1. Where is Kinh Duong Vuong Temple?
Kinh Duong Vuong Temple is located in A Lu village, Thuan Thanh ward, Bac Ninh province, Vietnam. It is about 38 km southwest of the provincial center and about 30 km northeast of Hanoi capital.
2. Who is worshiped at Kinh Duong Vuong Temple?
Kinh Duong Vuong Temple is the place to worship the founder of the Vietnamese nation – Kinh Duong Vuong. He was the first king to establish the Xich Quy state around 2879 BC. According to legend, he once established the capital in Luy Lau in Bac Ninh before moving to Viet Tri in Phu Tho.
Kinh Duong Vuong married Than Long and gave birth to Sung Lam (Lac Long Quan). He gave birth to the Hung Kings, opening the brilliant Lac Viet civilization.
Moreover, this is also the only place in Vietnam that still preserves traces of Kinh Duong Vuong. At the same time, it is also a place to commemorate Lac Long Quan and Au Co at Ha Temple located in the same complex. The entire relic site is associated with the legend of “Con Rong Chau Tien“. Therefore, it carries the sacred meaning of the national origin and the spirit of solidarity of the Vietnamese people.
3. How is Kinh Duong Vuong temple unique?
Kinh Duong Vuong Temple and Tomb is a special historical relic associated with the king who is honored as the Ancestor of the ancient Vietnamese people. Located on a high strip of land on the southern bank of the Duong River, this place has long been considered the most sacred place. Therefore, it symbolizes respect for the emperors through many dynasties.
Throughout history, feudal dynasties have always paid attention to restoring and embellishing this place. In particular, in the year Minh Mang 21 (1840), the court erected a stone stele engraved with four Chinese characters “Kinh Duong Vuong tomb”. With many parallel sentences and large characters such as “Nam To Mieu”, “Nam Bang Thuy To”. Therefore, this place is a clear proof of the tradition of worshiping the nation’s Ancestors that has been maintained for a long time.
On every festival occasion, visitors come here not only to make a pilgrimage to remember their origins. They are also proud of the spirit of solidarity and the awareness of preserving the cultural heritage of the Vietnamese people. It is these historical, cultural and architectural values that helped Kinh Duong Vuong Temple to be recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Relic in 1993.
4. History of Kinh Duong Vuong Temple
Kinh Duong Vuong Temple has a long history, closely associated with the founding and defending of the Vietnamese nation. Initially, people built the temple in the west of A Lu village. It includes the Upper Temple worshiping Kinh Duong Vuong and the Lower Temple worshiping Lac Long Quan and Au Co. Over time and events, the relic site has been restored and embellished many times. It has become a sacred spiritual destination of Kinh Bac land.
Important milestones in the history of the temple:
- In 1949: The French army demolished the temple and communal house of A Lu village to get materials to build a post, the worshiping objects were moved to Van Chi area.
- After 1954: People restored Van Chi into a temple worshiping Kinh Duong Vuong – Lac Long Quan – Au Co. It is associated with the legend “Children of Dragon and Grandchildren of Fairy”.
- February 2, 1993: The relic site was officially recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Relic.
- 1999: The temple continued to be restored and upgraded, meeting the needs of beliefs and preserving cultural and historical values for future generations.
Thanks to continuous preservation, Kinh Duong Vuong Temple today is not only a place of pilgrimage but also an attractive spiritual tourist destination. Therefore, it helps visitors better understand the origins of the Vietnamese people.
5. When is the best time to visit Kinh Duong Vuong Temple?
Kinh Duong Vuong Temple is open all year round, welcoming visitors from all over to visit and learn about the origins of the Vietnamese people. However, the beginning of the year is considered the best time to visit here. During this time, the weather is cool and pleasant. It is convenient for traveling, sightseeing and participating in other outdoor activities.
In particular, from the 16th to the 18th of the first lunar month, the Kinh Duong Vuong festival is solemnly held. To commemorate the merits of the founding king and pray for peace and prosperity. Therefore, this is an ideal opportunity for you to both make a pilgrimage and immerse yourself in the traditional festival atmosphere. From there, you will fully feel the unique spiritual culture of Kinh Bac land.
6. How to get to Kinh Duong Vuong Temple?
Kinh Duong Vuong Temple is located about 30 km from the center of Hanoi, taking only nearly 1 hour to travel. From Hoan Kiem Lake, you can follow the route: Le Thai To Street – Hang Khay – Ring Road 1 – Vinh Tuy Bridge – Co Linh Road – North-South Expressway (CT01/QL1A), then turn onto Thuan Thanh 5 Street to reach Thuan Thanh Ward, where the relic site is located.
