Bac Ninh, meaning ‘northern serenity’, is the smallest Vietnamese province, but it has the highest population density.
Located in the Red River delta, it hosts a wealth of talented craftsmen centers: Dinh Bang (silk), Tho Ha and Phu Lang (ceramics), Bac Ninh city (embroidery) and Ding Ho, well-known for its woodblock prints.
Stylish monuments are to be seen: pagodas (Dau, the oldest in Vietnam), temples (Phu Dong and Eight Kings) and Dinh Bang communal house. Being the cradle of the famous _quan ho _folk-song, Bac Ninh has a vivid folk culture, and people gather to take part in popular festivals, such as the Quang Lun Festival, which celebrates the victory against the Chinese in the 13th century.
Bac Ninh, on national highways 1A, 18, 38, is 48 miles (30kms) from Hanoi and close to Noi Bai International Airport.