Exploring Bai Dinh Pagoda - The Tallest Pagoda Tower in Southeast Asia

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Ninh Binh – a land of majestic landscapes and historical significance, is not only known as an ancient capital of the Vietnamese people but also a fantastic destination for any traveler. With mystical Trang An and poetic Van Long, Ninh Binh possesses one of Vietnam's largest cultural and spiritual destinations – Bai Dinh Pagoda, a temple complex with a history spanning almost a millennium. Visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda, the Tallest Pagoda Tower in Southeast Asia, is an essential experience for anyone exploring this Buddhist architectural ensemble!

Bai Dinh Pagoda – where mountains and rivers converge – Photo: Phong Nguyen

Before delving into the exploration of the Tallest Pagoda Tower in Southeast Asia at Bai Dinh Pagoda, let's briefly discover the immense Buddhist architectural complex with Mytour.

Bai Dinh Temple – A Serene Corner – Photo: Neo Luong

Located over 90 km south of Hanoi, Bai Dinh Temple is a vast Buddhist architectural complex comprising an ancient temple area (the original Bai Dinh Temple founded by Zen master Nguyen Minh Khong – Ly Quoc Su in 1136 during the Ly dynasty) and a new temple area spanning over 80 hectares built since 2003. One of the captivating aspects of Bai Dinh Temple is its picturesque location – nestled amidst mountains, in a valley surrounded by expansive lakes and rocky hills – creating a magnificent Buddhist panorama. Moreover, Bai Dinh Temple is renowned as the largest temple complex and holder of numerous records in Vietnam and Asia.

Aerial view of Bai Dinh Temple complex – Photo: Koan De Geus

Visiting Bai Dinh Temple, alongside the tranquil and nostalgic ancient Bai Dinh Temple, illuminated caves, dark grottoes, and venerable Nguyen dynasty shrines, the New Bai Dinh Temple is an unmissable destination within this Buddhist complex. Built upon Vietnamese Buddhist architecture, besides being recognized as the largest temple complex in Vietnam, the New Bai Dinh Temple boasts numerous records such as the largest gilded bronze Buddha statue in Asia, the largest bronze Maitreya Buddha statue in Southeast Asia, the largest bronze bell in Vietnam, the longest Arhat corridor in Vietnam, and the temple area with the most Arhat statues in Vietnam...

Longest Arhat corridor in Vietnam – Photo: Joseph Dapp Foster

Largest bronze bell in Vietnam – Photo: Nguyen Hai

In addition to architectural highlights such as the Buddha statue in the main hall or the nearly 3 km-long Arhat corridor, the most prominent feature of the New Bai Dinh Temple complex is the Xa Loi Tower – The Tallest Tower in Southeast Asia. Situated to the west of the Tam The Hall in the New Bai Dinh Temple, the Xa Loi Tower consists of 13 tower floors with a hexagonal base measuring 24 meters and a tower height of 99 meters – a symbolic number representing eternity, goodness, and luck.

Xa Loi Tower – symbolizing eternity and goodness – Photo: Hoang Ha – Zing News

Designed and constructed entirely in a purely Vietnamese style with architecture bearing the strong imprint of Buddhism during the Ly dynasty, adorned with motifs of clouds, water waves, lotus petals, and lotus leaves creatively combined with building materials made entirely of clay bricks crafted using traditional methods of Bat Trang pottery village, the Xa Loi Tower at Bai Dinh Pagoda stands as a symbol of Vietnamese culture with vibrant, enduring vitality. The Xa Loi Tower – the Tallest Tower in Southeast Asia in Vietnam is a significant and indispensable highlight within the Bai Dinh Pagoda complex, Ninh Binh.

Xa Loi Tower – standing firm amidst the silent night – Photo: Danil Roudenko

The Xa Loi Tower stands out amidst the Bai Dinh Pagoda complex when illuminated – Photo: theanhnb1974

Stepping inside the Xa Loi Tower, visitors will be overwhelmed by a splendid, sacred space that immediately captivates their eyes. In the main hall of the Xa Loi Tower, there is a magnificent statue of Buddha Shakyamuni meditating, adorned in resplendent gold, with a three-tiered altar below featuring intricate carvings of dragons, lotuses, and mythical creatures on a background of green stone. Not only does the main hall of the Xa Loi Tower offer a sense of awe-inspiring splendor, but it also presents visitors with stories and legends of Buddha Shakyamuni, from his birth to his enlightenment, depicted in meticulously carved, exquisite Indian-origin bas-reliefs, enriching the spiritual experience.

