Top 15 Beautiful Tourist Spots in Bac Giang

Tho Ha Village is a historic village in Vietnam, renowned for its pottery, rice noodle, and spring roll wrapper production. The village is known for its ancient alleyways and walls built from broken ceramic pieces and discarded pottery, without the use of mortar, instead relying on mud from the Cau River as the binding agent.

The village also features the Tho Ha Communal House, constructed in 1685 during the reign of King Le Chinh Hoa. This expansive 3000 m² structure is built in the shape of a Chinese character and adorned with intricate carvings depicting various lively scenes, including several depictions of young women dressed in long dresses, aprons, and headscarves, all with bright, cheerful expressions. The unique craftsmanship was once classified by the French authorities and preserved in the Indochina Museum.

Khuon Than Tourist Area consists of Khuon Than Lake and Khuon Than Forest, located in Kien Lao Commune, Luc Ngan District, Bac Giang Province. The 240-hectare Khuon Than Lake is home to five small islands, each planted with 15-20-year-old pine trees. The surrounding Khuon Than Forest spans approximately 700 hectares, including 300 hectares of natural forest and 400 hectares of pine trees.

Visitors can enjoy activities such as camping, boating on the lake with pedal boats or motorboats, sampling local products like honey, gecko wine, and chestnuts, and participating in cultural events with the locals. There are also opportunities for golf, mountain camping, festivals, cultural exchanges, weekend getaways, and healing retreats. A cable car system is being planned to replace boat rides to the islands.

Xuong Giang Ancient Citadel is located in Xuong Giang Commune, Bac Giang City, Bac Giang Province. The citadel is rectangular, measuring 600 meters in length (east to west) and 450 meters in width (north to south), covering an area of 27 hectares. The thick earth walls are fortified with bastions at each corner, surrounded by a wide moat, and four gates, with the main gate facing west. The central area, known as the 'Ngo Army Hill,' sits in the middle of the citadel, about 300-400 meters from the wall and is now cultivated with rice and vegetables. Nearby is 'Phu Well,' which dates back to the old Phu Lang Giang region and has now become a large pond. If you have the chance, be sure to visit this historical citadel.

To commemorate the Lam Son insurgent army's victory at Xuong Giang Citadel, Bac Giang holds an annual festival on January 6-7. The festival includes various rituals and exciting activities. On the evening before the festival, young people gather to light bonfires. At temples, pagodas, shrines, and cultural houses, lanterns are lit through the night to prepare for the early morning procession, where people from different districts gather with flags, drums, and colorful attire to make their way to the festival center.

Located in Dong Cao Village, Thach Son Commune, Son Dong District, Bac Giang Province, the Dong Cao Plateau sits nearly 1,000 meters above sea level. It features lush green hills that stretch out like vast European meadows. The plateau is also dotted with ancient stone fields scattered across the grassy slopes. The mountain breeze, the scent of the forest, and the drifting clouds enveloping the area create a peaceful atmosphere that makes the stresses and fatigue of daily life fade away. Dong Cao has become an attractive destination for young adventurers, especially those who enjoy trekking in the highlands.

The Dong Cao Plateau lies in the northeastern mountain range, where the climate remains cool and comfortable year-round. While it's possible to visit at any time of year, the best time to explore Dong Cao is between September and November, when the weather in Bac Giang is dry and pleasantly cool, making it ideal for camping and campfire activities.

The Dinh Huong Mausoleum, located in Dinh Huong Village, Duc Thang Commune, Hiep Hoa District, Bac Giang Province, is an impressive and unique stone architectural complex from the Later Le Dynasty. It was recognized as a national cultural and historical site in 1965. The mausoleum is divided into three main sections: the tomb in the center, the worship area on the left, and the stele area on the right. The stone statues of people and animals at the mausoleum are intricately carved and lifelike, with large, solid forms that are carefully shaped. This site is a popular destination for locals, tourists, and researchers alike.

