Embarking on a journey to the picturesque Ninh Binh and exploring Trang An-Bai Dinh in just one day promises an unforgettable experience. This destination is captivating with its stunning landscapes and boasts some of the most unique architectural styles in Vietnam and beyond. So, let’s dive into the super detailed one-day itinerary brought you by Vietnampeace.com.

1. Best Time to Visit Trang An – Bai Dinh for a Day Trip

Timing is critical for the most memorable and complete Trang An – Bai Dinh day trip. You can visit this place any time of the year, as Ninh Binh uniquely displays its beauty in every season. However, if you’re wondering when Ninh Binh is at its finest, consider planning your trip between January and March in the lunar calendar. The weather is mild during this period, and nature flourishes, offering you the most enchanting moments.

2. Choosing Your Transport for the Trang An – Bai Dinh Day Trip

2.1 Bus

Opting for a bus ride to Trang An – Bai Dinh from Bat Giap or My Dinh bus stations in Hanoi is convenient. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, with ticket prices around 80,000 VND per way. Catching an early morning bus is advisable to make the most of your time.

2.2 Train

If you fancy soaking in the scenic views of Ninh Binh from a train cabin, hop on a train to Ninh Binh. Ticket prices range from 80,000 to 170,000 VND per one-way journey, depending on your chosen seat class. From there, proceed to your desired tourist spots using personal vehicles like motorbikes or cars.

2.3 Motorbike or Car

For the adventurous souls who prefer flexibility, renting a motorbike or car is the way to go. You can easily find rental services in Ninh Binh and pick the vehicle that suits your journey.

3. Recommended Itinerary for Trang An – Bai Dinh Day Trip

3.1 Trang An – Bai Dinh Day Tour – Morning Session

6:30 AM – 8:00 AM: Kick off your journey to Ninh Binh and fuel up for an exciting day.

8:00 AM: Arrive at the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, often called “Ha Long Bay on land,” boasting majestic limestone formations shaped by nature over millions of years. Explore the vast network of limestone mountains, caves, and valleys, offering a pristine and breathtaking scenery. There are plenty of attractions within this complex to discover.

8:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Explore Tam Coc Bich Dong, a must-visit destination within the Trang An Complex. Embark on a boat ride through the scenic landscape, passing through Ca, Hai, and Ba caves. Bich Dong, meaning “Green Grotto,” is dubbed as the “Second Cave under the Southern Sky,” located 2km from Tam Coc. Visit Bich Dong Pagoda, a harmonious blend of ancient architecture nestled amidst lush greenery and serenity.

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Head to the eco-tourism area of Thung Nham, boasting diverse flora with over 577 high-level plant species and ten rare species needing preservation. Thung Nham also features numerous caves and temples showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage, providing a serene and relaxing experience amidst nature.

11:30 AM – 1:30 PM: Enjoy lunch and rest before gearing up for the afternoon adventures.

3.2 Afternoon Session

1:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Journey to the renowned Bai Dinh Pagoda, boasting grand Buddhist structures and the most magnificent architecture in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Bai Dinh Pagoda offers a serene yet majestic ambiance amidst the vast mountains and tranquil landscapes. Expanded to include several famous landmarks, the pagoda awaits your exploration. Follow the suggested itinerary provided by Vietnampeace.com for a comprehensive tour.

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Explore the Xa Loi Tower, the tallest pagoda in Asia, located west of Tam The Temple within the new Bai Dinh Pagoda complex. Standing at 13 floors and 99 meters high, with a hexagonal base circumference of 23 meters, the tower features artistic structures in a pure Vietnamese style, bearing the mark of Buddhism during the Ly Dynasty. Adorned with Bat Trang ceramic tiles exhibiting exquisite patterns, the hexagonal-shaped tower is surrounded by six small stone Buddha statues harmoniously placed from base to top. With its spiritual significance and the craftsmanship of sculptors, the Xa Loi Tower stands as a treasure representing the sacred symbol of Bai Dinh Pagoda.

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Visit the largest bronze bell in Vietnam, Dai Hong Chung. Cast entirely from red copper in Nam Dinh, the bell is decorated with intricate patterns and motifs resembling ancient bells and Han characters carved with Buddhist themes. Beneath this colossal bell lies a finely crafted bronze drum. The drum’s center features the sun motif, surrounded by flourishing flora and lively human activities. The bronze bell and drum symbolize the belief in life, the desire for goodness, and the abandonment of worldly sufferings.

3:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Proceed to the Ngoc Well within Bai Dinh Pagoda, intertwined with a legendary tale dating back nearly a millennium when Zen Master Nguyen Minh Khong drew water from the well to make medicine for the people. Shaped like a crescent moon, the well is notable for its inexhaustible water source. This site proudly holds a record in the Vietnam Record Book Center, established in 2007.

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Explore the Bai Dinh Pagoda Corridor, boasting the longest Arhat corridor in Asia. Stretching nearly 3km, it showcases 500 stone Arhat statues. Afterward, pay a visit to the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Palace. This palace houses a statue of the Thousand-eyed, Thousand-armed Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. At the top sits an 11-meter-high statue of Maitreya Buddha, known for its perpetual smiling expression. This will be a fortunate stop for visitors throughout the year at Bai Dinh Pagoda.

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Return to your accommodation for relaxation and indulge in the famous specialties of Ninh Binh.

6:00 PM: Head back to Hanoi, concluding your one-day journey to Trang An – Bai Dinh.

4. Some Tips for Your Trang An – Bai Dinh One-Day Tour

To ensure your one-day trip to Trang An-Bai Dinh is truly fulfilling and meaningful, here are some tips:

– Bring along all the essentials for a day trip.
– Carry sun protection items like sun hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen for protection and stylish photo opportunities.
– Refrain from littering at tourist spots to preserve their natural beauty.
– Dress modestly and respectfully when visiting solemn and sacred places like temples.
– Don’t forget to bring your camera and phone to capture beautiful moments.
– Keep your personal belongings secure to avoid theft