Our trip to Ninh Binh was unplanned, and so was our visit to Bich Dong Pagoda. We didn’t include this place in our Vietnam itinerary at all.
But while booking a bus from Sapa to Hanoi, a lady asked if we had already been to Ninh Binh. We said no. She showed us a few photos, and we were instantly hooked. How did we miss this?
Never mind. We changed our plans on the spot and booked a sleeper bus from Sapa to Ninh Binh, and it was a great decision.
The pagoda is a small temple complex built into a limestone cliff. It is quiet and scenic, offering great views as you climb its three levels.
We combined our visit with a bike ride through the Tam Coc countryside and ended the day with sunset at Hang Mua Viewpoint—highly recommend this combo!
This guide covers everything you need to know before visiting Bich Dong Pagoda—how to get there, opening hours, entrance fees, and how to avoid crowds to enjoy the place thoroughly.
Key Highlights
⭐️ Best time of day to visit: during peak season early morning to avoid the crowds
⭐️ Entrance fee: Free
⭐️ Parking fee: 10,000 VND or for free if you don’t park near the entrance
⭐️ Opening hours: Around 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
⭐️ Accessibility: Requires climbing steep stone steps—not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers
⭐️ Facilities: basic toilets and a few food stalls both outside the pagoda
Quick Overview
We visited Bich Dong Pagoda in Vietnam early in the morning, and it was the best decision—there were no crowds, the air was cooler, and the vibe was peaceful.
There’s no entrance fee, but locals collect a small parking fee of 10,000 VND for a bicycle or scooter. If you want to avoid the charge, leave your bike or scooter on the roadside before reaching the pagoda and walk the rest.
The temple is carved into a limestone cliff and spread over three levels. The stairs are a bit steep but nothing too difficult. The higher you climb, the better the view. Be cautious after the rain, some steps get slippery.
There are no toilets or shops inside. However, you can find toilets outside. Snacks and drinks are usually sold near the parking area right in front of the pagoda. There are a few restaurants nearby.
Where to stay
The first option is to stay directly in Ninh Binh city. However, this is rather inconvenient, as it is too far from all the attractions. It is also a vast and busy city.
Because of this, we recommend choosing either Trang An or Tam Coc. They’re both quiet villages around 10km from Ninh Binh.
Trang An’s tourism is less developed, resulting in fewer crowds and dining and accommodation options.
But since most attractions are in Tam Coc, it’s the best choice, and that’s why we chose to stay there. The town has everything one might need, yet it’s got a relatively quiet and laid-back vibe, which we loved!
Best hotels in Tam Coc
Check availability
Where is Bich Dong Pagoda
Bich Dong Pagoda is located just 3 km east of Tam Coc. It’s set against the stunning limestone mountains, offering a peaceful and scenic atmosphere.
How to get to Bich Dong Pagoda
I’ll talk about different ways to reach the pagoda. Starting with first and our favorite option…
Rent a bicycle
When we visited Ninh Binh, renting a bicycle was our favorite way to get around. The roads are flat, smooth, and perfect for cycling, and honestly, it was a great way to enjoy the peaceful countryside at our own pace.
Plus, it’s also cheap! We rented ours from a guesthouse, and it was such a relaxing ride — you get a good amount of exercise, and the scenery along the way is beautiful.
If you’re staying in Ninh Binh, most accommodations offer bikes for rent, making it super convenient.
Bicycle rental costs from 50,000 VND per day.ň
Rent a scooter
If you’re in a rush or want to explore more places faster, a scooter is another option. It’s a little more expensive than a bike, but it definitely speeds up the journey, especially if you plan to visit multiple spots in one day.
Scooter rentals in Tam Coc cost from 100,000 VND to 150,000 VND daily, depending on the motorbike you choose. Most homestays and hotels also offer rental services. From Tam Coc it’s only 3 km to pagoda.
Join a tour
If you prefer to explore the area with a guided tour, multiple tour companies are available around Ninh Binh or Tam Coc. We recommend booking the Hoa Lu, Trang An, Mua Cave, & Bich Dong Tour from Ninh Binh.
