Bai Dinh pagoda – The first and most important thing is wonderful landscapes of Ninh Binh land have played an important role on the development of Viet Nam tourist industry to the world today.

Not only do the marvelous sceneries make you dote on it, it also elicits a precious land with ancient historical relics of ancient Vietnam which is the second thing you should know. the pagoda includes both of majestic sceneries and spirit values. This is the largest spiritual pagoda in Viet Nam and one of the must-see places in Ninh Binh.

We’re going to introduce you about some records that make Bai Dinh pagoda become a famous pagoda in Viet Nam as well as in Asia. These are also highlights in the pagoda if you visit it. What are the reasons make you decide to visit Bai Dinh pagoda?

Now, together with Hanoi Explore Travel, let’s discover everything you need to know before going to this place. From the entrance fee, opening hours to dress code, electric car and other detail guides.

>> For more fascinating in Ninh Binh, check:

Things to know before visit to Bai Dinh pagoda

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Bai Dinh pagoda Ninh Binh: discover the biggest pagoda in Southeast Asia. (Source: Collected)

Outstanding records of Bai Dinh pagoda in Ninh Binh

In addition to being a site for religious events, Bai Dinh pagoda is now a well-known spiritual and ecotourism destination. The pagoda has received many Vietnamese and Asian records such as:

  • The largest bronze bell in Vietnam;
  • The tallest and heaviest Shakyamuni Buddha statue in Asia
  • The largest solid bronze Tam The statue set plated with gold in Asia (in Tam The Hall)
  • The largest bronze statue of Maitreya Buddha in Southeast Asia
  • Temple with the longest Arhat corridor in Vietnam
  • Temple with the most Bodhi trees planted in Vietnam
  • The tallest stupa in Asia
  • The largest pagoda complex in Vietnam
  • The largest Jade Well in Vietnam
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Bai Dinh pagoda is one of biggest pagoda in Vietnam. (Source: Collected)

Location, opening hours, entrance fee

Location

Bai Dinh pagoda is on Bai Dinh mountain in Gia Sinh commune, Gia Vien district. The Pagoda is 5 kilometers to the Northwest from Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and 15 kilometers from Ninh Binh city 95km from Hanoi. From Trang An Grottoes, go northbound to reach the pagoda.

The pagoda with a breakthrough – one of Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist complex. It consists of several temples and over 500 intricately carved statues of Buddha, including one that’s made of bronze and is 10 metres in height.

It has a large campus with 539 hectares including 27 hectares of the old and the newly built areas. The Bai Dinh pagoda welcomes thousands of travelers each year.

Map of Bai Dinh pagoda complex

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The Bai Dinh pagoda tourist map. (Source: Collected)

Bai Dinh pagoda dress code

  • Visiting Bai Dinh, you must avoid wearing skirts, short and leggings. Moreover, wearing running shoes and sneakers instead of high heels as you will walk and climb a lot.

Opening hours

  • Bai Dinh pagoda is opened from 6:00 am everyday and usually closed at 06:00 pm.

Entrance free ticket

The complex of Bai Dinh pagoda is quite vast. You should take an electric car to fully enjoy it and save time as well as energy.

  • Electric Car ticket: 80,000 VND/person/2 ways
  • Entrance ticket to the Stupa: 50,000 VND/person
  • Tour guide cost: 300,000 VND/tour
electric-car-at-bai-dinh
Electric car to visit Bai Dinh pagoda. (Source: Collected)

History

According to historical records, Bai Dinh pagoda was originally built in 1121, by the renowned Zen master of the Ly Dynasty – Nguyen Minh Khong, and then continued to be expanded in 2005.

This pagoda, which has been worshiping the god Cao Son, the Zen master Nguyen Minh Khong, the Buddha, and immortals for over 1,000 years, has remained unchanged over time. Bai Dinh Pagoda was acknowledged as a historical, cultural, and revolutionary relic of the country in 1997.

Architecture

Nowadays, Bai Dinh pagoda complex consists of an ancient pagoda and a new pagoda built in 2003. Perched atop a mountainside, the pagoda overlooks a rocky mountain and a blue lake. In particular, it is situated right at the western gateway to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.

