Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex: Ninh Binh’s Record-Breaking Spiritual Haven & Eco-Tours with Legend Travel Group

Ninh Binh Province, 90 km southeast of Hanoi in Vietnam’s Red River Delta, is renowned for its karst landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and cultural heritage, earning the title “Halong Bay on Land.” Now a unified province encompassing former Ha Nam and Nam Dinh provinces, Ninh Binh blends natural splendor with spiritual depth. Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex, located in Gia Sinh Commune, Gia Vien Ward (formerly Gia Vien District), 15 km from Ninh Binh City, is Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist site, spanning 539 hectares. Famous for its record-breaking features—Vietnam’s largest bronze Buddha, Asia’s longest Arhat corridor, and the tallest stupa in the region—it attracts over 2 million visitors annually. Combining ancient Ly Dynasty roots with modern grandeur, Bai Dinh is a spiritual and architectural marvel. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, offers eco-friendly tours to Bai Dinh, bookable via links around this guide. Embark on a sacred journey—reserve your tour today!

Legend Travel Group delivers authentic Vietnam and Southeast Asia experiences with expert English-speaking guides, eco-conscious practices, and tailored itineraries. Our Ninh Binh tours pair Bai Dinh Pagoda with eco-adventures like Trang An boat rides and local cơm cháy (crispy rice) tastings, ensuring a holistic cultural and spiritual experience. Committed to sustainability, we support local communities, use low-impact transport like electric vehicles, and align with Ninh Binh’s green initiatives. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we guarantee satisfaction. Discover our curated tours to experience Bai Dinh responsibly—book via the links on this page!

Situated on Bai Dinh Mountain in Gia Sinh Commune, Gia Vien Ward, Ninh Binh Province, Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex comprises an ancient pagoda (founded in 1136 under the Ly Dynasty) and a modern complex (built 2003–2010). Spanning 539 hectares, it includes grand halls, a 100 m stupa, and sacred caves, holding multiple Vietnam and ASEAN records. Key features include a 100-ton bronze Buddha, 500 stone Arhat statues, and a 36-ton bronze bell. Open daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, entry is free, with optional electric cart rentals ($1.50–$3, 37,500–75,000 VND) and Bao Thap Stupa tickets ($2, 50,000 VND). Its spiritual ambiance, Bodhi tree gardens, and proximity to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital (8 km) make it a cultural and eco-tourism highlight.

Administrative Update

Ninh Binh Province has merged with former Ha Nam and Nam Dinh provinces, with Ninh Binh City as its hub. District-level units, like Gia Vien District, are now wards or communes (e.g., Gia Vien Ward). This change does not affect tourism, and Bai Dinh Pagoda retains its identity in Gia Vien Ward. Ninh Binh aims to become Hoa Lu City, a “Millennium Heritage Urban Area,” amplifying its cultural tourism appeal.

Bai Dinh Pagoda holds multiple records, showcasing its grandeur and spiritual significance:

1. Largest Gilded Bronze Buddha in Vietnam
   The 100-ton, 10 m Shakyamuni Buddha statue in Phap Chu Hall, crafted by Y Yen artisans using Russian bronze, is Vietnam’s largest gilded bronze Buddha.

   • Highlights: “A majestic centerpiece” (Tripadvisor, 4.6/5 stars).

   • Tip: Admire its intricate details; avoid flash photography.

2. Largest Bronze Maitreya Buddha in Southeast Asia
   The 100-ton, 10 m Maitreya Buddha statue, located on a hill, depicts the future Buddha with a leaf fan and cloth bag, recognized by VietKings as Southeast Asia’s largest.

   • Highlights: “Iconic and serene” (Vietnam Tourism).

   • Tip: Climb the hill for close-up views and photos.

3. Most Arhat Statues in ASEAN
   The 500 stone Arhat statues, each over 2 m tall and 4 tons, line a 3 km corridor, Asia’s longest. Crafted from Thanh Hoa greenstone by Ninh Van artisans, they depict enlightened disciples.

