Best of Ninh Binh: Sacred Bai Dinh Pagoda & Scenic Trang An Boat Ride

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1 Day Trip From HANOI
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Overview

Tour Map
Start/End: Hanoi/ Hanoi
Route: Hanoi- Bai Dinh Pagoda - Trang An Ecotourism Complex - Hanoi
Duration: 1 Day - Small Group Tour
Tour guide in: English

Trip Highlights

Ninh Binh Day Tour to Bai Dinh pagoda & Trang An Ecotourism Complex

Ninh Binh is a peaceful rural province in the southern part of Hanoi.Trips to Ninh Binh offer you chances to explore many outstanding natural landscapes of limestone mountains, calm rivers, charming hidden caves, tropical forests in pleasant boat tours, biking trips or trekking activities ; to visit holly pagodas & temples scatteredly located in the regions; and to enjoy delicious local foods.

This Ninh Binh day tour to Bai Dinh pagoda & Trang An Ecotourism complex is designed for the one who have limited time but would like to visit the best attractions of Ninh Binh : Bai Dinh pagoda –strikkingly massive in scales & nicely architectural designs which have broken down many normal records: its great size, the biggest Buddha statutes in gold-plated copper material,  the longest corridors of 500 Arhat statutes…; Trang An Ecotourism Complex with its beautifully natural sceneries, recently recognised as “The world’s cultural & natural heritage” by UNESCO in 2014.

Trang An boat ride to explore the hidden grottoes & scenic landscapes

The Special Highlights of Ninh Binh Day Tour to Bai Dinh Pagoda & Trang An Ecotourism Complex.

  • Getting away from the city’s noice for a day pleasant  journey discovering Ninh Binh’s highlighted destinations.
  • Wonderful boat tour in Trang An –the Halong bay on land for pristine natures of limestone mountains & caves in natural Trang An area.
  • Pay a visit to Bai Dinh Pagoda– the largest temple in South East Asia,view the unique architectural designs of this strikkingly massive pagoda.

Customer’s review of our Trang An day trip

Itinerary

Our tourguide will pick you up at your hotel for a nice journey to discover the most beautiful attractions in Ninh Binh. After 2,5 hour drive, we arrive in Bai Dinh pagoda– the biggest pagoda in ASEAN.

Here you will spend time visiting new Bai Dinh pagoda and ancient Bai Dinh temple.You may feel amazed to experience New Bai Dinh Pagoda with its special architectural designs which have broken down many normal records: its great size, the biggest Buddha statutes in gold-plated copper material, the longest corridors of 500 Arhat statutes….

Ninh Binh day tour to Bai Dinh pagoda

The massive Buddha Statue in Bai Dinh pagoda

After the whole morning exploring huge Bai Dinh temples, we are heading to Trang An area for a lunch in local restaurant, then boarding a 2,5 hour rowing boat to view beautiful natures of Trang An Ecotourism Complex ,recently accepted as the world’s heritage by UNESCO.

Ninh Binh Day Tour to Trang An

The view of Trang An

It is indeed an enjoyable boat excursion along majestic setting of limestone outcrops with stops between to visit ancient temples & pagodas; and amazingly explore an enormous system of beautifully natural caves which only have on this land :Sang Cave, Toi Cave, Ba Giot Cave, Sinh Cave…experiencing mysterious views of the so-called “Ha Long Bay in land”

After Trang An boat tour, we meet our driver for a 2 hour transfer back to Hanoi.The end of Ninh Binh day tour to Bai Dinh pagoda & Trang An Ecotourism Complex.

The Trip’s Inclusions :

  • Local speaking English following the tour
  • Round transfer of new A-C car with driver
  • Lunch of local Vietnamese cuisine
  • Entrance fees of mentioned sightseeing places in the program.
  • Boat fee for Trang An sightseeing route.
  • Return electrical car ticket to Bai Dinh pagoda ( from the car parking station to the gate of Bai Dinh Pagoda & back)

The Trip’s Exclusions :

  • Tips to tourguide & driver.
  • Online payment fees.
  • Drinks
  • Personal expenses

Frequently Asked Questions

This premium day tour combines the ultimate spiritual and natural landmarks of Ninh Binh. At Bai Dinh Pagoda, you will explore a massive 539-hectare complex filled with architectural wonders, including the longest Arhat corridor in Asia and the tallest stupa in the region. Afterward, you will embark on a traditional rowing boat ride through the Trang An Ecotourism Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its pristine water tunnels, hidden valleys, and dramatic limestone karsts.

Ninh Binh is located approximately 100 km (62 miles) south of Hanoi. When booking with Golden Holiday Travel, the journey takes about 2 hours each way via the modern high-speed expressway. Our tours utilize comfortable, climate-controlled vehicles to ensure you arrive relaxed and ready to explore, returning to your Hanoi hotel by early evening.

Unlike other boat tours, Trang An features a unique, interconnected network of water caves. Your local rower will guide your sampan boat directly through these low-hanging limestone tunnels (such as Sang Cave and Toi Cave), opening up into hidden, majestic valleys. The water is exceptionally clear, allowing you to see the vibrant river ecosystem beneath you while enjoying a peaceful environment free from motorized boats.

Because Bai Dinh is a sacred and active place of Buddhist worship, a strict dress code is required. Both men and women must wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. We highly recommend wearing lightweight, respectful attire and comfortable walking shoes, as exploring the expansive pagoda grounds and climbing the stone steps involves a fair amount of walking.