Bai-Dinh-Pagoda-in-Spring
The panoramic view of Bai Dinh pagoda Complex Vietnam. (Source: Collected)

Ancient Bai Dinh pagoda

The pagoda, with the age of over a millennium old, has architecture imbued with unique ancient beauty from ancient times. The ancient pagoda is situated approximately 800 meters away from the new one from the base of the hill. In order to access the pagoda entrance, one must go up more than 300 stone stairs and then through an ornate gate.

The pagoda is actually hidden in many small caves on the hillside and it is the place of worship for both Buddhist deities and mountain gods. When you come here, you will feel the extremely peaceful and airy space.

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Bai Dinh Ancient pagoda located peacefully surrounded by luxuriant pine trees. (Source: Collected)

New Bai Dinh pagoda complex

Situated next to the Hoang Long river on Ba Rau hill is the recently-constructed Bai Dinh pagoda. This is a large complex, encompassing an area of 80 hectares with many structures built between 2003 and 2010. The architecture of the new temple includes large halls, gardens and surrounding fences. Once you get through the gate, you can explore the temple grounds by strolling along the lengthy corridor lined with arhat statues. There are numerous small gardens filled with green trees inside the temple, particularly Bodhi trees brought from India.

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The panoramic view of Bai Dinh pagoda Complex Vietnam. (Source: Collected)

Bai Dinh pagoda differs from other Buddhist temples in Vietnam due to its large scale. The greatest structure here, Tam The Hall, is 34 meters tall and more than 59 meters long. The pagoda mainly uses locally available materials for construction such as stone and wood from Ninh Binh and tiles from Bat Trang village. The pagoda features curved roofs and soaring roof corners, resembling phoenix tails, which is characterized by traditional Vietnamese architecture.

>>> If you’d like a FREE itinerary tailored to your needs by a knowledgeable travel advisor, don’t hesitate to contact us for help.

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What to see inside Bai Dinh pagoda Ninh Binh

Here are something special that attract tourists coming to Bai Dinh pagoda, they are also elements which make records for the pagoda.

Note: Bai Dinh pagoda is located in Ninh Binh province, 100 km away from Ha Noi capital in the north of Viet Nam.

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Bai Dinh pagoda is now a well-known spiritual and ecotourism destination. (Source: Collected)

Tam Quan Gate (Pagoda’s three-entrance gate)

  • Tam Quan Gate is considered as a face of Bai Dinh temple. The only way for Bonzes, Buddhist believers, and tourists to enter pagoda is passing Tam Quan gate. Compared with a pleasing architectural ensemble of Bai Dinh pagoda, The gate is imposing, majestic, and harmonious on the position. Each time when people step out the gate their feeling become very calm and untroubled.
tam-quan-gate1
Tam quan gate at Bai Dinh pagoda. (Source: Collected)

Bell-tower

  • The bell-tower shaped in an octagon with immeasurably high 3 floors. Diameter of the bottom is 49 meter and total the height of bell-tower is 22 meters. It carved a lotus shaped lamp support. Eight sides of bell-tower are opened spaciously including a stair leading to the peak of the tower. On the top of the tower, you have a lookout of the earth and sky. At the middle of this tower, there is a big bell hanged.
a-bell-tower
A Bell Tower at Bai Dinh pagoda. (Source: Collected)

A temple worshipping bodhisattva

  • This is an unusual excellence of an architectural building made of most of precious wood with a system of traditional Vietnamese architectures. At the middle of the temple stand a statue of Bodhisattva. This statute is the biggest one in Vietnam.
Statue-of-Bodhisattva-at-Bai-Dinh
Statue of Bodhisattva at Bai Dinh. (Source: Collected)

