Tho Ha Ancient Village | Traditional Rice Paper Handicraft Village

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 situated in Van Ha commune, Viet Yen district, Bac Giang province, about 50km north of Hanoi. Tho Ha ancient village is well-known for its pottery, rice vermicelli, and rice paper cakes, which have been thriving until today.

Tho Ha ancient village, with its characteristic of being surrounded by a river like an island, requires crossing by ferry or boat to leave the village. Visiting Tho Ha ancient village, you will have the chance to admire every corner of the village, alleys, walls, ponds, and wherever there is sunlight, there are rice paper cakes. Walking around the ancient village of Tho Ha, you will experience the peaceful and picturesque rural scenery of Tho Ha. When reaching the end of the village, you will encounter the familiar sight of hands skillfully baking rice paper cakes over charcoal stoves. The large rice paper cakes, hot, golden, and crispy, emit a delicious aroma.

Traveling to Tho Ha ancient village, you will also learn about the process of making rice paper cakes, from selecting rice, soaking rice, grinding flour, to spreading and cutting the cakes, which requires meticulousness. A little haste can ruin a whole batch of rice paper cakes, despite the efforts put into making them.

How to Get to Tho Ha Ancient Village?

To reach this destination, a one-hour drive from Hanoi is required, following the old Highway 1A towards Bac Ninh city. Upon arrival at Bac Ninh city, you’ll turn left at the T-junction near Bac Ninh bus station and travel approximately 1.5km along the banks of the Cau River until you reach the ferry station for crossing over to Tho Ha village.

For a well-organized excursion, consider joining a private tour from Hanoi to Tho Ha ancient village. These tours typically include comprehensive travel services such as transportation, a knowledgeable tour guide, entrance fees, and lunch arrangements. By opting for a private tour, you can relax and enjoy your journey, guided by informative introductions from your guide and their attentive care.

However, some of you may prefer to plan your visit to Tho Ha village independently. The most economical option entails taking a local public bus, specifically bus number 54, from Long Bien bus station in Hanoi to Bac Ninh city. From there, you can opt to take a taxi or motorbike for the remaining 1.5 kilometers to Tho Ha ancient village. Alternatively, for a more adventurous journey, you can rent a motorbike and travel directly from Hanoi to Tho Ha village. For those seeking comfort and flexibility, hiring a private car with a driver for a day trip to Tho Ha ancient village is also an 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

Going deeper into the narrow alleys, you will see rice paper cakes being dried in front of houses, creating the famous crunchy, golden, and fragrant coconut-flavored rice paper cakes in this traditional craft village. If you have some time to spare, you can learn more about the detailed process of making rice paper cakes here, as well as understand more about the famous traditional craft village with products like rice vermicelli and rice paper cakes. Moreover, if you are a food enthusiast, you definitely cannot miss out on local delicacies such as “khuc” rice cakes, banana soup, cassava sweet soup, along with countless other appealing specialties in Tho Ha ancient village.

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

Indulge in the delightful combination of Tho Ha coconut rice cakes paired with a refreshing cup of green tea. Savoring this delectable duo allows you to experience the rich flavors of Bac Giang’s specialties. The lusciousness of coconut, the nutty essence of sesame, and the satisfying crunchiness, complemented by the sweet essence of tea, create an unforgettable taste sensation.