Top 6 Best Narrations about Bai Dinh Pagoda

“Who are the descendants of the Dragon and Fairy

In the second month, remember to return to the Trường Yên festival

Visit the ancient land of Đinh, Lê

The verdant mountains and clear waters remain as they were”

Ninh Bình, the ancient capital of Hoa Lư, is known for its rich cultural and natural beauty, preserving lasting historical values such as the Hoa Lư ancient capital relic site and the Trang An cultural heritage. One of the prominent sites is Bai Dinh Pagoda.

Bai Dinh Pagoda is a spiritual tourism complex built by Xuan Truong Construction Enterprise. It is located at the western gateway of the Hoa Lư ancient capital relic, on National Route 38B, in Gia Sinh commune, Gia Viễn district, Ninh Bình. It is located to the north of the Trang An world heritage complex and is the largest pagoda in Vietnam, holding numerous records in both Asia and Vietnam. The pagoda was built from the Dinh dynasty to the Ly dynasty, during which the state strongly supported Buddhism, establishing it as a national policy and constructing many Buddhist-inspired structures, including Bai Dinh Pagoda.

The beauty of Bai Dinh lies in its distinctive and unique architecture, which consists of two main areas: the old pagoda and the new pagoda. The old pagoda is located 800 meters south of the Tam The Hall in the new pagoda area. Facing west, the old pagoda includes a front hall, a right side cave honoring Buddha, the Cao Son Temple - dedicated to the mountain god of Vu Lam, one of the four regional temples of Hoa Lư established under the Dinh dynasty, at the end of the cave; and a left side shrine dedicated to Saint Nguyễn, followed by a dark cave honoring the mother goddess and the ancestors. The old Bai Dinh Pagoda was established during the Dinh dynasty but showcases many architectural and cultural remnants from the Ly dynasty. It is considered a place of great spiritual power, where exceptional people—kings, saints, and gods—are believed to have emerged. Notably, the shrine of Saint Nguyễn, the founder of the pagoda, lies at the base of a hill. The shrine features a bronze statue of the saint. Nguyễn Minh Không was a renowned monk and physician who contributed significantly to the Ly dynasty. According to historical records, he came here to find medicinal plants for the King Lý Thần Tông, discovering a beautiful cave and building a pagoda to honor Buddha and a medicinal garden for public and royal healing. The area also includes the largest jade well in Vietnam, believed to have been used by Nguyễn Minh Không for healing purposes. The new pagoda, constructed in 2003, stands out with its grand, monumental shapes, using local materials such as Ninh Bình green stone and Bát Tràng brown glazed tiles. The pagoda’s curved roof is a distinctive feature, differing from the straight roofs of Chinese pagodas. The architectural details reflect the craftsmanship of Vietnamese traditional artisans, with over 500 artisans from various famous villages such as Phúc Lộc (woodworking), Ninh Vân (stone carving), Ý Yên (bronze casting), Văn Lâm (embroidery), Cát Đằng (lacquer painting), and Đồng Xâm (silver carving). These materials and techniques contribute to the authentic Vietnamese aesthetic of the new pagoda. The complex includes a Tam Quan gate with two statues of guardians (one representing Good, the other Evil), a corridor of 500 stone Arhats, main halls like the Quan Âm Hall, Pháp Chủ Hall, Tam Thế Hall, and a bell tower. Additionally, there is a giant statue of the laughing Buddha Di Lặc, the largest of its kind in Vietnam, located on a hill, and a stupa housing sacred relics from India and Myanmar. The Bai Dinh festival, held annually from the first day of the Lunar New Year to the end of March, marks the beginning of the pilgrimage season in Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình. The festival includes both religious ceremonies, such as incense offerings to Buddha and memorials for Saint Nguyễn Minh Không, and cultural activities such as folk games, cave tours, and performances of traditional Vietnamese music like Chèo and Xẩm.

Bai Dinh Pagoda exemplifies a harmonious blend of ancient and modern elements, offering unique historical and spiritual values. Visiting here provides a sense of tranquility, where worries fade away, and visitors are enveloped in the serene, sacred atmosphere. Bai Dinh Pagoda is a proud symbol of Ninh Bình's heritage and the Vietnamese people's devotion.

