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Bac Ninh
Bac Ninh is located in the Red River Delta region. It is surrounded by Bac Giang to the north, Hung Yen to the south, Hai Duong to the east, and Hanoi to the west. The topography is quite flat with a complex network of rivers and springs, including Cau, Duong, and Thai Binh rivers.
The province has moon soon weather, cold winter. The annual average temperature is 24ºC. The highest one is 30ºC in July; the lowest one is 15ºC in January. The annual average rainfall is 1,400mm - 1,600mm. The rainy season lasts from May to October and the dry season lasts from December to April next year.
Bac Ninh used to be an ancient town, a trade centre of Vietnam 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. Bac Ninh is cradle of Quan ho folk-song. The popular festivals take place in many pagodas, temples and communal houses, especcially they usually are orgazed in spring. Bac Ninh has some tradition handicraft villages such as Dong Ky Wood, Dong Ho Pain, Dai Bai Bronze, Phu Lang Pottery.
Bac Ninh is 30km from Hanoi, 110km from Haiphong, 20km from Bac Giang, 45km from Noi Bai International Airport. It is on the National Highway No.1A, 18, 38.
Attractions in Bac Ninh:
1. The Lim festival
2. Dau Pagoda
3. But Thap Pagoda
4. Do Temple
5. Phat Tich Pagoda
6. Ba Chua Kho Temple Festival
7. Dinh Bang Communal House
Attractions in details:
1. The Lim festival, Quan Ho folk songs:
The Lim festival takes place in Noi Duc Commune of Tien Son District on the 13th day of the first lunar month (usually mid-February to early March). It is centered on the Kinh Bac tradition Quan Ho singing. The Lim Festival commemorates Hieu Trung Hau, credited with creating this art-form. Quan Ho folk songs are performed by separate male and female groups who converse through elaborate questions and answers. While the answers are improvised, there are strict rules. Singers must not only be quick-witted, but also must have a strong grasp of the traditional tunes and a deep understanding of the history and culture which gave rise to it. The festival also involves processions, singing performances and many games such as human chess, wrestling and more.
2. Dau Pagoda, Bac Ninh
Dau Pagoda, also known as Dien Ung, is situated in Dau, Thuan Thanh District, Bac Ninh Province.
Built in the 3rd century, Dau Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Vietnam. In the beginning, the pagoda was a Buddhist center well known throughout the country and abroad. At the end of the 4th century, Ch’an Master Vinitaruci gave lectures and the first Vietnamese Buddhist doctrine was produced there.
King Mac Dinh Chi enlarged the pagoda in the 14th century and the pagoda underwent several renovations during the following centuries.
In the pagoda’s yard, there is a three - storey tower called Hoa Phong. In the tower, there is a large bell produced during the Canh Thinh Dynasty (1793), a big bronze gong produced during the 18th year of the reign of Minh Mang (1817) and statues of Phap Van, Kim Dong, and Ngoc Nu, followers of the Goddess of Mercy according to Buddhist legends.
3. But Thap Pagoda, Bac Ninh
But Thap Pagoda is situated on the dike of the Duong River, Thuan Thanh District, Bac Ninh Province. The 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.
The pagoda was built according to "Noi Cong Ngoai Quoc "architectural style, and includes 10 buildings spread over 100 meters, from the three-entrance gate to the bell-tower and back house. Two 13-m towers, Ton Duc and Bao Nghiem, are made of white rock, making the pagoda seem higher, more majestic and peaceful. Some remains of the 17th century are kept here such as statues, valuable donations, Nine-Story Lotus Tower, Tuyet Son statue, Bao Nghiem tower, and Xa Ly tomb. The last renovations of the structure were carried out in 1992
4. Do Temple, Bac Ninh
Formerly, the Do Temple was famous for its architecture, highly praised through the verses: the architecture of the Do Temple is marvelous, worthy to the thousand-year-old history of Thang Long.