Sacred space inside the Xa Loi Tower – Photo: Hoang Ha – Zing News

Each bas-relief depicts a story of the Buddha – Photo: Hoang Ha – Zing News

The most remarkable feature of the Xa Loi Tower is its 13th floor, as this is where the Relics of Buddha Shakyamuni are kept. Being a particularly sacred place, the top floor of the Xa Loi Tower is designed with a unique architectural style, blending the Indian Buddhist culture – the birthplace of Buddhism – with the traditional culture of Vietnam. At the center of the hall stands the Xa Loi Tower – where the Relics of Buddha Shakyamuni are enshrined – a treasure of Indian and global Buddhism. Above the Xa Loi Tower is a curved dome with a lotus flower motif at its center, surrounded by depictions of Buddha Shakyamuni meditating and entering Nirvana interspersed with images of mythical birds – symbolizing the beauty of the Vietnamese people.

Xa Loi Tower – housing the relics of Buddha Shakyamuni – Photo: Hoang Ha – Zing News

Not only providing visitors with a sacred and magnificent ambiance, the highest floor of the Xa Loi Tower will also offer you breathtaking moments admiring the picturesque scenery of Bai Dinh Pagoda from above.

The dome of the tower bears the distinct imprint of Indian Buddhist culture – Photo: Hoang Ha – Zing News

The Xa Loi Tower – an integral part of the architectural space of Bai Dinh Pagoda – Photo: Duc Naga

Standing out against the blue sky, the Xa Loi Tower at Bai Dinh Pagoda – the Tallest Tower in Southeast Asia in Vietnam – is a significant landmark for the overall spiritual architectural ensemble of Bai Dinh Pagoda – a place that visitors cannot miss when visiting the ancient capital of Ninh Binh, a city with stunning natural heritage that touches the soul.

Tung Temple – Mytour.vn

Posted by: Chanh Doan

Keywords: Exploring Bai Dinh Pagoda - The Pagoda with the Tallest Tower in Southeast Asia

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main attractions of Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh?

Bai Dinh Pagoda is renowned for its stunning architecture and historical significance. Key attractions include the tallest pagoda tower in Southeast Asia, the largest gilded bronze Buddha statue in Asia, and the longest Arhat corridor in Vietnam, making it a must-visit destination.

How far is Bai Dinh Pagoda located from Hanoi?

Bai Dinh Pagoda is located over 90 km south of Hanoi. Visitors can easily reach the pagoda by various modes of transportation, including buses, cars, or organized tours from the capital city.

What unique architectural features does the Xa Loi Tower have?

The Xa Loi Tower, standing at 99 meters, is designed in a traditional Vietnamese style. It features 13 floors, intricate carvings, and a dome with lotus motifs, representing the fusion of Vietnamese and Indian Buddhist cultures.

Are there any sacred relics housed in the Xa Loi Tower?

Yes, the Xa Loi Tower houses the relics of Buddha Shakyamuni. This top floor is a sacred space where these relics are enshrined, providing visitors with a unique spiritual experience and stunning views of the surrounding area.

What historical significance does Bai Dinh Pagoda hold in Vietnamese culture?

Bai Dinh Pagoda is an important cultural site, representing nearly a millennium of Buddhist history in Vietnam. It is built upon the original Bai Dinh Temple founded in 1136, embodying rich traditions and architectural styles that reflect Vietnam's spiritual heritage.

Is Bai Dinh Pagoda suitable for visitors interested in spirituality and history?

Yes, Bai Dinh Pagoda is highly suitable for visitors interested in spirituality and history. Its vast complex showcases a blend of historical architecture, cultural artifacts, and serene environments that enhance the spiritual experience for all visitors.