Plan your Bac Ninh adventure with our guide to Vietnam visa requirements! Learn about visa exemptions, e-visa applications, costs, cultural site visits in Bac Ninh, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Seize the cultural essence of Bac Ninh’s artistryWritten by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys, and official sources like vietnam-visa.com, travel.state.gov, evisa.gov.vn, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Vietnam’s updated travel regulations.
Travelers, please note: The Visa on Arrival (VOA) program was discontinued in 2022. International travelers can use visa exemptions (if eligible), apply for an e-visa online via evisa.gov.vn, or obtain a visa through a Vietnamese embassy for entry to Bac Ninh and beyond. This guide details visa requirements, application processes, and travel tips for a seamless journey to Bac Ninh, the cradle of Vietnamese culture with sites like Do Temple and Dong Ho folk paintings.
Bac Ninh, a northern province in Vietnam, is renowned for its cultural landmarks like Do Temple, Quan Ho folk songs (UNESCO intangible heritage), and traditional villages such as Dong Ho (folk paintings) and Co Loa (ancient citadel). Located 30 km from Hanoi, it offers a deep dive into Vietnam’s rural heritage vietnam.travel. Understanding Vietnam’s visa requirements ensures smooth entry for exploring these treasures, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or traveling independently. Many nationalities benefit from visa exemptions (up to 45 days for some), while e-visas or embassy visas are available for others, facilitating access via Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport or land borders vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical visa insights, cultural tips for Bac Ninh, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for international travelers.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, Bac Ninh is accessible via Noi Bai International Airport (30 km away) or regional buses from Hanoi. This guide blends visa requirements, Bac Ninh-specific tips, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
Travelers from visa-exempt countries (e.g., ASEAN nations, UK, Japan) can enter for up to 14–45 days without a visa, while others require e-visas ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND) or embassy visas ($25–$100). Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Cultural site entries like Do Temple cost $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); guided tours range from $15–$80 (375,000–2,000,000 VND). Temporary residence registration with local police is required within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels. Verify visa requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
Standard Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for short stays, including visits to Bac Ninh’s cultural sites.
Eligibility: Citizens of 25 countries, including ASEAN nations (e.g., Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia), UK, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, and others vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 45 days (e.g., UK, Germany, Japan), 30 days (e.g., ASEAN countries), or 14 days (e.g., Brunei, Myanmar) vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: No cost vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages; proof of onward travel (e.g., return bus or flight ticket) recommended but not mandatory vietnam.travel.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit to a neighboring country (e.g., China, Laos) and re-entry with a new exemption or e-visa vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi, 30 km from Bac Ninh), 16 land borders (e.g., Huu Nghi near Bac Ninh), and 13 seaports vietnam.travel.
E-Visa (For Longer Stays or Non-Exempt Nationalities):
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for stays exceeding exemption periods or for non-exempt nationalities, including extended Bac Ninh visits.
Eligibility: Available to citizens of 80 countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, India, and most EU nations evisa.gov.vn.
Duration: Up to 90 days (single or multiple entry) evisa.gov.vn.
Cost: $25 (625,000 VND) for single entry; $50 (1,250,000 VND) for multiple entry; non-refundable vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
Visit evisa.gov.vn, select English, and click “Apply now” evisa.gov.vn.
Review terms and conditions, then confirm to proceed evisa.gov.vn.
Enter personal details (full name, date of birth, nationality), passport details (number, issue/expiry date), travel details (intended entry/exit dates, entry/exit checkpoints like Noi Bai or Huu Nghi), and temporary address in Vietnam (e.g., hotel in Bac Ninh) vietnam-visa.com.
Upload a digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses, straight view) and a scan of the passport data page in .jpg format, max 2MB evisa.gov.vn.
Pay the fee ($25 or $50) via credit/debit card (American Express not accepted); note the verification code vietnam-visa.com.
Check status at evisa.gov.vn/e-visa/search using registration code, email, and date of birth; download and print the e-visa PDF evisa.gov.vn.
Present printed e-visa and passport at the immigration checkpoint; ensure details match exactly to avoid entry issues travel.state.gov.
Processing Time: 3–7 working days; expedited processing (1–2 days) available through agencies for additional fees ($10–$30 or 250,000–750,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit and re-entry with a new e-visa (visa run) vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi), 16 land borders (e.g., Huu Nghi near Bac Ninh), and 13 seaports evisa.gov.vn.
Phu Quoc Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Tourism on Phu Quoc Island, but for Bac Ninh travel, this is less relevant unless combining trips.
