Bắc Ninh

Day Trips

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.

Visit the Bắc Ninh Museum to delve into the province’s rich cultural and artistic history. Examine exhibits showcasing traditional costumes, musical instruments, and artifacts related to Quan họ folk music. Participate in an interactive workshop to learn about traditional embroidery techniques practiced by local artisans.

Travel to the Phù Khê village, famous for its unique ceramic craftsmanship. Observe skilled potters shaping clay on wheels and decorating pottery with intricate patterns passed down through generations. Try your hand at making a small ceramic piece under the guidance of a master craftsman.

Enjoy a performance of Quan họ folk songs at a cultural center, appreciating the harmonious melodies and traditional costumes. Engage with local musicians to understand the cultural significance of this musical form. Finish the night with a visit to a cozy tea house, savoring locally grown tea varieties while reflecting on the day’s artistic discoveries.

Rent a bicycle and embark on a scenic ride through Bắc Ninh’s lush rice paddies and rural landscapes. Pass by small villages where farmers tend to fields, and children play near traditional stilt houses. Stop occasionally to capture photos of blossoming lotus flowers and tranquil waterways that characterize the region.

Continue your cycling journey to the Đình Bảng communal house, a beautiful example of traditional Vietnamese architecture surrounded by peaceful gardens. Have a picnic lunch under the shade of ancient trees, enjoying local fruits and snacks. Later, visit nearby craft villages to see artisans weaving silk and making traditional musical instruments.

Return to Bắc Ninh city and refresh at your accommodation before heading to the lively night market. Sample street foods such as nem chua and cháo vịt while mingling with locals. End your evening with a leisurely walk along illuminated streets, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of the town at night.

Start your day with a local breakfast of phở Bắc Ninh, a flavorful noodle soup distinct to the region. Visit a bustling market to see fresh produce, spices, and traditional ingredients used in northern Vietnamese cooking. Participate in a cooking class focused on preparing Bắc Ninh specialties like bánh phu thê and chả cá.

Tour local food stalls sampling street delicacies such as bánh cuốn and nem nướng, learning about their preparation and cultural significance. Explore a fruit orchard where you can taste and pick seasonal fruits like longan and lychee. Visit a traditional tea plantation to observe tea harvesting and enjoy a tasting session of fragrant green teas.

Dine at a family-run restaurant specializing in regional dishes accompanied by live Quan họ music performances. Experience the warm hospitality of local families while savoring flavors unique to Bắc Ninh cuisine. Finish your meal with a sweet dessert of chè, a Vietnamese sweet soup, while sharing stories with newfound friends.

Attend the Lim Festival if visiting in spring, witnessing traditional Quan họ singing competitions and vibrant cultural parades. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere as locals dressed in colorful costumes perform dances and rituals. Explore festival stalls offering handmade crafts, traditional snacks, and souvenirs.

Join a workshop teaching traditional dance or musical instruments associated with festival celebrations. Sample seasonal treats made specifically for the event, such as bánh tẻ and bánh gai. Visit nearby temples participating in festival ceremonies, observing offerings and prayers practiced by locals.

Enjoy the festival’s nighttime activities, including lantern displays and fireworks illuminating the sky. Engage with villagers as they share stories about the festival’s origins and significance. End your day by sipping rice wine and enjoying communal meals under the stars, feeling connected to Bắc Ninh’s vibrant cultural heritage.

Start with a visit to Bắc Ninh’s central market to experience the hustle and bustle of daily life. Browse stalls offering fresh produce, spices, textiles, and handcrafted items. Chat with vendors about the origins of their products and the traditional methods used in their creation.

Head to a nearby artisan bazaar showcasing lacquerware, embroidered fabrics, and hand-painted ceramics. Participate in a hands-on workshop to create your own souvenir under expert guidance. Enjoy a light lunch at a market eatery, sampling bánh mì and fresh spring rolls made with local ingredients.

Return to the market area to experience the lively night bazaar atmosphere, with street performances and food vendors. Taste local snacks such as kẹo lạc (peanut candy) and grilled corn while watching traditional puppet shows. End the evening with a relaxing stroll through lantern-lit streets, absorbing the vibrant energy of Bắc Ninh at night.

Visit the Phật Tích Pagoda, an ancient Buddhist site known for its unique sculptures and serene environment. Explore the pagoda’s grounds, admiring stone carvings and traditional Vietnamese architectural elements. Learn about the site’s history and its role in the spiritual life of the region.

Travel to the Kinh Bắc Citadel ruins, where remnants of the ancient capital reveal Bắc Ninh’s historical importance. Walk among old walls and gates, imagining the city’s past as a political and cultural center. Visit a nearby museum to see artifacts and exhibits related to the citadel’s history.

Dine at a local restaurant offering dishes inspired by royal cuisine, reflecting Bắc Ninh’s historical prominence. Enjoy the ambiance of a restored colonial building, combining history with modern comforts. Conclude your day with a quiet walk through illuminated historical streets, appreciating the blend of old and new.

Spend a peaceful morning at the Cầu Lim Floral Park, surrounded by vibrant flower beds and shaded walking paths. Take part in a guided botanical tour to learn about native plants and traditional medicinal herbs. Enjoy a light breakfast at the park’s café, featuring herbal teas and fresh pastries.

Head to the Red River riverbank for a leisurely boat ride, observing local fishermen and riverside life. Stop at small fishing villages along the way to interact with residents and learn about their daily routines. Return to shore for a picnic lunch featuring fresh river fish and seasonal vegetables.

Relax at a riverfront restaurant, watching boats drift by as the sun sets. Savor freshly caught seafood dishes paired with local rice wine. End your day with a gentle walk along the river promenade, enjoying the cool evening breeze and tranquil atmosphere.

Visit modern art galleries in Bắc Ninh city showcasing works by local and regional Vietnamese artists. Explore exhibitions featuring paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations inspired by traditional culture and contemporary life. Participate in an artist talk or workshop to gain insight into creative processes.

Attend a live performance at a cultural center presenting contemporary dance, theater, or music blending modern and traditional elements. Visit a local café known for its support of emerging artists, enjoying coffee while viewing art displays. Engage with young creatives to discuss Bắc Ninh’s evolving cultural landscape.

Dine at a trendy bistro offering fusion cuisine that reflects Bắc Ninh’s blend of tradition and modernity. Experience a late-night jazz or acoustic music session, mingling with locals and travelers alike. End the evening with a stroll through vibrant city streets adorned with colorful murals and street art.