Bac Ninh

Bac Ninh is one of best places in Vietnam for taking a day bike tour to experience the northern Vietnam rural villages, the real life, and the rich culture.

Bac Ninh is located in the Red River Delta region. It is surrounded by Bac Giang Province to the north, Hung Yen Province to the south, Hai Duong Province to the east, and Ha Noi to the west. Bac Ninh is 30km from Ha Noi, 110km from Hai Phong, 20km from Bac Giang, 45km from Noi Bai International Airport. It is on the national roads of 1A, 17, 18, 38.

The province's name derives from Sino-Vietnamese 北寧 and literally means "northern serenity". The province is rich in culture and is known nationally for Quan họ folk music. Quan họ was recognised as the Intangible Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO in 2009.

The provincial capital is Bac Ninh. Other administrative divisions include Tu Son, Que Vo, Yen Phong, Tien Du, Thuan Thanh, Gia Binh, Luong Tai.

Bac Ninh Weather

Bac Ninh is located in a tropical monsoon region. The annual average temperature is 24 °C. The highest is 30 °C in July; the lowest is 15 °C in January.

The province experiences the typical climate of northern Vietnam, where summers are hot and humid, and winters are, by national standards, relatively cold and dry. Summers, lasting from May to September, are hot and humid, receiving the majority of the annual 1,680 millimetres (66.1 in) of rainfall. The winters, lasting from November to March, are relatively mild, dry (in the first half) or humid (in the second half), while spring (April) can bring light rains. Autumn (October) is the best time of the year in terms of weather. The average annual sunshine is 1,530-1,776 hours, relative humidity is 79%.

Bac Ninh things to see

Bac Ninh used to be an ancient town, a trade centre of Viet Nam from 2nd to 10th century. Buddhism penetrates into there early and flourished on Ly dynasty. Bac Ninh has tangible and intangible culture heritage. Many pagodas and temples were built such as Phat Tich, Dau, But Thap pagodas, Dinh Bang Communal House, Do Temple.

Dau Pagoda

Dau pagoda was built in the 3rd century. This is the oldest pagoda in Viet Nam.

In the beginning, the pagoda was a Buddhist center well known throughout the country and abroad. At the end of the 4th century, Indian Master Vinitaruci gave lectures and the first Vietnamese Buddhist doctrine was produced there.

Dau Pagoda has been recognized as Special National Relic since 2013.

But Thap Pagoda

But Thap pagoda was built in the 17th century, during the late Le Dynasty.  Its founder was Chinese Buddhist Priest Zhus Zhus, who died in 1644. Queen Mother Trinh Thi Ngoc Truc requested that Lord Trinh Trang enlarge the pagoda in 1646.

But Thap Pagoda has been recognized as Special National Relic since 2013 and Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Statue with 1,000 arms and 1,000 eyes in the pagoda has been ranked National Treasure since 2012.

Phu Lang Pottery Village

Phu Lang Pottery was known as the pottery centre of former Kinh Bac land. Different from Tho Ha pottery (Bac Giang Province) made from green clay and Bat Trang pottery (Ha Noi) made from white clay, Phu Lang pottery is made from red clay of Thong Vat and Cung Kiem areas, Bac Giang Province.

The specific feature of Phu Lang pottery is the durable and natural brownish glaze; simple and strong design; embossed patterns according to traditional themes such as sacred animals, countryside landscapes...

Phat Tich Pagoda

Phat Tich pagoda was built in the reign of Ly Thanh Tong King (the 11th century). It is a special ancient architecture. The festival is organized in commemorating the merit of Ly Thanh Tong King. It is also an opportunity for pilgrims to have offering ceremony, worship Buddha, listen to prayer, pray for peace and happiness, and at the same time sightseeing around the remains and the landscapes of the Kinh Bac area.

Dinh Bang Communal House

Dinh Bang communal house together with Dong Khang and Diem Communal Houses were the most beautiful ones in Vietnam.

The village comprises a group of historical and cultural relics, especially those of the Ly Dynasty, which are diverse, unique and national historical significance, including temples, pagodas, tombs, and monuments. They are typical of the Vietnamese village culture.

Bac Ninh Map