1. Top pagodas in Bac Ninh
1.1. Dau Pagoda
Dau Pagoda is believed to be the oldest pagoda in Vietnam, with a history spanning nearly 2,000 years. This pagoda features traditional Vietnamese Buddhist architecture shaped like the “工” character. Highlights include the 17-meter-tall Hoa Phong Tower and Phap Van Statue. As a religious and cultural center, Dau Pagoda reflects a fusion of Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese spiritual traditions. The annual festival on the 8th of the 4th lunar month draws pilgrims with processions, dragon dances, and Quan Ho singing.
1.2. Phat Tich Pagoda
Phat Tich Pagoda dates back nearly a thousand years ago in the Ly Dynasty. This cultural site in Bac Ninh holds two national treasures: a green stone statue of Amitabha Buddha and a figure set of ten sacred animals from the Ly Dynasty. The pagoda’s peaceful setting, ancient stone steps, and thousand-year-old ironwood columns embody Vietnam’s deep Buddhist heritage. On Phat Tich Mountain, a bronze statue of Amitabha Buddha, modeled after the original, stands as a striking symbol of reverence.
1.3. But Thap Pagoda
Among Bac Ninh cultural sites, But Thap Pagoda is renowned for its refined wood carvings. Built in the 14th century, it houses many of Vietnam’s finest ancient statues, including the thousand-eyed, thousand-armed statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, recognized as a national treasure. The complex features masterpieces such as the Cuu Pham Lien Hoa tower and the Bao Nghiem stupa. Preserved over centuries, But Thap Pagoda remains a living museum of Vietnam’s Buddhist artistry and cultural legacy.
1.4. Tieu Pagoda
Tieu Pagoda preserves relics from the Ly Dynasty and is closely associated with Zen master Van Hanh and King Ly Thai To. This pagoda houses sacred artifacts such as a bronze statue of Zen master Van Hanh, intricately carved wooden Buddha statues, bronze bells, ancient stone steles, and moss-covered stupas. With the Quan Am Pavilion resting peacefully over a tranquil lake, the pagoda reflects a unique blend of religious depth, peaceful scenery, and historical value.
1.5. Dong Ky Pagoda
Built during the Le Dynasty, Dong Ky Pagoda is a traditional religious site. Its bell tower and temple structure feature ornate carvings, dragon motifs, and tiled roofs. Within the spacious grounds stand ancient trees that add to the solemn ambiance. Notably, this pagoda played a role during the revolution, once sheltering the Central Party officials. Every year, the Dong Ky Pagoda Festival on the 4th day of the lunar new year celebrates both religious devotion and revolutionary pride.
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2. Must-visit temples in Bac Ninh
2.1. Do Temple
Do Temple is one of the most remarkable Bac Ninh cultural sites, honoring the eight kings of the Ly Dynasty. Built in the 11th century, this temple harmoniously blends imperial and folk architecture, with intricate carvings and a solemn main hall. Spanning over 31,000 square meters, it features ancient gates, pavilions, and relics including a stone stele erected in 1605. The annual Do Temple Festival (14th-16th days of the 3rd lunar month) hosts traditional rituals, palanquin processions, and incense offerings to honor the Ly kings.
2.2. Ba Chua Kho Temple
Don’t miss Ba Chua Kho Temple in your journey to discover Bac Ninh cultural sites. This temple was built during the Ly Dynasty to honor a legendary woman who guarded the royal food stores during the war against the Song Dynasty. Despite repeated destruction and restoration over time, the temple remains a historic site. The complex includes upper, middle, and lower shrines, with an imposing bronze statue of Ba Chua Kho. Each year, crowds flock here to pray for prosperity, especially during the 1st lunar month.
2.3. Bac Ninh Temple of Literature
As one of Vietnam’s six remaining Temples of Literature, the one in Bac Ninh celebrates Confucius and the region’s learning tradition. The complex includes ceremonial halls, ancestral shrines, and stone steles praising Vietnam’s intellectual heritage. Here, there are 15 tablets listing nearly 700 scholars from the region, who contributed to national development. Each year, on the 15th day of the 1st lunar month, rituals and offerings commemorate Confucian values and the spirit of academic excellence.
