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Bai Dinh Temple – An Amazing Buddhist Temple In Vietnam

Bai Dinh Temple – An Amazing Buddhist Temple In Vietnam

Of all the places that I have visited in Vietnam I think I have neglected to write about Ninh Binh. So today I decided to take you on a trail to the famed Bai Dinh temple that sits on the outskirts of this Vietnamese city.

For those of you who have not heard of Bai Dinh temple before, allow me to give you a brief introduction to the spiritual world of the Vietnamese.

The Bai Dinh mountain is located not far off from Ninh Binh. The Bai Dinh temple is actually a temple complex that covers a large expanse of land.

An old temple is a remnant of the past and a larger newer temple is the addition from the present. While the Bai Dinh temple is a tourist attraction, it also serves as a pilgrimage spot for many of the local Vietnamese.

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Getting To Bai Dinh Temple

🛕 Want to visit Bai Dinh Temple on a day trip from Hanoi? Book your Bai Dinh Temple tour. It takes you to Mua Cave and Ninh Binh too! 😀

Since we were staying on the other side of town, it was a drive to get there. Most people rent cars or take a cab. If you are on a budget this would probably drain a large part of it out.

We rented a motorbike ($5 – $6 a day) and we were two of us. So that was almost just 3 dollars a person. So much cheaper than the cab option! There are a few things that you need to keep in mind though.

  • Always wear a helmet or the police will descend on you in minutes.
  • Ninh Binh can get hot so carry some water and don’t forget to rehydrate. Sunscreen is also very important. Don’t leave home without it.
  • You need to head out to town for lunch. There isn’t much around. So fill your belly before you leave.

Entering The Bai Dinh Temple Complex

Bai Dinh Temple Gate

When one gate closes find another!

Interestingly the front entrance of this massive complex is closed. A lot of visitors see this and head back disappointed. Instead of turning back home proceed to the back entrance. There is a huge packing lot that you can park in for a nominal fee. With your motorbike parked away head over to the ticket counter and

You can take the electric cart and get to the main entrance. Bear in mind that the electric cart is charged for each way. We took a one way ticket.

The lady at the counter told us we could buy the return ticket from inside if we wanted. It turned out to be a good decision.

While we were busy wandering through the Bai Dinh temple complex we found that we had covered more than half way back to the parking lot. The last leg of the journey was a lovely path with trees on either side.

The Inner View Of Bai Dinh Temple

The first glimpse after you enter the main gate of Bai Dinh temple is pretty soothing.

The first glimpse after you enter the main gate is pretty soothing.

There is much that the Bai Dinh temple has for people to see. Unfortunately like most tourists I wasn’t able to grasp the whole history behind the religious site.

A few snippets perhaps but that barely gives you an insight into the massive structure. That is the reason why I am going to let the pictures speak to you.

Bai Dinh Temple Corridor

The rows of Buddhist monks. I think they are the equivalent of the Christian saints. People from all over Vietnam come to Bai Dinh temple to pay homage to them. You will notice that the statues are worn because everyone keeps touching them in hope that their requests will be granted.

Bai Dinh Temple Bell

The bell tower

Bai Dinh Temple Hill

The bell tower had an amazing view of the view point. We didn’t really go up to the top of the next tower because we did not have much time. We did however get quite close as you will soon see.

Bai Dinh Temple Point

I have to admit we got a little closer than this!

Bai Dinh Temple Royal

One of the many sculptures!

Bai Dinh Temple

And another…

Bai Dinh Temple budha2

The Laughing Buddha: A personal favorite! He just make me feel like smiling. I think it’s the smile that is contagious.

Bai Dinh Temple Little men

Let’s not forget the little men of Vietnam.

Bai Dinh Temple budha

That was a really long walk in the hot hot sun!

The Bai Dinh temple was definitely one of the high points of my stay in Ninh Binh. It is a quiet getaway from the bustle of the city.

The people are warm and welcoming. I would recommend asking people about the stories that go along with each of the sculptures.

We followed a tour group and overheard a few of the snippets of their conversation. Though if I had to do things again I would still have gone on my own. Not just because it is cheaper but because the tours just move too fast for my comfort.

🛕 Want to visit Bai Dinh Temple on a day trip from Hanoi? Book your Bai Dinh Temple tour. It takes you to Mua Cave and Ninh Binh too! 😀

Bai Dinh Temple
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TheGreenPick

Wednesday 3rd of May 2017

This temple is really huge and even though it is fairly modern, you do get a very authentic feeling , especially nice by its location within the mountan area of this terrestrial Halong Bay=)

Penny

Wednesday 3rd of May 2017

Terrestrial Halong Bay is a great way to describe Ninh Binh!

Katherine

Wednesday 19th of April 2017

Love this! The temple architecture, statues and that tree. I'll remember aboit Bai Dinh when I plan my trip to Vietnam.

Brittany

Wednesday 19th of April 2017

So beautiful and your photos are amazing! Really enjoyed reading your post! :)

Penny

Wednesday 19th of April 2017

Thank you Brittany. :)

Christina

Wednesday 19th of April 2017

Awesome photos! Vietnam is such a cool place to visit hey? Kinda weird to me that the front gate was closed. Is it always that way? Such a bummer for all those people who came to see it and didn't realize there was another entrance haha. PS: I also love Laughing Buddhas. They're just so happy. My parents are from China so we had a few around the house growing up. So great hahah

Penny

Wednesday 19th of April 2017

I'm from India and I stumbled across it during various points in my life. While I don't have one (and don't intend on buying one) I really love the concept. It is the simplicity of happiness being the key to your daily life that gets me. In fact when I look at the gigantic smiling Buddha I find myself automatically beginning to smile. It is the smile that is so infectious. Definitely something that we need in this chaotic world.

Niina

Tuesday 18th of April 2017

Looks so soothing! We've only been in Saigon for a few days, where we almost got robbed – the same could happen anywhere, but in my mind that loaded Vietnam with negative feelings. That's both silly and unfortunate, but I know we'll return some day and Vietnam will charm us. Thanks for the inspiration!