Buddha dharma lord temple

  • Behind the temple of Bodhisattva, it’s temple of Buddha bringing an outstanding architecture. The temple lasts 47.7 meters in length, 45.5 meters in width and has a height of 30 meters. There are five partitions in the temple.
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The biggest Gautama Buddha statue of Asia. (Source: Collected)
  • Especially, this place always attracts many tourists coming here to adore and worship the most majestic statute of Thich Ca Buddha (Gautama Buddha) which keeps a record in Viet Nam. A giant statue of Thich Ca Buddha made from bronze weighs 100 tons with a height of 10 meters. Now the statue hits a record of the highest and heaviest statue of the Buddha in Viet Nam

Temple of three identical statues of Buddha

(it’s called Dien Tam The in Vietnamese)

  • After climbing up more than 200 stone steps you will reach at Dien Tam The. The building is the tallest, largest, and grandest in Bai Dinh pagoda. There hasn’t been any type of architecture as magnificent as this one in Viet Nam. This temple worships 3 identical statues of Buddha which represent for the past, the present and the future.
Statue-of-Buddha-at-Bai-Dinh-Pagoda
Statue of Buddha at Dien Tam The. (Source: Collected)
  • On 12th Dec 2017 a Viet Nam book of records and National office of intellectual property recognized and issued certificate for a set of 3 statues as the biggest one in Viet Nam.

Statues of 500 Arhatsin the corridor

  • Moreover, don’t forget to admire the statues of 500 arhats in the corridor. There are two corridors with a length of up to 1.700 m – known as the longest corridors. These statues were carved and constructed by 100 artisans and 700 workers.
Statues-of-500-Arhatsin-the -orridor
Statues of 500 Arhatsin the corridor. (Source: Collected)

Gieng Ngoc – Pearl Well

  • Gieng Ngoc was originated from 1000 years ago. This wall was built in a shape of the moon with a diameter of 30 meters, depth of water is 6 meters. Especially this wall has an inexhaustible source of water. The well is also another record of Bai Dinh.  The pagoda has a biggest well of God in Viet Nam
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The biggest well of god. (Source: Collected)

Ancient Bai Dinh pagoda

  • The area of ​​ancient Bai Dinh pagoda (Bai Dinh Co Tu) is located on Bai Dinh mountain and is nearly 200m above sea level. Bai Dinh Co Tu is about 800 m far from Tam The temple. The ancient temple area includes the front temple, the cave to worship the Buddha, the temple to worship the mountain god, and the temple to worship Saint Nguyen.
  • According to Vietnamese folklore, the ancient Bai Dinh pagoda is located on an area considered sacred land, the birthplace of popular figures of the nation, including kings, saints, and gods. Most tourists coming to Ninh Binh visit Bai Dinh pagoda.
cave-at-bai-dinh-ancient-pagoda
A cave at bai dinh ancient pagoda. (Source: Collected)
  • Bai Dinh Temple, Ninh Binh is the largest religious complex in Vietnam with many pagodas and towers, large and small, attracting a large number of domestic and international pilgrims and tourists. This is one of the largest constructions to commemorate the 1,000-year celebration of Thang Long – Hanoi in 2010.

Bright Cave, Dark Cave

  • After passing 300 steps to reach Tam Quan gate, you will see 2 forks on the side of the slope. That is the path leading to Bright Cave and Dark Cave.
  • The cave provides abundant natural light despite being only 15 meters wide and 25 meters deep. Inside is where the Buddha statue is located and if you continue all the way to the end of the cave, you can reach the sacred Cao Son temple. There is also a natural water well in the middle that keeps the air cool.
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Dark Cave & Bright Cave. (Source: Collected)

Notable destinations nearby Bai Dinh pagoda that should be on your itinerary

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The most attractive places near by Bai Dinh pagoda. (Source: Collected)

