1. Top attractions to explore on a Bac Ninh day trip
1.1. Phat Tich Pagoda
Phat Tich Pagoda, located on the southern slope of Phat Tich Mountain, is one of the most famous spiritual sites in Bac Ninh. Built in 1057 during the Ly Dynasty, this pagoda holds deep cultural value. Its most remarkable feature is the 27-meter-tall statue of Amitabha Buddha. Each year, the Phat Tich Pagoda Festival takes place from the 3rd to the 5th day of the Lunar New Year, attracting many pilgrims and visitors.
1.2. Do Temple
Do Temple is a historical site in Tu Son Ward. Built in the 11th century, this temple stands on the land where King Ly Cong Uan was crowned and later returned to visit his hometown. After his passing, King Ly Thai Tong, his son and successor, restored the house and turned it into a place of worship for his father. From then on, the temple became a sacred resting place for the Ly kings.
The annual Do Temple Festival takes place from the 14th to the 16th day of the 3rd lunar month. During this time, visitors can witness colorful ceremonies such as palanquin processions, traditional offerings, and incense rituals that honor the legacy of the Ly Dynasty. The temple’s peaceful setting and historical value make it an important stop for anyone on a Bac Ninh day trip.
1.3. But Thap Pagoda
But Thap Pagoda is one of the most remarkable Bac Ninh tourist attractions. Built in the 14th century, it sits on the right bank of the Duong River in Tri Qua Ward. Its architecture follows a traditional layout with symmetrical structures. Beyond architectural beauty, But Thap Pagoda holds great cultural value. It preserves four groups of national treasures, including a thousand-eyed, thousand-armed statue and three wooden artifacts: the statues of the Three Buddhas, the 9-story Lotus Tower, and the incense altar.
1.4. Ba Chua Kho Temple
Ba Chua Kho Temple in Vu Ninh Ward honors a legendary woman from the Ly Dynasty. It is believed she helped manage food supplies and supported villagers during times of hardship. Impressed by her talent, the king married her. She was killed while distributing food during an invasion in 1077 and was later honored as the “guardian deity of the granary.” Today, Ba Chua Kho Temple is a major spiritual site in Bac Ninh. Every year, especially during the 1st lunar month, people visit to pray for good fortune.
1.5. Cung Temple
Located in Kinh Bac Ward, Cung Temple dates back to the Ly and Le dynasties. Here, royal troops prayed before the battles along the Cau River and were believed to have gained victory with the temple’s blessing. Today, Cung Temple honors Princesses Tien Dung and Thuy Tien. Every year on the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month, the Thanh Minh Festival is held to commemorate the two princesses. The festival includes traditional rituals such as cleaning the temple well, repairing the temple grounds, and carrying sacred water to the altar.
1.6. Dinh Bang Communal House
Dinh Bang Communal House in Tu Son Ward is one of the most remarkable Bac Ninh cultural sites. Local stories tell that Nguyen Thac Luong, a native of Dinh Bang who once served as an official in Thanh Hoa, donated precious ironwood to help build the communal house when he returned home. The intricate wood carvings are a highlight here, especially the twelve dragon heads on the main columns. Other detailed carvings depict phoenixes, unicorns, and horses. Besides its architectural value, Dinh Bang Communal House serves as a sacred place to worship local deities and village founders.
1.7. Tieu Pagoda
Tieu Pagoda in Tam Son Ward is another must-see on a Bac Ninh day trip. It has a worship hall, an ancestral house, a stele house, and several smaller structures. It was an important Buddhist center during the Ly Dynasty and remains one of Bac Ninh’s most respected temples today. Tieu Pagoda preserves many ancient documents and legends about King Ly Thai To, who was closely connected to the area. Another unique feature is that the pagoda has no donation boxes, only offerings of fruit, sweets, and incense.
1.8. Dau Pagoda
Dau Pagoda in Tri Qua Ward is one of the most famous cultural sites in the region. Visitors come not only to pray for peace but also to admire the beauty of this ancient structure, which is often called the “first ancient temple of the southern land.” At the center of the pagoda stands Hoa Phong Tower, built with large unplastered bricks. Inside the tower hangs a bronze bell and a gong, both adding to the pagoda’s timeless charm.
1.9. Kinh Duong Vuong Mausoleum
Kinh Duong Vuong Mausoleum in Thuan Thanh Ward is an important stop on many Bac Ninh tours. Destroyed in 1949 during French occupation, it was rebuilt in 1971. It stands on elevated land, with the main shrine built in a two-tier, eight-roof style. Every year on the 18th day of the 1st lunar month, the locals hold the Kinh Duong Vuong Festival to honor the founding father of Vietnam. In 2013, the site was expanded and restored with river embankments, guest houses, and temples dedicated to Kinh Duong Vuong, Lac Long Quan, and Au Co.