Eligibility: All nationalities arriving directly by air or sea to Phu Quoc and not traveling to mainland Vietnam vietnam.travel.
Duration: Up to 30 days vietnam.travel.
Cost: No cost vietnam.travel.
Requirements: Passport valid for 6 months with two blank pages; proof of onward travel required vietnam.travel.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires e-visa for mainland travel, including Bac Ninh vietnam-visa.com.
5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate:
Purpose: Tourism, family visits, or business for overseas Vietnamese and their families, applicable for Bac Ninh’s cultural sites.
Eligibility: Travelers of Vietnamese origin, their spouses, or children vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 180 days per visit, valid for 5 years vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $10–$50 (250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Proof of Vietnamese origin; application at a Vietnamese embassy vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Extendable for additional 180-day periods vietnam-visa.com.
Embassy/Consulate Visa:
Purpose: Tourism, business, work, or study for those preferring traditional applications or needing longer stays in Bac Ninh.
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities travel.state.gov.
Duration: 30–90 days (single or multiple entry) travel.state.gov.
Cost: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND) travel.state.gov.
Requirements: Passport, application form, photos; apply at a Vietnamese embassy travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable with a sponsor vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions: Travelers must not fall under suspension categories; temporary residence registration mandatory within 24 hours evisa.gov.vn; overstay penalties: 500,000 VND/day ($20/day) travel.state.gov.
Important Note: Visa on Arrival discontinued in 2022; use exemptions or e-visas vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for 6+ months with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
E-Visa Application: Requires digital passport photo and scan; ensure details match passport evisa.gov.vn.
Residence Registration: Handled by hotels; carry proof travel.state.gov.
Proof of Onward Travel: Recommended for exemptions vietnam.travel.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth experience during Vietnam Tours in Bac Ninh. Here’s your guide:
Greetings: Offer “xin chào” with a slight nod; use both hands for transactions at temples or markets like Dong Ho Village culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for sites like Do Temple; a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) aligns with local norms vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a quiet demeanor at cultural sites; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or e-visa securely. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government. A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs made our Bac Ninh trip seamless.” culturetrip.com
Customs: Tipping appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); avoid littering at cultural sites like Quan Ho villages culturetrip.com.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” to locals or guides; use reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; keep passport handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen travelers thrive in Bac Ninh’s cultural sites.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) for Vietnamese basics; English limited in rural Bac Ninh culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow temple rules; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for Bac Ninh sites like Do Temple; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Opt for bicycles ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day) in Bac Ninh villages to reduce emissions vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of tour options for Bac Ninh, based on latest data from vietnam-visa.com, travel.state.gov, evisa.gov.vn, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Do Temple, Dong Ho folk painting village, and Quan Ho cultural sites independently; suitable for travelers with valid visa exemptions or e-visas; low difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use the 45-day exemption or e-visas ($25–$50); carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; register temporary residence at hotels evisa.gov.vn.
Schedule: Daily; Do Temple open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); Dong Ho village accessible anytime; Quan Ho performances typically evenings.
Cost: Entry: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Location: Bac Ninh Province, 30 km from Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles to reduce emissions; avoid littering in cultural villages.
Tip: Confirm exemption eligibility or apply for e-visas early; check evisa.gov.vn; a guest noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless with the visa exemption.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Do Temple and Dong Ho village; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure valid exemption or e-visa; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; guides assist with residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:00 AM from Hanoi hotels; returns by 5:00 PM.
Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi (for Bac Ninh day trip).
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vans minimizes impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa compliance and cultural immersion.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Do Temple, Quan Ho village, and Dong Ho folk paintings; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry e-visa or exemption for multi-city travel; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm eligibility vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 6:30 AM from Hanoi hotels; returns by 5:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Bac Ninh’s Do Temple, Dong Ho village, and Hanoi’s historical sites; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation in Bac Ninh or Hanoi, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry e-visa for multi-city travel; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm temporary residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Hanoi hotels; returns after 2–3 days.
Cost: $80–$200/person (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels or custom locations in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-lodges and fuel-efficient transport; supports local communities.
Tip: Book Vietnam Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); a guest noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for travelers with visa exemptions or e-visas.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-compliant cultural insights in Bac Ninh.
Combo Cultural and Village Tours: Blend temple visits with folk art experiences for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Cultural Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with visa-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key visa-prepared travel opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February, vibrant with temple ceremonies in Bac Ninh; warm and dry (18–28°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Hung Kings Festival: Typically March to April, honoring Vietnam’s founders; warm and dry (24–32°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Year-Round Opportunities: Dry season (January–August) for comfortable weather; February for optimal conditions vinpearl.com.
