trang An 1 day

  • Itinerary: Hanoi - Bai Dinh Pagoda (main tour) - Trang An Ecotourism Area (boat ride) - Hanoi

  • Transportation: Tourist car + electric car + bamboo boat

  • Reference tour price: 950,000 - 1,200,000 VND/person

  • Organizer: Vietravel, PYS Travel

Spiritual tour

Tam Chuc - Bai tour Dinh – 2 days 1 night festival

  • Itinerary:

    • Day 1: Hanoi – Tam Chuc Pagoda (sightseeing) – Overnight at Tam Chuc Ward/Hoa Lu Ward.

    • Day 2: Bai Dinh Pagoda (participate in the Festival, worship the Ancient Pagoda) - Hanoi.

  • Transportation: Car + electric car

  • Reference tour price: 1,800,000 - 2,500,000 VND/person

  • Organizer: Travel companies specializing in organizing spiritual tours

2-day tour to explore the ancient capital - Bai Dinh

  • Schedule:

    • Day 1: Hanoi - Bai Dinh Pagoda - Overnight at West Hoa Lu Ward.

    • Day 2: Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Relic Area (visit the temples of King Dinh and King Le) - Hang Mua (climbing for sightseeing) - Hanoi.

  • Transportation: Car + electric car + walking

  • Reference tour price: 1,600,000 - 2,200,000 VND/person

  • Organization unit: Fiditour, Antamtour

Family tour

Tour Bai Dinh – Trang An – Tam Coc 3 days 2 nights

  • Itinerary:

    • Day 1: Hanoi – Bai Dinh Pagoda.

    • Day 2: Trang An complex (boat ride) – Mua Cave.

    • Day 3: Tam Coc (rice viewing) – Hanoi.

  • Transportation: Family car + bamboo boat + car electricity

  • Reference tour price: 2,900,000 - 4,500,000 VND/person (Average estimated cost, depending on hotel class)

  • Organizing unit: Hanoitourist, Vietrantour

Eco-tourism

Bai Dinh - Van Long Tour (Eco Resort)

  • Itinerary: Hanoi - Bai Dinh Pagoda - Van Long Conservation Area (boat ride to see Delacour's Langur, Gia Van Ward) - Relaxation at a nearby resort - Hanoi

  • Transportation: Car + bamboo boat + electric vehicle

  • Reference tour price: 2,500,000 - 4,000,000 VND/person (Estimated cost, depending on resort class)

  • Unit Organization: Ecotour, Green Discovery

Shopping and Souvenirs

Bai Dinh Pagoda is a large spiritual tourism center, so shopping products mainly focus on worship items, culture and typical cuisine of Ninh Binh province. Souvenir stalls are most concentrated at the pagoda gate area and parking lot of West Hoa Lu Ward.

Souvenirs and Spiritual Items

  • Buddhist items and Paintings: Including beads, bracelets, small Buddha statues, keychains or symbols related to the architecture and records of Bai Dinh Pagoda (like the Dai Hong Chung and Arhat Corridor models). This is a gift often bought by tourists to pray for peace and as a souvenir.

  • Gemstone products and Feng Shui Stones: Because they are located in limestone mountains, some stores sell products made from natural stones, such as feng shui balls, stone statues, or stone jewelry.

  • Publications and Books about the pagoda: Photo books, publications or documents introducing the history, records and cultural significance of Bai Dinh Pagoda, helping visitors gain a deeper understanding of the pagoda complex.

Souvenir counter

Local cuisine gifts method

  • Ninh Binh Scorched Rice: This is the most popular culinary gift, often bought at large stores in the parking lot area. The rice is crispy, easy to carry and produced by big brands such as Thanh Liem and Hoa Lu.

  • Kim Son wine: Famous traditional wine of Ninh Binh province, elaborately distilled, often beautifully bottled for tourists to buy as gifts, available at specialty stores.

  • Dried/prepared Mountain Goat specialties: Some establishments process Mountain Goat specialties into dried or pre-processed form (vacuum packaging) so that tourists can buy them as gifts, bringing the typical flavor of the Bai Dinh limestone mountain area.

Supporting information and other information

Bai Pagoda Management Board Dinh

  • Address: Near Tam Quan Gate, Tay Hoa Lu Ward, Ninh Binh Province

  • Phone: 0229.3871.263 (Phone number of Bai Dinh Pagoda Management Board)

  • Function: Providing guidance information, solving arising problems, complaints about tram services, sightseeing tickets, and security and order issues within the temple grounds.

Ninh Binh Provincial Police

  • Address: Dinh Tat Mien Street, Hoa Lu Ward, province Ninh Binh

  • Emergency phone number: 113

  • Phone: 0229.3871.097

Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Ninh Binh province

  • Address: No. 29 - Le Dai Hanh Street - Hoa Lu Ward - Ninh Binh Province

  • Phone: 02293.880.470

Ninh Binh Province Market Management Department (Consumer Protection use)

  • Address: No. 01, Van Giang street, Hoa Lu ward, Ninh Binh province

  • Phone: 02293 873 468

Converging the majestic beauty of the Buddhist center The largest in Asia, with depth of spiritual history and majestic limestone landscape, Bai Dinh Pagoda promises to bring visitors a profound and memorable pilgrimage.