Are you looking for tourist destinations in Bac Ninh to explore a land rich in historical relics, Quan Ho folk culture, and traditional craft villages? Bac Ninh – the Kinh Bac region – is not only famous for the Den Do and Ba Chua Kho Temple festivals but also boasts a system of ancient pagodas, temples, and outstanding craft villages. Let's explore 14 prominent destinations such as Phat Tich Pagoda, But Thap Pagoda, Dong Ho painting village, and many other interesting places for a complete journey.
1. Phật Tích Pagoda - A top spiritual heritage site in Bắc Ninh.
When mentioning tourist destinations in Bac Ninh, one cannot overlook Phat Tich Pagoda – an ancient and sacred temple located on the slopes of Lan Kha Mountain, Phat Tich Commune, Tien Du District. This temple is famous since the Ly Dynasty, closely associated with the strong development of Buddhism in Dai Viet (Vietnam).
The pagoda boasts the largest stone statue of Amitabha Buddha in Vietnam, nearly 3 meters tall, carved in the 11th century. The temple's space blends harmoniously with the natural mountain scenery, and the stone steps leading to the main hall create a serene and transcendent atmosphere.
Especially during the early spring, visitors flock to the pagoda not only to pray for peace and blessings but also to participate in the Phat Tich Festival – a major traditional festival of the Kinh Bac region. This is the ideal time for visitors to both explore the ancient architecture and immerse themselves in the vibrant festival atmosphere.
Phat Tich Pagoda not only holds cultural and religious value but is also a typical tourist destination in Bac Ninh, attracting thousands of visitors each year due to its perfect blend of ancient architecture and tranquil nature.
2. But Thap Pagoda - An ancient landmark beside the Duong River
But Thap Pagoda, located in Dinh To commune, Thuan Thanh district, stands out among Bac Ninh's tourist destinations with its ancient, peaceful beauty and, especially, its unique 17th-century architecture.
The pagoda is famous for the Bao Nghiem Tower – a wooden tower shaped like a pen writing to the heavens – a unique spiritual symbol associated with its name, "But Thap" (Pen Tower). Another highlight is the largest wooden statue of the Thousand-Handed, Thousand-Eyed Avalokiteśvara in Vietnam, boasting 1,000 hands and 1,000 eyes, showcasing the skillful carving techniques of the past.
The serene atmosphere of the pagoda, surrounded by ancient trees, lotus ponds, and old ancestral buildings, brings a sense of peace to all visitors. With its high architectural, cultural, and artistic value, But Thap Pagoda has been recognized as a Special National Monument.
This is truly an ideal destination for those who wish to reconnect with the roots of Vietnamese Buddhist culture.
3. Dau Pagoda - The most ancient temple in Southern Vietnam
Located in Thanh Khuong commune, Thuan Thanh district, Dau Pagoda is considered the oldest pagoda in Vietnam, built in 187 AD. It is one of the most important spiritual destinations among Bac Ninh's tourist attractions, drawing thousands of visitors from all over the country every year.
The pagoda is notable for its nine-story Hoa Phong Tower, built with ancient fired bricks, bearing the strong imprint of Indian Buddhism introduced to Vietnam via the Silk Road. It is also a place of worship for the Goddess of Clouds (Phap Van) – one of the Four Sacred Deities revered by the people.
Every year, the Dau Pagoda Festival takes place on the 8th day of the 4th lunar month, featuring processions, rituals, and Quan Ho folk singing, attracting visitors from all over. The festival's unique atmosphere, characteristic of the Kinh Bac region, offers profound cultural experiences and emotions.
If you are looking for a place that is both ancient and sacred, Dau Pagoda is an excellent choice to learn more about the origins of Vietnamese Buddhism and the spiritual culture of the North.
4. Ba Chua Kho Temple - A famous destination for praying for wealth and good fortune in the Kinh Bac region.
If you're looking for a tourist destination steeped in religious significance and known throughout the country, then the Ba Chua Kho Temple is definitely a must-see. Located halfway up Kho Mountain in Vu Ninh Ward, Bac Ninh City, this temple is dedicated to Lady Bach Y Linh Tu – a woman who made significant contributions to food storage, helping the Ly Dynasty's court develop its economy.
What makes the temple particularly famous is the belief of "borrowing blessings at the beginning of the year and repaying at the end of the year." Every year, at the beginning of spring, tens of thousands of people from all over flock here to pray for wealth, fortune, and peace, believing that the Lady's blessings will ensure smooth sailing and success in their endeavors.