You can drive yourself, rent a tourist car or take a bus from Hanoi to Thuan Thanh ward. The road is quite open and easy to find, with clear signs from Dai Dong Thanh commune leading straight to the temple. This is a convenient route, suitable for both day trips and pilgrimages at the beginning of the year.
7. Some interesting experiences when visiting Kinh Duong Vuong Temple
When visiting Kinh Duong Vuong Temple, you will not only admire the sacred place of worship. You will also experience many unique cultural activities, from architecture, antiques to traditional festivals.
To make your journey even more meaningful, include this destination in your Ultimate North Vietnam route. A perfect way to explore Vietnam’s rich history, spiritual heritage, and breathtaking landscapes all in one unforgettable trip.
7.1. Admiring the ancient architecture
The temple is designed in the shape of the letter “Cong” with 5 front rooms, 1 tube room and 3 back rooms. In the middle of the back room is Kinh Duong Vuong, on the right is Lac Long Quan, on the left is Au Co.
In addition, the building stands out with a sturdy ironwood frame, traditional tiled roof and sophisticated carvings. It shows its long-standing artistic and historical value.
7.2. Discovering precious antiques
The temple currently preserves many rare antiques such as thrones, royal decrees, genealogies, horizontal lacquered boards, and parallel sentences. Of which, 15 royal decrees from the Gia Long to Khai Dinh dynasties. This is a testament to the sacred position of Kinh Duong Vuong, Lac Long Quan and Au Co in the Vietnamese people’s consciousness.
In addition, horizontal lacquered boards and parallel sentences such as “Nam bang thuy to”, “Nam to mieu” praise the merits and honor the origin of the nation.
7.3. Visiting Kinh Duong Vuong tomb
Kinh Duong Vuong’s tomb impresses with the Nghi Mon gate with four tall stone pillars, forming three majestic entrances. In front is a spacious brick yard, shaded by ancient trees, creating a solemn and peaceful space.
In addition, the highlight is the stone stele engraved with the words “Kinh Duong Vuong mausoleum” from 1840. Moreover, they built the mausoleum in a two-story overlapping roof architecture. With delicate carvings, showing respect for the nation’s ancestors.
7.4. Participating in traditional festivals
Kinh Duong Vuong Temple Festival takes place annually from the 16th to the 18th of the first lunar month. People organized it in A Lu village, Thuan Thanh ward, Bac Ninh.
- Ceremony: Water procession, tablet procession, solemn worship at temples and mausoleums.
- Festival: Lively with Quan Ho singing, water puppetry, folk games. With booths displaying Dong Ho paintings, Luy Lau pottery, Ho chickens.
This is an ideal opportunity for visitors to learn about history and immerse themselves in the unique cultural atmosphere of Kinh Bac.
8. Specialties when visiting Kinh Duong Vuong temple
Bac Ninh is not only famous for the sacred Kinh Duong Vuong Temple. It also attracts tourists with many rustic specialties with the rich flavor of the homeland. Below are the dishes you should enjoy when visiting this place.
8.1. Nem Bui Ninh Xa (Bui sour sausage in NInh Xa)
Nem Bui has a beautiful golden color, blending the fatty taste of pork, the aroma of rice bran and the slight astringency of fig leaves. Therefore, this rustic dish has conquered diners from all over thanks to its unique and unforgettable flavor.
8.2. Banh Troi (Floating cakes)
Made from sticky rice and mistletoe ash water, banh troi is soft, chewy, and has a light and refreshing aroma. When enjoyed with sugar or molasses, the dish becomes sweeter and more attractive.
8.3. Banh Tro Dinh To (Tro cakes in Dinh To)
In addition to the famous Dinh To soy sauce, this place is also famous for banh tro. They made the cake from sticky rice soaked it in ash water, wrapped it in dong leaves or banana leaves. Then, they enjoy it with molasses. When cooked, the cake has a beautiful golden brown color, soft and sweet taste, imbued with the soul of Bac Ninh countryside.
8.4. Steamed beef wrapped in rice paper
Steamed beef wrapped in rice paper is a rustic but attractive dish. They steamed the beef just right, retaining its natural softness and sweetness. When enjoying, they wrapped the meat with rice paper, herbs, wild vegetables, and dipped it in a rich fish sauce. It brings a delicate and harmonious culinary experience.
