Located at the foot of a large mountain, Bich Dong Pagoda’s ornate gate is one of the most iconic sights in Ninh Binh. A stone bridge spans a large lotus pond, which explodes with bright pink blossoms in the summer. Just beyond the gate is a tranquil courtyard and a traditional Buddhist temple. Follow the stairs up and around the mountain for stunning views, then look for two other temples embedded in the mountain, dating back to the 18th century.
Just two hours from Hanoi, Ninh Binh, is one of Vietnam’s most striking destinations. Ninh Binh is a mesmerizing area known locally as ‘Ha Long Bay on Land’ thanks to its magical riverine landscape, with
sheer limestone mountains rising up from the paddies spring out of the earth like a divine fortress. The best way to get a sense of this UNESCO-protected site is by taking a paddleboat tour along its
shimmering rivers, and climbing to the top of its fabled peaks.