Top 8 essential tips for visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda

Ninh Binh is known for its wide array of delicious dishes that attract food lovers. Here are some must-try specialties:

• Mountain Goat Meat from Ninh Binh: Known for its firm texture, low fat, and aromatic flavor. The unique taste comes from the rugged terrain of Ninh Binh, where goats roam the rocky hills, developing leaner and more flavorful meat compared to goats raised on open fields. The region’s rich variety of herbs and grasses, such as giò gai, giò vàng, bách bộ, and ô zô, contributes to the exceptional taste of the meat.
• Ninh Binh Fried Rice: Although not originally a traditional dish, this fried rice was created by a local from the ancient capital and has evolved into a beloved specialty of Ninh Binh, passed down through generations for over a century.
• Kim Son Fish Salad (Gỏi cá nhệch): During the rainy season, fishermen catch the slippery, aggressive fish called nhệch, related to eels, which thrive in slightly salty waters. This dish is served with a variety of herbs and spices, wrapped in leaves like lá sung, lá ổi, and others, and topped with fish sauce and fresh chili.
• Ninh Binh Mountain Snails: These rare snails only emerge during the rainy season from April to August and are primarily found in the limestone mountains of Tam Diep, Yen Mo, and Hoa Lu. The snails are prized for their firm, sweet, and fragrant meat, and they are often prepared in various dishes like grilled, sautéed with tamarind, or in salads.
• Cuc Phuong Chicken: Known for its exceptional taste, this chicken is raised in the Cuc Phuong Forest of Ninh Binh, where the natural conditions provide an ideal environment for producing tender and flavorful meat.
• Truong’s Fish (Cá rô Tổng Trường)
• Dong Giao Pineapple (Dứa Đồng Giao)
• Tố Như’s Pork Noodle Soup (Bún mọc Tố Như)
• Nho Quan Ant Egg Sticky Rice (Xôi trứng kiến Nho Quan)
• Vân Long Grilled Snakehead Fish (Cá chuối nướng Vân Long)

Souvenirs from Ninh Binh: In addition to the regional delicacies, Ninh Binh offers a variety of special products that make perfect gifts for family and friends.

1. Yen Mac Fermented Pork (Nem chua Yên Mạc)
2. Gia Viễn Shrimp Paste (Mắm tép Gia Viễn)
3. Nho Quan Wine (Rượu cần Nho Quan)
4. Kim Son Rice Wine (Rượu nếp Kim Sơn)
5. Hoàng Long Sweet Potatoes (Khoai Hoàng Long)

Bai Dinh Pagoda is a sacred landmark located within the Bai Dinh – Trang An ecological tourism complex, with a history spanning over 1,000 years, connected to several dynasties including the Dinh, Early Le, and Ly dynasties. Notable places to visit within Bai Dinh Pagoda include:

Bai Dinh New Pagoda Area

• External Gateways: Bai Dinh has three large external gateways representing the three entrances to the pagoda. Each gate consists of three doors, constructed from reinforced concrete with stone cladding, topped with four small curved roofs made of stone.
• Internal Gate: The internal gate is entirely made of Four-Design wood, standing 16.5 meters tall, 32 meters long, and 1 meters wide. It features four main columns, each 13.85 meters high, with a diameter of 0.87 meters and weighing approximately 10 tons. The roof has three curved levels, tiled with dark brown Bat Trang glazed tiles. Inside, there are two bronze statues of guardians, each 5.5 meters tall and weighing 12 tons.
• Arhat Corridor: The corridor, designed entirely from wood, features beams constructed in a traditional style. Spanning 3,400 meters with 250 sections, each 4.5m x 4.5m, it houses 500 stone statues of Arhats, carved by artisans from Ninh Van (Hoa Lu – Ninh Binh).
• The Bell Tower: Built from concrete to resemble wood, the bell tower has an octagonal structure with three curved roofs covered in Bat Trang brown tiles. Standing 22 meters tall with a diameter of 17 meters, it is shaped like a lotus flower. The tower houses a 36-ton bronze bell, cast by artisans from Hue, recognized by the Vietnam Book of Records as the largest bell in Vietnam.
• Guanyin Hall: Made entirely from Four-Design wood, this hall measures 14.8 meters high, 40.4 meters long, and 16.8 meters wide. It houses a golden-plated bronze statue of the Thousand-Handed Avalokitesvara, weighing 80 tons and standing 9.57 meters tall. This statue is the largest of its kind in Vietnam, as certified by the Vietnam Book of Records.
• Release Pond: The Release Pond, measuring 63 meters wide by 77 meters long and covering an area of nearly 5,000m², is home to lotus flowers, a symbol of Buddha and Nirvana. The pond, situated lower than the pagoda, represents yin, while the pagoda represents yang, creating a harmonious balance of opposites.
• Master’s Hall: The Master’s Hall, built with reinforced concrete resembling wood, stands 30 meters tall, with a 44.7-meter length and 43.3-meter width. The structure features eight curved roofs, providing light and ventilation.
• Three Realms Hall: The Three Realms Hall, constructed with concrete to resemble wood, has three curved roof levels, with 12 roofs. The curved roof design, reminiscent of the phoenix, symbolizes the dynamic and harmonious flow of energy.
• Laughing Buddha Statue
• Bai Dinh Stupa

