When it comes to Bac Ninh tourist destinations , people immediately think of the land of Buddhism, with hundreds of large and small temples and pagodas, not to mention historical sites and tombs of famous generals in Vietnamese history. Let’s explore these places with Smile Travel !

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10 famous tourist destinations in Bac Ninh that foreign tourists should visit
1. Phat Tich Pagoda – the most famous spiritual tourist destination in Bac Ninh
Phat Tich Pagoda in Bac Ninh is an important historical pagoda with the largest Ly Dynasty stone Buddha statue in Vietnam, along with the Ly Dynasty architectural style with three steps carved into the mountainside. This pagoda has 7 front rooms to welcome guests, 8 ancestral houses, 7 rooms to worship the Holy Mother and 5 rooms to worship Buddha, Amitabha and the Three Buddhas.
Despite its long history, many Ly Dynasty carvings are still preserved at Phat Tich Pagoda. Other Ly Dynasty relics such as stone wall tiles and fighting cocks are also present at the pagoda, with typical carvings such as Kim Cuong, Dharma protectors, divine birds, musicians, and dancers, creating a unique cultural space and preserving the unique historical identity of this pagoda.
2. Dau Pagoda

Dau Pagoda is a famous tourist destination in Bac Ninh , known as “The first ancient temple in the South“. This pagoda has a long history, starting in 187 and completed in 226. Located in the historical and cultural relics of Kinh Bac, Dau Pagoda includes Luy Lau ancient citadel, Si Tiep tomb and many other pagodas, temples, mansions and stupas. The architecture of Dau Pagoda is very unique and elaborate in every detail.
Within the grounds of Dau Pagoda, there is also a temple to worship the Goddess of Clouds. Every year, on the 8th day of the 4th lunar month, local people hold a festival at Dau Pagoda to pray for favorable weather. This is an opportunity for people to enjoy many performances, participate in unique folk activities and admire solemn worship rituals. This creates a unique cultural experience and is not to be missed when traveling to Bac Ninh.
3. Bac Ninh Ancient Citadel
Bac Ninh Citadel is in the top tourist destinations in Bac Ninh that you should visit once . The citadel was built in 1805 under King Gia Long of the Nguyen Dynasty and is one of the four most beautiful citadels in Bac Ky, with a unique architectural style with a hexagonal design. The citadel is 9 meters high, with a total perimeter of 532 truong 3 thuoc 2 tons, and is protected by wide moats. Inside the citadel, there are unique designs such as communal houses, flagpoles, fortresses, gunpowder warehouses, creating a unique cultural and historical space.
However, after many years, Bac Ninh ancient citadel has undergone serious degradation. Currently, the restoration and repair work has not really been focused on, still not meeting its historical and cultural values. The concern, conservation and restoration of Bac Ninh ancient citadel is extremely important to preserve this precious cultural heritage for future generations.
4. But Thap Pagoda

But Thap Pagoda is a famous pagoda in Bac Ninh , attracting many Buddhists and tourists. Despite its long history, But Thap Pagoda still retains its original primitive architecture, creating a unique and distinctive beauty.
The campus of But Thap Pagoda is very large and famous for the largest wooden statue of the Goddess of Mercy with a thousand eyes and a thousand hands in Vietnam. From afar, the pagoda looks like a pen, so people call it But Thap Pagoda. The architectural complex of But Thap Pagoda is like a long oasis located on a vast rice field and every step of the tourist contains unique historical and cultural values. This creates a memorable experience when traveling to Bac Ninh.
5. Dinh Bang Village – famous tourist destination in Bac Ninh
A tourist destination in Bac Ninh with a long-standing cultural tradition that cannot be missed is Dinh Bang Village. Dinh Bang is a famous communal house in Tu Son District, Bac Ninh, attracting attention with its unique architecture and long history. This communal house is made entirely of ironwood and has retained its 300-year-old architecture.
The architecture of Dinh Bang is very impressive, with a long roof covered with thick fish-tail tiles, and the roof corners, called “tàu dao”, are curved in reverse. In particular, on the 28 eaves of the communal house, there are 28 dragon heads, each head has a lively look. The main hall is built on a three-step high foundation of surrounding green stone, creating a majestic and unique beauty.
With unique architectural features and long history, Dinh Bang is a cultural tourist destination not to be missed when traveling to Bac Ninh .
6. Bac Ninh Tourism At Diem Village

