The province of Bac Ninh, located in Northern Vietnam, has been the dwelling of many great civilizations since the days of antiquity. Archeological evidence dates back to 4,000 to 6,000 years ago when the people of Bac Ninh engaged in stone tool-making, pottery and bronze working. During this time, the city of Bac Ninh was part of the Kingdom of Van Lang which ruled for over a thousand years. This time period saw the development of the highly complex and unique Dong Son culture.

Bac Ninh today is a modern province and shares a great cultural influence from ancient times. This is most evident in its vibrant performance arts and crafts. From unique masks to intricate jewelry, traditional music, and other art forms, Bac Ninh is a journey down memory lane.

Top 7 Things To See in Bac Ninh

There are plenty of attractions to explore and appreciate in Bac Ninh. Here are some of the top things to check out.

  • Trang An – Trang An is a complex of river caves, valleys, and mountains. The area is filled with ancient Buddhist temples, shrines, and pagodas which have been standing for centuries. The area is a fantastic place to explore and take in the sights and sounds of nature.
  • The Co Loa Citadel – Co Loa Citadel is a fortified walled city which was built by the Chinese during the 3rd century BC. The fortress was built to protect the people of Bac Ninh from invaders. Today, it serves as a popular tourist attraction, with many artisans and craftspeople inhabiting the old city walls.
  • The Bich Dong Pagoda – This pagoda is located in the western part of the province and was built during the 15th century. This pagoda is known for its beautiful architecture, colorful frescoes, and intricate sculptures. Visitors come to this pagoda to pay respects and take in its beauty.
  • Bac Ninh Museum – The Bac Ninh Museum is the best place to go to understand the ancient history of the province. It features many artifacts from the past, from pottery and jewelry to masks, weapons, and musical instruments.
  • Ly Thai To Park – This park is located in the center of the city and is a popular gathering spot. Families can be seen playing games or strolling around the ponds and gardens.
  • Phuong Hoang Cave – This cave is filled with stalactites and stalagmites, creating an eerie yet beautiful atmosphere. Inside, visitors can find many ancient artifacts and carvings.
  • Mua Cave – Mua Cave is located at the peak of the mountain and is a great spot to take in stunning views of Bac Ninh. Visitors can also take a cable car up the mountain to get to the cave.

Food in Bac Ninh

Food culture in Bac Ninh has been heavily influenced by its long history and the people of this province have perfected the art of cooking. From traditional dishes like pho, banh mi, and cha ca to new fusion dishes, Bac Ninh has something for everyone. One of the most popular restaurants in Bac Ninh is the Quan Come Restaurant, which specializes in Vietnamese cuisine.

Unique Things You Probably Don’t Know About Bac Ninh

Bac Ninh has many unique things that many people don’t know about. Here are some of them:

  • The province houses the oldest wooden church in Vietnam, known as the Cong Quynh Church.
  • Bac Ninh is known as the birthplace of Quan Ho, an ancient Vietnamese music. This is an art form which is still practiced today in the province.
  • The Bac Ninh Water Puppet Theater is a popular attraction and is dedicated to preserving the art of water puppetry.

How to Get to Bac Ninh and Best Time to Visit

Bac Ninh is easily accessible from the capital of Hanoi. There are buses and trains that go directly from Hanoi to Bac Ninh. The journey takes about 2 hours by bus and 1.5 hours by train.

The best time to visit Bac Ninh is during the summer months from May to October. The days are hot, but the nights can get quite cool. This is the best time to enjoy the city’s many attractions and take part in its local festivities.

Explore the Province of Bac Ninh

The province of Bac Ninh is filled with many cities and towns worth checking out. From the city of Bac Ninh itself to Hai Duong, Hai Phong, and Mong Cai, you can explore it all on Tripfany.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip To Bac Ninh

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