Old Bai Dinh Pagoda:

• Bai Dinh Ancient Pagoda (Bái Đính Cổ Tự): Located about 800 meters south of the Three Realms Hall in the new pagoda area, the ancient pagoda faces west and is nestled among tranquil mountain forests. The site includes a central prayer hall, a right side cave dedicated to Buddha, a shrine to the Cao Son God at the rear, and a left-side temple for Saint Nguyen, with a dark cave for the Goddess and immortals. This area holds the belief that it is a place of birth for kings, saints, and deities in Vietnamese folklore, with many architectural features and artifacts from the Ly dynasty.
• Bright Cave – Dark Cave
• Saint Nguyen’s Temple
• Cao Son Temple
• Jade Well

When planning a trip to Trang An, Ninh Binh, visitors should consider not only the available tours, accommodations, and tourist attractions but also the ticket prices. Prices for attractions may change from year to year, so it’s important to stay updated on the current rates before embarking on your journey.

If you're traveling with elderly family members or young children, it's recommended to opt for an electric vehicle rather than walking, as the Bai Dinh complex is quite expansive.

Ticket prices for the Bai Dinh Spiritual Tourism Area:

• Electric vehicle ticket: 60,000 VND per person
• Stupa admission ticket: 50,000 VND per person
• Guide fee: 300,000 VND per tour

Trang An ticket prices for 2021:

• Adults over 1.3m: 250,000 VND per person
• Children from 1m to 1.3m: 120,000 VND per child
• Children under 1m: free of charge
• Private boat ticket (for research, music videos, filming, etc.): 1,250,000 VND per boat (The boat will go to selected locations, not following the usual itinerary)
• Each boat accommodates a maximum of 4-5 people depending on the weight (Visitors must follow the boat assignment guidelines to ensure safety on the river)
• (Ticket prices include both boat and scenic fees)

Additional tips when visiting Bai Dinh Temple:

• Most products and goods inside Bai Dinh Temple are priced higher than those outside, so to save costs, consider purchasing items at the base of the mountain.
• During the beginning of the year, northern provinces, including Bai Dinh Temple, often experience drizzle. It’s a good idea to bring an umbrella to shield yourself from the rain.
• Bai Dinh Temple is located on a vast hillside, so it’s recommended to wear comfortable sneakers instead of high heels to move around more easily and efficiently.
• When visiting Bai Dinh Temple or any other temple, it's a good idea to bring small change for both your personal offerings and donations.
• Place your donations in the donation box to maintain the temple’s aesthetic appeal.
• It’s wise to bring along some snacks, fruits, and drinks. The journey to explore Bai Dinh Temple and Trang An may be tiring, but the stunning views you’ll witness are truly rewarding.
• Lastly, don’t forget to bring a camera or smartphone to capture beautiful photos and unforgettable moments at Bai Dinh – Trang An. These photos will surely become cherished memories that will make you smile when you look back on them!

When traveling to a spiritually rich and culturally historic destination like Bai Dinh – Trang An, visitors should be well-prepared with knowledge to make their trip as perfect as possible.

Here are a few important tips that visitors should keep in mind:

• Bai Dinh during spring can sometimes have light drizzles, so it's advisable to bring a small umbrella. Additionally, if you're visiting in the summer, don't forget sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the sun!
• Dress code for visiting Bai Dinh mainly calls for comfortable yet respectful clothing. When entering the temple, avoid extravagant or overly flashy outfits. In recent times, modern yet modest ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dresses) have become a popular and perfect choice for young visitors who want to take beautiful pictures amidst the temple scenery. Also, opt for flat shoes with soft soles instead of high heels to make your movements easier and more comfortable.

