The top things to do in Bac Ninh to discover its hidden charm

1. Visit famous sacred sites

One of the best things to do in Bac Ninh is to explore its spiritual heritage. The city is full of sacred sites, and each place offers something special.

• Do Temple: This temple honors the eight kings of the Ly Dynasty, one of Vietnam’s most important royal families. The temple’s wooden structure and detailed carvings show traditional Northern Vietnamese architecture. 
• Dau Pagoda: Known as the oldest pagoda in Vietnam, Dau Pagoda was the first place to introduce Buddhist meditation to the country. It blends Indian Buddhist traditions with local Vietnamese beliefs, especially the worship of the Four Dharmas.
• Phat Tich Pagoda: Located on a hillside, this pagoda offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Its large stone Buddha statue is one of the highlights. The peaceful setting and spiritual atmosphere make it a great place to reflect.
• Tieu Pagoda: Once an important Buddhist center during the Ly Dynasty, this pagoda documents the early life of King Ly Thai To. Visitors can also see the valuable statue of Zen master Nhu Tri, a symbol of spiritual heritage. 
• But Thap Pagoda: This pagoda is famous for its tall stone tower and wooden sculptures. Its statue of the thousand-handed goddess Guanyin is a standout piece. Art lovers and history fans alike will enjoy a visit here.
• Ba Chua Kho Temple: This temple is known for its strong spiritual meaning. Many people pay a visit here to pray for success, especially during the Lunar New Year. The temple’s setting by a small lake adds to its charm.
• Dinh Bang Communal House: This is one of the largest communal houses in northern Vietnam. It has strong wooden beams, detailed carvings, and a large courtyard for village events. It is a great place to see how villages gathered and celebrated.

2. Watch a live Quan Ho folk song performance

One of the most unforgettable things to do in Bac Ninh is to enjoy a live performance of Quan Ho folk songs. Quan Ho is believed to have started as early as the 11th century, though some say it may have appeared in the 17th century. No matter the exact time, all researches agree on one thing: Quan Ho is one of the oldest forms of Bac Ninh traditional music. It holds a special place in the cultural identity of the Kinh Bac region, where it was born.

Quan Ho folk songs have lasted for centuries. What makes it special is not just its long history but how it has kept its unique charm. It was not blended into other cultures, even during tough historical periods. Instead, it grew stronger and deeper in the life of the local people. Performed with emotional voices in matching costumes, a live Quan Ho show is both a musical and visual experience. It shows the beauty of Vietnamese folk traditions at their best.

3. Take part in traditional festivals

If you are looking for a deeper cultural experience, joining a Bac Ninh festival is one of the most memorable things to do in Bac Ninh.

• Lim Festival: Held every year on the 13th day of the 1st lunar month, the Lim Festival is the most famous celebration of Quan Ho folk songs. It takes place on Lim Hill. Here, you can watch live performances, take part in folk games, and enjoy the joyful atmosphere. The Lim Festival has been officially listed as a national intangible cultural heritage of Vietnam.
• Dau Pagoda Festival: Deeply connected to the spiritual life of the people in Dau Village, this festival is a lively mix of Buddhist rituals and folk activities. Held every year in spring, on the 8th day of the 4th lunar month, the festival is a time for locals to pray for peace, health, good weather, and good harvest. The Dau Pagoda Festival reflects centuries of belief and hope passed down through generations.

4. Explore craft villages

One of the most authentic things to do in Bac Ninh is to visit traditional craft villages. Two of the most famous villages are Phu Lang Pottery Village and Dong Ho Painting Village.

• Phu Lang Pottery Village: Located by the Cau River, Phu Lang Pottery Village is well known for its handmade ceramics. The artisans here use two main methods to shape their products. One is the traditional spinning wheel and the other is mold-based shaping using wood or baked clay. At the village, you can watch how pottery is made, try your hand at shaping clay, and bring home a meaningful souvenir.
• Dong Ho Painting Village: Dong Ho is the birthplace of Vietnam’s most iconic folk woodcut paintings. Dating back to the 16th century, these prints are hand-made using engraved wooden blocks and natural colors sourced from plants, stones, and even seashells. Each color is printed separately with its own carved block, which is why most paintings use only four basic colors, yet still feel full of life.

5. Try specialties

If you are a food lover, tasting the local dishes is one of the best things to do in Bac Ninh. From sweet to savory, Bac Ninh cuisine is unforgettable. You can enjoy these dishes at markets, family-run eateries, or well-known Bac Ninh restaurants.

• Banh phu the: Wrapped in dong leaves and steamed, this cake looks simple on the outside but the inside reveals a golden, chewy shell with a fragrant filling. Made from glutinous rice, mung beans, shredded coconut, lotus seeds, and sugar, each bite brings a perfect mix of soft and sweet.
• Banh te: A local favorite from Yen Phong, banh te is made with white rice and filled with seasoned pork, wood ear mushrooms, and shallots. It is wrapped in fresh leaves and steamed. It is best enjoyed warm, straight from the steamer.
• Nem bui: Also known as fermented rice pork rolls, nem bui is another must-try in Bac Ninh. It is made from pork and toasted rice powder, then wrapped in leaves like fig or dinh lang for extra flavor. The locals usually dip it in chili sauce or fish sauce.
• Banh khuc: This cake is often made for Tet and special family gatherings. The main ingredient is khuc leaves, picked fresh from riverbanks and fields. Inside the soft green rice dough is a filling of mung beans and pork.
• Van Village rice wine: No trip to Bac Ninh is complete without tasting a sip of the rice wine from Van Village. This traditional drink is made from sticky rice and a blend of 35 medicinal herbs. The result is a smooth, rich wine with a deep aroma.

6. Stop by well-known museums

If you want to dive deeper into the history of the region, visiting museums is a great idea. It is perfect for curious tourists looking for meaningful things to do in Bac Ninh. 

• Bac Ninh Museum: Covering more than 22,000 square meters, Bac Ninh Museum is the largest museum in Bac Ninh. It features thousands of artifacts, photos, and documents. The museum also hosts educational events and cultural activities throughout the year.
• Nam Hong Royal Museum: Privately owned but professionally curated, Nam Hong Royal Museum is a gem for history lovers. It showcases an impressive collection of royal antiques, ceramics, sculptures, and ancient artifacts linked to Vietnam’s feudal dynasties.

7. Cycle around the countryside

Cycling lets you experience the rhythm of rural life. You can stop by temples, markets, or roadside shops, and even catch a live Quan Ho folk song performance if you are lucky. The slow pace of the ride gives you time to take in the fresh air and the sounds of nature around you. Many local tours offer half-day or full-day cycling trips, with guides who can share stories about each place you pass by. It is a great way to explore off-the-beaten-path areas while staying active.

>>> Explore: Bac Ninh map: Your essential guide to famous attractions

From ancient pagodas to vibrant festivals and peaceful cycling tours, Bac Ninh offers a rich blend of history, spirituality, and local life. Whether you are exploring museums, joining traditional celebrations, or simply soaking in the charm of a Quan Ho performance, there is no lack of things to do in Bac Ninh.

To make the most of your trip, consider staying at Vinpearl Hotel Bac Ninh, where you can enjoy spacious rooms, unwind at a luxurious spa, and indulge in fine dining. With its central location, Vinpearl Hotel Bac Ninh is a perfect base to explore and relax in style.

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