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2.4. Le Van Thinh Temple
Located at the foot of Thien Thai Mountain, Le Van Thinh Temple commemorates a brilliant scholar and statesman of the Ly Dynasty. Le Van Thinh is remembered for his diplomacy and service to the nation, and the temple honoring him was designated a national heritage site in 1994. This cultural site in Bac Ninh features a traditional Dinh character-shaped layout, with wooden architecture and tiled roofs. It preserves valuable relics including a rare stone dragon from the Ly Dynasty, now a national treasure.
2.5. Ly Thuong Kiet Temple
Ly Thuong Kiet Temple, among important Bac Ninh cultural sites, honors the famed general who led Vietnam to victory over the Song Dynasty in the 11th century. Located near the historic Cau River, this temple features a 9-meter-tall bronze statue of Ly Thuong Kiet, with the iconic Nam Quoc Son Ha poem engraved on a stone screen at the entrance. With a traditional architecture inspired by the Ly Dynasty, the temple pays tribute to a military genius whose legacy helped shape Vietnamese independence.
2.6. Temple and Mausoleum of Kinh Duong Vuong
The Temple and Mausoleum of Kinh Duong Vuong, the legendary first king of Vietnam, is a national historical site. This complex includes ancient pillars, guardian statues, and centuries-old trees that create a solemn atmosphere. At the heart lies the Kinh Duong Vuong tomb with a stone stele dating to 1840. The temple’s interior is adorned with elaborately crafted thrones dedicated to Kinh Duong Vuong, Lac Long Quan, and Au Co. The annual festival, held on the 18th day of the 1st lunar month, honors Vietnam’s royal ancestry.
2.7. Temple and Mausoleum of Cao Lo Vuong
This complex honors Cao Lo Vuong, the legendary general who served King An Duong Vuong and invented a sacred crossbow to defeat foreign invaders. Inspired by the Le-Nguyen era, the Temple and Mausoleum of Cao Lo Vuong follows a “front ceremony, rear sanctuary” layout and has three shrines. On the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month, locals from nearby villages gather to commemorate Cao Lo Vuong’s legacy. In 2005, the complex was recognized as a national historical site, preserving the memory of this ancient hero.
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3. Other famous Bac Ninh cultural sites
3.1. Dinh Bang Communal House
Dinh Bang Communal House ranks among Vietnam’s most stunning ancient structures, dating back to the early 18th century. It honors nature deities (Earth, Water, Agriculture), six village founders, and the Ly kings. Designed like a stilt house, the communal house features a raised wooden floor and a massive roof with upturned dragontail figures. Its interior features 60 solid ironwood pillars and intricate wooden carvings, with dragon motifs typical of 18th-century design.
3.2. General Secretary Nguyen Van Cu Memorial Area
Nguyen Van Cu Memorial Area is another highlight among Bac Ninh cultural sites, honoring the revolutionary who became General Secretary at just 26. Built on his family’s land, the complex spans 5,000 square meters with a bronze statue, a memorial house, and the original five-room thatched home. The site displays personal belongings, agricultural tools, and historical documents reflecting his life and career. It offers insight into the resilience of Vietnamese revolutionaries during the early 20th century.
3.3. Diem Village Relic Complex
Diem Village, one of the must-visit cultural sites in Bac Ninh, is the birthplace of Quan ho folk songs - recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. The complex includes Diem Village Communal House, Vua Ba Temple, Cung Temple, and Jade Well. Diem Village’s cultural richness lies in its preserved 28 imperial edicts, spiritual artifacts, and a gilt wood altar screen recognized as a national treasure. Here, tourists can enjoy Quan ho singing in a peaceful setting full of historical charm.
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These Bac Ninh cultural sites offer a rich blend of history, architecture, and tradition, making them must-visits for culture lovers. From temples to villages, each site tells a story of Vietnam’s heritage. For a complete vacation, explore these cultural treasures and experience the true spirit of Bac Ninh!
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