Bai Dinh Pagoda Ninh Binh: Complete guide for visitors

Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh is a famous spiritual and cultural site, admired for its grand temples, sacred caves, and impressive Buddha statues. Surrounded by the stunning scenery of limestone mountains and green valleys, it is a must-visit destination in northern Vietnam for both worship and exploration.

This guide provides everything you need to know about Bai Dinh Pagoda, including location, entrance fees, opening hours, and practical travel tips. Make your cultural journey truly memorable with Hanoi Voyages, your trusted companion in designing the perfect experience.

Bai Dinh pagoda: Practical information for your visit

The information below will provide you with essential details for your visit to Bai Dinh pagoda in Ninh Binh, including its location, opening hours, entrance fee, the best time to visit and how to get there. Let’s find out!

Bai Dinh pagoda entrance fee and location

📍 Location: Gia Sinh Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province, about 95 km south of Hanoi

⏰ Opening hours: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily

💸 Entrance fee: 

• Pagoda entrance: Free of charge

• Electric car service (recommended due to large complex): around $2 – $4/way

• Parking fee: $1 –  $3 (depending on vehicle type)

• Some optional sightseeing areas inside may require a small additional fee.

Bai Dinh Pagoda consists of two main areas: the ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda, dating back to the 11th century during the Ly Dynasty and the new Bai Dinh Pagoda complex, built in 2003 and recognized as the largest Buddhist pagoda in Southeast Asia.

The ancient area includes sacred caves and temples where monks and locals have worshiped for centuries. Meanwhile, the new complex covers more than 700 hectares, featuring grand halls, giant Buddha statues and the longest corridor of Arhat statues in Asia. 

* Best time to visit Bai Dinh Pagoda

The best time to visit Bai Dinh Temple is during the spring season, especially from January to March (after Lunar New Year). This is when the famous Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival takes place, attracting thousands of pilgrims and travelers who come to pray for peace, health and prosperity.

Other tip: Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times of day to enjoy the temple with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.

How to get to Bai Dinh pagoda

To visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, travelers can start from Hanoi and take a 2-hour drive by car, bus, or motorbike to Ninh Binh. From the city center, it takes about 15 km to reach the pagoda.

For convenience, many visitors choose guided tours or private transfers that combine Bai Dinh with nearby attractions like Trang An or Tam Coc.

Bai Dinh Pagoda architecture and must-see highlights

The architecture of Bai Dinh Temple is a harmonious blend of traditional Vietnamese design and grand modern construction. Covering more than 700 hectares, the complex features curved tiled roofs, stone pillars and intricately carved wooden details that reflect ancient dynastic styles. 

Unlike many other temples, Bai Dinh Ninh Binh is designed on a massive scale, symbolizing both the spiritual depth and cultural pride of Vietnam. Walking through the temple grounds, visitors can admire the balance between natural landscapes, sacred caves and majestic structures that make this site truly unique.

Must-see highlights when you visit Bai Dinh Pagoda:

• The Ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda – Nestled in limestone caves, this area dates back to the Ly Dynasty and holds a sacred, historical atmosphere.

• The New Bai Dinh Temple Complex – A modern extension built in 2003 with massive halls, courtyards and towering structures.

• The Great Buddha Hall – Home to a 10-meter high bronze Buddha statue, one of the largest in Southeast Asia.

• The Arhat Corridor – Stretches nearly 3 km with more than 500 Arhat statues, setting an Asian record.

• The Bell Tower – Houses a giant bronze bell weighing 36 tons, echoing across the valley.

• The Stupa (Bao Thap) – A 13-story tower offering panoramic views of the surrounding Trang An Landscape Complex.

• Sacred Caves (Dark Cave and Light Cave) – Spiritual sites where ancient worship and rituals were practiced

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Top attractions near Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh

From Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh, travelers can easily explore nearby attractions such as Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Mua Cave Viewpoint and Van Long Nature Reserve.

Trang An Landscape Complex It offers a breathtaking boat tour through limestone caves, rivers and lush valleys, often called “Halong Bay on land	Tam Coc – Bich Dong This area features rice paddies along the Ngo Dong River and the picturesque Bich Dong Pagoda built into a mountain cave.	Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Hoa Lu was the capital of Vietnam in the 10th century, home to historic temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le.

Mua Cave Viewpoint (Hang Múa) Famous for its panoramic views of Tam Coc and the surrounding karst mountains, this spot is perfect for photography and hiking, easily combined with a visit to Bai Dinh Pagoda	Van Long Nature Reserve A peaceful wetland area not far from Bai Dinh Ninh Binh, known as the “natural reserve of storks,” offering boat trips with beautiful mountain reflections on the water.

For more options, you can also refer: Explore Ninh Binh: 7 must-see places for your trip

Essential travel tips for visiting Bai Dinh pagoda

By keeping these tips in mind, your trip to Bai Dinh Pagoda will be more comfortable and meaningful. 

• Dress respectfully – Since Bai Dinh is a sacred Buddhist site, modest clothing is required. Avoid shorts or sleeveless tops when you visit Bai Dinh Pagoda.

• Wear comfortable shoes – The complex is very large, with many stairs and long walking paths.

• Use the electric car service – To save energy and time, take the electric carts that connect different areas within the pagoda.

• Plan your time wisely – Morning and late afternoon are the best times to avoid heat and crowds, especially during the festival season.

• Bring water and essentials – Carry bottled water, sunscreen and a hat, as exploring the pagoda can take several hours.

• Respect local customs – Keep quiet inside worship halls and avoid touching sacred statues or relics.

From its fascinating history and impressive architecture to practical details like location, entrance fees and travel tips, Bai Dinh Pagoda offers everything a visitor needs for a meaningful cultural journey.

Make the most of your trip to Bai Dinh Pagoda with Hanoi Voyages and let us design a seamless travel with Hanoi Voyages.