In addition to its stunning architectural beauty, Ninh Bình is rich in historical and cultural values, making it a must-visit destination for both domestic and international travelers seeking to explore, pray, and seek blessings.

Bai Dinh Pagoda, considered the largest and most beautiful in Vietnam, is located in a vast valley surrounded by a lake and limestone mountains in Gia Sinh commune, Gia Vien district (Ninh Binh). At the peak of the mountain is the Tam The Sanctuary, designed with three tiers of curved roofs, 12 eaves, standing 30 meters tall, 47 meters wide, and 52 meters long.

The distance from the ancient capital Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) to Bai Dinh mountain is only about 20 km. As you approach, two pagodas can be seen standing firmly like giant lotus buds on the cliff, with curved, vibrant green roofs. The lower pagoda is called Phap Chu, and the upper pagoda, about 100 meters above, is called Tam The.

Part of the Bai Dinh Pagoda complex, the bell tower stands 300 meters from Phap Chu Pagoda along the winding road to the pagoda. This tower has three levels and 24 eaves. A 36-ton bell is planned to be placed here. Currently, two major construction features— the Tam Quan Gate, spanning over 200 meters, and the two galleries of statues of La Han (spanning approximately 500 meters, each side holding 250 statues of white stone)—are under construction.

Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh is famous for its giant bronze bell weighing 36 tons, the largest in Vietnam, breaking the record for Vietnam's Buddhist temples. The pagoda complex is located on Bai Dinh mountain, overlooking the Dam Thi Lake to the north and, farther, the Hoang Long River. From the courtyard of Bai Dinh Pagoda, the view is surrounded by river and limestone mountains, which is a unique and picturesque feature of the Gia Vien region, often referred to as the 'Halong Bay on land.'

Bai Dinh Pagoda also boasts the largest well in Vietnam. While the construction is not fully completed, with only about 70% of the temple work finished and 30% of the entire complex—including lakes, streams, entertainment areas, caves, and roads—completed, its reputation has spread due to the remarkable records that have never been seen before in Vietnam.

The first record is the grandeur and scale of the pagoda. The Tam The Sanctuary spans 2,400m2 and has 12 eaves with columns ranging from 22 to 30 meters tall. Each column has a diameter of 80 to 90 cm, and some are large enough for two to three people to encircle. The Phap Chu Sanctuary features a column height of 27 meters and a space of nearly 2,000m2, while the largest modern temples today only cover 150m2. Upon entering, visitors have to crane their necks to glimpse the ceiling beams, with scaffolding all around inside.

The spiritual site of Bai Dinh Pagoda is located within the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, about 15 km from Ninh Binh city, to the west of the historic Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. It is the largest pagoda in Vietnam, known for numerous records such as the largest bronze Buddha statue in Southeast Asia, the largest bronze bell in Southeast Asia, and a corridor with the most Buddha statues. This place represents a continuation of spiritual legacy from past centuries to those ahead.

With its grand and magnificent architecture, statues of solemn and compassionate figures, intricate bronze casting and sculpture craftsmanship, and a majestic landscape where mountains embrace rivers and mist swirls around mountain tops, the tranquil spiritual atmosphere here brings peace and purity to the soul, inviting one to contemplate Truth, Goodness, and Beauty.

Upon arriving at Bai Dinh, visitors are greeted by the imposing Tam Quan gate, nearly 17 meters high, marking the boundary between the sacred and the mundane. Just stepping past the Tam Quan allows visitors to enter the serene spiritual space. Next, the 36-ton bronze bell, hung high on a tower, resonates with a powerful sound that spreads far and wide, dispelling suffering and awakening souls.

The long corridor, lined with 500 Arhat statues, leads one closer to the realm of Buddha. The largest bronze statues of Quan The Am Bodhisattva and the Buddha Shakyamuni in Vietnam exude power and kindness, sowing seeds of goodness in people's hearts. This architectural masterpiece, nestled in an ethereal paradise, stands on the lush green hillside, with a picturesque, otherworldly ambiance, making Bai Dinh an awe-inspiring and ancient spiritual painting.

