Set out on a captivating day trip from Hanoi to uncover the cultural and natural gems of northern Vietnam. Explore the majestic Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest of its kind in the country, and marvel at its impressive statues and architecture. Then, venture to the breathtaking Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, where a serene boat ride through caves and rice paddies awaits. This day-long adventure promises to immerse you in the region’s rich heritage and stunning landscapes.
Key Points
- Comprehensive day trip from Hanoi to Bai Dinh Pagoda and Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex with round-trip transportation, English-speaking guide, and entrance fees included.
- Explore the largest pagoda complex in Vietnam, Bai Dinh, featuring 500 unique La Han statues and a 10-meter tall, 100-ton bronze Buddha.
- Enjoy a boat trip through the UNESCO-listed Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, navigating a network of scenic caves and rice paddies.
- Savor a local lunch featuring a specialty dish of goat meat with elderberry, providing an authentic Vietnamese culinary experience.
- Intimate group size limited to 10 participants for a personalized and immersive sightseeing adventure.
Trip Overview
This day trip offers a chance to explore two of Vietnam’s renowned attractions – the Bai Dinh Pagoda and the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex.
Starting from Hanoi, the tour includes round-trip transportation, an English-speaking guide, and all entrance fees. Visitors will discover the largest pagoda in Vietnam, complete with 500 La Han statues and the country’s biggest bronze Buddha.
Discover Vietnam’s largest pagoda, featuring 500 La Han statues and the country’s biggest bronze Buddha, on this day trip from Hanoi.
After lunch, they’ll embark on a boat trip through Trang An’s scenic caves and rice paddies.
With a group size limited to 10, this 1-day excursion provides an intimate experience of Vietnam’s natural and cultural wonders.
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Itinerary
The tour starts at Nhà hát Lớn Hà Nội, where participants board a bus or coach for the 2.5-hour journey to the Bai Dinh Pagoda. Here, they’ll spend 2 hours exploring the largest pagoda in Vietnam, including its 500 La Han statues and the country’s largest bronze Buddha statue, standing 10 meters tall and weighing 100 tons. Afterward, the group enjoys a local lunch featuring goat meat with elderberry. The afternoon is spent on a 3-hour boat trip through the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, taking in caves, streams, rice paddies, and limestone cliffs before returning to Nhà hát Lớn Hà Nội.
| Activity | Duration |
| — | — |
| Bai Dinh Pagoda | 2 hours |
| Lunch | 12:30 PM |
| Trang An Boat Trip | 3 hours |
| Return to Nhà hát Lớn Hà Nội | 19:30 |
Bai Dinh Pagoda
Bai Dinh Pagoda is the largest pagoda complex in Vietnam, spanning an impressive 700 hectares.
The highlight is the 500 La Han statues, each one uniquely carved. Towering over the complex is the 10-meter-tall, 100-ton bronze Buddha statue, the largest of its kind in the country.
Visitors can explore the main temple hall, admire the intricate architecture, and witness the reverence of Buddhist worshippers.
The spiritual experience is complemented by the serene natural surroundings, with limestone cliffs and lush greenery providing a picturesque backdrop.
A visit to Bai Dinh Pagoda offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich Buddhist heritage.
Lunch
After exploring the grandeur of Bai Dinh Pagoda, the tour takes a break for lunch at a local restaurant. The menu features a regional specialty – goat meat with elderberry. Diners can look forward to a delightful taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
| Dish | Description | Price |
| — | — | — |
| Goat Meat with Elderberry | Tender goat meat cooked in a rich sauce with fragrant elderberries | $8 |
| Steamed Rice | Fluffy white rice | $2 |
| Vegetable Salad | Fresh greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers | $3 |
| Fruit Platter | Seasonal tropical fruits | $4 |
| Bottled Water | Chilled purified water | $1 |
The meal provides a satisfying and authentic taste of Northern Vietnamese cuisine, energizing the group for the next leg of the journey.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyTrang An Scenic Landscape Complex
After the satisfying lunch, the group then makes their way to the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic limestone karst formations, serene rivers, and picturesque rice paddies.
Boarding traditional boats, they float through a network of caves, including Sang Cave, Toi Cave, and Ba Giot Cave. Along the way, they take in the breathtaking vistas of the winding waterways, lush greenery, and towering cliffs.
It’s a peaceful and captivating journey, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of this remarkable landscape.
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Return to Hanoi
As the day draws to a close, the tour group bids farewell to the scenic Trang An Landscape Complex and boards the bus for the journey back to Hanoi.
The 2.5-hour drive features:
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Glimpses of the Vietnamese countryside, with its patchwork of rice paddies and winding roads
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Casual conversation among the travelers, sharing their favorite moments from the day’s adventures
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A sense of contentment, having experienced the natural beauty and cultural richness of this region just outside the capital city.
The bus pulls into Hanoi around 7:30 PM, completing the day’s Bai Dinh Pagoda and Trang An excursion.
Highlights
The day’s tour offers several highlights for visitors.
First, discover the largest pagoda in Vietnam, Bai Dinh, with its impressive 500 La Han statues. Be awed by the enormous 10-meter, 100-ton bronze Buddha statue.
Next, enjoy a peaceful boat trip through the scenic Trang An Landscape Complex, gliding past streams, rice paddies, and towering limestone cliffs.
Explore intriguing caves along the way, including Sang Cave, Toi Cave, and Ba Giot Cave.
Throughout the excursion, take in the stunning natural beauty that makes this region of Vietnam so captivating.
Inclusions and Important Information
The tour package includes air-conditioned transportation, an English-speaking guide, a box lunch, and the boat trip in Trang An.
Entrance fees for Bai Dinh Pagoda and Trang An, as well as taxes and invoices, are also covered.
There are a few important things to keep in mind:
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Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen.
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Pets and smoking aren’t allowed.
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Vegetarian options are available upon request at booking.
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Expect a moderate amount of walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
Since You Asked
Can I Book This Tour With a Larger Group?
Unfortunately, the group size for this tour is limited to 10 participants. Larger groups may not be accommodated. The tour operator ensures a more intimate and personalized experience for the small group size.
Is It Possible to Modify the Itinerary or Visit Additional Sites?
It’s possible to modify the itinerary or visit additional sites, but this would require contacting the tour operator. They may be able to accommodate requests for customized experiences, subject to availability and additional fees.
Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements for the Lunch?
The tour offers vegetarian options upon request at the time of booking. Guests with other dietary requirements should inform the tour operator ahead of time so accommodations can be made for the included lunch.
How Challenging Is the Boat Trip in Terms of Physical Activity?
The boat trip in Trang An is considered moderately easy, with minimal physical activity required. Passengers sit comfortably in the boats as they glide through the scenic caves and landscapes at a relaxed pace.
Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?
Yes, you can request a private tour instead of a group tour. Private tours are available upon request and may incur an additional fee, but they allow for a more personalized experience.
Final Words
Set out on a captivating day trip from Hanoi to explore the majestic Bai Dinh Pagoda and the breathtaking Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. Marvel at the grandeur of the largest pagoda in Vietnam and enjoy a serene boat trip through Trang An’s stunning caves and lush rice paddies, enjoying the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
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