Popular tourist attractions

  • Trang An scenic complex: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is well-known for its stunning cave system and karst formations. Visitors can take in beautiful surroundings and ancient temples tucked away among the mountains while sitting on the bamboo boat down the meandering rivers.
  • Tam Coc – Ninh Binh: Also known as “Ha Long Bay on land”, Tam Coc offers amazing boat trips through rice fields and limestone mountains. This serene experience allows you to take in the picturesque surroundings.
  • Mua Cave: Mua Cave or Hang Mua is a should-not-miss tourist destination when visiting the ancient capital of Ninh Binh. Here you can explore absolutely stunning natural scenery with lush green trees and undulating mountains. From the top of Ngoa Long mountain, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the vast golden rice fields stretching out in Tam Coc.
  • Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a unique architectural complex in Ninh Binh province, recognized by UNESCO as one of the four main components of the Trang An World Heritage complex. This place is also ranked by the government as a nationally significant historical relic and architectural complex that should be preserved.
  • Thien Ha Cave – Galaxy Cave: Thien Ha Cave is said to house a “whole galaxy” inside the mountain with magical rays of sunlight illuminating the dry cave or multicolored lights in the dark one. Therefore, it is favored as the most beautiful cave in the Trang An heritage complex. Thien Ha cave was just discovered in 2007. The cave is hidden in the Tuong mountain, a mountain in the Trang An range. Under the reign of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, Tuong Mountain served as a forward guard post protecting Hoa Lu citadel.
  • Thung Nham Bird Park: Home to several bird species, this bird sanctuary is sure to delight those who love nature and animals. Visiting Thung Nham Bird Garden, you can enjoy a peaceful walk through lush flower gardens and observe vibrant bird life>

When and how to get to Bai Dinh pagoda?

The best time to visit

  • The most suitable time for Bai Dinh pagoda trips is in spring (from January to March of the Lunar Year) when the weather is warm. Visitors can combine spring traveling, sightseeing, praying for luck in the temple and participating in big festivals in both Trang An and Bai Dinh.
  • However, this time is the peak of festival tourist season, so there are a huge number of visitors, which leads to overload and overcrowding. Therefore, if any visitors do not like the situations, they can travel to Bai Dinh at another time in the year.

>>> Get FREE ITINERARY PLANNING for a day in Bai Dinh Pagoda 

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How to get to Bai Dinh pagoda complex?

From Hanoi

  • Travel with Bus/Car/Taxi 2 hours ~ 96km: You can take coach at Hanoi Southern Bus Station (Giap Bat Bus Station) to Ninh Binh (every 30 minutes), located on Giai Phong street; Price: 150.000 VND/ticket. You can also arrange a coach by contacting some tourism agencies right in the Old Quarter.
  • By Motorbike: Travelling to Bai Dinh by motorbike is another option . It is going to take you around nearly 3 hours (around 100 km to arrive Ninh Binh )
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You will have a change to explore rice fields and majestic limestone mountains. (Source: Collected)

Domestic buses in Ninh Binh

  • Bus route 08: Schedule: Nam Thanh rest station – 700-bed hospital – tuberculosis hospital – Eye hospital – maternity hospital – Army hospital – Lim Bridge – Provincial post office – Highway 1A – Huyen Bridge – Truong Yen – Truong Yen commune – three-way crossroad to Ga canal – Bai Dinh pagoda – Anh Troi three-way crossroad – Ria three-way crossroad – Phu Long commune (Nho Quan  district)

>>> Read more: How to Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh

Specialties and restaurants near by

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A special disher in Ninh Ninh

Must-try dishes in Ninh Binh

Crispy scorched rice

  • Different from other types of scorched rice, scorched rice in Ninh Binh is made from a special combination of two types of dry rice and sticky rice. Through many steps of drying and frying, each processing creates batches of crispy and fragrant scorched rice. This dish is typically served with fried green onions or shrimp paste, or becomes more unique when it’s paired with goat meat, heart, and kidney in a rich sauce. The flavor of crispy burned rice will surely leave you a lasting impression.