Bai Dinh is synonymous with the land of "divine spirit and human excellence." It is the place where the national monk Nguyen Minh Khong, during the Ly Dynasty, practiced Buddhism and performed ceremonies atop the mountain, giving the mountain and the pagoda their names. The traces of Saint Nguyen's footsteps can be found everywhere. Born in Gia Viễn, Ninh Binh, Nguyen Minh Khong was an exceptional physician and revered monk. He discovered this sacred site, where the mountain faces the west, as if paying homage to the land of Buddha, with vast forests rich in medicinal herbs. He settled here to practice and transformed this place into a "medicine garden" to cure and save people. He personally prepared herbal remedies using local plants, along with other plants brought from elsewhere. His devotion to "saving humanity" is evident in his life's work. He is also known as a divine healer for curing the illness of King Ly Than Tong (1128-1138). Legend has it that when the monk Dao Hanh was about to pass away, he entrusted Nguyen Minh Khong with a medicine and incantation, instructing him to treat the king 20 years later if the king became gravely ill.

It was when King Ly Than Tong fell seriously ill in 1136, with his body covered in fur and his voice like a roaring tiger, that Nguyen Minh Khong was called upon to cure him. Despite the efforts of many renowned physicians, the king's condition worsened. At that time, a children's rhyme appeared, saying:

"Bổng bồng bông, tập tầm vông

In Diem Xa village, Nguyen Minh Khong

Healed the illness of King Than Tong"

Nguyen Minh Khong, who was then meditating at Bai Dinh, was summoned to the capital. Upon his arrival, many people doubted his abilities due to his humble appearance. To prove his skills, he placed a large nail into a wooden pillar, telling the physicians, "Whoever can remove this nail will cure the king." Despite their doubts, none could pull it out. Nguyen Minh Khong, using just two fingers, easily removed the nail, astounding everyone.

Next, he had a large cauldron of boiling oil prepared and asked, "Can anyone take out 100 needles from this oil?" No one dared to try, but Nguyen Minh Khong dipped his hands into the boiling oil, stirred it a few times, and retrieved all 100 needles. He then used the hot oil to bathe the king and applied the needles to specific points, causing the fur to fall away and the king's condition to improve. Everyone in attendance was in awe of his extraordinary abilities.

After the king recovered, impressed by his talents, King Ly Than Tong appointed him as the National Monk, exempted taxes for hundreds of households, and made him the highest-ranking monk of the Ly Dynasty. He became a pioneering figure in the use of traditional herbal medicine and acupuncture. Though his healing methods were highly respected, some of his actions remain mysterious and legendary, leading the people to revere him as Saint Nguyen.

Nguyen Minh Khong was not only a famous physician but also the founder of the bronze casting craft. He contributed to the creation of the "Four Great Artifacts" during the Ly Dynasty: the Bao Thien Tower, the Quy Dien Bell, the Quynh Lam Buddha Statue, and the Pho Minh Cauldron. Legend has it that he traveled to China to treat the Northern king's son, who rewarded him with gold, silver, and treasures. Yet, Nguyen Minh Khong asked for only a small amount of bronze to fill his three-handled bag. Surprisingly, despite filling ten warehouses, his bag was still not full. Upon returning home, he cast the bronze into four precious artifacts: the Bao Thien Tower, Quy Dien Bell, Quynh Lam Buddha Statue, and Pho Minh Cauldron. His contributions to Vietnamese culture in medicine and architecture are immense and have had a lasting impact on the nation's development, passing down through generations. With admiration and gratitude, the people of Ninh Binh, Nam Dinh, and other provinces have built statues and temples to honor Saint Nguyen, ensuring his legacy endures through time.

Bai Dinh can be seen as a gathering place for the spirit of the mountains and rivers, the spiritual heritage of the people, and the exceptional individuals who have made it great. The natural beauty of Ninh Binh, with its stunning landscapes, was already a gift from nature, but the people have also contributed to its glorification. Together, these elements have made Bai Dinh a shining gem, a spiritual sanctuary with a thousand-year-old legacy and legends.