1.10. Dong Ho Painting Village
Dong Ho Painting Village in Thuan Thanh Ward is known for folk paintings. Dong Ho paintings are printed on a traditional Vietnamese paper made from tree bark and coated with a shiny layer of crushed seashells, giving the artwork its distinctive glow. Each print shows natural shapes and vivid colors that reflect rural life, legends, and values. Today, Dong Ho Village remains a must-see for visitors interested in Vietnamese art.
1.11. Phu Lang Pottery Village
Phu Lang Pottery Village in Que Vo Ward is one of Bac Ninh’s most famous craft villages and was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2016. Here, visitors can easily spot rows of pottery displayed along the alleyways, which shows the community’s long-standing connection with the craft. Each piece goes through several meticulous stages: kneading clay, shaping, drying, firing, and finishing. A signature feature of Phu Lang ceramics is the embossed carving technique that creates detailed raised designs.
>>> Explore the top 13 Bac Ninh craft villages to visit for cultural immersion!
2. Local restaurants to visit on a Bac Ninh day trip
Bac Ninh cuisine reflects the rich flavors of northern Vietnam. Here are ten restaurants you can consider for your Bac Ninh day trip:
- Bun Cha Dau Cau (grilled pork vermicelli): Opposite No. 30L, Tran Phu Street, Tu Son Ward | 5:30 AM - 8:30 AM
- Banh Da Ke Xoi Che Ba Toan (sticky rice & rice cake): Do Market, Ninh Xa Ward | 2 PM - 6:30 PM
- Xoi Pate Chay Canh Co Nha (sticky rice with pate): 183 Ho Ngoc Lan Street, Kinh Bac Ward | 6 AM - 9:30 AM
- Nom Bo Kho Phu Luu (dried beef salad): Phu Luu Village’s entrance, Tu Son Ward | 2 PM - 7 PM
- Pho Gan Chay Vinh Xuong (pho with beef liver): 182 Tran Luu Street, Vu Ninh Ward | 5 AM - 11 AM
- Chao Ca Chin Muoi (fish porridge): 35 Thien Duc Street, Kinh Bac Ward | 11 AM - 9 PM
- Trau Tuoi Minh Hang (buffalo dishes): 45 Hai Ba Trung Street, Tien Du Commune | 5 PM - 9 PM
- Banh Phu The Minh Thu (phu the cake): Thon Thuong Alley, Tu Son Ward | 5:30 AM - 9:30 PM
- Bun Tron Co Huyen (mixed noodles): 45 Nguyen Nhan Thiep Street, Kinh Bac Ward | 6:30 AM - 7 PM
- Bun Cha Thu Hien (grilled pork vermicelli): Le Quang Dao Street, Tu Son Ward | 5:30 AM - 1:30 PM
3. Suggested itineraries for a Bac Ninh day trip
3.1. Option 1
This full-day Bac Ninh day trip begins at Dau Pagoda, followed by a visit to Kinh Duong Vuong Mausoleum and Dong Ho Painting Village. The itinerary continues to Tam Phu Temple, which was recognized in 2007 as a relic site linked to the 13th-century military conference at Binh Than, where kings and mandarins held ceremonies to pray for victory against Mongol invasions.
Visitors then stop at Phu Lang Pottery Village and Ba Chua Kho Temple before heading to Huu Chap Dike, where the famous “Lonely Tree” stands as a scenic photo spot. The afternoon is spent at Quan Ho Folk Song Theater for enjoying Bac Ninh’s UNESCO-recognized folk music. The tour concludes at Lim Pagoda, a historic hub of cultural celebrations, and Do Temple.
>>> Read more: Bac Ninh map: Your essential guide to famous attractions
3.2. Option 2
This itinerary highlights Bac Ninh’s temples and craft villages in a full day. The tour begins at Dau Pagoda and But Thap Pagoda, then Kinh Duong Vuong Mausoleum and Dong Ho Painting Village. The next stops include Dai Bai Bronze Casting Village, where visitors can watch artisans create intricate statues, bells, and ceremonial items, and Phat Tich Pagoda.
The trip continues to Do Temple, followed by Nam Hong Royal Museum, which is home to over 5,000 valuable artifacts that show the flow of history across millennia. The day concludes at Dong Ky Woodcraft Village, which boasts a 300-year tradition of woodworking, where visitors can see artisans craft furniture, religious statues, and everyday items.
3.3. Option 3
This tour begins at Ba Chua Kho Temple, followed by a short stop at the “Lonely Tree” on Huu Chap Dyke. Tourists then enjoy Quan Ho folk songs at Bac Ninh Folk Song Theater, visit Lim Pagoda, and continue to the Do Temple Relic Complex. At Nam Hong Royal Museum, tourists can explore the artifacts before heading to Dong Ky Woodcraft Village. The final stops include Phu Quoc Temple, honoring Tran Quy and Phuong Dung who saved Ly Cong Uan from pursuit by the Early Le dynasty, and Ly Thuong Kiet Temple, which features a 9-meter-tall bronze statue of Ly Thuong Kiet.
