Bich Dong Pagoda in Ninh Binh

Bich Dong Pagoda in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

This is one of the most picturesque places in Ninh Binh. The beautiful gate with the karst mountains in the background as well as the lotus pond and the bridge form a unique and peaceful scenery.

It’s located only 3 km from the center of Tam Coc, so you can easily reach it by foot, by bike or on a scooter (~100.000 VND/day). Riding around Ninh Binh is much safer than in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh as there is not so much traffic and the roads are in general wide and in a good state. Biking in particular is very suitable as the region is completely flat. Once you reach the entrance, many locals will offer their surveillance service to you so you can leave the scooter/bike on their land in exchange for 10.000 VND. Otherwise you can argue with them and leave the vehicle in the middle of nowhere for free (at your own risk).

Beyond the gate, there are three pagodas that are the refuge for some monksat the foot, at the middle and at the top of the hill (good views on the way). It’s worth mentioning that one of the pagodas is in a cave. Although the entrance to the whole enclosure is free, you must go between 09:00 and 18:00 (it might vary), otherwise it will be closed and you will only see the gate. In total, visiting the whole area shouldn’t take you more than 1 h.

It’s not a very crowded place, but if you want some quietness and really enjoy the place, you should go early in the morning. People gather around the entrance as it’s a very famous instagram spot.

Bear in mind that there is not any explanation about the history of the place, so if you are interested in that, you will have to do online research.

Be aware of the fake "parking attendants" as they will try to scam you. Don’t pay more than 10.000 VND for parking. In addition to this, there might be people who will ask you to pay a fake entrance ticket and will invite you to go on a boat on the pond.

It’s one of the cutest places in Vietnam