The mausoleum sits on a circular hill about one hectare in size, surrounded by a brick wall (which was once a wall made of sandstone). The entrance features two statues of attendants holding bronze mallets. The mausoleum complex is divided into three main sections: the central tomb, the worship area on the left, and the stele area on the right. The stone statues here, depicting both humans and animals, are skillfully carved in great detail, with a solid and sturdy design.

The worship area includes two reclining elephant statues, a large altar with two fierce-looking lion statues, followed by a throne made from two large stones. Nearby are two female attendants and two smaller lion statues, all meticulously carved with vibrant detail. The left attendant holds a rectangular box near her waist with her left hand supporting the bottom and her right hand holding it at the top. The right attendant holds a fan, with a pointed cap atop her head, and the back of her cap is covered with layers of cloth, draping over her ears and neck.

Dong Thong Ecotourism Area is part of the West Yen Tu tourism route, a major tourist corridor being developed and promoted by Bac Giang Province. This ecotourism site also serves as a sanctuary for many rare animal species. In addition, it is a popular stopover for visitors before they embark on the journey to conquer the Phu Van Peak in Yen Tu from the west.

At Dong Thong, you can visit the Non market to sample the unique honey of Yen Tu and traditional local leaf-fermented wine. You can also immerse yourself in the cultural practices and rituals of the local ethnic communities, such as the Rain Prayer Ceremony, the New Rice Ceremony, and the Cap Sac Ceremony of the Dao people in Mau and Dong Thong villages. Additionally, Dong Thong is a gateway for trekking through the forest to reach Dong Pagoda and other temples in the Yen Tu mountain range.

Located more than 15 km from Bac Giang City, on Danh Mountain, you will find a rich forest of pine and acacia trees. This site is historically significant, mentioned in the ancient book “Dai Nam Nhut Thong Chi”, which refers to the mountain: “Chung Son Mountain in Bao Loc commune, Yenthe, produces southern ginseng and Thi grass.” The tourism complex here includes several notable structures, such as: Den Trinh, Den Ha, Den Thuong, Khong But Pagoda, Vuong Temple, and over 30 hectares of pine, acacia, and eucalyptus trees that are more than a decade old. This creates a spiritually and ecologically rich environment that attracts many visitors for pilgrimages and sightseeing.

Danh Mountain is not very high, standing at only around 100 meters. The mountain's unique shape resembles an inverted bell, with its rolling slopes and meandering rivers, including the Thuong River and Nham Ngao stream, contributing to its picturesque landscape. Surrounding the mountain are 19 historical sites including temples, pagodas, and shrines. There is also a centuries-old temple at the summit. If you visit Bac Giang, be sure to explore Danh Mountain!

Ban Da Huc is located about 8 kilometers from the center of Binh Son commune. From the inter-village road that passes through the village, you can see the rolling hills covered in wild grass, with a striking green forest standing out. This is the pristine forest, also known as the green lim tree forest of Ban Da Huc. Near the forest’s edge stands an ancient and serene temple, overlooking the Cao Lan people's settlement. To reach the temple, you must take a shortcut through the fields. On a scorching summer afternoon, sitting under the shade of an ancient lim tree at the temple yard brings a refreshing and soothing feeling that everyone can appreciate.

It’s unclear when exactly the Da Huc Temple, nestled by the green lim tree forest, became so sacred and a source of pride for the Cao Lan people. Perhaps it’s due to this reverence that no one dares to cut any branch from the lim trees. Every year, during the festival on the 15th of March or during special Cao Lan ceremonies, the community comes together to clean the temple and remove weeds to help preserve the lim forest’s vitality. For major family or clan events, people bring offerings to the temple to pray to the Forest God for blessings, safety, and prosperity.