3.4. Option 4
This itinerary begins at Bac Ninh Museum, where visitors can explore a rich collection of cultural artifacts. Next, the tour visits Cao Lo Vuong Temple, which preserves 20 royal edicts from various dynasties. The journey continues to Le Van Thinh Temple - home to a massive 3-ton sandstone dragon statue, which was recognized as a national treasure in 2013. Visitors then stop at Le Chi Vien Temple, a historic temple with intricate carvings. Midday, the tour pauses at Dong Ho Painting Village for lunch and hands-on activities. In the afternoon, the itinerary continues to Tam Phu Temple and Phu Lang Pottery Village.
3.5. Option 5
This tour is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in Bac Ninh’s spiritual heritage. The day begins at Bac Ninh Museum, Ba Chua Kho Temple, and the famous “Lonely Tree”, then Cung Temple, Ngoc Well, and Vua Ba Temple. Ngoc Well covers about 20 square meters, featuring a bottom made of laterite 10 meters deep. Vua Ba Temple was recognized as a national cultural-historical site in 1994.
The tour continues to Diem Village, which was built in 1692 to honor Truong Hong and Truong Hat. Visitors then stop at Bac Ninh Folk Song Theater for lunch and songs. The theater’s creative architecture, inspired by communal house roof design, features double-layer bamboo walls with hat motifs. In the afternoon, the tour moves to Ly Thuong Kiet Temple, followed by Tuong Quoc Communal House and Thanh Quang Pagoda, which features a 15-story stupa.
>>> Check out the top things to do in Bac Ninh!
4. Travel tips for a seamless Bac Ninh day trip
4.1. Best time to visit Bac Ninh
The best time for a Bac Ninh day trip depends on what you want to experience. From January to March, Bac Ninh’s weather is pleasant, and this period marks the festive season with famous celebrations like the Dau Pagoda Festival, Lim Festival, and Do Temple Festival. From May to October, the province offers a quieter atmosphere, suitable for visiting temples, pagodas, and craft villages. At the end of the year, the mustard flower fields along the Duong River bloom in bright yellow, creating a beautiful setting for photos.
4.2. Transportation
Transportation is convenient for Bac Ninh day trips, with several options available from Hanoi. The most popular is the bus route 54 (Long Bien - Bac Ninh), which passes through Do Temple. These buses run every 10-15 minutes from 5 AM to 9 PM. Another option is the bus route 212 (My Dinh - Que Vo), with departures every 15-20 minutes between 5 AM and 4:50 PM. Fares range from 10,000 to 40,000 VND.
If you prefer a more flexible mode of travel, consider taking a taxi. Xanh SM offers a comfortable, eco-friendly option for travelers heading to Bac Ninh or moving between attractions within the province.
4.3. Accommodation
If you plan to extend your Bac Ninh day trip into an overnight stay, consider Vinpearl Hotel Bac Ninh. This hotel sits in the heart of Bac Ninh City, offering easy access to nearby landmarks. Guests can enjoy on-site restaurants and spas for relaxation after a day of sightseeing. The rooms are elegantly designed, and with thoughtful service, Vinpearl Hotel Bac Ninh is a perfect base for exploring the charm of Bac Ninh.
Book rooms in Vinpearl Hotel Bac Ninh
FAQs
Is one day enough to visit Bac Ninh?
Yes, one day is enough for a Bac Ninh day trip. A full-day visit allows you to explore many of Bac Ninh’s key sites such as Do Temple, But Thap Pagoda, Dau Pagoda, and Dong Ho Painting Village.
How much should I budget for a Bac Ninh day tour?
For a basic, self-guided trip including public transportation, local meals, and entrance fees, you should budget from around $35 to 60 per person.
What souvenirs can I buy during a Bac Ninh day trip?
Popular souvenirs include Dong Ho folk paintings, Phu Lang ceramics, and other handmade crafts. You can also bring home some famous specialties such as Dinh Bang phu the cakes, Cho Village te cakes, fermented pork rolls, and Van Village rice wine.
What’s a recommended tour for a day trip to the old Bac Giang (now part of Bac Ninh)?
Here are two tours you can consider:
- West Yen Tu day tour: This tour departs from Hanoi around 6 AM. After a short breakfast stop, you will visit a heritage complex situated to the west of Yen Tu Mountain. This tour includes temple visits, a cable car ride, and lunch with local specialties. You will return to Hanoi in the late afternoon.
- Bo Da Pagoda, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda & Mo Stream day tour: Start the day visiting Vinh Nghiem Pagoda and Bo Da Pagoda. Continue to Mo Stream Ecotourism Area, take in the scenery, and enjoy lunch before heading back to Hanoi at around 4:30 PM. On the way, you can stop to buy Bac Giang specialties.
A Bac Ninh day trip is a perfect escape from Hanoi for anyone who loves culture and history. From ancient temples to craft villages, the province offers a glimpse into Vietnamese heritage, promising a day full of memorable experiences.
