Bac Ninh City Guide

Try local dishes like Bánh Khúc and Bánh Phu Thê. International food is limited but includes some Korean and Japanese places. Vegetarian options exist but are moderate. Street food and some eateries stay open late.

Nightlife is low-key with local beer gardens, karaoke bars, and casual cafes. No major clubs or lively bar scenes exist.

Strong local coffee scene with many traditional cafes serving sweetened Vietnamese coffee. Specialty cafes are rare.

Tipping is optional but appreciated. Common to round up bills or leave 5-10% in nicer restaurants. Taxi tips are usually rounding up fare.

Buy SIMs at Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport or stores in Bac Ninh. Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone offer good coverage. eSIMs are available from Viettel and Mobifone. Passport registration is needed.

Cleanliness varies. Newer areas and main roads are cleaner than older neighborhoods and markets. Waste collection is regular.

Some minimarts are 24/7. Late-night pharmacies are rare. Emergency hospital services run round the clock. Street food vendors often stay open late.

Supermarkets like VinMart, Lotte Mart, and Aeon Citimart stock some international products. Local fresh markets (chợ) offer local produce and meat. Supermarkets open 8 AM to 10 PM; markets open early and close by late afternoon. Bargaining is common in markets but not in supermarkets.

Card use is growing in big supermarkets and hotels, but cash is still needed for markets, street food, and small shops.

ATMs from major banks like Vietcombank and Agribank are common. Expect 20,000-50,000 VND fees on foreign card withdrawals.

Local schools follow Vietnamese curriculum. International schools are rare in Bac Ninh; Hanoi schools are better options for expats. Instruction is mainly in Vietnamese.

Very small to no digital nomad community; nomads tend to stay in Hanoi or bigger cities.

Parks like Nguyen Phi Khanh offer green space. Riverside paths are limited but used for walking or running.

Running is done in parks and by rivers. Safety is good during the day. Air quality can vary seasonally.

Several gyms and fitness centers are available, though choices are limited compared to bigger cities.

Tennis courts exist at some sports centers and clubs, usually booked directly.

Padel is not common or available in Bac Ninh.

Yoga classes are in local gyms and fitness centers, with limited variety and few English-speaking instructors.

Traditional Vietnamese martial arts like Vovinam and some international styles like Taekwondo are taught locally, mostly in informal settings.

No skiing available in Bac Ninh or Vietnam.

Limited water sports; informal kayaking or fishing may be possible on local lakes, but no organized rentals.

No surfing near Bac Ninh, as it is inland.

No diving opportunities in this inland area.

Bac Ninh General Hospital is the main public hospital. Private clinics exist but have limited English-speaking staff. Public healthcare is basic; private clinics cost more but offer better quality. Pharmacies are easy to find and well stocked.

Tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled or boiled water instead.

Some playgrounds and kid-friendly cafes exist but are limited. Baby supplies are available. Cultural attractions include traditional villages and pagodas.

Vietnam is generally tolerant but Bac Ninh is more conservative. Public displays may be limited; safe spaces are rare.

Pet-friendly places vary; some allow pets. Veterinary clinics and supply stores exist. Pet parks are rare.