   • Highlights: “A spiritual journey along the corridor” (Legendtravelgroup.com).

   • Tip: Touching statues is prohibited to preserve their smoothness; walk the corridor slowly to appreciate diversity.

4. Largest Tam The Statues in Vietnam
   Three 50-ton, 7.2 m bronze Tam The statues (Past, Present, Future Buddhas) in Tam The Hall, a 34 m-high, 3,000 m² structure, hold Vietnam’s record for the largest bronze statues.

   • Highlights: “Monumental and sacred” (Tripadvisor).

   • Tip: Observe the hall’s vast incense altar; maintain silence.

5. Largest Bronze Bell in Vietnam
   The 36-ton, 5.5 m-high Great Bell, cast in Hue and located on a hilltop, is Vietnam’s largest bronze bell, requiring four people to ring it.

   • Highlights: “A resonant symbol of peace” (Vietnam Tourism).

   • Tip: Request permission to lightly strike the bell for blessings.

6. Tallest Stupa in Southeast Asia
   The 100 m, 13-story Bao Thap Stupa houses Shakyamuni Buddha relics from India (brought in 2008). Built with reinforced concrete and red brick tiles, it blends modern and traditional Vietnamese architecture.

   • Highlights: “A stunning nighttime glow” (Tripadvisor, 4.6/5 stars).

   • Tip: Pay $2 to enter; visit the 13th floor for relics.

7. Largest Pearl Well (Gieng Ngoc)
   The 30 m-deep Gieng Ngoc well, with its octagonal stone rim, is Vietnam’s largest temple well, believed to hold sacred water.

   • Highlights: “A serene spiritual site” (Legendtravelgroup.com).

   • Tip: View from the edge; avoid leaning over.

1. Spiritual Exploration
   Pray at Phap Chu or Tam The Halls, offer incense, or join rituals during the Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival (6th day of Lunar New Year).

   • Cost: Free; donations $0.60–$1.20 (15,000–30,000 VND).

   • Tip: Included in our Spiritual Ninh Binh Tour ($85–$110).

2. Architectural and Record Tour
   Visit record-breaking sites like the Arhat corridor, Tam The statues, and Bao Thap Stupa with guided tours.

   • Cost: Free entry; Bao Thap $2; guided tours $7–$15 (175,000–375,000 VND).

   • Tip: Included in our Bai Dinh Spiritual Tour ($75–$95).

3. Photography and Night Views
   Capture the Arhat corridor, Great Bell, and illuminated Bao Thap Stupa at night.

   • Cost: Free; Bao Thap $2.

   • Tip: Included in our Sunset Photography Tour ($70–$90).

4. Eco-Friendly Exploration
   Cycle through Bodhi gardens or nearby villages, or use electric carts to explore the complex sustainably.

   • Cost: Bike rental $2.50/day (62,500 VND); electric cart $1.50–$3; guided cycling $10–$15.

   • Tip: Included in our Ninh Binh Cultural Bike Tour ($75–$95).

5. Nearby Attractions
   Combine with Hoa Lu Ancient Capital (8 km, $1.50 entry), Trang An (12 km, $9–$12 boat tour), or Tam Coc (20 km, $7 boat tour).

   • Cost: Varies; combo tours $20–$45.

   • Tip: Included in our Ninh Binh Heritage Adventure ($135–$175).

• Entrance Fee: Free; Bao Thap Stupa $2 (50,000 VND).

• Activities: Electric cart $1.50–$3; guided tours $7–$15; cycling $2.50–$15; donations $0.60–$1.20.

• Transport (Hanoi, round-trip): Bus $10–$14 + $10–$14 taxi; train $10–$18 + $10–$14 taxi; private car $70–$110; motorbike $7–$12 + $10 fuel; guided tour $75–$175.

• Dining: Meals at local eateries (e.g., Gia Sinh Restaurant, 1 km) $3–$15; drinks $0.60–$4.

• Accommodation: Budget homestays $18–$50/night; mid-range $50–$120; luxury $120–$300.

