Bac Ninh Province

Bac Ninh is a small province full of life and charm in northern Vietnam.

When talking about Vietnam, most people probably think of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but for me, mr.hotsia, traveling to Bac Ninh Province in northern Vietnam was truly an eye-opening experience. This province is located in the Red River Delta and serves as the gateway to northeastern Vietnam, just 30 kilometers from Hanoi.

I traveled to Bac Ninh from Bac Giang Province by bus running parallel to the railway tracks. At some points, the bus crossed bridges built on the railway tracks. This journey allowed me to witness the lively life along both sides of the Red River and experience the atmosphere of communities that remain incredibly natural and simple.

History of Bac Ninh and Its Regional Importance

Bac Ninh is the third most populous province in Vietnam after Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The provincial capital is Bac Ninh city itself, which is the economic and cultural center. The province borders Hai Duong to the south and Bac Giang to the north, making Bac Ninh an important gateway connecting northeastern Vietnam.

As an avid traveler, I, mr.hotsia, found visiting Bac Ninh like discovering another side of Vietnam that few talk about. This place is not only rich in history and legends but also preserves the simple and warm lifestyle of its people.

Strolling Around Bac Ninh City: Experience Local Life and Culture

After getting off the bus, I spent a few hours walking around Bac Ninh city, passing through bustling fresh markets filled with locals buying fresh produce, vegetables, fruits, and seafood. The locals still live simply and sit chatting by the roadside. I tried sitting in a small coffee shop recommended by locals. The Vietnamese coffee in Bac Ninh has a smooth, rich flavor, noticeably different from what I had tasted in Hanoi.

Sipping coffee while watching people pass by was a moment where I truly absorbed the genuine lifestyle of Bac Ninh residents. It was not just superficial tourism but an experience of living culture passed down through generations.

Local Foods You Shouldn’t Miss

Speaking of Vietnam means talking about food, and Bac Ninh has delicious dishes that I, mr.hotsia, tried and highly recommend to fellow travelers. For example, the grilled button squid with its sweet, tender taste and smoky charcoal aroma (see sample inVietnamese Grilled Button Squid), or the chicken biryani with tender chicken and fragrant spiced rice (Vietnamese Chicken Biryani), and the unique nem fang (Vietnamese Nem Fang)

). These dishes reflect the eating culture of Bac Ninh people, blending traditional flavors with meticulous preparation. I remember sitting at a small roadside eatery when a passerby greeted me warmly—a rare feeling of warmth hard to find in big cities.

Returning to Hanoi: A Small Route Full of Stories

After spending the morning in Bac Ninh, I chose to return to Hanoi by bus from Bac Ninh bus station. This route is not a main one, allowing me to see suburban and rural life in Vietnam from another perspective. The bus was full of people from various professions—traders, students, and workers. Standing crowded and chatting with people on this bus made me feel like part of their lives.

This journey taught me that true travel is not just about famous places but about experiencing the real lives of local people. I, mr.hotsia, will continue traveling to discover unique new experiences in every corner of the world.

Summary of Impressions from Bac Ninh

Bac Ninh is a province perfect for travelers wanting to escape the hustle of big cities and experience the traditional lifestyle of northern Vietnamese people. The trip here is convenient from Hanoi and full of fascinating stories—culture, food, and the warmth of the people.

If you are interested in new experiences from Vietnam, I, mr.hotsia, recommend you try visiting Bac Ninh once. You will surely fall in love with this province as I did.