January
17.7°C ~ 64°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
Ninh Binh
Bai Dinh Pagoda
Vietnam’s largest Buddhist complex, with long corridors of statues and a 100-metre-high pagoda.
- Time needed
- From 2 hours
- Entry fee
- 60,000 VND
- Best months
- Mar – May
- Best time
- Early morning
Overview
Bai Dinh is the biggest temple complex in Vietnam. A series of halls and long corridors spread across a hillside, with hundreds of stone arhat statues and large bronze Buddha statues. A newer pagoda tower has a view over the whole complex.
It is a working place of worship, so you will see locals praying alongside visitors. The area is large, and an electric buggy runs between the main gate and the temple halls, which saves time and effort in the heat.
Highlights
- Walk the long corridors of arhat statues
- Visit the large bronze Buddha statues
- Climb the pagoda tower for a wide view
- Light incense in a working temple
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Daily, about 6:00 – 18:00 |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | Bao Thap tower entrance: 60,000 VND per adult Combo with round-trip electric car: 150,000 VND Children 1 – 1.3 m: 40,000 VND, or 100,000 VND with the car |
| Time needed | 2 – 3 hours |
| Best time of day | Early morning |
| Good for | Culture seekers, families, photographers |
| Accessibility | Large complex with many steps; electric buggy available |
| Facilities | Parking, toilets, cafes, electric buggy |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go.
Best time to visit
Weather in Ninh Binh by month.
February
18.6°C ~ 65°F
8 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
March
21.8°C ~ 71°F
9 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
April
24.8°C ~ 77°F
8 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
May
27.9°C ~ 82°F
16 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
June
30°C ~ 86°F
16 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
July
29.4°C ~ 85°F
19 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
August
28.5°C ~ 83°F
23 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
27.3°C ~ 81°F
23 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
October
24.8°C ~ 77°F
15 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
November
22.3°C ~ 72°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
December
18.3°C ~ 65°F
7 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
How to get there
From Ninh Binh centre
Bai Dinh is about 20 minutes by taxi from Ninh Binh city, and 1.5 to 2 hours from Hanoi. Most tours combine it with Trang An or Hoa Lu in a full day.
Tips before you go
- Dress modestly and speak softly in the halls
- Use the buggy if you have limited time or mobility
- Visit before 9:00 for fewer people
- Keep your tickets, since some areas need separate entry
Location
Gia Sinh, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh
About 15 km north-west of Ninh Binh city
More attractions in Ninh Binh
FAQs
How much is the ticket to Bai Dinh?
The Ninh Binh tourism list (March 2025) shows 60,000 VND per adult at the Bao Thap tower entrance, and 150,000 VND for a combo with a round-trip electric car. Children 1 – 1.3 m pay 40,000 VND and 100,000 VND.
What should I wear?
Cover shoulders and knees, and remove shoes where asked. It is a place of worship.
Can I do Bai Dinh and Trang An in one day?
Yes, both are near each other. Many visitors visit Bai Dinh first, then do the boat trip in the afternoon.