Tucked away in Northern Vietnam, Bac Giang remains one of the country’s most quietly captivating provinces. This tranquil region is best known as the lychee capital of Vietnam, with vast orchards that turn crimson during harvest season. But beyond the fruit trees, Bac Giang invites travelers into a world of spiritual depth, cultural richness, and unspoiled landscapes.

Geography & Administrative Divisions

Located just 50 kilometers northeast of Hanoi, Bac Giang lies at the crossroads of Vietnam’s lowland and mountainous regions. The province shares borders with Lang Son to the north, Quang Ninh to the east, Hai Duong and Bac Ninh to the south, and Thai Nguyen to the west. Its central position in the Red River Delta–Northeast transition zone makes it both accessible and strategically important for regional travel.

Bac Giang covers an area of over 3,800 square kilometers and is divided into 10 administrative units, including:

Bac Giang City (provincial capital) – the economic and cultural hub,

Viet Yen Town – a fast-growing industrial and urban center,

And 8 rural districts: Yen Dung, Hiep Hoa, Luc Ngan, Luc Nam, Son Dong, Tan Yen, Yen The, Lang Giang.

Climate & Best Time to Visit

Bắc Giang enjoys a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons, making it a year-round destination for travelers. Each season reveals a different side of the province—from lush greenery and ripe orchards to misty pagodas and golden rice fields. Depending on what you want to experience, here are the best times to visit:

Spring (March–April): Ideal for nature lovers and cultural explorers. Enjoy pleasant weather, blooming flowers, and spiritual journeys to pagodas and temples.

Summer- Lychee Harvest Season (May–June): The most popular time to visit. Explore endless lychee orchards in full bloom and join agri-tourism activities like fruit picking, local market visits, and countryside tours.

Autumn (September–November): A golden season for photography and trekking. Rice terraces turn yellow, the air is cool, and local festivals bring villages to life.

Winter (December–February): For those seeking peace and reflection. The landscape turns misty and quiet, perfect for temple visits, meditation, and a slower pace of travel.

No matter the month, Bắc Giang offers something beautiful—whether it’s the sweet taste of fresh lychee or the echo of temple bells through forested hills.

Top Attractions & Cultural Landmarks

West Yên Tử Spiritual Complex

Nestled on the western side of the sacred Yên Tử Mountain range, this spiritual complex offers a tranquil journey through Vietnam’s Buddhist history. Visitors can walk historic pilgrimage trails, admire ancient pagodas hidden in the forest, and learn about the legacy of King-Monk Trần Nhân Tông who established the Trúc Lâm Zen sect.

Khuôn Thần Lake

A serene, mirror-like lake cradled by pine-covered hills, Khuôn Thần is perfect for nature lovers and families alike. Guests can rent boats, picnic along the shore, or camp overnight in a peaceful, pine-scented atmosphere. In spring, the area bursts into color with blooming flowers and cool breezes.

Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda

Built in the 11th century, this pagoda is a cultural treasure and spiritual heart of Bac Giang. It was once the training ground for Trúc Lâm Zen monks and holds over 3,000 wooden printing blocks, which have been recognized as UNESCO documentary heritage.

Bổ Đà Pagoda

Hidden in a quiet village, Bổ Đà stands out with its unique earthen-wall architecture and ancient courtyards covered in moss. It is known for housing one of the oldest and largest Buddhist manuscript libraries in Vietnam and serves as a retreat for monks seeking quiet contemplation.

Global G.A.P Lychee Orchards

The Global GAP Lychee Orchard Tourism Area — also known as the “Lychee Wizard’s Garden” — spans over 15.6 hectares and is home to nearly 5,000 lychee trees, each over 30 years old. Grown using organic methods and certified under Global GAP standards, these lychees are famed for their large size and exceptional flavor. In 2022, the orchard’s lychees were exported to Japan and Germany, and the 2023 harvest is expected to reach 200 tons, serving both domestic and export markets.