There is a fascinating ecological tourism spot that is well-known to locals but remains a hidden gem to outsiders, located in Tuan Dao commune (Son Dong). This is the Hang Chieng Waterfall - Khe Nuong Dâu. On hot summer days, this is the perfect destination for locals seeking to cool off.

Situated in a secluded mountain gorge, surrounded by the lush vegetation of the protective forest in Lam Tuan village, the name Hang Chieng dates back to the French resistance period when local guerillas hid their gongs here as a signal for their operations. The area is also known for its fertile mulberry fields.

Boda Temple, officially known as Quan Am Temple on Boda Mountain or Boda Mountain Quan Am Temple, is also referred to as Boda Temple or Tứ Ân Temple. It is one of the most unique temples in the Kinh Bac region and serves as a major center of the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect. The temple is situated on Phoenix Mountain (Boda Mountain), to the north of the Cau River, in Tien Son Commune, Viet Yen District, Bac Giang Province (formerly in Tien Lat Commune, Viet Yen District, Lang Giang Prefecture, Bac Ninh Province). Boda Temple is one of the few places that has preserved the traditional architecture of ancient Vietnam.

The temple is known for its distinct architecture that sets it apart from other northern Vietnamese temples. It houses the largest and most beautiful pagoda garden in Vietnam, along with many valuable antiques and a rich collection of Han-Nom heritage. The temple’s setting is harmonious with nature, offering scenic views where the river meets the mountains, creating a mythical atmosphere. The surrounding hills and villages add to the charm. The temple worships the Three Teachings, including Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, the Three Patriarchs of Truc Lam (Tran Nhan Tong, Phap Loa, and Huyen Quang), and Confucius. The Boda Temple complex includes the main temple, Tứ Ân Temple, and Am Tam Đức (built later during the Le Dynasty). Additionally, there is a shrine on Boda Mountain dedicated to Duc Thanh Hoa (also known as Thach Tuong Dai Vuong), a hero who assisted King Hung XVI in repelling foreign invaders.

Vinh Nghiem Temple, located in Duc La village, Tri Yen commune, Yen Dung district, Bac Giang province, Vietnam, also known as Duc La Temple, is a major Buddhist center that trains monks for the entire country. It is the birthplace of the Three Patriarchs of the Truc Lam Zen sect in Vietnamese Buddhism and is considered one of the shining gems among ancient Vietnamese temples.

Historically, Vinh Nghiem Temple was part of Duc La commune, Tri Yen district, Lang Giang prefecture, now in Duc La village, Tri Yen commune, Yen Dung district, Bac Giang province, which is why it is sometimes called Duc La Temple. The annual festival here is known as the La Festival. The temple is situated at the confluence of the Luc Nam and Thuong Rivers (known as the Phuong Nhan confluence), with views overlooking the river junction, near Luc Dau Giang and Kiep Bac, the gateway to Yen Tu Mountain. The temple is surrounded by beautiful mountains, including Co Tien Mountain. Across the river lies the Trần Hưng Đạo’s royal palace and Kiep Bac Temple.

According to the stone inscriptions from the Tran Dynasty: “When the Great Master Dieu Ngu Phap Loa established this monastery, he also opened the Duc La market. Nobles, royal families, and people from all regions donated land and estates to offer incense and support the temple for eternity. Along with the Sùng Nghiêm Temple, it was one of 72 monasteries, with its contributions etched on a stone stele at Hoa Nghiem Temple, Yen Tu Mountain.” Another inscription reads: “Master Dieu Ngu (Tran Nhan Tong) opened this Tùng lâm (monastery), along with the temple market. Noble families and pilgrims from all over donated land to the temple, including land in the commune and other regions.”

Truc Lam Phuong Hoang Zen Monastery is built from the foot to the mid-point of Non Vua Mountain, the highest peak in the Nham Bien range. The summit of Non Vua features a sacred well, known as the Heavenly Well, which always contains clean, cool water throughout the year.

