Trang An & Bai Dinh Pagoda Day Trip from Hanoi with Boat Ride

Summary

Full-Day Ninh Binh Tour: Bai Dinh Pagoda & Trang An Boat Adventure

If you want to see Vietnam’s biggest Buddhist temple complex and glide through hidden caves surrounded by karst peaks—all in one day—this tour packs in both culture and nature. You’ll get real local flavors at lunch, expert guides who know their stuff, and a boat ride that feels like nowhere else.

What’s the experience like?

The air was thick with incense as we wandered through the vast courtyards of Bai Dinh Pagoda. Our guide, Minh, pointed out the row of 500 stone arhats—each one carved with a different face. I remember the quiet hum of prayers echoing off the marble floors and the faint clang of that massive bronze bell, which you can actually hear before you see it. The climb up to the 13-storey pagoda was worth it for the view alone—mist rolling over green hills and tiled rooftops stretching below.

Lunch came just when my legs started to feel it. We sat down at a small restaurant nearby, where they served goat meat (a local specialty), crispy rice, and some kind of tangy dipping sauce I still think about. The place had fans spinning overhead and plastic chairs—nothing fancy, but honestly, that’s part of the charm.

A short drive later, we reached Trang An. The boat ride here is something else: you sit low in these wooden sampans while a local rows you past limestone cliffs and into dark caves. Sometimes you have to duck your head as the ceiling drops close—watch out for cool drips from above! Every so often, sunlight bursts through an opening and suddenly everything glows green. Our rower told us stories about each cave—Sang Cave was her favorite because of how the light dances on the water in late afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bai Dinh Pagoda and Trang An Tour

• Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda
• Boat trip at Trang An Grottoes

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families with young kids?

Yes, families are welcome! Boats are stable and infant seats are available if needed. The walkways at Bai Dinh are stroller-friendly too.

What should I wear or bring?

Comfortable shoes are best for exploring Bai Dinh Pagoda. Bring a hat or sunscreen for the boat ride—it can get sunny on the water.

How long is the drive from Hanoi?

It usually takes about two hours each way between Hanoi and Ninh Binh, depending on traffic.

What’s included

This day trip covers hotel pickup and drop-off in Hanoi Old Quarter, entrance fees for both sites, a tasty Vietnamese lunch (with local specialties), your guide’s expertise throughout the day, plus all boat tickets at Trang An.