However, the Temple was heavily damaged by the French colonialists in 1952 and is now under urgent reconstruction. The local elderly remembered the Temple’s past structure and concluded around 20 categories needed to be restored, as follows:
"In front of the Temple lies a semi-circular lake, 9,500 sq. in area, with clear and full water all the year round. The lake is connected with two ponds at both ends of the village, with the Tieu Tuong River in front of the village. In the center of the lake stands a square house reserved for water puppetry performances with two beautiful tiered roofs. To the south of the lake, there is a huge pavilion to preserve stone slabs inscribed with the merits of the eight Ly kings, and to the north of the lake, a 5-compartment floating house for visitors to take a rest.
"The Temple's gate includes five doors made of hard wooden plates assembled together and carved on top images of dragons waiting upon the moon. When the door opens. Its two leaves are wide apart, and the two dragons on top of the doors seem to be soaring. On day, the dragons 'eyes when catching the light', shine like gemstones.
"Along the three-step staircase, are carved two stone dragons with clouds around, on a green stone floor, symbolizing the Thang Long (Soaring Dragon) capital.
Passing the gate and a large yard, a green stone paved road leads visitors to a square house, with eight tiered roofs and three compartments. 70 sq. in area. Then there is a 7-compartment front worship house, 220 sq.m in area, whose front walls are hung with two big posters displaying capital letters: "Eight Kings together brightening "and "Co Phap commune - a foundation of the Ly dynasty".
"Then comes a three-compartment house, 80sq.m in area, with eight tiered roofs. These three compartments are spacious and ventilated and on the axis leading to the Co Phap ancient back pavilion, 180sq.m in area, and with the floor space in the shape of a Cong letter..."
Different parts of the Do Temple are being restored one after another by skilful craftsmen. A rolling of drumbeats was suddenly heard, signaling the start of a procession to bring the tablet of King Ly Thai To from the Do Temple to the Ung Tam Pagoda where the King's mother was worshipped for a reunion of the King and his mother. The procession was attended by a thousand of people, who expressed the spirit of the Vietnamese, i.e. "when drinking the water, think of its source".
5. Phat Tich Pagoda, Bac Ninh
Phat Tich Pagoda, where Buddhist monks were trained in the past, is located on Mount Phat Tich, Phuong Hoang commune, in Bac Ninh province.
The pagoda, also called Van Phuc Pagoda, was built between the 7th and 10th centuries, and underwent several transformations throughout the years. It was first renovated during the Ly dynasty. In 1057, King Ly Thai Tong had a tower erected and a golden statue made. The pagoda was later enlarged in the 17th century. Unfortunately, the pagoda was ravaged by the war in 1947 and was rebuilt again in a simpler style in 1958. However, since 1991, the pagoda has been reconstructed following ancient architectural design.
Among the remains of the pagoda is a statue of Lord Buddha. The columns are decorated with intricately carved lotus flowers and various types of traditional musical instruments
6. Ba Chua Kho Temple Festival, Bac Ninh Festivals
It is said that Lady Chua Kho was a hard working woman. After marrying the king of Ly Dynasty, she asked for going to Vu Ninh area, recruited villagers for establishing village, expanded the wasteland, organized production in 72 small villages. She also kept an eyes on the food stock, maintained military provisions well during and after the victory of Song invaders in Nhu Nguyet River (Cau River) in 1076. When she died, people built a temple to dedicated to her. Annually, the temple attracts a great number of people from the whole country to worship and pray for good fortune and borrow money from her in working of the whole year.
7. Dinh Bang Communal House
Situated in Dinh Bang Village, Tu Son District, Bac Ninh Province, 15km from Hanoi, Dinh Bang together with Dong Khang and Diem Communal Houses were the most beautiful ones in Vietnam.
If visitors ride on highway 1A from Hanoi towards Bac Ninh Province and turn right at the Km 15 milestone, they will reach Dinh Bang Village in Tu Son District. The village was the native place of Ly Cong Uan (or King Ly Thai To) - founder of the Ly Dynasty (1010-1225) and Thang Long Capital (present - day Hanoi) (1010).
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.
Dinh Bang Communal House was built in the early 18th century and construction was completed in 1736. The first effort was attributed to Nguyen Thac Luong, a mandarin and native of Dinh Bang Village, and his wife Nguyen Thi Nguyen, a native of Thanh Hoa Province (Central Vietnam), who bought hard wood and donated it to the villagers to erect the communal house. There are folk verses from time immemorial like this:
"First ranks the Dong Khang Communal House.