Entrance and parking fees
Entrance fee: for free
Parking fee: 10,000 VND, or for free
There’s no official entrance fee to visit Bich Dong Pagoda. It’s completely free.
However, someone often charges a small parking fee (around 10,000 VND) if you leave your scooter or bicycle right by the entrance. We didn’t want to pay for parking, so we just left our bikes a bit further down the road and walked — no issues at all.
It’s a good idea to keep some small cash just in case.
Opening hours
Bich Dong Pagoda is open daily from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
We arrived early in the morning, just after opening, and had the place almost to ourselves. It’s definitely worth it if you want to avoid crowds and enjoy a quiet atmosphere.
What to expect
After arriving, the peaceful vibe immediately hit us. The entrance is super scenic—a beautiful stone bridge over a lotus pond and an archway surrounded by lush green hills.
We spent about an hour exploring everything and taking pictures. You’ll enjoy this spot if you love photography, caves, or quiet places with a spiritual vibe.
Lower Pagoda
The complex has three levels. The first one, called the Lower Pagoda, sits right at the bottom of the cliff. It’s small and quiet, with old statues, stone steps, and lots of shade. From here, the real climb begins.
Middle Pagoda
We followed the stairs carved into the rock. It’s not a long hike, but the steps are a bit uneven, so take your time.
Along the way, you’ll pass the Middle Pagoda, tucked inside a cave.
The combination of incense, dim light, and natural rock formations creates a special atmosphere.
Upper Pagoda & Viewpoint
The last part will lead you to the Upper Pagoda, which isn’t much more than a small shrine. But the view from up there is incredible.
Rice paddies, rivers, and limestone peaks stretch out in every direction. We stayed for a while, enjoying the views and silence.
Avoiding scams
Some locals might try to stop you before the entrance to sell fake tickets or overcharge for parking. Just ignore that, the entry is free.
Official parking near the gate costs around 10,000 VND, but you can also leave your bike a bit earlier on the road for free. Just don’t block traffic.
Best restaurants near Bich Dong Pagoda
Gao Restaurant & Bar Coffee: A laid-back spot with good Vietnamese dishes and decent coffee.
Anh Thu restaurant & bar coffee: Family-run and friendly, serving tasty local food with great prices. Their smoothies and fresh spring rolls are solid.
Hieu De Restaurant: One of the best places to eat near the pagoda. Quick service, great flavor, and plenty of vegetarian options.
Bonus tip
On the way back to Tam Coc, we found a small restaurant run by a local family on a dusty road. We stopped for a quick coffee and sat on a little bridge overlooking the majestic limestone cliffs.
It’s a super chill spot with amazing views. It wasn’t planned at all, but it was one of our favorite moments. Check the spot on Google Maps—you’ll certainly love it too.
The best time to visit
The best time of year to visit the Ninh Binh area is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. The weather is most comfortable, with cool temperatures and sunny days.
January is also a very popular time for travel, as it’s a period of many local festivals. The Vietnamese Lunar New Year also takes place between January and March.
Another interesting opportunity, especially for photographers, is the harvest season when rice fields turn golden. The first harvest of the year happens between late May and early June.
The harvest season is often followed by the burning season, with a lot of smog in the air. The rainy season lasts from May to October, peaking between July and September.
Best tours in Ninh Binh
Getting to Ninh Binh
Most major cities, such as Hanoi, Saigon, or Da Nang, are connected to Ninh Binh by train. You can get there from Hanoi in less than 3 hours for around 7€. Once in the city, you must catch a local bus or taxi to get to Tam Coc or Hang Mua.
Because of this, it might be better to take a bus or a minivan, which will take you directly to Tam Coc. Bus connections are also available from most tourist areas around Vietnam and are sometimes cheaper than the train.
Private transfer is also an option, but it’s the most expensive.
We always use 12Go when searching for different connections and buying public transport tickets in South East Asia. It’s a reliable company with fair prices.
Final thoughts
Bich Dong Pagoda was undoubtedly worth a visit. It has a peaceful atmosphere, scenic views, and a unique cave temple built into a limestone cliff. It’s a great mix of nature and culture, especially if you come early to avoid the crowds.
Let us know in the comments if our guide helped you or share your own experience—we’d love to hear how it went!
