Boats, goats and giant Buddhas in Ninh Binh, one of Vietnam’s most underrated destinations

The Bai Dinh temple complex in Ninh Binh in Vietnam is a sprawling religious complex built on the foothills of a mountain. ST PHOTO: LOUISA LIM
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NINH BINH, Vietnam – The first thing we notice when we arrive in Ninh Binh are the goats. Once grazing happily in a pasture, these animals now sit motionless atop food carts lining the side of the road, their teeth exposed in a macabre smile.

“Goat meat, anyone?” chirps our driver Anh, as a female vendor waves and smiles at us.

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