Boating on meandering waters through ancient limestone karsts, floating through mysterious caves, and visiting ancient temples is definitely an experience of lifetime?Well Isnt it.

 

 

We take a closer look at what makes Trang An such a special destination and how to have a one of a kind experience by taking a Trang An boat tour!

 

 

 

It’s famous for its impressive limestone mountains, caves, and scenic waterways and is also often referred to as “Halong Bay on land”.

 

The Trang An boat tours leave every day from the Trang An wharf. If you are staying in Tam Coc, you’ll first have to make your way to the wharf, which is seven kilometers away. Another option is to stay at Trang An village, which is only 2,5 kilometers from the Trang An wharf.

 

Boat tickets are sold on the other side of the street, opposite the wharf. After that, you’ll have to pass through an underground walkway to get to the boat wharf. There, you’ll have to show your ticket and you’ll be assigned to a boat. 

Boats can take four people so it’s possible you’ll be paired up with other people. Note that it’s very convenient if you can sit in the front of the boat. That way, you’ll get a good view of the surrounding area and it’s way more comfortable to take photos. 

 

There are three routes into the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. 

We were given life vests and embarked on the tour, accompanied by two other english tourists.

 

The most impressive feature of this tour is indeed the one-kilometer-long Dot cave. 

 

The main towns in Ninh Binh province are Trang An and Tam Coc. This is where most people stay when visiting Ninh Binh province. The area here boasts stunning landscape with karst mountains, deep green valleys and winding rivers. It is here where the film Kong: Skull island was filmed – something Ninh Binh is now well known for. If you only do one activity in Ninh Binh, make sure it is the boat ride through the Trang An Scenic Landscape. It is without a doubt, the best thing to do in Ninh Binh.

The boat is rowed by hand and the guide will give you information about key sights along the way. 

 

Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh Province is one of the most reputable religious destinations in Vietnam. Located close to Trang An Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is undeniably a must-see for culture lovers. 

 

• Bai Dinh Pagoda opening hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM every day
• Fees: 
• Bai Dinh Pagoda entrance fee: free
• Electric car: 60,000 VND/person/trip, operating until 8:00 PM
• Ticket to Bao Thap Tower: 50,000 VND/person
• Parking: 40,000 VND/car and 15,000 VND/motorbike 

 

The best time to take a Bai Dinh Pagoda tour is in spring (from the first to the third lunar month). At this time of year, Vietnam weather in the north is exceptionally pleasant. 

 

The complex of Bai Dinh Pagoda is about 95 kilometers away from Hanoi, 15 kilometers away from Ninh Binh City, and 7 kilometers away from Hoa Lu Citadel. 

 

 

·       The complex consists of an ancient pagoda and a newly constructed, larger pagoda. The pagoda is a major spot for Buddhist pilgrims all across the country. 

 

Buddhism was widespread and regarded as Vietnam’s major religion under three feudal dynasties: the Dinh, the Early Le, and the Ly in Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) citadel. 

·       Thus, during these periods, several pagodas were constructed in the region, notably the old Bai Dinh Pagoda on the western side of Dinh Mountain. The pagoda was built in the Dinh Dynasty, and it is where Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang erected a shrine to ask for favorable weather. 

·       Other documents about Bai Dinh Pagoda history state that it was established in the Ly Dynasty as a place to contemplate, treat disease, and assist the locals. The pagoda has been described as one of the most important Buddhist, Taoist, and Mother Goddess worship sites.

·       2.3. Structure

·       The complex consists of two main sites: the newly built Bai Dinh Pagoda and the ancient pagoda. 

·       2.3.1. The new Bai Dinh Pagoda Vietnam complex

·       The 80-hectare new Bai Dinh Pagoda is situated on Ba Rau Hill, close to Hoang Long River. This is a large complex with many buildings that were built between 2003 and 2010. The new pagoda’s architecture consists of huge halls, gardens, and enclosures.

The ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda

The original pagoda is located approximately 800 meters away from the new one in the foothills. The walkway stretches more than 300 stone steps before passing beneath an elaborate gate to reach the entrance. The actual pagoda is nestled in many tiny caves on the slope. Together with Buddhist deities, mountain spirits are also worshiped here.

 

Some other landmarks

• The Bell Tower: An octagon-shaped tower with three storeys of varying sizes. The base has a diameter of 17 meters. The tower is 18,25 meters tall and supported by a platform in the shape of a lotus. Inside is a bronze bell weighing 36 tons.
• The corridor with Arhat statues: The longest corridor in Asia that contains 500 Arhat Statues on both sides.
• Gieng Ngoc (The Pearl Well): This moon-shaped well was constructed around 1,000 years ago. The diameter is 30 meters and the depth is 10 meters. 
• The Hall of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara: This seven-compartment ironwood construction is 14.8 meters tall, 40.4 meters long, and 16.8 meters wide. Inside is an 80-ton bronze figure of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara with many eyes and hands adorned with gold. 
• Bao Thap Tower: A 99-meter-tall, 13-story structure with 72 stair steps, housing sacred Buddha relics from India and Burma.
• Maitreya Statue: A 10-meter-tall bronze statue located on the highest hill of Bai Dinh Pagoda. Weighing 80 tons, it is the largest outdoor bronze Maitreya Statue in Southeast Asia.

Follow local regulations and respect the culture while visiting Dinh Pagoda 

• Bai Dinh Pagoda dress code: dress politely
• Wear sneakers instead of high heels to walk around with ease
• Bring sunscreen, umbrellas, and rain jackets just in case
• Do not touch the statues
• Do not draw or carve on the statues and walls