"Come visit our homeland, admire the vast blue sea stretching to the horizon..." This lyric from the song serves as an invitation to tourists to explore the beautiful S-shaped land of Vietnam, known for its hardworking and sincere people, as well as its famous landmarks and historical sites. One of these is Bai Dinh Pagoda, which stands out for its unique architecture, attracting not only domestic visitors but also international tourists.

In Ninh Binh, the ancient capital rich in the history and culture of Vietnam, aside from the Hoa Lu ancient capital and the Trang An complex, we cannot forget Bai Dinh Pagoda, one of the largest spiritual tourist destinations in the country. Bai Dinh Pagoda is located in Gia Sinh commune, Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh, about 3 kilometers west of Hoa Lu, nearly 20 kilometers from Ninh Binh city, and approximately 97 kilometers from Hanoi. From Hanoi, there are two common ways to travel. By car, take the Phap Van - Cau Gie highway, continue for 35 kilometers to Cau Gie, and follow the signs to reach Bai Dinh. By motorbike, follow the Giải Phóng road, pass through the old National Route 1, go through Thuong Tien, and turn left at Cau Gie, then continue for 15 kilometers to a sign pointing to Ninh Binh, then go another 35 kilometers to Ninh Binh city, and from there continue another 15 kilometers to reach Bai Dinh Pagoda. No matter the means of transport, you will be able to admire the majestic mountains and the harmonious blend of clouds, mountains, and water, with the tranquil and peaceful atmosphere of this land.

Bai Dinh Pagoda has a long history. According to historical records, over 1000 years ago, when Ninh Binh was ruled by three consecutive dynasties: Dinh, Early Le, and Ly, all three dynasties elevated Buddhism as the national religion and constructed many pagodas, including Bai Dinh Pagoda on Trang An mountain. The story of the pagoda's construction dates back to the Ly dynasty when a Zen master named Nguyen Minh Khong, while searching for a medicinal herb to cure Prince Duong Hoan, discovered two beautiful caves at the top of a high mountain. After curing the prince, the master was appointed to a high position but declined and asked to return to the mountain where he found the herb to build a pagoda to honor Buddha. This is how Bai Dinh Pagoda was founded. According to popular belief, the name Bai Dinh comes from the characters 'Bai' meaning to worship and 'Dinh' meaning peak, symbolizing the worship of Buddha at the highest place.

The Bai Dinh spiritual tourism area today includes the ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda and the newly built Bai Dinh Pagoda, which was completed in 2003, located on the mountainside surrounded by lakes and rocky hills. Let's explore each part of the Bai Dinh Pagoda complex to understand its architectural features, as it is the largest pagoda complex in Vietnam. First, the ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda, located on a quiet mountain peak, is known for its natural and human factors that made it the birthplace of kings, saints, and gods. The pagoda includes the main hall in the center, to the right is the Sáng cave housing Buddha statues, and to the left is the Nguyễn shrine and the Tối cave, with carvings from the Ly dynasty. Next, about 800 meters south of the ancient pagoda, we reach the Tam Bao hall of the new Bai Dinh Pagoda. The pagoda covers an area of about 80 hectares and is located to the west of the old capital. Its architectural features include: the Tam The Hall, Quan Am Hall, Phap Chu Hall, Bell Tower, and the Stupa, with dark brown roofs curving like the tail of a phoenix, a hallmark of Vietnamese pagoda architecture.