The design of Truc Lam Phuong Hoang Zen Monastery follows a west-south axis and includes 15 structures. These range from the Three-Gate Entrance, the main hall combined with the ancestral hall, to guesthouses, a library, an exhibition hall, a monk's residence, bell tower, drum tower, meditation hall, and a host of other buildings designed to serve visitors. This site is an ideal cultural and spiritual tourism destination for pilgrims, tourists, and those seeking a peaceful retreat. In the near future, Truc Lam Phuong Hoang Zen Monastery promises to become an increasingly popular spiritual destination in Bac Giang.

Stretching nearly 30 kilometers in length, with the widest point measuring 7 kilometers and the narrowest at 200 meters, Cam Son Lake is located in Luc Ngan district, Bac Giang province. Covering an area of about 2,650 hectares, the lake has a water capacity of around 248 million cubic meters. During the rainy season, when floods are frequent, the water level rises, and the surface of the lake can expand to 3,000 hectares. The area surrounding Cam Son Lake enjoys a mild and refreshing climate, and the lake provides essential irrigation water for agriculture in both Hai Duong and Bac Giang provinces. The lake is surrounded by high mountain ranges, with the shoreline formed by lush mountains and tall trees.

Visitors to Cam Son Lake can enjoy activities such as boating, hiking, fishing, walking through local ethnic villages, or exploring the surrounding forests. There are two main routes to reach the Cam Son Lake tourist area: one from Bac Giang city via National Route 31 towards the northeast, turning left onto Provincial Road 290, continuing on National Route 279 through Vang Pass, and turning left onto a dirt road that leads to Son Hai commune. Alternatively, visitors can travel along National Route 1A from Bac Giang towards Lang Son, turn right at the junction with National Route 279, and after about 4 kilometers, reach Cam Son Lake.

Located in the mysterious Huyen Dinh valley of Yen Tu, Mo Stream is not just an ecological tourism destination but also a spiritual retreat. The stream is home to many large waterfalls and natural pools, creating a serene and captivating atmosphere. The stream grows in size as it winds through mountain crevices, and due to natural geological formations, large stone slabs have stacked up in various shapes and levels, altering the stream's gradient and creating numerous waterfalls of different sizes.

Visitors to Mo Stream can enjoy activities such as sightseeing, camping, swimming, and hiking. Every year, on the 1st day of the 4th lunar month, a festival is held here to pray for a bountiful harvest. If you visit Mo Stream during this time, you can participate in various traditional festival games, including boat races, archery, wrestling, cock fighting, and ethnic martial arts. You can also savor local delicacies and fruits from Luc Ngan, such as jackfruit, lychee, and watermelon. Mo Stream is located about 30 kilometers east of Bac Giang city and 80 kilometers from Hanoi, accessible via National Route 31 and Provincial Road 293. It lies in the Nghia Phuong commune of Luc Nam district, Bac Giang province.

Khe Ro Primeval Forest is located in An Lac commune, Son Dong district, and represents a prime example of the northeastern Vietnamese wilderness. Covering an area of over 5,000 hectares, the forest is home to two major streams: Vang Stream and Khe Din Stream, both featuring multi-tiered waterfalls with drops ranging from 30 to 40 meters per level. The wildlife in Khe Ro Forest is rich, with 226 species, including 51 mammals, 102 birds, 40 reptiles, and 33 amphibians. Among them are several rare and endangered species listed in the Red Book, such as the Asiatic black bear, the goat antelope, the sun bear, leopards, the golden turtle, and pangolins.

Additionally, Khe Ro Primeval Forest offers breathtaking natural scenery, including the scenic Vung Tron Lake, Dong Duong Waterfall, Vang Stream, and ancient Lim trees. The area is inhabited by indigenous ethnic groups such as the Tay, Nung, Cao Lan, and San Chi, who maintain their traditional customs and lifestyles. Modern influences have yet to significantly impact their way of life, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to explore unique cultural practices.