Detailed Content
Attraction Background: From a Millennium-Old Temple to a Modern Magnificent Sanctuary The entire area of Bai Dinh Temple spans 539 hectares and actually consists of both new and old sections. The "Old Bai Dinh Temple," which has a history of over a thousand years, is hidden in a natural cave on the mountain and was once a serene place for ancient monks to practice; while the "New Bai Dinh Temple," which tourists mainly visit today, was built with significant investment starting in 2003. The new architectural complex perfectly inherits Vietnam's traditional wooden and stone carving craftsmanship, and its massive scale and grandeur showcase the profound essence of Vietnamese Buddhist culture to the world.
Must-Experience Highlights
Asia's Longest Arhat Corridor: This is the most visually stunning feature of Bai Dinh Temple. The corridor is built along the mountain and stretches nearly 3 kilometers, with 500 life-sized arhat statues carved from solid bluestone neatly arranged on both sides. Each arhat has a different expression and posture, and many visitors touch the smooth knees or hands of the arhats to seek good luck.
Giant Bronze Statue of Shakyamuni Buddha: Entering the majestic Phap Chu Temple, you are greeted by a colossal bronze statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, standing 10 meters tall and weighing 100 tons. The statue is resplendent and solemn, and is one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in Asia, creating an extremely solemn atmosphere inside the hall.
13-Story Great Buddha Tower (Bảo Tháp) Summit: This 100-meter tall tower is a landmark of Bai Dinh Temple, housing Buddha relics from India. Visitors can purchase tickets to take an elevator directly to the top of the tower, where a 360-degree observation deck offers a panoramic view of the vast architectural complex of Bai Dinh Temple and the unique green hills of Ninh Binh in the distance.
36-Ton Peace Bell: Located in the bell tower, this is the largest bronze bell in Vietnam, intricately carved with exquisite scriptures and totems. Whenever the melodious bell sounds echo through the valleys, it instantly brings a sense of peace to the soul.
Dress Code Suggestion: At this religious sanctuary, please be sure to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. The area is vast, and even with the use of electric cars, there are still many stairs to climb, so comfortable walking shoes are a must.
