When exploring the craft village of Tho Ha in Bac Giang, you’ll not only marvel at the distinctive architecture of moss-covered ancient houses but also have the opportunity to indulge in local delicacies. Treat yourself to the delights of crunchy rice paper cakes infused with flavors of peanuts, sesame, golden coconut, and crispiness. If you’re interested in a comprehensive exploration of the area, consider joining one of the Hanoi tours that include a visit to Tho Ha ancient village, allowing you to experience both the architectural wonders and culinary delights of this charming destination.
Where is Tho Ha Ancient Village?
Tho Ha is located in Van Ha commune, Viet Yen district, Bac Giang province, about 50 kilometers north of Hanoi. This ancient village is renowned for its pottery, rice vermicelli, and rice paper cakes, which continue to flourish today.
Enclosed by a river like an island, Tho Ha village can only be accessed by ferry or boat. A visit to Tho Ha offers the opportunity to explore its charming corners, alleys, walls, and ponds, all basking in sunlight where rice paper cakes are drying. Strolling through Tho Ha, you’ll experience the serene and picturesque rural landscape. At the village’s edge, you’ll find artisans expertly baking large, golden, crispy rice paper cakes over charcoal stoves, filling the air with a mouthwatering aroma.
Visiting Tho Ha also allows you to learn about the intricate process of making rice paper cakes. This involves selecting rice, soaking it, grinding it into flour, spreading the mixture, and cutting the cakes, all of which require precision. A single moment of haste can ruin an entire batch, despite the considerable effort involved in their preparation.
How to Get to Tho Ha Ancient Village?
To reach Tho Ha, drive for about an hour from Hanoi along the old Highway 1A towards Bac Ninh city. Upon reaching Bac Ninh, turn left at the T-junction near the Bac Ninh bus station and continue for approximately 1.5 kilometers along the Cau River banks until you arrive at the ferry station to cross over to Tho Ha village.
For a seamless experience, consider booking a private tour from Hanoi to Tho Ha ancient village. These tours typically provide transportation, a knowledgeable guide, entrance fees, and lunch. This allows you to relax and enjoy the journey with insightful commentary and attentive care from your guide.
Alternatively, if you prefer to visit Tho Ha village independently, the most cost-effective method is to take bus number 54 from Long Bien bus station in Hanoi to Bac Ninh city. From there, you can take a taxi or motorbike for the final 1.5 kilometers to Tho Ha. For a more adventurous option, you can rent a motorbike and travel directly from Hanoi. For those seeking comfort and flexibility, hiring a private car with a driver for a day trip to Tho Ha is also a convenient option.
Experience the Tho Ancient Village
Renowned for its centuries-old tradition of craftsmanship, Tho Ha offers a serene retreat where visitors can unwind and immerse themselves in the timeless charm of a traditional craft village. Nestled amidst tranquil surroundings, Tho Ha beckons visitors to embark on a journey of discovery and immersion into the heart of Vietnamese artisanal heritage.
Immerse yourself in ancient Northern Vietnamese villages
Here, when you come to escape, you will experience the feeling of living in an ancient Northern Vietnamese village, surrounded by friendly rivers and beautiful, rustic scenery filled with the breath of solidarity. Besides, you will also encounter charming details such as village gates, old tiled roof houses, as well as communal houses and ancient temples.
The beauty of traditional culture
Venturing deeper into the narrow alleys, you’ll encounter rice paper cakes drying in front of houses, contributing to the village’s renowned golden, crispy, and fragrant coconut-flavored rice paper cakes. If you have extra time, you can learn about the intricate process of making these rice paper cakes and gain a deeper understanding of this traditional craft village, known for its rice vermicelli and rice paper cakes. For food enthusiasts, Tho Ha offers a variety of local delicacies, including “khuc” rice cakes, banana soup, cassava sweet soup, and numerous other enticing specialties that you shouldn’t miss.
Participate in Tho Ha festivals
In addition to the peaceful, venerable atmosphere and delicious food, you can also experience the Tho Ha festival if you visit Tho Ha ancient village on the 21st or 22nd day of the first lunar month. This festival is considered a non-material cultural heritage, including features such as “quan ho” singing on the river, lion dances, and more. If you love the lively atmosphere of rural festivals, stay and enjoy this traditional cultural feature.
Tourist Destinations in Tho Ha Ancient Village
Currently, the people of Tho Ha not only make sesame and coconut rice paper cakes but also learn to make rice paper cakes with fermented pork filling, establishing a reputable position in the market today. When traveling to Tho Ha ancient village, you can combine it with visits to other famous tourist destinations such as:
Tho Ha communal house: This is a very famous communal house in the Kinh Bac region and is classified as a national relic. Tho Ha communal house is the second oldest ancient communal house in Bac Giang, built in 1576.
Bo Da Pagoda: This pagoda is located on the Bo Da Son mountain in the north of the Cau river, in Tien Son commune, Viet Yen district, Bac Giang province.
Ba Chua Kho Temple: Located on the slope of Kho mountain, Ba Chua Kho temple is in Co Me area, Vu Ninh ward, Bac Ninh city, very close to the route to Tho Ha ancient village. Especially, in the first days of the Lunar New Year, Ba Chua Kho temple is a destination attracting many visitors seeking fortune and luck.
Culinary Delights at Tho Ha Ancient Village
Enjoy the delightful pairing of Tho Ha coconut rice cakes with a refreshing cup of green tea. This combination lets you savor the rich flavors of Bac Giang’s specialties. The creamy coconut, the nutty sesame, and the satisfying crunch of the rice cakes, enhanced by the sweet notes of the tea, create an unforgettable taste experience.