Each season at Bai Dinh Temple offers its own unique beauty. The prime travel season is in spring, from January to March of the lunar calendar. This period features pleasant, cool weather and is when many activities for luck and various temple festivals take place.

Starting from the 6th day of the Lunar New Year, Bai Dinh Temple holds its annual festival, attracting pilgrims from all over who come to worship and join in the festivities. However, if you choose to visit during this time, be prepared for large crowds. It's best to plan your trip in advance and pre-purchase any offerings to avoid inflated prices.

If you're looking for a more peaceful visit to explore Bai Dinh Temple in greater detail, it's advisable to avoid the festival season and the early spring period. Summer and autumn are also excellent options for those who prefer tranquility, fewer crowds, and an opportunity to enjoy the temple's architecture and culture at a more relaxed pace.

Ninh Binh is a key transportation hub, with 9 national highways (6 starting and 3 passing through the province), connecting all districts, cities, and towns. Therefore, the most convenient way to reach Ninh Binh is by road.

• If you're coming from Hanoi, you can travel by bus to save costs. The bus service between Hanoi and Ninh Binh runs frequently, so you can easily catch a ride. Bus fares range from 60,000 to 90,000 VND per person. Once you arrive at the Ninh Binh bus station, you can take a taxi or a bus to Bai Dinh Temple.
• Alternatively, you can use a motorbike to reach Ninh Binh and explore the scenic spots like Tràng An and Bai Dinh Temple (80 km from Hanoi via National Route 1A). This is a great option for adventure-loving travelers. The roads are in good condition, and it takes just 2-3 hours to reach Ninh Binh. However, be cautious of slippery curves when it rains, and make sure you have your ID and necessary documents when traveling.
• Ninh Binh is well-connected by rail, with the Tam Diep – Ninh Binh railway running along the North-South line. The province has several stations, including Ninh Binh, Cau Yen, Ghenh, and Dong Giao. Travelers from both the North and South can easily reach Ninh Binh via the Thong Nhat train. From Hanoi, trains SE1 (19:30) arrive at 21:46, SE3 (22:00) arrives at 00:10, SE5 (09:00) arrives at 11:21, and SE7 (06:00) arrives at 08:22. If traveling from Saigon, the best option is the SE8 train, which departs from Saigon Station at 06:00 and arrives in Ninh Binh at 13:15 the following day.

If you choose to travel independently, it's best to start early, around 5-6 AM, so you can arrive in Ninh Binh by 7-8 AM, giving you ample time for sightseeing and rest. Alternatively, you can opt for a complete tour package to Bai Dinh – Tràng An to save on costs.

If you're just visiting Bai Dinh for a day, you likely won't need to worry about accommodations. However, if you plan to explore more of Ninh Binh and Bai Dinh is just one of your stops, you may want to consider lodging options. Guesthouses and hotels are the most popular choices for overnight stays in Bai Dinh.

Currently, there are several guesthouses and hotels in Bai Dinh with reasonable prices, suitable for a wide range of visitors:

• Ocean Guesthouse. Address: DT477, Gia Lap, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh. Phone: 097 682 97 20
• Tam Family Homestay. Address: Xom 5 Bai Dinh Temple, Gia Sinh, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh. Phone: 096 287 53 35
• Van Long Garden. Address: Gong Vo Hamlet, Gia Hoa Commune, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh. Phone: 098 531 92 95
• Hoang Hai Hotel. Address: Xom 4, Gia Sinh, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh. Phone: 098 666 01 81
• Thien Phu Guesthouse. Address: 541 Nguyen Hue, Nam Binh, Ninh Binh. Phone: 0229 3889 333
• Ninh Binh Bamboo Farmstay. Address: Gia Sinh, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh. Phone: 0359 674 921
• Duong Hung Guesthouse. Address: Gia Sinh, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh. Phone: 096 668 89 59
• Huong Tra Hotel. Address: Gián Khẩu Junction, Gia Tran, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh. Phone: 0229 3833 557
• Garden Homestay. Address: Gia Sinh, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh.
• Canh Tiep Homestay. Address: Xom 5, Gia Sinh, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh. Phone: 098 602 21 72

Although there are quite a few rooms available, during peak tourist seasons, it can be difficult to find a room if you haven't booked in advance. Therefore, it's a good idea to call ahead and make a reservation at the guesthouses or hotels before arriving at Bai Dinh.

Inside Bai Dinh Temple, there's a hotel run by the Trang An Company, which can be considered a small resort within the temple grounds. The hotel offers rooms ranging from standard to premium with relatively high prices. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can stay at one of the hotels or homestays located just outside the temple.