Visitors who come in March can enjoy the magical sight of blooming lychee flowers, go camping under the shade of ancient trees, and breathe in the fresh air scented with delicate floral notes. From May to July, the orchard transforms into a vibrant fruit haven where travelers can pick ripe lychees straight from the trees and taste them fresh on-site.

Suối Mỡ Eco-Tourism Area

This forested haven features cool streams, cascades, and ancient temples dedicated to Princess Quế Mỹ Nương. Ideal for trekking and picnicking, Suối Mỡ is especially magical in early summer when the forest is lush and the waterfalls are full.

Thổ Hà Ancient Village

Tho Ha Village, located in Van Ha Commune, Viet Yen District, is a quintessential northern Vietnamese countryside village. It still preserves traditional features such as the village gate, communal house, ancient banyan tree, and a central well. Since the land in Tho Ha is not suitable for rice cultivation, the local people have long relied on handicrafts and trade for their livelihood. Some of the most renowned crafts in Tho Ha include ceramic making, dry rice paper production, and rice wine distillation—each reflecting the village’s ingenuity and resilience through generations.

The Ancient Bombax Tree 

The Bombax ceiba tree next to the Bà Cô Shrine in Yên Dũng District is located in Tân Mỹ Hamlet, Lãng Sơn Commune. In February 2021, it was recognized by the Vietnam Association of Ornamental Creatures as a heritage tree with historical and cultural value. Every March, visitors and photographers flock here to immerse themselves in the vivid red blossoms and the area’s poetic scenery. Over 100 years old, the tree stands 27.5 meters tall, with a canopy spread of 120 square meters and a trunk diameter of 2.4 meters.

Cuisine & Local Specialties

Bắc Giang’s cuisine is a delightful reflection of its fertile land, cool hills, and rich cultural heritage. From famous fruits grown in Lục Ngạn to traditional countryside dishes and handmade staples passed down through generations, every bite here tells a story of simplicity, warmth, and nature’s abundance.

Lục Ngạn Fruits (Lychee, Custard Apple, Oranges & Pomelo)

The orchards of Lục Ngạn are renowned for producing Vietnam’s best lychees — juicy, fragrant, and sweet. In addition, the region also grows custard apples, pomelos, and oranges, creating a colorful harvest that draws visitors during peak fruit seasons, especially from May to July.

Cua Da (Skin Crabs)

Around the 9th to 10th lunar months, cua da (skin crab) appears along the Cau River, especially in the rocky sections running through Dong Viet, Dong Phuc, and Nham Bien town in Yen Dung District. This seasonal crab is only available for about two months and cannot be farmed, making it a rare treat. The name cua da (“skin crab”) comes from the soft, fuzzy texture on its claws and underbelly during molting season, when its shell becomes more flexible—resembling a layer of skin.

Smaller crabs are often pounded into soup or stir-fried with salt or tamarind sauce, while larger ones are steamed with beer. Still, the most iconic way to enjoy them is in a steaming cua da hotpot—known for its sweet, clean flavor, rich golden roe, and silky texture unlike any other.

Yên Thế Hill Chicken

Raised free-range in the highland district of Yên Thế, this chicken variety is prized for its firm, flavorful meat. Whether boiled, grilled, or served with herbal dips, it’s a must-try delicacy that embodies the pure, earthy taste of Bắc Giang’s countryside.

Gỏi Cá Mè (Silver Carp Salad)

A specialty often served during gatherings, this raw fish salad features thinly sliced silver carp mixed with herbs, toasted rice powder, and a tangy dipping sauce. The dish highlights freshness and balance — bold yet refreshing, and deeply rooted in local traditions.

Xôi Trứng Kiến (Sticky Rice with Ant Eggs)

A rare ethnic delicacy, xôi trứng kiến is made by mixing sticky rice with white ant eggs collected from forested areas. The eggs are sautéed with shallots and added to the rice, offering a nutty flavor and creamy texture that surprises even seasoned foodies.

Bánh Đúc Đông Quan (Dong Quan-style Rice Cake)

This savory rice cake is soft, mildly chewy, and typically served with minced pork, fried shallots, and a light soy sauce. Originating from Đông Quan village, it’s a humble yet beloved snack, often enjoyed warm as a breakfast or late-afternoon treat.