Gia Vien shrimp paste

  • Gia Vien shrimp paste is not only a delicious dish but also captures the distinct culture of the ancient capital of Ninh Binh. Making shrimp paste involves a lot of work, from selecting high-quality shrimp to ensuring hygienic production procedures. Visitors can savor shrimp paste with boiled vegetables, boiled meat, or eat it with hot rice which creates a very delicious flavor.
com-chay-ninh-binh
Com chay (burned rice) is a simple but very crispy and yummy dish of Ninh Binh

Mountain goat meat

  • Goat meat from the Ninh Binh mountains is one of the special goods that are well-known in this area. Goats are raised on the summit of mountains, providing goat meat with firmness and delicious flavor. Combined with unique processing methods, visitors will enjoy many delicious dishes from mountain goat meat such as grilled goat, steamed goat, rare goat with lemon, goat spring rolls, stir-fried goat, ginger soy goat,… and many other dishes

Eel vermicelli

  • Eel vermicelli is a specialty of Ninh Binh that you should try. It is made with a broth that is simmered from eel and rib bones, which gives it a naturally fatty, sweet, and incredibly delicious flavor. The firm and flavorful eel meat will provide you with an unforgettable experience. This meal is frequently mixed with shredded banana flowers, which results in a delicious combination and makes it a well-known specialty in the area.

Restaurants near by Bai Dinh pagoda

Thang Long Restaurant – Ninh Binh

  • Address: Chi Phong village, Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh; situated between the Trang
  • An tourism area and the Bai Dinh pagoda.
  • Hotline: 0975. 155.458 – 0911. 010. 135
  • Opening hours: 7 a.m – 10:30 p.m
  • Reference price: 150,000 VND – 400,000 VND

The Restaurant is one of the most long-standing goat meat restaurants, among the top in terms of food quality and facilities. Thang Long Restaurant’s menu is varied with more than 200 dishes specializing in goat such as: Goat with lemon, Goat porridge, Ngoc Duong stewed with Chinese medicine, Goat steamed with perilla… and some side dishes like scorched rice, hill chickens, village pigs, etc.

Hoang Giang Restaurant

  • Hotline: 0229 3620 072
  • Opening hours: 7:00 a.m – 11:30 p.m
  • Reference price: 150,000 VND – 350,000 VND

With a large, airy dining space that includes a garden area and an abundance of visually appealing food, Hoang Giang Restaurant draws diners from everywhere. The highlight here is the excellent burnt rice dish served with stir-fried goat meat or sauce.

Ba Cua Restaurant

  • Address: Trang An Village, Truong Yen, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
  • Hotline: 0916 311 658
  • Opening hours: 9:00 a.m – 8:00 p.m
  • Reference price: 150,000 VND – 500,000 VND

Pick up a suitable itinerary for your Bai Dinh pagoda tour

  • Come to visit Bai Dinh pagoda in Ninh Binh, never forgot to visit Trang An grottos, a wonderful landscape with discovering temples, grottos and taking boat tour. To be guided in Bai Dinh pagoda, book 1 day in Trang An Bai Dinh Tour with us, you are easy to learn more about an mysterious land in Ninh Binh.
  • Bai Dinh Trang An Mua Cave Tour is one of the most satisfying day tours in Ninh Binh with a combination of visiting picturesque Trang An grottoes, exploring the Bai Dinh – A Bigest Pagoda in  Vietnam and the spectacular Mua Cave.

Suggested Itinerary Bai Dinh Trang An Day Tour

Time TableItinerary
Morning Time8.00am in the morning, get a car for the departure to Ninh Binh. You will reach Bai Dinh Pagoda which is the first destination at around 10:20 a.m. Then you start to explore all the place, go through each tourist attractions in Bai Dinh Pagoda. It’s better to have a tour guide to go with you as he or she will explain the meaning of each place you go through.
Noon TimeAfter touring around Bai Dinh Pagoda, it’s time to have some lunch with Ninh Binh local dishes. You can choose a local restaurant to enjoy your meal.
Afternoon TimeThe rest of the day will be spent in Trang An Tourism Complex which is 15 minutes from Bai Dinh Pagoda. Take a boat trip to explore and discover the nature and wild beauty of this area. This will be the highlight of your trip. At 4:30 p.m, get the car and go back to Hanoi Old Quarter Center.