8.5. Banh te lang Cho (Te cakes in Cho village)
Banh te is made from fragrant rice flour, wrapped in dong leaves or dong rieng leaves. People crust the cake is soft, flexible but not mushy. When enjoying hot, it has a delicious, attractive flavor, making it hard for visitors to forget.
9. Accommodation when visiting Kinh Duong Vuong Temple
When visiting this famous temple, you can refer to some hotels below:
- Hana Apartment Hotel Bac Ninh. Address: Lot 6, 7-8 Vo Cuong, HUD Urban Area, Bac Ninh City.
- Amira Hotel Bac Ninh. Address: 255A Nguyen Gia Thieu Street, Tien Ninh Ve, Bac Ninh.
- Muong Thanh Luxury Bac Ninh. Address: 255A Nguyen Gia Thieu Street, Tien Ninh Ve, Bac Ninh.
- Bac Ninh Royal Hotel. Address: 460 Nguyen Van Cu, Vo Cuong, Bac Ninh.
- Mandala Hotel & Spa. Address: 2 Kinh Duong Vuong Street, Suoi Hoa, Bac Ninh.
- Grand Phoenix Hotel. Address: 25 Ly Thai To Street, Nga Sau, Bac Ninh.
- Senna Wellness Retreat. Address: 122 Tran Luu, Thi Cau Ward, Bac Ninh.
- Phoenix Resort Bac Ninh. Address: Zone 6 Doi Phao Thu, Dap Cau Ward, Bac Ninh,
- Viet Long Complex Residence. Address: 30 Ly Thai To Street, Kinh Bac, Bac Ninh.
10. Some important notes when visiting Kinh Duong Vuong Temple
When coming to Kinh Duong Vuong Temple, you should note some small experiences to have a complete and meaningful trip:
- You should combine a visit to Kinh Duong Vuong Tomb. Because it is located in the same relic complex, only a short distance from the temple.
- The most ideal time is in the spring. Especially during the festival from January 16 to 18 of the lunar calendar.
- You should wear neat, polite and discreet clothes when entering the worship area.
- Always keep clean, comply with regulations to contribute to preserving the value of the relic.
- Be aware of protecting the landscape, the environment of the destination is always green, clean and beautiful. Do not litter.
11. Some notable attractions near Kinh Duong Vuong Temple
In addition to Kinh Duong Vuong Temple, you can combine visiting many famous historical and cultural sites around Thuan Thanh, Bac Ninh. These are all places that preserve traditional values and bring meaningful experiences.
11.1. Luy Lau Citadel
Luy Lau Citadel is a testament to the heroic history of the Vietnamese people. It is associated with the Hai Ba Trung uprising against the Han Dynasty. After thousands of years, the relic still exists, attracting many tourists to learn about a heroic period of the country.
In addition, the citadel architecture is rectangular with a moat and earthen ramparts surrounding it. People built the gates and watchtowers solidly. They demonstrate the outstanding military and citadel-building skills of the ancient Vietnamese.
11.2. Dong Ho Painting Village
Dong Ho Painting Village is one of the cradles of Vietnamese folk paintings. It is located near Kinh Duong Vuong Temple and has existed for more than 400 years. When you come here, you will admire many unique paintings with bright colors. It reflects the traditional cultural life of the indigenous people.
In particular, you also have the opportunity to directly watch the painting making process from the skillful hands of artisans. In the twelfth lunar month, the village will open a bustling painting market. Where people and tourists buy paintings to decorate, celebrate Tet and pray for luck.
11.3. Dau Pagoda
Dau Pagoda is one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam, closely associated with the history of Buddhism. In addition, the pagoda has a typical “noi cong, ngoai quoc” architecture. With the main hall in the middle, the surrounding houses form a rectangle. Although it has been restored many times, the pagoda still retains its ancient appearance and the quintessence of Ly – Tran architecture.
In particular, this place owns the largest system of Buddha statues in the country, a famous spiritual destination. Every year, the Dau Pagoda festival takes place in the fourth lunar month, attracting a large number of Buddhist followers and tourists from all over.
Kinh Duong Vuong Temple is not only a place to preserve historical roots but also offers a profound experience of Vietnamese spirituality and culture. With ancient architecture, unique festivals and peaceful space, this is a destination not to be missed when coming to Bac Ninh. Book a tour with Origin Vietnam – the leading tour operator in Vietnam, to have a complete trip, save time and money. And at the same time explore more deeply the precious cultural values of the nation.
