The similarities and differences between Hoa Lu and Bai Dinh

1. What are the similarities between Hoa Lu and Bai Dinh? 

The gate of Hoa Lu Acient Capital

Hoa Lu ancient capital and Bai Dinh Pagoda are two famous tourist sites in Ninh Binh. They are historical places, known for their old architecture and religious value. Both hold significant importance in Vietnamese culture. Besides, Hoa Lu and Bai Dinh are surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. They are both nestled among picturesque limestone karsts, lush greenery, and tranquil waterways. Therefore, they create a scenic environment for visitors.

Moreover, these places attract a larger number of both domestic and international per month. Thus, there are also many restaurants, hotels, homestays, and souvenir shops surrounding, convenient for tourism activities. Furthermore, after the Lunar New Year is the festive season. If you want to experience the local festive visit Hoa Lu or Bai Dinh in spring.

Spring festival in Bai Dinh Pagoda 

While there are similarities between Hoa Lu and Bai Dinh, each site has its unique characteristics and attractions that make them worth visiting individually.

2. The differences between Hoa Lu and Bai Dinh

2.1 Location and Nearby Attractions

The Ninh Binh Tourist Map: Top famous attractions

Bai Dinh Pagoda, located in Gia Sinh Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh. It is around 18 kilometers west of Ninh Binh City. The pagoda complex is nestled at the foothills of the Truong Son Mountain Range. Hoa Lu is located in Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh. It is approximately 13 kilometers north of Ninh Binh City. 

If comparing the distance to the city center, Hoa Lu is closer, saving more travel time. Compared to nearby attractions, Hoa Lu is closer to other attractions than Bai Dinh Pagoda. 

Bai Dinh's nearby attractions

The Overview of Bai Dinh Pagoda 

• Trang An Landscape Complex: Approximately 12 kilometers from Bai Dinh Pagoda.
• Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: Approximately 12 kilometers from Bai Dinh Pagoda.
• Tam Coc - Bich Dong: Approximately 22 kilometers from Bai Dinh Pagoda.
• Van Long Nature Reserve: Approximately 15 kilometers from Bai Dinh Pagoda.
• Mua Cave (Hang Mua): Approximately 16 kilometers from  Bai Dinh Pagoda.

Hoa Lu’s nearby sites 

Dinh Tien Hoang Temple

• Tuyet Tinh Coc: Just 200 meters from Hoa Lu, you can walk there. 
• Tam Coc - Bich Dong: Approximately 15 kilometers from Hoa Lu.
• Trang An Landscape Complex: Approximately 5 kilometers from Hoa Lu.
• Mua Cave (Hang Mua): Approximately 9 kilometers from Hoa Lu.
• Van Long Nature Reserve: Approximately 13 kilometers from Hoa Lu.

How to get to Bai Dinh Pagoda and Hoa Lu Temple? 

Aloha Vietnam Travel's tourists in Bai Dinh Pagoda

From Hanoi, you can take a bus from Giap Bat or My Dinh Bus Station to Ninh Binh City. After arriving in Ninh Binh City, you can take a local bus or taxi to Hoa Lu and Bai Dinh Pagoda. Alternatively, you can hire a private car, or a motorbike or join a shared bus to go directly from Hanoi to Hoa Lu or Bai Dinh.

One thing to keep in mind, the Grab app doesn’t work well in Ninh Binh. Some tourists prefer Grab for a cheaper price. However, Ninh Binh is a countryside where you can’t wait for a modern booking app. You should get a traditional taxi or ask your hotel receptionist to book you a car. The same problem with ATMs. Don’t forget to bring enough cash. 

You might read: The Top 5 Best Ninh Binh Day Tour From Hanoi 2023

2.2 The physical size and scale

Hoa Lu is relatively smaller in terms of physical size, about 300 hectares wide. Hoa Lu features two small ancient temples and ruins. There are also a small museum and art gallery. It takes tourists 30 minutes for visiting.

The tourist map of Dinh Tien Hoang Kinh Temple 

Bai Dinh, on the other hand, is expansive and covers a much larger area complex. It consists of various temples, shrines, statues, and courtyards within its complex. Bai Dinh covers a vast area of approximately 1700 hectares. This makes it one of the largest Buddhist pagoda complexes in Southeast Asia. Bai Dinh has two main areas, the new Bai Dinh Pagoda and the ancient Bai Binh Pagoda. To reach pagodas, you will travel by an electric bus. However, it still requires more physical activities than Hoa Lu. 

The tourist map of Bai Dinh Complex

Because of the larger area, Bai Dinh ofter more sightseeing experience. Tourists often spend a half day visiting. 