The main structures have roofs that are at least 14 meters high, with the tallest being the Tam The Hall, standing 34 meters high. Along the corridor connecting the two ends of the Tam Quan gate, the La Han corridor features 500 statues made of green stone, each 2.5 meters tall and weighing up to 4 tons. The Bell Tower has three layers and houses a bell weighing 36 tons, recognized as the largest in Vietnam, and beneath the bell is a 70-ton bronze drum. Additionally, the pagoda has several important halls such as Quan Am Hall, housing the largest bronze statue of Avalokitesvara in Vietnam; Phap Chu Hall, with the largest bronze statue of Phap Chu; and Tam The Hall, which stands 76 meters above sea level, featuring three statues representing the past, present, and future. Other unique architectural features of the new Bai Dinh Pagoda include the 80-ton statue of the Laughing Buddha and a 10-meter tall statue of Maitreya Buddha built on a high hill. The pagoda's Stupa houses relics of Buddha and is built in Indian style, surrounded by walls decorated with thousands of different Buddha statues. The construction of Bai Dinh Pagoda brought together talented craftsmen from all over Vietnam: silver carving from Dong Xam, stone carving from Ninh Van, woodcraft from Phuc Loc, bronze casting from Y Yen, and lacquer from Cat Dang, using local materials such as Ninh Binh green stone and Bat Trang ceramic bricks.

Bai Dinh Pagoda has been recognized as a national historical and cultural monument (1997). The new Bai Dinh Pagoda holds nine records in the Vietnam and Asia Book of Records: The largest bronze Buddha statue in Asia, the largest bronze statue of Maitreya Buddha in Southeast Asia, the largest bronze bell in Vietnam, the tallest Stupa in Asia, the largest pagoda in Vietnam, the longest La Han corridor in Asia, the pagoda with the most La Han statues in Vietnam, the pagoda with the largest jade well in Vietnam, and the pagoda with the most bodhi trees in Vietnam. It is also a place where important cultural and political events are held, attracting delegations and tourists from around the world. The main festival of Bai Dinh Pagoda lasts from the first day of the lunar new year to the end of March, featuring solemn Buddhist ceremonies and traditional folk games that reflect the cultural heritage of Vietnam.

Nature has truly blessed Ninh Binh and Vietnam with beautiful and unique landscapes, with Bai Dinh Pagoda standing out as a jewel that brings together the essence of heaven and earth, serving as an important spiritual destination. As the younger generation and future of our country, we must strive to continue learning and take responsibility for building a more civilized and modern homeland.

When mentioning the scenic Bai Dinh Pagoda, it brings to mind a well-known cultural and spiritual space in the ancient capital of Ninh Binh. Recognized as one of the largest pagodas in Southeast Asia, it is not only a journey of cultural exploration on sacred land, but also holds immense spiritual and tourism value for the entire country.

The Bai Dinh spiritual complex is located within the Tràng An scenic area, about 15 kilometers from Ninh Binh city. To the west, it borders the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. This pagoda is considered one of the most prominent in Southeast Asia, boasting numerous record-breaking features such as the largest number of bronze statues and the largest land area.

One could say that Bai Dinh is a place where humanity is directed toward the principles of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. The monumental and unique architectural space, with intricate bronze carvings, along with the majestic natural surroundings of mountains and rivers, offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere for visitors seeking spiritual renewal.

Upon arriving at Bai Dinh, the first striking sight is the 17-meter-high Tam Quan, often regarded as the boundary between the sacred and the mundane. As you step through Tam Quan, you enter a tranquil spiritual space featuring a 36-ton ancient bronze bell. The bell’s deep sound reverberates, dispelling the loneliness and suffering of mankind.

Along the corridor, you’ll find 500 statues of the Arhats, leading the way to the realm of the Buddha, awakening human conscience. The statues of Avalokitesvara and Shakyamuni, the largest bronze statues of their kind in Vietnam, present an image of majestic compassion, offering a glimpse of true beauty and stirring a profound sense of human existence. This is considered one of the most impressive landmarks in this heavenly paradise. Bai Dinh Pagoda is nestled against the deep green mountains, and from here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the mystical, radiant landscape, like a spiritual masterpiece, yet still ancient and timeless.

People often associate Bai Dinh Pagoda with the phrase “a land of divine talent.” It is the site where the national monk, Nguyen Minh Khong, of the Ly dynasty, meditated and named the pagoda. Nguyen Minh Khong recognized the grandeur of the pagoda, situated on the peaceful western side of the mountain, and decided to build the Bai Dinh Pagoda there.

Nguyen Minh Khong is remembered as a great talent of the nation. Not only did he contribute to the foundation of spiritual practices, but he is also regarded as the father of traditional medicine in Vietnam. He famously cured King Ly Thanh Tong, earning the title of Saint Nguyen.

