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Experience the Most Complete Trip to Bai Dinh Pagoda
Where is Bai Dinh Pagoda Located?
Bai Dinh Pagoda is a temple complex situated on Bai Dinh Mountain in Gia Sinh commune, Gia Vien district, approximately 5km northwest of the ancient capital Hoa Lu and 12km from Ninh Binh city. Covering an area of 539 hectares, the complex includes 27 hectares of the ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda and 80 hectares of the new Bai Dinh Pagoda. Each year, it attracts thousands of pilgrims who come to pay their respects.
Best Time to Visit Bai Dinh Trang An
The ideal time to visit Bai Dinh Trang An is from January to March (lunar calendar) during the warm and pleasant spring weather. It’s a great time for sightseeing, attending temple ceremonies, and participating in major festivals in Trang An and Bai Dinh. However, keep in mind that this is the peak festival season, so there will be large crowds and congestion. If you prefer a more peaceful visit, consider coming during other times of the year.
Ticket Prices for Bai Dinh Pagoda
The Pagoda has a vast complex, and if you have limited time, you can take an electric car up to the temple area. The electric car ticket costs 30,000 VND per ride. To explore Trang An, you’ll need over 3 hours for a boat tour. Typically, each boat can carry 4-5 people, and the boat ticket is 150,000 VND per person. During peak season, there will be many tourists, leading to overcrowding and potential pickpocketing incidents, so be vigilant and secure your belongings.
Introduction to Bai Dinh Pagoda
The overall architecture of the pagoda showcases the traditional Vietnamese temple style, with significant structures built on a grand scale. The main temple roof features 12 curved layers, and the traditional tiled roof is shaped like an upturned bowl. The steps are decorated with dragon motifs, and the spacious stone courtyard overlooks the precious gem well.
Around the temple, there are long corridors adorned with stone arhat statues and small gardens with numerous Bodhi trees, most of which were brought from India. Bai Dinh Pagoda offers a serene and refreshing atmosphere, making it an ideal place for Buddhist monks and pilgrims to pay their respects and meditate.
Noteworthy Sites around Bai Dinh Pagoda
When visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda, you can prioritize some remarkable sites with mysterious legends:
- Bright Cave and Dark Cave: These two caves are located on the way to the main temple, with Bright Cave being a place of worship for deities and Buddhas and Dark Cave housing the revered Cao Son deity.
- Saint Nguyen’s Temple: This temple honors the famous doctor and Zen master, Nguyen Minh Khong, who discovered the beautiful cave on Bai Dinh Mountain and built a temple there to worship Buddha.
- Gem Well: Legend has it that Saint Nguyen used the water from this well to cure illnesses for the king and the people. The well stands out among the lush green surroundings and is the largest recorded well in Vietnam.
- Largest Bronze Bell and Largest Amitabha Buddha Statue: Bai Dinh Pagoda is famous for several large-scale constructions in Southeast Asia, such as the largest bronze bell and the largest Amitabha Buddha statue in Asia.
Notable Records of Bai Dinh Pagoda
With its unique architecture and long history, the Pagoda has become a renowned eco-spiritual destination in Northern Vietnam, particularly in Ninh Binh. It holds eight records in Vietnam and Asia, including the largest bronze bell in Vietnam, the heaviest and tallest Amitabha Buddha statue in Asia, the largest gilded bronze Tam Thanh statues in Vietnam, the largest bronze Di Lac Buddha statue in Southeast Asia, the largest arhat corridor in Vietnam, and the most Bodhi trees in Vietnam.
Tips for Visiting Bai Dinh Trang An
- Wear comfortable sports shoes for ease of movement, as you’ll be climbing hills and stairs.
- Dress modestly when entering the temple; avoid tight-fitting clothes and sweat-absorbing fabrics.
- Carry a small foldable umbrella as the weather during the early spring may have light drizzles.
- Bring small denominations of money for temple offerings; avoid placing money on Buddha statues as it detracts from the temple’s beauty.
- Be cautious of buying souvenirs inside the pagoda complex, as prices tend to be higher than outside.
- In summary, Bai Dinh Pagoda offers a unique blend of historical, cultural, and spiritual experiences, attracting visitors from near and far. We hope you have a meaningful pilgrimage to this fascinating destination
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