2.3 Historical Importance and Cultural Heritage

Aloha Vietnam Travel's tourist visit Dinh Tien Hoang Temple

In terms of historical significance and cultural heritage, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital holds greater importance. Hoa Lu served as the first capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and early Le dynasties in the 10th and 11th centuries. Hoa Lu temple worships the first King of Vietnam - Dinh Tien Hoang. When visiting Hoa Lu, you have a chance to listen to real stories about a real person. It’s about Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang, who became the first emperor of the Dinh Dynasty; his strategy to gain independence for Vietnam, and why his reign was cut short. 

In addition, visitors can also explore Le Dai Hanh Temple - the temple of the second King of Vietnam, just 100 meters on the left side of Hoa Lu Temple. 

You can also see buffalo, the symbol of Vietnamese agriculture. This is a great experience. 

Aloha Vietnam Travel's tourist ride buffalo in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Hoa Lu is a place for real heroes of Vietnam while Bai Dinh is mainly known for its religious importance as a Buddhist site. Bai Dinh Pagoda is a modern complex built in the 21st century. The impressive architecture of the pagoda attracts many visitors. It's important to note that while Bai Dinh Pagoda is a significant religious site, its focus is more on religion and architecture rather than historical or cultural heritage.

2.4 Entrance ticket 

In front of Bai Dinh Pagoda

• Hoa Lu entrance ticket: 20,000 dong/per person (~ 1 USD)

Hoa Lu Temple entrance fee is 20.000 VND. You only need a ticket to visit two temples. If you want to use other services like taking pictures with buffalo or feeding fish, just pay a small extra money (~ $1) 

• Bai Dinh entrance ticket: 60,000 dong/per person (~ 2-3 USD)

Bai Dinh Pagoda entrance fee includes a round-trip ticket for electric buses among pagodas and tickets to visit the main areas except for the Stupa (Bao Thien Tower). To visit the Stupa, you need to pay an additional 50,000 VND. 

3. Things to do in Bai Dinh

Arhat Statues in Bai Dinh Pagoda

Climb the Bell Tower: Ascend the Bell Tower for panoramic views of the surrounding area and enjoy a breathtaking perspective of the pagoda complex.

Discover the 500 Arhat Statues: Marvel at the collection of 500 carved Arhat statues, each representing a unique expression and posture.

Visit the Great Buddha Statue: Witness the towering Great Buddha Statue, a monumental structure standing over 100 feet tall

Explore the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Statue: Admire the enormous Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Statue, a symbol of compassion and mercy, and learn about its significance in Buddhist beliefs.

Stroll through the Bai Dinh Garden: Take a leisurely walk through the serene Bai Dinh Garden, adorned with beautiful plants, flowers, and traditional Vietnamese architecture, offering a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.

Participate in Buddhist Rituals: Observe or participate in Buddhist rituals and ceremonies, such as lighting incense, making offerings

Suggestions for one day tour include Bai Dinh Pagoda

(Click to see detailed schedule)

Bai Dinh -Trang An - Mua Cave

Bai Dinh - Trang An boat trip

4. Things to do in Hoa Lu

Visit the Temples: Explore Dinh Tien Hoang Temple and Le Dai Hanh Temple

Discover remnants of the royal palaces: Take a walk through the ancient capital and discover remnants of the royal palaces, citadels, and structures from the Dinh and Le dynasties. 

Enjoy Scenic Views: Enjoy nature views of the surrounding countryside, rice fields, and limestone karsts. The breathtaking landscapes provide fantastic photo opportunities.

Suggestion for one day tour includes Hoa Lu Temple

(Click to see detailed schedule)

Hoa Lu- Mua Cave- Tam Coc- Bike- Bich Dong Pagoda

Hoa Lu - Mua Cave - Tam Coc - Bike - Swimming with Sunset Party

Due to limited travel time, tourists must decide which site is more suitable for their trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. From all the above, it becomes evident that Bai Dinh Pagoda offers a greater variety of activities, but it requires more time to explore fully. In contrast,  Hoa Lu boasts a richer historical background and is closer to nearby attractions. To determine your ideal destination, it is essential to consider the unique features of each site and select the one that best aligns with your time constraints and preferences.
 

Aloha Vietnam Travel takes pride in being a professional Vietnam travel agent specializing in Ninh Binh tours. We are ranked as the top travel agency on Tripadvisor, with numerous satisfied customers awarding us with 5-star reviews. If you are seeking a travel agent to book your Ninh Binh Tour, give us an opportunity to enhance your Ninh Binh experience to the fullest.
 

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