Bai Dinh Pagoda lies within a complex of spiritual Buddhist temples on Bai Dinh Mountain in Ninh Binh, Vietnam.
It stands an impressive 13 stories tall and boasts panoramic views at the top!
I have put together this complete guide to visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda Ninh Binh including how to get there, how much it costs, and what to expect when you arrive.
QUICK ANSWERS: BAI DINH PAGODA
Here are some quick answers to the most frequently asked questions about Bai Dinh Temple from first-time visitors.
WHERE IS BAI DINH PAGODA?
Bai Dinh Pagoda is located 20 km west of Ninh Binh and it’s approximately a 30-minute drive.
Click here to see the location on Google maps.
To get here, you can rent a scooter from one of the rental shops in town for 100,000 VND per day or you can rent a bicycle for half the price.
The journey will lead you along a road that hugs the edge of the Trang An River, surrounded by the world-renowned cliffs that are said to resemble that of Ha Long Bay, but on land.
ARRIVING AT BAI DINH PAGODA NINH BINH
There is a large parking lot along with a dozen food stores and markets at the entrance to the pagoda. It’s best to park your scooter in the shade and pay a parking fee of 15,000 VND.
There is no entrance fee to visit, however, it’s a very long way to walk from the entrance gate to the actual complex of temples. I recommend taking a ride on the golf buggies that are available for 30,000 VND each way.
The golf buggy will drop you off at the main entrance hall. From here you will have to climb several steps up multiple levels that are lined with hundreds of Buddha statues and golden ornaments.
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WHAT TO EXPECT AT BAI DINH TEMPLE COMPLEX
When you reach level one of the temple complex, the first attraction is the 3-tiered bell tower pagoda.
You can climb the small flight of stairs on the inside of the bell tower for an epic view of the surrounding gardens and Bai Dinh Pagoda in the distance.
Continue uphill to the second level and discover the large golden Buddha. Walk into the great hall and prepare to be in utter awe at the impressive golden Buddha that sits behind a haze of incense smoke.
Further along, the third level is where you’ll find the Bai Dinh Pagoda Ninh Binh itself! The multilevel pinnacle pagoda stands proudly in a symmetrical garden on Bai Dinh Mountain.
If you wish to go to the top of the pagoda you will have to pay 50,000 VND at the ticket stand and then take the internal elevator to the top.
Last but not least is the silver Buddha statue on the fourth level of Bai Dinh Mountain. By this point, you may be getting tired of climbing hundreds of stairs but it’s worth it for the 360-degree view of the complex of temples, the pagoda, and the incredible surrounding landscape.
BEST VIETNAM TOURS
WHERE TO STAY IN NINH BINH
Ninh Binh has hundreds of accommodations to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to suit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
Luxury:Β Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh
Mid Range:Β King Kong Homestay
Budget:Β Tam Coc Banana Bungalow
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
WHAT TO PACK FOR NINH BINH
When visiting Ninh Binh, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:
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Reusable Water Bottle
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Travel Backpack
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Quick-Dry Travel Towel
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Portable PowerBank
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More Vietnam Travel Guides
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FINAL THOUGHTS – BAI DINH PAGODA NINH BINH
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions about Bai Dinh Temple, please drop me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.
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THANKS FOR READING
Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!
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Many thanks!
how long you took to explore this place?
Around 1 hour is enough π
really like pics in this post
Glad you loved them π