Second, the Dinh Bang, and third, the Diem".
Up to now, the Dong Khang Communal House no longer exits, and only remain the Dinh Bang Communal House. Located in the centre of the village, it is an architectural site full of national identiy with unique carving and decoration.
The house faces south, with a lake at its front where duet singing of boats used to be organised, attracting innumerable visitors during the village festivals.
The central gate was built with bricks in the shape of a lantern. At its two sides there are vaulted gates with fake roofs.
On the two pillars of the communal house parallel sentences are carved which remind every villager to follow the teachings:
"The village conventions are painstakingly established by the ancestors,
Traditional fine customs and habits are seriously implemented by their descendants".
Behind the gate is a large yard paved with stones. On its left and right sides, colourful flowers and luxuriant bushes grow harmoniously.
Although having the experience of the ups and downs of war and the passage of time, the worshiping pavilion retains its extreme beauty. Also called the�great palace", it was built on high ground and is circled by two green stone stairs that gives the palace an imposing look. The four roofs stretch in four directions and cover the verandas, with rising dragon shaped ends. The tiles are large and deep green with moss. This image reminds the visitor of an old folk verse:
"Passing the communal house, I take off my conical hat and look at it,
I feel I love you as much as there are tiles on its roof..."
The pavilion floor was made of hard timber, and its pillars are as big as two men�s hand embraces. Each carving at Dinh Bang Communal House is like a masterpiece and is reputed for its uniqueness, which impresses any visitor. The carving is eight horses happily playing on a meadow; awaiting lion couple, each in its own posture: dragons in festivals; five dragons fighting for a gem; etc. The topic for these carving comes from traditional legends, and the images are of the four sacred animals (dragon, lion, tortoise and phoenix), or four valuable plants (pine, apricot, chrysanthemum, and little bamboo).
Three genies are worshipped at Dinh Bang Communal House, including Earth, Water and Cultivation. Memorial statues of six family patron saints, who made great contributions to re-building it after a big fire took place in the 15th century, include the Nguyen, Tran, Le, Ngo, Do and Dang erected at the back of the palace.
Every year, Dinh Bang spring festival is organised, luring a great number of visitors, who come to enjoy traditional entertainments and relaxation after hard working days.
The province has moon soon weather, cold winter. The annual average temperature is 24ºC. The highest one is 30ºC in July; the lowest one is 15ºC in January. The annual average rainfall is 1,400mm - 1,600mm. The rainy season lasts from May to October and the dry season lasts from December to April next year.
Bac Ninh used to be an ancient town, a trade centre of Vietnam 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. Bac Ninh is cradle of Quan ho folk-song. The popular festivals take place in many pagodas, temples and communal houses, especcially they usually are orgazed in spring. Bac Ninh has some tradition handicraft villages such as Dong Ky Wood, Dong Ho Pain, Dai Bai Bronze, Phu Lang Pottery.
Bac Ninh is 30km from Hanoi, 110km from Haiphong, 20km from Bac Giang, 45km from Noi Bai International Airport. It is on the National Highway No.1A, 18, 38.
Attractions in Bac Ninh:
1. The Lim festival
2. Dau Pagoda
3. But Thap Pagoda
4. Do Temple
5. Phat Tich Pagoda
6. Ba Chua Kho Temple Festival
7. Dinh Bang Communal House
Attractions in details:
1. The Lim festival, Quan Ho folk songs:
The Lim festival takes place in Noi Duc Commune of Tien Son District on the 13th day of the first lunar month (usually mid-February to early March). It is centered on the Kinh Bac tradition Quan Ho singing. The Lim Festival commemorates Hieu Trung Hau, credited with creating this art-form. Quan Ho folk songs are performed by separate male and female groups who converse through elaborate questions and answers. While the answers are improvised, there are strict rules. Singers must not only be quick-witted, but also must have a strong grasp of the traditional tunes and a deep understanding of the history and culture which gave rise to it. The festival also involves processions, singing performances and many games such as human chess, wrestling and more.
2. Dau Pagoda, Bac Ninh
Dau Pagoda, also known as Dien Ung, is situated in Dau, Thuan Thanh District, Bac Ninh Province.