Thổ Hà Rice Papers & Noodles

Thổ Hà village is famed for its rice papers (used for fresh or fried spring rolls) and crispy bánh đa nem. Crafted in open courtyards and sun-dried using traditional techniques, these handmade delights are as much a symbol of heritage as they are of flavor.

Mì Chũ (Chu Rice Noodles)

These silky white noodles hail from the village of Thủ Dương in Lục Ngạn. Made from fragrant rice and sun-dried in open air, Mì Chũ noodles are known for their softness, light chew, and versatility — often used in soups or stir-fries across Northern Vietnam.

Traditional Culture & Festivals

Bac Giang is more than just picturesque landscapes—it’s a land where time-honored traditions still breathe through the everyday lives of its people. The province is home to a diverse cultural fabric, shaped by ethnic groups like the Kinh, Tay, and Nung, whose customs, crafts, and festivals offer a deep dive into Northern Vietnam’s soul.

Traditional Craft Villages of Bac Giang

Bac Giang is renowned for its time-honored craft villages, where unique specialties have been passed down through generations and earned nationwide fame.

Tho Ha Rice Paper Village

Location: Van Ha Commune, Viet Yen District, Bac Giang Province

Tho Ha is a charming ancient village defined by banyan trees, river docks, communal yards, and narrow alleys lined with old houses. Its most famous legacy is the traditional craft of making rice paper wrappers (bánh đa nem). These wrappers have a natural white color, supple texture, and a distinct fragrance of rice. Unlike many others, they are resilient and don’t break easily. When fried, the wrapper turns crispy and golden, creating an irresistible appeal in spring rolls.

Tang Tien Bamboo & Rattan Weaving Village

Location: Tang Tien Commune, Viet Yen District, Bac Giang Province

This village has preserved its exquisite bamboo and rattan weaving techniques for over 300 years. Despite historical upheavals and competition from imported Chinese products, the villagers of Tang Tien have remained steadfast in keeping this ancestral craft alive. Today, they not only create household items but also produce stylish accessories such as bags, wallets, and pillows. These handcrafted pieces are valued not just as souvenirs, but as cherished gifts favored by visitors.

Thu Duong Chu Noodle Village

Location: Thu Duong Hamlet, Nam Duong Commune, Luc Ngan District, Bac Giang Province

Chu noodles are one of Bac Giang’s culinary trademarks—alongside lychees, they have helped put Luc Ngan on the national tourism map. Recognized for their natural white color, chewy texture, and unique aroma, the noodles are made using traditional techniques without preservatives, artificial coloring, or additives. Production only happens on sunny days to ensure premium quality and health benefits for consumers.

Van Village Yellow-Flower Sticky Rice Liquor

Location: Van Xa Village, Van Ha Commune, Viet Yen District, Bac Giang Province

Van liquor (rượu làng Vân) is a storied specialty once served to royalty. Its exact origins remain unclear, but this renowned rice wine is made from premium yellow-flower sticky rice (nếp cái hoa vàng) and a secret traditional yeast. The result is a fragrant, smooth, and slightly sweet spirit that offers a refined tasting experience—one that continues to captivate drinkers from past to present.

Festivals in Bac Giang

Bac Giang Lychess Festival 

The Bac Giang Lychee Festival is an annual event held during the lychee harvest season—typically from late May through July—to promote the province’s iconic specialty fruit. The festival attracts a large number of domestic and international visitors who come to explore, experience, and savor freshly picked lychees. Highlights of the event include lychee-picking contests, lychee-eating competitions, fashion shows inspired by the fruit, and guided tours of lush lychee orchards.

Tu Ha Festival 

The Tu Ha Festival is a traditional celebration held at Tu Ha Temple in Hong Giang Commune, Luc Ngan District, Bac Giang Province. It takes place annually on the 7th and 8th days of the first lunar month to honor and pay tribute to General Than Canh Phuc (also known as Vu Thanh), a national hero who played a key role in the 11th-century resistance against the Song Dynasty invaders.

