Top 5 Most Popular Tourist Spots in Bac Ninh During Tet

Located in the heart of the city, the Bac Ninh Cathedral stands out with its Baroque architecture – a unique style that originated in the 16th century. Admiring the cathedral, which is over a century old, reveals a brilliant fusion of artistic elements. The distinctive architectural style carries a sacred aura, creating a contemplative and serene space for the faithful.

The key feature of Baroque architecture is the creation of dynamic spaces through flowing light, where the source of light is concealed to achieve visual effects. Baroque design also involves the continuous movement of curved walls, shifting light, and the resonating harmony of perfect sound. The oval-shaped, curving walls emphasize its distinctive beauty.

The Bac Ninh Cathedral is laid out in a cross shape, adhering to the symmetrical design principles of Renaissance church architecture. The church is approximately 45 meters long and 12 meters wide, featuring two rows of rectangular columns stacked two stories high, with six statues on each side symbolizing the twelve apostles.

Address: 537 Ngo Gia Tu, P. Tien An, Bac Ninh

Bac Ninh Ancient Citadel is a significant military architectural monument of Bac Ninh province, constructed in 1805 during the reign of Emperor Gia Long of the Nguyen Dynasty. Initially, the citadel was built with earth, but it was rebuilt with laterite in the 6th year of Minh Mang's reign (1825), and finally with brick during Emperor Thieu Tri’s reign (1841).

The entire Bac Ninh Ancient Citadel site is currently managed by the Political Officer School (Ministry of Defense). Due to years of warfare and human encroachment, the monument has deteriorated significantly. Remaining traces of the ancient citadel include three gates, a section of the wall, a deep moat, and two cannons, with the most notable being the front gate with its observation tower and a flagpole reaching nearly 20 meters high.

The Bac Ninh Ancient Citadel is an invaluable cultural heritage site, holding historical, military, cultural, scientific, and architectural significance. It is a treasure of the people of Bac Ninh that needs to be protected, restored, and promoted. In the province’s tourism development plan, the citadel has become a key attraction for tourists and a venue for cultural, artistic, and sports activities, catering to the spiritual and cultural needs of the community.

Address: Do Xa Village, Vo Giang District, Hoa Dinh (Tien Du), and Yen Xa Village, Yen Phong District (now in Ve An Ward), Bac Ninh

Phat Tich Pagoda (also known as Vạn Phúc Pagoda) is located 20km east of Hanoi, on the Lạn Kha mountain. This historic pagoda, rich in architectural features from the Ly dynasty, is one of the oldest in the region.

This site marks the meeting point of Indian Buddhism and ancient Vietnamese folk beliefs, laying the foundation for the first Buddhist center of Vietnam (Dau - Luy Lau center). According to ancient records, Phat Tich Pagoda was initially established in the fourth year of the Thai Binh era (1057), with several structures arranged in rows. In 1066, King Ly Thanh Tong ordered the construction of a tall tower. After the tower collapsed, a solid green stone statue of the Amitabha Buddha was discovered inside, covered in gold leaf. As a result of this miraculous discovery, the village was renamed Phat Tich and moved to the slopes of the mountain.

The pagoda’s architecture follows the 'Internal work, external work' style. The first platform houses the North Bac Ninh Phat Tich Pagoda with a garden of peonies that evokes the legendary romance of 'Tu Thuc meets the fairy'. To the right of the pagoda stands a temple dedicated to the deity Trần Ngọc Am. In front of the temple is a Linh Quang tower built in 1699 during the reign of Emperor Chính Hòa XX.

Address: Southern slope of Phat Tich Mountain, Phat Tich village, Tien Du district, Bac Ninh province

Dau Pagoda, also known by other names such as Co Chau Pagoda, Dien Ung Pagoda, Phap Van Pagoda, Thien Dinh Pagoda, and Ba Dau Pagoda, is located on a high, flat area with a beautiful landscape, facing west. The architectural layout follows the 'Internal work, external work' style, and includes several sections: the main gate, the front hall (worship path), Hoa Phong tower, the main sanctuary, the back hall, two corridors, and auxiliary buildings such as the Mother and Ancestor temples, guest house, tower garden, pagoda pond, and boundary walls.

The main gate consists of three spans, supported by four rows of wooden columns with a 'beam-and-purlin' structural system. The components are finely polished and tightly joined, with tiled roofs and walls closed at the ends, creating an airy and open design throughout. Dau Pagoda strongly reflects the architectural and sculptural features of various historical periods, with a rich collection of statues showcasing the artistry of the Le and Nguyen dynasties, particularly the set of Four Statues. This site serves as a testament to the fusion of Indian Buddhism with Vietnam’s indigenous beliefs, forming a unique religious and cultural center that embodies national identity.

Address: Khuong Tu village, Thanh Khuong commune, Thuan Thanh district, Bac Ninh province

But Thap Pagoda houses the largest wooden statue of Quan Am with a thousand arms and eyes in Vietnam. It is also a special national heritage site, classified in the fourth group of heritage sites.

This is one of the few remaining ancient pagodas with a large-scale architectural structure in the Northern Delta to this day. The pagoda features a unique architectural design, with a harmonious balance between the structure and the surrounding natural environment. The main architecture of the pagoda faces south, a traditional direction for the Vietnamese people. In Buddhism, the south represents wisdom and the path of enlightenment.

The pagoda’s architecture uses a wooden frame for structural support, while the stone base and railings are common, adorned with intricate carvings of animals, which are lively and unique. Decorations are visible throughout the wooden and stone materials, in both the structure and the religious artifacts. Notably, the upper terrace railing of the Main Hall features 26 carved stone reliefs, the stone bridge railing leading to the Thich Thien Am building contains 12 reliefs, and there are 13 reliefs on the stone railing surrounding the base of the Bao Nghiem tower. In total, But Thap Pagoda has 51 stone carvings, each depicting different themes, but unified in their materials, style, and age. These carvings depict vibrant, lively images that embody the Buddhist teachings and, in particular, showcase the artistry of Zen Buddhism. The carvings predominantly focus on nature, including the Four Sacred Beasts.

Address: But Thap village, Dinh To commune, Thuan Thanh district, Bac Ninh province