More than just a sacred place, the temple's architecture also boasts an ancient charm with its triple-arched gate, curved tiled roof, and harmonious auxiliary structures nestled within the mountainous landscape. Ba Chua Kho Temple deserves to be considered one of Bac Ninh's outstanding cultural and spiritual tourist destinations, especially for those interested in feng shui and folk beliefs.
5. Dong Ho Painting Village - A Living Cultural Heritage in the Heart of Bac Ninh
Dong Ho painting village, located in Song Ho commune, Thuan Thanh district, is an indispensable name on the list of typical tourist destinations in Bac Ninh. It is the birthplace of the famous folk paintings known throughout the country – with woodblock printing techniques, natural colors from herbs, and content reflecting Vietnamese folk life.
Dong Ho paintings were once considered cultural "treasures" during traditional Tet (Lunar New Year) celebrations. Works such as "The Mouse Wedding," "Coconut Harvesting," and "Returning Home in Glory" have been ingrained in the minds of Vietnamese people for generations. Today, the village still maintains its traditional atmosphere, with families continuing the painting craft and opening their doors to tourists for visits and experiences.
Here, you can directly observe the painting process, try your hand at printing a traditional painting, and buy handcrafted products as souvenirs. This is a form of experiential tourism very suitable for families, students, and international visitors interested in local culture.
Dong Ho Painting Village is not just a stopover point, but also a "living museum" of folk art – contributing to preserving the soul of Kinh Bac culture amidst modern life.
6. Phu Lang Pottery Village - The rustic beauty of traditional pottery making.
During your exploration of the beautiful sights and places in Bac Ninh, you absolutely cannot miss Phu Lang pottery village, located in Phu Lang commune, Que Vo district. This is one of the three oldest pottery villages in Northern Vietnam, renowned for its handcrafted pottery making techniques using traditional charcoal kilns and special clay from the Cau River region.
Phu Lang pottery is not glazed as glossy as Bat Trang pottery, but it possesses a unique beauty: rustic, rough, yet full of artistic value. The pottery products here typically include jars, vases, teapots, cups, artistic statues, or decorative items – suitable for both modern tastes and traditional decor styles.
Upon arriving at the village, visitors can stroll through the narrow alleys, visit each pottery workshop, and receive guidance from artisans on pottery making, decorating, and firing products. This is an experience that is both entertaining and educational, especially interesting for children and handicraft enthusiasts.
Phu Lang Pottery Village is one of the ideal destinations for those who want to temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in the authentic, intimate, and culturally rich atmosphere of a traditional craft village.
7. Dinh Bang Village Communal House - A Symbol of Ancient Village Communal House Architecture
Dinh Bang communal house, located in Dinh Bang commune, Tu Son city, is one of the most representative examples of artistic and architectural value of a village communal house in Northern Vietnam. Built in the 17th century, the communal house is dedicated to the tutelary deities and three benevolent deities of the Ly Dynasty: Ly Cong Uan, Ly Thai To, and Ly Thuong Kiet.
The communal house's architecture is notable for its massive system of lim wood columns, intricately carved in wood and stone. The roof is covered with curved tiles, and the dragon, phoenix, and four mythical creatures motifs are elaborately carved, embodying profound folk philosophies. Within the communal house grounds are a crescent-shaped pond, a village well, and a courtyard – creating a complete cultural space of the village.
This is a place where traditional festivals and cultural activities are regularly held, especially during the annual spring festival (from the 6th to the 10th day of the first lunar month). With its artistic, historical, and spiritual value, Dinh Bang communal house is a very worthwhile tourist destination for visitors who love traditional culture.
8. Do Temple - A memorial to eight kings of the Ly Dynasty
The Do Temple, also known as the Ly Bat De Temple, is located in Dinh Bang Ward, Tu Son City. It is a complex of temples dedicated to the Ly Dynasty kings – the dynasty that laid the foundation for the independence and development of Dai Viet for 216 years.
The temple was built on the site of the former Can Nguyen Palace, with a large scale and architecture reflecting the royal court style of the Ly Dynasty. The triple-arched gate, stele house, main hall, and rear hall are all harmoniously arranged, exuding a solemn and tranquil atmosphere. The surrounding area features a lake and greenery, creating a serene and peaceful environment for visitors.
