Exploring Bai Dinh Pagoda, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital & Bich Dong Pagoda in Ninh Binh | Vietnam Purple Travel Guide

Today we are starting the day with one of the most important attractions in the Ninh Binh area: Bai Dinh Pagoda.
Afterwards we will visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Bich Dong Pagoda.

Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.

Bai Dinh Pagoda – Vietnam’s Largest Buddhist Temple Complex

(map, reviews, website)

Bái Đính Pagoda Spiritual and Cultural Complex is one of Vietnam's most awe-inspiring destinations. This monumental complex, a breathtaking blend of an ancient cave temple and a sprawling modern pagoda, holds a staggering collection of national and Asian records, from the largest bronze bell to the longest corridor of 500 Arhat statues. Wander past towering structures and monumental statues that speak to Vietnam's deep spiritual heart, all set against the dramatic, beautiful karst mountains of Ninh Binh. If you want to dive deep into the history, architectural grandeur, and must-see records of this magnificent site, please read our detailed guide of Bai Dinh Pagoda

Hoa Lư Ancient Capital – The Cradle of a Unified Vietnam

(map, reviews)

Before Hanoi, this stunning valley, naturally fortified by its surrounding limestone karsts, was the political heart of Vietnam. For 42 glorious years (968–1010 AD), Hoa Lư Ancient Capital served as the capital of the first centralized feudal state, a true cradle of Vietnamese independence. Today, the temples dedicated to the heroic Kings Dinh and Le still stand amidst the dramatic scenery, offering a powerful, serene journey back to the 10th century. This is a chance to walk in the footsteps of emperors and experience the foundational history of the entire country. Dive deeper into the temples, and spiritual significance of this incredible site with our detailed guide of Hoa Lư Ancient Capital.

Bich Dong Pagoda - The ‘Pearl Grotto’ Temple of Ninh Bình

(map, reviews)

Often called the 'Green Pearl Grotto' for its stunning natural setting, Bích Động Pagoda is a unique three-tiered temple complex built directly into a towering limestone mountain. Your journey starts by crossing a stone bridge over a lotus pond before ascending through three distinct pagodas—Lower, Middle, and Upper—that are seamlessly integrated with cool, mystical caves. The Middle Pagoda is even half-hidden within a grotto! At the very top, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking, panoramic view of the 'Halong Bay on Land' rice fields below. Discover the centuries of history, architectural marvels, and the spiritual secrets hidden within the mountain's core with our detailed Bich Dong Pagoda guide.

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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

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