Dry season (January–August, 18–33°C) is ideal for cultural visits and festivals in Bac Ninh. Hot period (April–August, 24–33°C) suits early morning outings. Wet season (September–December, 24–31°C) is best for budget travelers and indoor experiences. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Check eligibility for visa exemptions (25 countries) or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn; use embassy visas for non-exempt nationalities; ensure passport validity vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; keep a photocopy of passport bio page separately; provide proof of onward travel for exemptions travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels register your stay with local police within 24 hours; carry proof travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital e-visa copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis in Bac Ninh for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for e-visas 7–14 days early for stays over exemption periods; double-check details to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check visa status at evisa.gov.vn. For embassy visas, contact the nearest Vietnamese embassy.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND if required), passport photocopy, proof of onward travel, wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits; lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; lightweight clothing and light jacket ($3 or 75,000 VND) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($3 or 75,000 VND); hat ($2 or 50,000 VND).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($2 or 50,000 VND); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND, e.g., banh cuon); small backpack ($2 or 50,000 VND); sunscreen ($1 or 25,000 VND); insect repellent ($1 or 25,000 VND).
Tech: Phone with translation apps; charger ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND); local SIM ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND); camera ($6 or 150,000 VND) for photos.
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($1 or 25,000 VND) for purchases; phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) with Vietnamese basics.
Extras: Small VND notes for donations or purchases; small first aid kit ($2 or 50,000 VND); umbrella ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.
Visa and Travel Costs
E-Visa Costs: Single entry: $25 (625,000 VND); multiple entry: $50 (1,250,000 VND); expedited processing: $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND) evisa.gov.vn.
Exemption Costs: No cost for standard exemptions (14–45 days) vietnam-visa.com.
Embassy Visa Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND) travel.state.gov.
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Combo Cultural and Village Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries). Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $2 (50,000 VND).
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., banh cuon, pho): $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., folk paintings, silk): $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Donations: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND). Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $15–$40 (self-guided, snacks, transport, entry).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $70–$120 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$120 for tours, visa costs (if applicable), and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use visa exemptions to save on costs.
Visa Tips: Check eligibility for visa exemptions (25 countries) or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn; use embassy visas for non-exempt nationalities; ensure passport validity vietnam-visa.com.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; dress modestly for temples; respect local customs; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for visa-compliant insights, or multi-day tours for immersion.
Schedules: Cultural sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; villages accessible anytime; peak crowds in dry season (January–August); book early for festivals.
Sustainability: Use bicycles or motorbike taxis; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for Bac Ninh sites like Do Temple.
Weather: Dry season (Jan–Aug, 18–33°C) ideal; hot period (Apr–Aug, 24–33°C) suits early mornings; wet season (Sep–Dec, 24–31°C) requires rain gear; check forecasts via weather.com.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND); beware of pickpocketing in markets; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115, nearest embassy).
Do travelers need a visa for Bac Ninh? Citizens of 25 countries are exempt for 14–45 days; others require e-visas or embassy visas vietnam-visa.com.
How do travelers apply for a Vietnam visa for Bac Ninh? Use exemptions or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn; embassy visas for non-exempt nationalities travel.state.gov.
How much does a Vietnam visa cost? E-visa: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry); embassy visa: $25–$100; exemptions: no cost vietnam-visa.com.
Can visas be extended in Bac Ninh? Exemptions and e-visas are non-extendable; embassy visas may be extendable with a sponsor vietnam-visa.com.
What are the penalties for overstaying? Fines of 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Is Visa on Arrival available for Bac Ninh? No, discontinued in 2022; use exemptions or e-visas at evisa.gov.vn vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your visa-prepared Bac Ninh journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Bac Ninh Cultural Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided temple and village tour with sustainable practices.
Bac Ninh Cultural and Adventure Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites and eco-friendly activities.
Vietnam Explorer ($150–$250/person, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, transport, and entry fees; group discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84 825862222) for your Vietnam Travel plans.
Mastering Vietnam Visa for Bac Ninh with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through this cultural cradle. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Do Temple and Dong Ho village, this trip offers adventure and sustainability for international travelers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, leverage visa exemptions or apply for e-visas early via evisa.gov.vn, and respect local customs for the best experience. Note that Visa on Arrival is no longer available; plan accordingly. Safe travels!
Sources:
vietnam-visa.com
evisa.gov.vn
travel.state.gov
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
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