Things To Do
in Bắc Ninh
Bắc Ninh is a northern Vietnamese province just east of Hanoi, renowned for its ancient temples, traditional crafts, and rich Quan Ho Bac Ninh folk music. The city pairs centuries-old religious sites with vibrant village life and accessible countryside, making it a compact, endearing destination. Its temple belts and craft villages offer a tranquil, culturally immersive experience just a short ride from the capital.
The climate and scenery shift beautifully with the seasons, presenting photo-worthy landscapes along rivers, pagodas, and quiet lanes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to Duong Lam village, where ancient houses and traditional architecture offer a glimpse into the region’s history. Stroll through narrow lanes lined with centuries-old homes, soaking in the peaceful rural atmosphere. Stop by local workshops to observe artisans crafting pottery and traditional bamboo products.
Head to Lim Festival area to experience a vibrant display of Quan họ folk singing, a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage. Engage with local performers and learn about the melodic call-and-response songs unique to Bắc Ninh. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch featuring local specialties in a nearby family-run restaurant.
Relax at a riverside café overlooking the Red River, watching the sunset paint the sky with warm hues. Take a leisurely walk along the riverbank, listening to the gentle sounds of water and evening chatter from locals. End the evening by sampling street food delicacies like bánh đậu xanh, a sweet mung bean cake famous in Bắc Ninh.
Start your morning at the Dâu Temple, one of Vietnam’s oldest Buddhist temples dating back to the 2nd century. Explore the temple grounds, admiring ancient statues, intricate carvings, and serene pagodas surrounded by lush greenery. Learn about the temple’s historical significance and its role in the spread of Buddhism in northern Vietnam.
Visit the Bút Tháp Pagoda, renowned for its exquisite architecture and a giant statue of Avalokitesvara with eleven heads and a thousand eyes. Wander through peaceful courtyards filled with lotus ponds and ancient trees, capturing the tranquil ambiance. Enjoy a quiet moment of reflection or meditation in the temple’s serene environment.
Attend a local Buddhist chanting session if available, to experience spiritual rituals firsthand. Afterwards, dine at a nearby vegetarian restaurant offering dishes inspired by temple cuisine, focusing on fresh, simple ingredients. Conclude the evening with a stroll through the softly lit temple complex, absorbing the calm night air.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Local coffee/tea | $0.5-2 |
| 🧁Street food snack | $0.5-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-5 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $20-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact and walkable city center with temple belts
- Rich traditional culture (Quan Ho, Dong Ho printing)
- Accessible day trips to craft villages and countryside
- Good value for money and friendly locals
- Limited nightlife and Western-style entertainment
- Road travel can be busy during holidays and festival seasons
- International flight options require Hanoi as a base
- "Xin chao" - Hello
- "Cam on" - Thank you
- "Bao nhiêu tiền?" - How much is this?
- "Toi muon di dau?" - Where is the way to...
- "Giup toi voi" - Help me
- "Xin phep chup hinh" - May I take photos?
Places to Visit in Bắc Ninh
Visit one of these nice places.
Early-morning light over ancient pagodas, tranquil courtyards, and soft reflections on water features make for serene architectural photography.
Iconic hillside temple complex with striking pagodas, staircases, and sweeping views—great for wide-angle landscape shots.
Narrow village lanes lined with traditional houses and seasonal Quan Ho performances backdrop, perfect for candid cultural photography.
Colorful prints, rural scenes, and workshop spaces offer vibrant cultural subjects and texture-rich photos.
Food in Bắc Ninh
Bắc Ninh Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fermented pork rolls with a tangy, slightly sweet flavor and a crisp bite; popular as a snack and often enjoyed with rice or fruit in local markets.
Must-Try!
Small steamed glutinous rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves, typically enjoyed as a light snack or dessert in family homes and eateries.
Steamed rice flour rolls filled with minced pork and mushrooms, served with a light dipping sauce; a common breakfast or lunch in local eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively market area where you can sample nem chua, banh khuc, fresh herbs, and other regional snacks while watching daily life unfold.
Narrow lanes near the city center where street vendors offer quick bites like fried snacks, fresh herbs, and small bowls of rice dishes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered); remove hats before entering sacred spaces; avoid loud talk and photography where prohibited.
Address elders with polite terms; a light bow or handshake is common. Show respect to elders and temple guardians.
Public displays of anger are discouraged; keep noise level down in residential areas and during traditional performances.
Safety
Tipping in Bắc Ninh
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in casual eateries; rounding up the bill at better restaurants or leaving a small tip at higher-end venues is appreciated but not required.
Cash in VND is widely accepted; many places in towns accept cards, and mobile payments are increasingly common. ATMs are available in Bac Ninh city and larger markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild, with lush greenery and flowering trees; ideal for temple visits and outdoor photography. Occasional showers; light rain gear recommended.
Hot and humid, with mid-year rains; carry water, wear light clothing, and plan temple visits for early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat.
Pleasant temperatures and clear skies; great for walking tours and outdoor markets. Drier conditions and comfortable humidity.
Cool to mild cold, especially at night; warm layers recommended for early mornings and temple compounds.
Bắc Ninh at Night
Hiking in Bắc Ninh
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest trails and viewpoints with cooler air; approximately 60-70 km from Bac Ninh.
Volcanic landscape with scenic trails and panoramic overlooks; around 40-60 km from Bac Ninh.
Airports
How to reach Bắc Ninh by plane.
Hanoi’s main airport; about 25-45 miles from central Bac Ninh; accessible by car, bus, or train.
Hai Phong’s airport; useful for regional travel and closer connections to northern coast, though farther from Bac Ninh.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly ethnic Vietnamese with a growing student and professional population.
Villagers with long-standing craft and temple-going traditions; an active part of daily life in surrounding districts.
A significant share of visitors taking day trips to temples and cultural performances.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and watched; local parks host informal matches and youth leagues.
Popular leisure activities in neighborhoods and rural lanes; many locals cycle to markets and temples.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bắc Ninh.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can enjoy fresh vegetable dishes, tofu-based meals, and fruit desserts. Ask for clear preparations to avoid fish sauce or shrimp paste in broths and sauces; many eateries can accommodate with simple vegetable stir-fries and noodle dishes.