In addition to his contributions to medicine, Saint Nguyen is also recognized as one of the pioneers in bronze casting. He played a significant role in creating the famous Four Great Artifacts of the Ly dynasty, including the Bao Thien Tower, Quy Dien Bell, Quynh Lam Statue, and Pho Minh Cauldron.

Thus, today, Bai Dinh Pagoda is revered as a place where the spiritual energy of the earth and sky converges, embodying the soul of the Vietnamese people and the genius of its leaders. Nature has been exceedingly kind, bestowing the people of Ninh Binh with picturesque landscapes, and the people themselves play an essential role in honoring and preserving that beauty. Bai Dinh Pagoda has become a unique spiritual and cultural space in Vietnam. If you ever have the chance to visit this sacred Buddhist land, don't forget to stop by and marvel at this architectural marvel.

Vietnam is home to numerous beautiful landmarks with unique cultural and spiritual significance, such as Huong Pagoda, Yen Tu Pagoda, and others. Among them is Bai Dinh Pagoda, a spiritual landmark nestled in the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.

Bai Dinh Pagoda is a renowned spiritual tourist site, holding several records in Asia and Vietnam. Built by the Xuan Truong Construction Company, it is located at the western gateway of the Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, along National Highway 38B in Gia Sinh – Gia Vien – Ninh Binh, near the northern part of the Trang An World Heritage site. It is the largest pagoda in Vietnam, known for setting numerous records. The pagoda's origins date back over a thousand years, with its formation starting during the Dinh and Ly dynasties, both of which valued Buddhism as a national doctrine and constructed many pagodas. The Bai Dinh Pagoda complex today consists of two main areas: the ancient pagoda and the new pagoda, situated on Mount Trang An.

Throughout centuries of historical changes, the ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda has preserved unique architectural styles from past dynasties. Located 800 meters south of the new pagoda's Tam The Hall, the ancient pagoda faces west. It includes a central front hall, with the right side leading to a cave dedicated to the Buddha and a temple for Cao Son, a deity associated with the region. The left side leads to a shrine for Saint Nguyen and a cave for the Mother and immortals. This area holds rich spiritual and cultural heritage, with significant legends, particularly around Saint Nguyen, who founded Bai Dinh Pagoda. Saint Nguyen, a well-known Buddhist monk of the Ly dynasty, discovered a beautiful cave here while seeking medicinal herbs for the King and established the pagoda. He made significant contributions, including the creation of the “four great instruments,” and became a revered figure with a temple dedicated to him.

Notably, Bai Dinh Pagoda's ancient area, though originating in the Dinh dynasty, was completed during the Ly dynasty, showcasing architectural features from that period. The new pagoda, built in 2003, presents a striking and unique design, maintaining traditional Vietnamese cultural features. The structure uses local materials such as Ninh Binh green stone, four-wood timber, and Bat Trang ceramic tiles, along with traditional roof designs that distinguish it from the straight roofs of Chinese pagodas. It is a remarkable achievement, built by 500 skilled artisans from famous local crafts, including woodworkers from Phuc Loc, stone carvers from Ninh Van, bronze casters from Yi Yen, and many others. The pagoda is home to several significant religious structures, including the Tam Quan gate with statues of the Guardians, a corridor with 500 stone statues of Arhats, and several key halls dedicated to different Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The famous Di Lac statue, the largest in Vietnam, and the Stupa housing sacred relics from India and Myanmar, are also highlights of the complex.

The Bai Dinh festival, a spring event, begins on the afternoon of the first day of the lunar new year, with the grand opening on the 6th day of the new year, continuing through to the end of March. This festival is not only an opportunity to witness grand architectural beauty but also a chance to experience Vietnam’s historical and spiritual heritage, attracting pilgrims and visitors from across the country and abroad. With its profound cultural, spiritual, and historical values, Bai Dinh is a source of pride for the people of Hoa Lu and all of Vietnam, promoting the beauty of Vietnamese spiritual culture worldwide.