Every year, the Do Temple festival is held on the 15th day of the 3rd lunar month, attracting thousands of visitors who come to participate and offer incense in remembrance of the founding kings of the nation. This is not only a historical site but also a tourist destination that deeply connects tradition, spirituality, and patriotism.
9. Bac Ninh Ancient Citadel - A testament to the military architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty.
The ancient citadel of Bac Ninh, built in 1805 during the reign of Emperor Gia Long, is a unique hexagonal military architectural structure, a rare find in Vietnam. Constructed from earth, brick, and laterite stone, and surrounded by a moat, it served as an important administrative center of Bac Ninh province during the feudal era.
Today, although much of the structure has been destroyed by war and time, remnants of the citadel walls, gates, and parts of the moat have been preserved and restored. It is an ideal location for those wishing to learn about ancient citadel architecture and the history of the Kinh Bac region.
While not particularly outstanding in terms of scenery, Bac Ninh Ancient Citadel remains a unique tourist destination for visitors who appreciate archaeology, history, and the enduring values of ancient architecture.
10. Luy Lau Ancient Citadel - The oldest urban relic in Vietnam
Located in Thanh Khuong commune, Thuan Thanh district, Luy Lau Ancient Citadel is one of Bac Ninh's most significant archaeological and historical tourist destinations. According to historical records, it was once the capital of Giao Chi – an administrative unit during the Northern domination period, and the place where Buddhism was first introduced to Vietnam.
Currently, although the citadel is no longer intact, traces such as the ramparts, moat system, and ancient wells still remain. Near the citadel are Dau Pagoda and Tu Phap Pagoda – creating a complex of spiritual and historical relics.
Visiting Luy Lau, you will feel as if you have stepped into another time and space, reminiscent of the early centuries AD – when Eastern culture and beliefs began to take root in the southern region.
11. Bac Ninh Temple of Literature - A renowned land of learning in the Kinh Bac region.
Located in Noi Due commune, Tien Du district, Bac Ninh Confucius Temple honors those who achieved high ranks in the classical Chinese examinations of the ancient Kinh Bac region – a place known as the "land of learning" and "a land of outstanding people."
The Confucius Temple currently houses over 600 steles listing the names of doctoral graduates from the Le Dynasty to the Nguyen Dynasty. Furthermore, the architecture of the Confucius Temple includes a triple gate, main hall, main sanctuary, and rear hall in a traditional style, creating a rich cultural and educational space.
This is an ideal tourist destination for younger generations to come and offer incense, pray for academic success, and learn about the long-standing tradition of valuing education among the Vietnamese people.
12. Bach Mon Pagoda - A tranquil haven in Tien Du land
Bach Mon Pagoda (or Linh Cam Temple) is located in Canh Hung commune, Tien Du district. This ancient pagoda, dating back to the 17th century, is notable for its ironwood architecture, fish-scale tile roof, and well-preserved collection of Buddha statues.
The pagoda's tranquil atmosphere, shaded by lush greenery, makes it an ideal place for pilgrims seeking peace. Because it is not heavily promoted, it retains its pristine, rustic, and sacred character – truly a place for those seeking inner peace and purification.
13. Diem Village - Home to Quan Ho folk songs of Bac Ninh
Diem Village, Hoa Long Commune, Bac Ninh City, is the birthplace of Quan Ho folk songs – a form of folk music recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Visitors here can not only listen to Quan Ho singers perform authentically in traditional houses but also visit the Cung Temple and Ngoc Well, which preserve sacred legends associated with the origin of Quan Ho.
If you want to truly immerse yourself in the local culture, Diem Village is an unmissable tourist destination – where music, culture, and the warmth of the Kinh Bac people naturally intertwine.
14. Him Lam Plaza - A modern entertainment space in the heart of the old town.
To conclude your exploration of Bac Ninh with a touch of modernity, you can visit Him Lam Plaza – the province's largest shopping mall, located in Bac Ninh City. It's a suitable destination for shopping, dining, and watching movies at the City Cinema complex after a long day of visiting historical sites.
Him Lam Plaza also regularly hosts cultural events and exhibitions, contributing to the connection between modern and traditional life in the heart of this developing city.
While not deeply rooted in culture, Him Lam Plaza is a suitable tourist destination in Bac Ninh for young people, families with small children, or simply an ideal place to rest during your trip.