Chua Bai Dinh is a bombastic Buddhist complex, built on a vast scale, that rises up a hillside near Ninh Binh. Construction was completed in 2014, and it's now a huge attraction for domestic Vietnamese tourists. The entrance leads to cloistered walkways past 500 stone arhats (enlightened Buddhists) lining the route to the main triple-roofed Phap Chu pagoda. This contains a 10m, 100-tonne bronze Buddha, flanked by two more gilded Buddha figures.
Steps behind lead to a viewpoint, a 13-storey pagoda and a giant Buddha. The compound's central area features more temples, including one showcasing a 36-tonne bell, the largest in Vietnam. Most structures use natural materials, and the complex's impressive bronzework, lacquerwork and stone-carving was crafted by local artisans.
Chua Bai Dinh is 11km northwest of Ninh Binh, and attracts many Vietnamese visitors. Think twice if you’re after a spiritual experience.