• Total Daily Cost: $20–$100 (budget: $20–$40; mid-range: $40–$70; luxury: $70–$100).

• Tip: Use VND; ATMs in Ninh Binh City; book tours for eco-transfers.

From Hanoi (95 km, ~2 hours)

• Bus: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND) from Giap Bat/My Dinh to Ninh Binh; taxi to Bai Dinh ($5–$7).

• Train: $5–$9 (125,000–225,000 VND) from Hanoi to Ninh Binh; taxi ($5–$7).

• Private Car/Taxi: $35–$55 (875,000–1,375,000 VND) via Hanoi–Ninh Binh Expressway.

• Motorbike: $7–$12/day + $5 fuel; 2–2.5 hours.

• Guided Tour: $75–$175 with eco-transfers.

From Ninh Binh City (15 km, ~20–45 minutes)

• Motorbike: $7–$12/day; 20–25 minutes.

• Bicycle: $1.50–$2.50/day; 40–45 minutes.

• Taxi/Grab: $5–$7; 20 minutes.

• Guided Tour: $75–$95.

From Tam Coc (20 km, ~25–50 minutes)

• Bicycle: $1.50–$2.50/day; 45–50 minutes.

• Motorbike: $7–$12/day; 25–30 minutes.

• Taxi/Grab: $6–$8.

Route Tip: From Ninh Binh City, take National Highway 1A to Gian Khau Crossroad, then follow Bai Dinh signs. Use offline maps.

• Dry Season (November–April): Cool (15–25°C), ideal for festival visits (6th day of Lunar New Year). Book 3–4 weeks ahead.

• Shoulder Season (April, October): Mild (20–30°C), fewer crowds, 15–25% cheaper.

• Rainy Season (May–September): Hot (25–35°C), showers; budget-friendly with 25–40% discounts. Morning visits avoid rain.

• Plan Ahead: Book tours 2–3 weeks in advance for dry season via Legend Travel Group, Baolau.com, or IZITOUR (+84 382 536 266). Confirm hours (6:00 AM–9:00 PM).

• Dress Code: Modest clothing (long pants, covered shoulders); remove hats in halls.

• Pack Smart: Sunscreen, hat, sports shoes; reusable water bottle; umbrella; camera (no flash).

• Budget Wisely: $20–$100/day; use VND; ATMs in Ninh Binh City.

• Sustainability: Dispose of waste; avoid touching statues; use electric carts/bicycles.

• Cultural Respect: Silence in worship areas; ask before photographing rituals; tip guides ($1–$5).

• Bai Dinh Spiritual Tour ($75–$95): Pagoda visit, electric cart, lunch ($3–$15).

• Ninh Binh Heritage Adventure ($135–$175): Bai Dinh, Trang An ($9–$12), Hoa Lu ($1.50).

• Ninh Binh Cultural Bike Tour ($75–$95): Bai Dinh, cycling ($2.50), Bright Cave.

• Ninh Binh Foodie & Spiritual Combo ($100–$140): Thịt dê, Bai Dinh, Tam Coc ($7).

• Ninh Binh Explorer ($380–$600, 3–4 days): Bai Dinh, Trang An, Cuc Phuong ($3), homestays ($18–$50).

Book now via links around this page!

Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex in Ninh Binh’s Gia Vien Ward is a spiritual and architectural wonder, boasting Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist site and records like the 100-ton bronze Buddha and 500 Arhat statues. Set amidst Ninh Binh’s karsts, it’s a beacon of peace and heritage. Legend Travel Group’s Ninh Binh Tours guide you through this record-breaking sanctuary, ensuring a sustainable Ninh Binh Travel experience blended with eco-adventures and local flavors like cơm cháy. Don’t miss this spiritual gem—browse our featured tours and book your Bai Dinh adventure today!
Ready to discover Ninh Binh’s spiritual gem? Reserve your tour with Legend Travel Group and immerse yourself in Vietnam’s cultural and natural splendor!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.