S1 E60 | Exploring the Bai Dinh Pagoda – Ninh Bình Temples and Night Market

In this episode, we visited the Pagoda Park in Ninh Bình, Vietnam – a sprawling area of temples, gardens, and pagodas stretching over 2 kilometers. To make the most of our time, we opted for an electric buggy ride, which costs VND 150,000 per person. This allowed us to explore the park efficiently without walking four kilometers inside, which is the alternative.

The park is visually stunning, with beautifully constructed temples, colorful pagodas, and a well-maintained layout. However, it’s worth noting that most of these structures are modern (built around 2003) and feel a bit artificial compared to ancient religious sites. Still, the park is impressive, especially in the evening when the lights illuminate the temples.

Inside the main tower, we explored multiple floors adorned with Sanskrit inscriptions and decorations. The design is intricate and impressive, but the park overall has a more curated feel than an authentic historic site.

After touring the pagodas, we wrapped up the day at the local night market. The selection of vegetarian food was limited, but we finally found veg burgers and Coke – a simple, satisfying end to a long day.

This visit gave us a mix of cultural architecture, scenic views, and local life, making it a worthwhile stop on our Ninh Bình adventure.