Built in the 3rd century, Dau Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Vietnam. In the beginning, the pagoda was a Buddhist center well known throughout the country and abroad. At the end of the 4th century, Ch’an Master Vinitaruci gave lectures and the first Vietnamese Buddhist doctrine was produced there.
King Mac Dinh Chi enlarged the pagoda in the 14th century and the pagoda underwent several renovations during the following centuries.
In the pagoda’s yard, there is a three - storey tower called Hoa Phong. In the tower, there is a large bell produced during the Canh Thinh Dynasty (1793), a big bronze gong produced during the 18th year of the reign of Minh Mang (1817) and statues of Phap Van, Kim Dong, and Ngoc Nu, followers of the Goddess of Mercy according to Buddhist legends.
3. But Thap Pagoda, Bac Ninh
But Thap Pagoda is situated on the dike of the Duong River, Thuan Thanh District, Bac Ninh Province. The 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.
The pagoda was built according to "Noi Cong Ngoai Quoc "architectural style, and includes 10 buildings spread over 100 meters, from the three-entrance gate to the bell-tower and back house. Two 13-m towers, Ton Duc and Bao Nghiem, are made of white rock, making the pagoda seem higher, more majestic and peaceful. Some remains of the 17th century are kept here such as statues, valuable donations, Nine-Story Lotus Tower, Tuyet Son statue, Bao Nghiem tower, and Xa Ly tomb. The last renovations of the structure were carried out in 1992
4. Do Temple, Bac Ninh
Formerly, the Do Temple was famous for its architecture, highly praised through the verses: the architecture of the Do Temple is marvelous, worthy to the thousand-year-old history of Thang Long.
However, the Temple was heavily damaged by the French colonialists in 1952 and is now under urgent reconstruction. The local elderly remembered the Temple’s past structure and concluded around 20 categories needed to be restored, as follows:
"In front of the Temple lies a semi-circular lake, 9,500 sq. in area, with clear and full water all the year round. The lake is connected with two ponds at both ends of the village, with the Tieu Tuong River in front of the village. In the center of the lake stands a square house reserved for water puppetry performances with two beautiful tiered roofs. To the south of the lake, there is a huge pavilion to preserve stone slabs inscribed with the merits of the eight Ly kings, and to the north of the lake, a 5-compartment floating house for visitors to take a rest.
"The Temple's gate includes five doors made of hard wooden plates assembled together and carved on top images of dragons waiting upon the moon. When the door opens. Its two leaves are wide apart, and the two dragons on top of the doors seem to be soaring. On day, the dragons 'eyes when catching the light', shine like gemstones.
"Along the three-step staircase, are carved two stone dragons with clouds around, on a green stone floor, symbolizing the Thang Long (Soaring Dragon) capital.
Passing the gate and a large yard, a green stone paved road leads visitors to a square house, with eight tiered roofs and three compartments. 70 sq. in area. Then there is a 7-compartment front worship house, 220 sq.m in area, whose front walls are hung with two big posters displaying capital letters: "Eight Kings together brightening "and "Co Phap commune - a foundation of the Ly dynasty".
"Then comes a three-compartment house, 80sq.m in area, with eight tiered roofs. These three compartments are spacious and ventilated and on the axis leading to the Co Phap ancient back pavilion, 180sq.m in area, and with the floor space in the shape of a Cong letter..."
Different parts of the Do Temple are being restored one after another by skilful craftsmen. A rolling of drumbeats was suddenly heard, signaling the start of a procession to bring the tablet of King Ly Thai To from the Do Temple to the Ung Tam Pagoda where the King's mother was worshipped for a reunion of the King and his mother. The procession was attended by a thousand of people, who expressed the spirit of the Vietnamese, i.e. "when drinking the water, think of its source".
5. Phat Tich Pagoda, Bac Ninh
Phat Tich Pagoda, where Buddhist monks were trained in the past, is located on Mount Phat Tich, Phuong Hoang commune, in Bac Ninh province.
The pagoda, also called Van Phuc Pagoda, was built between the 7th and 10th centuries, and underwent several transformations throughout the years. It was first renovated during the Ly dynasty. In 1057, King Ly Thai Tong had a tower erected and a golden statue made. The pagoda was later enlarged in the 17th century. Unfortunately, the pagoda was ravaged by the war in 1947 and was rebuilt again in a simpler style in 1958. However, since 1991, the pagoda has been reconstructed following ancient architectural design.
