Immersive experiences

In late October, students from Nam Trung Yen Primary School in Hanoi spent a lively and memorable day “Sailing Down the River of History” at Thu Thuy Ecolodge in Tu Son ward.

Visitors pick tea leaves at the Ven Village Ecotourism Site in Xuan Luong commune.

The children learned about the royal edict “Chieu doi do” issued by King Ly Cong Uan, practiced calligraphy and created their own miniature versions of the historic decree. They also tried their hands at printing Dong Ho folk paintings.

During the “Dinh Bang Guerrilla” session, students stepped into the role of resistance fighters, re-enacting the ingenuity and determination of earlier generations who fought foreign invaders for national independence.

Along the “Quan ho River,” they sat in boats listening to sweet, flowing folk melodies, deepening their appreciation for the province’s UNESCO-recognized heritage.

Fourth-grader Huyen My proudly held up the Dong Ho print she made herself. “I’m bringing this home as a birthday gift for my father,” she said. “This trip was so useful because we got to learn, play and discover many beautiful things about our homeland.”

At Bau Tien Lake Ecotourism Site in Phuong Son ward, visitors can take part in folk games such as blindfolded duck catching, catching loaches in clay jars, clay pottery shaping, figurine painting, and cooking rice in clay pots or making floating rice cakes.

Evening activities include then singing, sli dancing, and campfire music exchanges. A recreated highland market showcases local specialties, offering a vivid cultural space of ethnic minority communities.

Hoang Van Hiep, Director of Dong Dao Tourism Cooperative, said the shift has been clear: “In the past, tourists mainly came to look around and take photos before leaving. Now, many stay overnight and book dining services. These hands-on activities help extend their visits.”

Ven Village Ecotourism Site in Xuan Luong commune has become popular for its rich Cao Lan cultural atmosphere. Visitors can pick tea leaves, enjoy traditional dishes, try on ethnic costumes, listen to Sinh ca singing, and join folk games. They can also learn how to pound Banh giay, cook black sticky rice or make horn-shaped cakes.

Meanwhile, at the Dong Ho folk painting village in Thuan Thanh ward, artisans guide visitors through color mixing and woodblock printing on Giay diep, allowing them to take home their own handmade prints.

Preserving identity, developing tourism products

The province is home to 38 tourism sites, many of which are being developed with a focus on integrating local culture. Promotion efforts and linkages among heritage, craft village and ecological tours have expanded significantly.

Tourists take part in a traditional fish-catching activity using bamboo traps at Thu Thuy Ecolodge.

Several destinations have successfully leveraged the unique traditions of ethnic minority communities, turning cultural values into competitive strengths.

According to Nguyen Huu Phuong, head of the Heritage Management Division under the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, today’s travelers want more than sightseeing, they want to participate and understand the cultural stories behind each destination.

As these interactive experiences gain traction, visitor numbers have risen. In the first 10 months of 2025, the province welcomed about 5.7 million visitors, surpassing its full-year target, with tourism revenue reaching nearly 5 trillion VND.

With its natural advantages and heritage assets, cultural-experience tourism has emerged as a promising direction for Bac Ninh. Tours to Quan ho villages, where visitors learn folk singing, play traditional games and enjoy rustic meals in ancient houses, are increasingly popular. Agricultural tours featuring high-tech farming models have also drawn attention.

Provincial authorities are guiding tourism operators to coordinate with travel agencies to develop tour routes that link heritage, craft villages and eco-sites. Training programs are being expanded to build a team of culturally knowledgeable tour guides.

Fixed-schedule folk performances are being planned for tour groups. Culinary culture is also being promoted through the reconstruction of traditional dining spaces and hands-on cooking experiences where visitors prepare and enjoy local dishes.

These initiatives help shape a distinct identity for Bac Ninh tourism, ensuring each trip becomes a journey of cultural discovery. They also nurture pride among local residents, especially younger generations, reinforcing their connection to their homeland and instilling a deeper awareness of traditional heritage preservation.

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