Yes, this tour is highly accessible, but it does require some walking. To make the journey comfortable for everyone, Golden Holiday Travel includes electric car transfers inside the massive Bai Dinh complex to save your energy for the main shrines. The boat ride at Trang An is smooth and stable, making it safe and enjoyable for travelers of all ages.

 

Good to Know

Before travelling to Vietnam, please ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and has at least two blank pages for immigration stamps and visa purposes.

Citizens from several countries, including France, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain, can currently enter Vietnam visa-free for stays of up to 45 days. Visa policies may change from time to time depending on nationality and travel regulations.

If you intend to stay longer than the visa exemption period, or if your nationality is not included in the visa-free list, you can apply for an e-visa online.You are also welcome to contact our team for updated visa information and travel assistance before your trip to Vietnam.

Travel insurance is not included in our tour package; however, valid travel insurance is mandatory for all participants joining the tour. Your policy should provide adequate coverage for:

  • Emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation
  • Trip cancellation, delays, or interruptions
  • All activities included in your itinerary, including outdoor and adventure excursions

We also recommend checking whether your credit card offers travel insurance coverage and purchasing additional protection if needed to ensure comprehensive coverage throughout your journey.

The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). While some hotels and tourist-oriented businesses may accept US dollars or euros, payments are generally preferred in local currency.

Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted at most hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and larger establishments, especially in major cities and tourist destinations. However, cash is still widely used for local markets, small shops, and rural areas.

ATMs are easy to find throughout Vietnam, particularly in cities and popular travel destinations. Currency exchange services are available at international airports, banks, hotels, and licensed exchange counters.

Also, please make sure your banknotes are clean and undamaged, as torn, heavily worn, or marked foreign bills may not be accepted for exchange or payment in Vietnam.

Vietnam is a year-round destination, offering diverse weather patterns across its different regions. In general, spring (February to April) and autumn (September to December) are considered the most comfortable times to visit, thanks to pleasant temperatures, lower humidity, and less rainfall.

As Vietnam stretches over 1,600 km from north to south, the climate can vary greatly depending on where you travel:

  • Northern Vietnam: Experiences four distinct seasons, with cool and sometimes chilly winters (December to February) and hot, humid summers (May to August).
  • Central Vietnam: Usually enjoys warm weather, though the rainy season typically occurs between September and November.
  • Southern Vietnam: Has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year, alongside occasional tropical showers during the rainy season from May to October.

We recommend packing light, comfortable clothing as well as seasonal items suited to the regions included in your itinerary.

International flights are not included in our tour prices, giving you the flexibility to choose the airline and flight schedule that best suit your travel plans and budget. If needed, our travel consultants are happy to assist you in finding the most convenient and competitive flight options.

For international departures, we highly recommend arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight to allow enough time for check-in, immigration procedures, and any unexpected delays or issues that may arise.

If your itinerary includes domestic flights within Vietnam, all flight schedules, airline information, and booking details will be included in your final travel documents before departure.

For a smooth journey, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours prior to your flight. Please make sure to carry your passport along with your e-ticket or booking reference.

Baggage Allowance: Checked baggage allowance typically ranges from 20kg to 23kg depending on the airline and ticket class, while cabin baggage is generally limited to 7kg per passenger.

Important Notice: Extra baggage fees may apply for your overweight or oversized luggage. We strongly recommend reviewing the baggage policies of your airline in advance, such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, or Bamboo Airways.

Please note that domestic flight schedules may occasionally change due to airline operations or weather conditions. Should there be any updates, our team will inform you as soon as possible.

If your journey includes a connecting domestic flight within Vietnam, please keep the following information in mind upon arrival:

  • Collect your checked luggage after landing.
  • Complete immigration and customs procedures.
  • Proceed to the domestic terminal for your onward flight. At some airports, this may involve a short walk or shuttle transfer between terminals.
  • Airport staff are usually available to assist passengers, so feel free to ask for directions or support if needed.

Recommended connection time: at least 2 hours 30 minutes

This allows enough time for immigration clearance, baggage collection, customs procedures, terminal transfers, and possible flight delays.

Practical Tip: At major airports such as Noi Bai International Airport and Tan Son Nhat International Airport, international and domestic terminals may be located in separate buildings. Please follow airport signage carefully and allow sufficient transfer time.

There are currently no compulsory vaccinations required for travelers entering Vietnam. However, depending on the length of your stay and the areas you plan to visit, several vaccinations are commonly recommended by health professionals, particularly for rural or remote travel.

Recommended vaccinations may include:

  • Hepatitis A & B
  • Typhoid
  • Tetanus, diphtheria & pertussis (booster shots advised)
  • Rabies (recommended for extended stays or frequent contact with animals)

If you take regular medication, we strongly advise bringing an adequate supply to cover your entire trip, as certain medicines may not be easily available locally.

Please also carry your medical prescription, ideally translated into English, to assist with customs procedures or in case medical attention is needed during your stay.

Upon your arrival in Vietnam, our driver will be waiting for you at the airport arrival exit according to your flight number and landing time. The driver will be holding a welcome sign displaying: “Golden Holiday Travel – [Your Name]”

Please take a moment to carefully look for your name among the signs at the arrival area. In case you cannot locate our driver immediately, kindly stay near the meeting point and contact our 24/7 support team for quick assistance:

Hotline / WhatsApp: +84 988 451 530

Useful Tip: We recommend activating international roaming or ensuring internet access on your phone upon arrival so we can easily communicate if necessary.

Important Note:At busy airports, many drivers may be waiting in the same area. If you do not see our representative right away, please do not leave the arrival hall – simply contact us and our team will assist you promptly.

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