Among the remains of the pagoda is a statue of Lord Buddha. The columns are decorated with intricately carved lotus flowers and various types of traditional musical instruments
6. Ba Chua Kho Temple Festival, Bac Ninh Festivals
It is said that Lady Chua Kho was a hard working woman. After marrying the king of Ly Dynasty, she asked for going to Vu Ninh area, recruited villagers for establishing village, expanded the wasteland, organized production in 72 small villages. She also kept an eyes on the food stock, maintained military provisions well during and after the victory of Song invaders in Nhu Nguyet River (Cau River) in 1076. When she died, people built a temple to dedicated to her. Annually, the temple attracts a great number of people from the whole country to worship and pray for good fortune and borrow money from her in working of the whole year.
7. Dinh Bang Communal House
Situated in Dinh Bang Village, Tu Son District, Bac Ninh Province, 15km from Hanoi, Dinh Bang together with Dong Khang and Diem Communal Houses were the most beautiful ones in Vietnam.
If visitors ride on highway 1A from Hanoi towards Bac Ninh Province and turn right at the Km 15 milestone, they will reach Dinh Bang Village in Tu Son District. The village was the native place of Ly Cong Uan (or King Ly Thai To) - founder of the Ly Dynasty (1010-1225) and Thang Long Capital (present - day Hanoi) (1010).
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.
Dinh Bang Communal House was built in the early 18th century and construction was completed in 1736. The first effort was attributed to Nguyen Thac Luong, a mandarin and native of Dinh Bang Village, and his wife Nguyen Thi Nguyen, a native of Thanh Hoa Province (Central Vietnam), who bought hard wood and donated it to the villagers to erect the communal house. There are folk verses from time immemorial like this:
"First ranks the Dong Khang Communal House.
Second, the Dinh Bang, and third, the Diem".
Up to now, the Dong Khang Communal House no longer exits, and only remain the Dinh Bang Communal House. Located in the centre of the village, it is an architectural site full of national identiy with unique carving and decoration.
The house faces south, with a lake at its front where duet singing of boats used to be organised, attracting innumerable visitors during the village festivals.
The central gate was built with bricks in the shape of a lantern. At its two sides there are vaulted gates with fake roofs.
On the two pillars of the communal house parallel sentences are carved which remind every villager to follow the teachings:
"The village conventions are painstakingly established by the ancestors,
Traditional fine customs and habits are seriously implemented by their descendants".
Behind the gate is a large yard paved with stones. On its left and right sides, colourful flowers and luxuriant bushes grow harmoniously.
Although having the experience of the ups and downs of war and the passage of time, the worshiping pavilion retains its extreme beauty. Also called the�great palace", it was built on high ground and is circled by two green stone stairs that gives the palace an imposing look. The four roofs stretch in four directions and cover the verandas, with rising dragon shaped ends. The tiles are large and deep green with moss. This image reminds the visitor of an old folk verse:
"Passing the communal house, I take off my conical hat and look at it,
I feel I love you as much as there are tiles on its roof..."
The pavilion floor was made of hard timber, and its pillars are as big as two men�s hand embraces. Each carving at Dinh Bang Communal House is like a masterpiece and is reputed for its uniqueness, which impresses any visitor. The carving is eight horses happily playing on a meadow; awaiting lion couple, each in its own posture: dragons in festivals; five dragons fighting for a gem; etc. The topic for these carving comes from traditional legends, and the images are of the four sacred animals (dragon, lion, tortoise and phoenix), or four valuable plants (pine, apricot, chrysanthemum, and little bamboo).
Three genies are worshipped at Dinh Bang Communal House, including Earth, Water and Cultivation. Memorial statues of six family patron saints, who made great contributions to re-building it after a big fire took place in the 15th century, include the Nguyen, Tran, Le, Ngo, Do and Dang erected at the back of the palace.
Every year, Dinh Bang spring festival is organised, luring a great number of visitors, who come to enjoy traditional entertainments and relaxation after hard working days.