Seeking inner peace in Bai Dinh temple, the largest in Viet Nam

By Mai Hanh - Jul 19, 2017 | 01:41 PM GMT+7

TheLEADERJust two hour driving from Hanoi, Bai Dinh Temple, a spiritual and cultural complex in Ninh Binh Province, offers you a peaceful retreat from city life.

Seeking inner peace in Bai Dinh temple, the largest in Viet Nam
Bai Dinh Complex. Photo: Internet

Bai Dinh Temple is the largest complex of Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia, located in Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province, Viet Nam. It is renowned for its various records, not only in Viet Nam but also in the region, including: Asia’s largest gilt bronze Buddha statue, Southeast Asia’ largest bronze statue of Laughing Buddha, Viet Nam’s largest bell and etc..

However, the magnificence in size is not the only thing that Bai Dinh Temple would impress you. It is its peace and harmony that relax your mind and rest your body. You would find yourself lost in the elegance of spiritual architecture and the beauty of natural scenery.

The whole complex nestles among the forested hills. In its front flows a calm river, still and serene in the sunlight. If you want a good view, find a spot on the highest floor of the Bai Dinh Tower. The idyllic scenery will be opened up in front of your eyes and take your breath away. At that moment, all your stress and tension disappear, only peace and calmness left in your mind and soul. 


Bai Dinh Complex from the tower. Photo: TL

When the daylight is off and the darkness covers the area, all the rooftops are lit up brightly, creating outlines of the whole complex. The scene might remind you of an ancient palace whose beauty was hidden for a long time, now unveiled and lightened brilliantly.


Bai Dinh Temple at night. Photo: Internet

If you want to stay overnight at the complex, Bai Dinh Hotel is your best option, just steps away from the main temples. The place offers a traditional architecture and a tranquil atmosphere, but features all the facilities that you find in a modern hotel. 


Bai Dinh Hotel. Photo: Internet

Your journey to discover the beauty of Ninh Binh Province might continue with a boat cave tour around Trang An, a spectacular landscape of limestone karst peaks, just 10 km away from Bai Dinh Temple. At Trang An, you can also visit the set of the Hollywood movie “Kong: the Skull Island”, which is usually included in your boat tour.


Boat Cave Tour in Trang An. Photo: Internet



Trang An in the movie “Kong: the Skull Island”. Photo: Internet


A Vietnamese local acting in “Kong: the Skull Island”. Photo: TL