>>> Pick a suitable itinerary: Bai Dinh Trang An Tour to discover the beauty of nature and the religious monument

Suggested Itinerary Bai Dinh Trang An Mua Cave Day Tour

Time TableItinerary
Morning08.00am: Get a tourist bus starts from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter Centel for departure to Bai Dinh pagoda.
10.30am:  Arrive Bai Dinh Pagoda and Let's Start explore this beautiful Buddhist place of worship, with 500 La Han statues and the largest bronze Buddha statue in Vietnam, 10 meters tall. Enjoy some free time with your guide to visit the pagoda and learn more about Buddhism.
NoonAfter Finish your trip at Pagoda. Enjoy a buffet lunch of Vietnamese cuisine after you've seen the pagoda. Then hop back on the bus and continue to Trang An wharf. From here, take a boat trip to visit Trang An cave complex, made famous by scenes from the film King Kong. After the boat trip, you'll take a bike to visit traditional villages around the Trang An area.
AfternoonThe tour continues to Mua Cave. Listen to interesting stories about this place from your guide. After climbing 500 stone steps, you'll be able to see all the way to Tam Coc. Enjoy the stunning panoramic view of the countryside and Ngo Dong river. At the end of the day you'll get back on the bus and drive back to Hanoi

>>> Book A Deluxe Bai Dinh Trang An Mua Cave Small Group Tour for visiting picturesque Boat Tour, exploring a spectacular Mua caves, Bai Dinh Pagoda with a Reasonable Itinerary and Special Price

Tips for your AMAZING Bai Dinh Pagoda Day Trip

  • It is advised to bring along some pairs of sports shoes instead of wearing high-heels or doll shoes to protect the feet and make it convenient for moving as well. Because of the mountain, pagoda climbing will be included in the journey. Visitors may pack formal clothing when entering pagodas. Tourists should wear comfortable clothing, not tight, sweat-proof ones.
  • There are many shops selling interesting souvenirs and attractive specialties. However, the price in the mountains is often much higher than that outside. Therefore, to buy local specialties as presents, tourists should go down the foot of the mountains to buy at a cheaper price.
  • At the beginning of springtime, it often has drizzle. In case of that, visitors may bring a small carefully-folded umbrella.
  • Remember to bring some pence when coming to pagodas and donating. Visitors should avoid putting money on Buddha statues. This behavior can damage the beauty of the pagoda area. Instead, tourists had better donate money into donation boxes.

We hope this post helps you to plan your trip in Bai Dinh Pagoda Ninh Binh. From transportation services to hotels, homestays, daily tours… Hanoi Explore Travel covers them all to immediately be your advisor, let share with us your questions at any time by Leave Your Comment Here. Other way to contact directly through emai : info@hanoiexploretravel.com or Hotline/ What’s app : + 84 974 805 797

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FAQS

Do we need to book in advance to visit Bai Dinh Pagoda?

  • We recommend booking Bai Dinh Pagoda tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with us, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund.

What should you prepare for a visit to Pagoda?

Many visitors are unsure of what to bring when visiting the pagoda. Anytime you visit a pagoda, you must also get the essential preparations done. Depending on the place and the time, specific necessary things may be required. Let’s refer to the following suggestions regarding what to bring to the Bai Dinh:

  • Climbing shoes: Instead of wearing high heels, please bring suitable climbing shoes to prevent your feet from swelling and to facilitate easy movement, which make your trip go smoothly and without any movement-related issues.
  • Appropriate clothes: Since Bai Dinh Pagoda is a site of spiritual worship, you should avoid wearing tight clothing and instead dress appropriately, discreetly, comfortably, and in sweat-absorbent materials.
  • Money and identification documents: It is always a necessity to bring cash and identity documents with you everywhere you go, so be sure you don’t forget them. You should also bring some change to give as an offering and give to charity when visiting the pagoda.

What hotels are near Bai Dinh pagoda complex?

List of Hotels near by:

  • Ninh Binh Mountain Views Homestay
  • Bai Dinh Eco Homestay
  • Ninh Binh Family Homestay
  • Bai Dinh Riverside Resort
  • Bai Dinh Garden Resort & Spa

What restaurants are near by?

List of Restaurants near by:

  • Cao Son Restaurant
  • An Khang Banh Mi and Drinks
  • Brick Coffee Shop
  • Chu’s House Tam Coc
  • T-Pub Restaurant
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