Pagodas in Ninh Binh

Bai Dinh pagoda is located on Bai Dinh mountain in the Gia Vien district. It is an iconic Buddhism complex that has achieved eight records in Vietnam and Asia for having the largest bronze bell in Vietnam, the tallest and heaviest statue of Shakyamuni Buddha in Asia, the largest gilded bronze Triple Gem statues in Vietnam, the largest bronze statue of Laughing Buddha in Southeast Asia, the longest Arhat corridor in Vietnam, and the largest number of Bodhi trees in Vietnam. This destination truly offers a captivating experience that combines spirituality, cultural richness, and natural beauty.

Our tour guide told us it would take at least half a day to visit the complex so we opted to see it from a distance across the river.

Bodhi tree in front of Ho Dam Thi lake

Panoramic view of the lake with Bodhi trees lining the shore and the mountains in the distance.

On the other side of the lake you can see the Bai Dinh Stupa.

Bai Dinh Stupa is considered a distinctive symbol representing the cultural life of the Vietnamese people.

The Bodhi Tree ("tree of awakening" or "tree of enlightenment"), is a large sacred fig tree where Siddhartha Gautama, the spiritual teacher who became known as Buddha, is said to have attained enlightenment under the tree.

Panoramic view of the Lake and the mountains.

Closer view of the Bai Dinh Stupa from the other side of the lake. It is a massive structure that stands at a height of approximately 44 feet and has a base circumference of about 157 feet.

We drove pass the entrance of the Bai Dinh Pagoda.

Entrance gate of Bai Dinh Pagoda.

Dia Tang Phi Pagoda

Dia Tang Phi Pagoda is a meditation retreat, located in Ha Nam province, and about 60 miles south of Hanoi. Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda is a famous temple built in the 11th century, known for its peaceful mountain scenery, tranquil atmosphere, and warm hospitality, and attracting many Buddhist followers and pilgrims. Through many ups and downs of history, the pagoda was degraded and forgotten for a long time. In 2015, the pagoda was restored and rebuilt under the guidance of Venerable Thich Minh Quang, then became an extremely famous spiritual and tourist destination in Northern Vietnam

The retreat is a sacred place of worship, but the temple is also a spiritual gathering for local people where they can embrace the fundamental values of Buddhism, providing tranquility and comfort to the soul.

Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda is a beautiful, peaceful and serene temple set atop a hill overlooking vast rice fields, backed by a pine hill, and is surrounded on all sides by nature.

The Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda is situated in a beautiful feng shui position. The pagoda rests against the mountain, symbolizing a golden throne, with the Azure Dragon on the left and the White Tiger on the right.

Complex inside the ground of the temple.

A complex where people can come to meditate and stay here for a while.

There are two giant Vajra Guardian statues guarding the front of the temple..

Vajrapani, whose name means ‘He who holds the vajra’ ( a symbolic thunderbolt), is one of the Dharmapalas or Dharma guardians, protectors of those who preach and practice the Buddha’s teachings.