Diem Village is a great tourist destination in Bac Ninh , to return to the familiar features of ancient Vietnam and enjoy the peaceful countryside space. The beautiful scenery of the banyan tree, the well and the communal house yard along with the green trees hanging down to the lake create a quiet and intimate picture.
Diem village is also famous for Quan Ho singing, a unique and characteristic feature of Bac Ninh folk culture. This is truly a unique and memorable cultural experience when visitors visit Diem village.
Travel tips and tricks
- The best time to visit the festival: You should visit Diem village on the 5th and 6th days of the first lunar month every year. This is when the Ancestor Worship Temple Festival takes place, with a solemn procession and Quan Ho folk singing echoing from the lakeside, the village square, and the traditional “Quan Ho performance houses” day and night.
- The custom of fetching water from the Jade Well: When going down to the Jade Well to drink or take water home, you must leave all your shoes and sandals on the edge of the well and walk barefoot down the stone steps to preserve the absolute purity of the sacred water. Prepare a small bottle if you intend to take water home.
- Appropriate attire: As this is a solemn and sacred temple, visitors should wear modest and respectful clothing (shirts with sleeves, trousers or skirts that cover the knees).
7. Dong Ho painting village – a tourist destination in Bac Ninh that you should visit once
Dong Ho painting village is located in Bac Ninh province, famous for its unique and traditional Vietnamese folk painting craft. Dong Ho paintings are a precious cultural symbol, carved on wind paper with natural colors that are available.
When coming to Dong Ho painting village, visitors will witness the unique and sophisticated traditional painting making process. From preparing natural materials, artisans will guide you on how to make colors from yellow plants, betel plants, lotus flowers, … to how to draw and print paintings using meticulous manual steps.
In this way, visitors not only have the opportunity to enjoy the quintessential traditional art but also can interact and learn from the talented artisans in Dong Ho painting village. This not only preserves and promotes the value of folk culture but also creates a unique and interesting experience for visitors who love culture and art.
8. Do Temple – the historical temple

Do Temple is an important historical structure from the 11th century, where 8 kings of the Ly Dynasty were worshiped and especially where King Ly Cong Uan was crowned and returned to visit his homeland. This structure has undergone many renovations and expansions over time, still retaining its distinctive and unique architecture. The surrounding landscape with a crescent lake, statues of the Ly Dynasty kings and the Mother Goddess worshiping room creates a sacred and solemn space.
The festival is usually held in March, attracting a large number of visitors to visit and worship. This is an opportunity to enjoy the unique traditional culture of the locality and a great opportunity to better understand the history and cultural heritage at Do Temple.
Practical Tips and Traditional Festivals
- The Do Temple Festival (Kinh Bac Pilgrimage): Takes place from the 14th to the 16th of the third lunar month every year (with the 15th being the main day – commemorating the coronation of King Ly Thai To). This is one of the largest festivals in Bac Ninh, featuring a magnificent procession of thousands of people in traditional costumes and folk games such as wrestling, rice cooking competitions, and Quan Ho folk singing on dragon boats.
- Religious dress code: As this is a place of worship for the founding emperors, visitors are required to wear respectful and modest clothing (shirts with sleeves, trousers or skirts that cover the knees). Walk softly, speak quietly, and do not touch the statues or ancient stone artifacts inside the inner sanctuary without permission.
- Specialties to buy as souvenirs: Right outside the gate of the Do Temple, there are many shops selling traditional Dinh Bang Phu The cakes (Xu Xue cakes) wrapped in dong leaves, with a sweet, fragrant mung bean and coconut filling – a royal delicacy that has made this region famous.
9. Ba Chua Kho Temple – the most popular tourist destination in Bac Ninh in early spring
Ba Chua Kho Temple is a sacred tourist destination in Bac Ninh and holds a profound cultural value in the hearts of the people of the North. The worship of the people for Ba Chua Kho Temple is shown through the thousands of tourists visiting and participating in the festival every year, especially during the New Year.
The sight of thousands of visitors from all over the world flocking to Ba Chua Kho Temple to worship, burn incense and make offerings is not only a sign of respect but also a unique cultural highlight, expressing worship, hope for luck and peace. The festival customs at Ba Chua Kho Temple are also an opportunity for visitors to better understand the unique spiritual and cultural traditions of Northern Vietnam.
10. Kinh Duong Vuong Mausoleum and Temple

The last place that Smile Travel wants to mention is the Kinh Duong Vuong Mausoleum and Temple. The Kinh Duong Vuong Mausoleum and Temple are unique cultural and spiritual attractions in Bac Ninh province. The mausoleum and temple with respect and remembrance for King Kinh Duong Vuong attract tens of thousands of domestic and foreign tourists every year.
Spatial structure: “Mausoleum by the river – Shrine by the dike”
The historical site is divided into two separate areas located approximately 500 meters apart, creating a harmonious symmetry with the natural landscape:
- The tomb of King Kinh Duong Vuong (Ancestor’s Tomb): Located separately outside the dike, close to the Duong River and surrounded by a vast forest of ancient trees covering over 4,200 square meters, providing year-round tranquil shade. The tomb itself is built of simple blue stone, with the front facing the river. The lantern-shaped pillars on either side of the tomb are adorned with embossed motifs of mythical birds and hunters/gatherers, modeled after the patterns on the Dong Son bronze drums.
Temple (Kinh Duong Vuong Shrine):
Nestled within the dike, facing south, the temple complex boasts a grand scale, restored in the style of Eastern imperial palace architecture, comprising a front hall, a central hall, and a rear hall.
- Objects of worship: The temple not only worships Kinh Duong Vuong but also his son Lac Long Quan and his daughter-in-law Au Co (the parents of the Hung Kings).
- Heritage treasures: The temple currently houses an exquisitely carved ancient throne and a unique system of 15 royal decrees granted by various feudal dynasties.
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If you are interested in history, culture and spirituality, visiting the Kinh Duong Vuong tomb and temple will bring you an interesting experience. This is also an opportunity to learn about the origin and deep cultural traditions of this area.
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