Xuong Giang Festival

The Xuong Giang Festival is held to commemorate the historic victory at Xuong Giang in 1427—a decisive triumph in the Lam Son Uprising led by national hero Le Loi. Taking place in early spring, usually on the 6th day of the first lunar month, the festival is held on the former battlefield, now located in Bac Giang City. It serves as an occasion for locals and visitors alike to honor the sacrifices of ancestors, warriors, and civilians who fought for the nation’s freedom.

The festival features a wide range of activities, including ceremonial offerings, a sacred palanquin procession, incense rituals, and traditional performances that vividly reenact the Xuong Giang victory—while also promoting the land and people of Bac Giang.

Yen The Festival

The Yen The Festival in Bac Giang is held annually on March 16, coinciding with the anniversary of the Yen The Uprising (1884). The event takes place at the Hoang Hoa Tham Historical Site in Phon Xuong Town, Yen The District. It is a significant cultural celebration that honors the patriotism and indomitable spirit of national hero Hoang Hoa Tham and the Yen The insurgents in their resistance against French colonial forces.

Traditional Performing Arts of Bac Giang

Bac Giang Province is known as one of Vietnam’s ancient lands with a rich historical and cultural heritage. Here, the cherished cultural identities of its ethnic communities have been well preserved and passed down through generations. Many of its cultural heritage forms have been recognized at both national and international levels.

Cheo Singing: An ancient form of Vietnamese folk theater, often performed in village communal houses during festivals. It blends music, dance, and storytelling with moral and humorous themes.

Chau Van: A spiritual performance art that combines trance singing, ritual dancing, and ceremonial offerings, typically associated with Mother Goddess worship.

Then Singing: A traditional ritual singing style of the Tay and Nung ethnic groups in Bac Giang’s mountainous areas, usually performed during ceremonies to pray for peace and good fortune.

Quan Ho Folk Songs: A UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage, this poetic call-and-response singing is native to the Kinh Bac region, including Bac Giang, and is known for its romantic lyrics and graceful performance style.

How to get to Bac Giang from Hanoi?

Located in the northeastern midland region of Vietnam, Bac Giang Province serves as a strategic link between the Red River Delta and the northern highlands. Its transportation infrastructure is primarily composed of highways and railways, offering travelers multiple convenient ways to reach the province.

Option 1: Private Vehicle

Route: Follow National Highway 1A (QL1A) from Hanoi to Bac Giang.

Travel Time: Around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic.

Tips: Ensure your driving license and vehicle documents are up to date. Drive carefully, especially on expressway segments and in rural areas.

Option 2: Coach or Public Bus

Taking a coach or public bus is a convenient and energy-saving option, especially for travelers who want to relax during the journey and save their strength for exploring Bac Giang. You can catch an intercity coach from Giap Bat Bus Station, or hop on bus route 203, which operates regularly between Hanoi and Bac Giang. These services are comfortable, affordable, and widely preferred by local commuters.

Option 3: Train

A relaxed and scenic option for those who enjoy train travel, this mode of transportation offers comfort and a chance to admire the northern countryside along the way. Trains on the Hanoi–Dong Dang Line and the Yen Vien–Ha Long Line both stop at Bac Giang Station, making access easy. For added convenience, you can even ship your motorbike with the train, allowing for flexible travel once you arrive.

Map of Bac Giang: Not Just a Place, But a Feeling

There are places you visit, and places that stay with you. Bac Giang is the latter. It’s not loud or flashy—but in the quiet shimmer of rice paper drying in village courtyards, the earthy sweetness of lychees plucked at sunrise, and the echoes of folk songs drifting through mountain air, you’ll find something rare: stillness, soul, and depth.

So don’t just glance at a map of Bac Giang. Trace it slowly. Let every dot be a doorway—to a story, a smile, a surprise you didn’t know you were looking for.

>>> Map of Ha Giang

>>> Map of Bac Ninh