You can grab the high-resolution PDF of this Bai Dinh Pagoda map using the link in this post. I’ve also included some key tips to make your trip truly unforgettable.
About this Tourist Map of Bai Dinh Pagoda
When we traveled to Northern Vietnam, we had months to get ready. Even so, as new travelers, we still missed a few key things that could have made the trip so much better. One of them was doing more thorough research about the attractions we planned to visit.
For example, our visit to Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest pagoda complex in Vietnam, located in Ninh Binh.
Bai Dinh Pagoda was part of our day trip from Hanoi, along with Trang An. We joined a tour, so we figured we didn’t need to read any tips. We thought there would be a guide showing us all the must-see spots. But that didn’t happen. I guess we also misread the tour details.
In the end, we just wandered around, following other tourists without really knowing where to go. Because of that, we missed a lot of beautiful areas in Bai Dinh Pagoda.
I hope to go back to Bai Dinh Pagoda someday to see the rest of it. Climbing Bao Thien Stupa, or Bao Thap Tower, or just the Stupa, is definitely on my bucket list. From the photos I have seen, the view from the top looks amazing.
Since I want to make the most of my next visit and I am a visual person, I decided to create my own map of the complex. It will be my guide around the temple grounds.
I included photos of each part of the complex so I can easily remember what to expect in each area. If I go with a friend or family member, I can simply explain to them what awaits at each spot. It should make it easy for them to know what to look for and enjoy.
If you think it could be useful, feel free to use my map. You can download the PDF version below for printing.
Bai Dinh Pagoda Photos
Hi reader! It’s Eljon, and before we continue, I want to welcome you to my blog, Explore to Thrive. Here, I share my experiences with traveling, reflections on spirituality, personal growth and insights on building an online business, all to make a difference. But my mission goes beyond that. You can learn more about what I do by visiting my homepage.
Tips for Visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda
If there’s one thing to remember when visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda, it’s how huge it is.
Seriously, it’s the largest pagoda in Vietnam. The whole complex covers around 500 hectares. If you’re exploring on your own without a tour, you should set aside at least half a day to see everything.
When we visited with a tour, we only spent a couple of hours there, and it wasn’t nearly enough. We only managed to explore about a third of the entire complex.
You may also want to set your expectations about the authenticity of the religious complex. Bai Dinh Pagoda was established in the twelfth century, but most of the buildings you see today were built much later, mostly after the year 2000.
The original pagoda is still there though. It is called Bai Dinh Ancient Pagoda and you can find it near the farthest side of the complex if you are standing at the three internal gates.
From the Three Internal Gates, expect plenty of inclines and stairs to reach this ancient site. It sits in the mountains, where you can also find views of the pagoda and caves to explore.
If you want to see the best view of the pagoda and the surrounding landscapes, the Stupa is your best option. It has thirteen floors and reaches one hundred meters, which gives you a full panoramic view.
There is an elevator inside, so you do not have to worry about climbing the stairs. You do need to pay for access at the reception.
As you may already know, during our trip I was really eager to climb the Stupa. Its height makes it visible from almost every part of the complex, and it always made me wonder what the view was like from the top, especially since Ninh Binh has such an interesting karst landscape.
When I last checked, the view of the most recent expansion is very visible from the Stupa too, obviously. The two most notable new parts are the Water Pavilion and the Four Graces Tower, which line up perfectly with the Stupa in the ground layout.
I have included them on the map in case you want to check them out. The northern side of the pond where the Water Pavilion stands is especially photogenic.
Lastly, if you can, try staying in Bai Dinh Pagoda past sunset. Lights outline the edges of the landmarks at night, and they look pretty magical.
For a more detailed guide based on real experience at Bai Dinh Pagoda, you can check out this blog post from Backpackers in The World.
If you’re planning a day trip to Ninh Binh from Hanoi, don’t miss Trang An along with Bai Dinh Pagoda.
Riding a small boat through towering karst mountains, gliding into an underground river, and discovering hidden cultural sites felt almost magical. At one point, I even felt like I’d stepped into a scene from my favorite childhood show, Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Read my experience and discover practical tips for making your Trang An trip unforgettable.
Before you go, know that I also I also share more guides for exploring Northern Vietnam including Sapa and Hanoi with maps, lessons learned, and helpful advice. Check them out!
Can’t decide whether to visit Ninh Binh on a DIY day trip or a guided tour? Take a look at my post below.
Planning to Explore Ninh Binh?
Check out my travel planning resources and my Ninh Binh tourist map that can help you organize your trip.
This tourist map comes with tips and Google Maps links to help you plan a trip you will always remember.
Let’s start planning and organizing your unforgettable trip to Ninh Binh. Everything you need for your adventure is just a click away in the button below.
Let’s Go Explore Northern Vietnam!
Being in Ninh Binh puts you within easy reach of more beautiful places in Northern Vietnam. We made sure to see Sapa and Hanoi as well, and I am sure you would find them wonderful. Check out my 4-Day Vietnam Itinerary to learn more.
Thank you for reading
I hope my trip and experiences spark ideas for your travels and help you plan your next trip. But before you go, if you haven’t checked it out yet, drop by my homepage so I can give myself a proper introduction. Catch you there!
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