Half day trip to Bac Ninh with the But Thap pagoda, the museum of Dong Ho wood-block painting, and the pottery village of Bat Trang.

Your local guide and driver will first take you across the Red River to the southern bank of the Duong River, where the But Thap Pagoda is situated. This pagoda is one of the most renowned and valuable Buddhist monuments in the Hanoi region, having undergone several renovations since the 17th century. As you explore the pagoda, you’ll appreciate its well-preserved timber frame architecture and numerous centuries-old wooden statues and sculptures. The most notable feature is the stone stupa, dating back to the Tran period of the 13th-14th centuries. According to historical records, King Tu Duc visited the pagoda in 1876 and, upon seeing the Bao Nghiem tower, likened it to a massive pen pointing toward the sky, subsequently naming it “But Thap” (Pen Tower).

Your journey continues with a drive to the nearby Dong Ho village, celebrated as the birthplace of the traditional woodblock painting art that dates back centuries. Though this craft is now in decline, you will visit the preservation center, where you can observe the meticulous processes involved in creating these artworks and view the finished products. The paintings depict a variety of subjects, ranging from traditional scenes to those infused with elements of modern life.

Next, a short drive will bring you to Bat Trang village, the most famous and one of the oldest pottery villages in the Red River Delta. In this breezy and tranquil village, you are free to wander along the charming country roads and take photos at your leisure. Be sure to visit the central marketplace, where you’ll find a vast array of fine Bat Trang pottery. You can also visit an old kiln or try your hand at the potter’s wheel. After enjoying the village’s offerings, your driver will return you to your hotel.