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Visiting temples at the beginning of the year is a longstanding tradition and a cultural beauty in the spiritual life of Vietnamese people on every Tet holiday. And every springtime is also a time for people to seek out peaceful places to find a bit of tranquility after a busy and exhausting year, and to immerse themselves in the beauty of the springtime landscape. If you're planning to travel to Hanoi for temple visits during the Lunar New Year, make sure to quickly jot down the famous temples and pagodas of the capital city for this New Year of the Ox 2021.
Spotlight on 6 Sacred Temples in Central Hanoi for New Year Temple Visits
With a thousand years of civilization, Hanoi boasts many temples and shrines that not only hold architectural and cultural-historical value but also occupy an important place in the spiritual life of Hanoians. Mytour is pleased to spotlight 06 temples in central Hanoi - Ideal destinations for New Year temple tourism.
1. Tran Quoc Pagoda
Considered the oldest and most sacred pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda with a history of over 1500 years is a renowned spiritual destination of Hanoi tourism and ranks among the top 16 most beautiful temples in the world. During the Lunar New Year, the pagoda not only attracts visitors to pray for peace but also offers scenic views of the pagoda and West Lake in the springtime.
Tran Quoc Pagoda - A must-visit destination in Hanoi - Illustrative image
The pagoda is built in a harmonious architectural style, blending solemnity and ancientness with the serene landscape of the vast lake. Particularly, at Tran Quoc Pagoda, visitors can admire the lustrous 11-storey lotus-shaped tower standing 15 meters tall. Each floor of the tower features 6 arched doorways, with a precious stone Buddha statue placed in each, exuding utmost solemnity. With its picturesque scenery, Tran Quoc Pagoda is a destination for Buddhists and international tourists alike.
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2. Quan Su Pagoda - Spiritual Tourism Destination at the Beginning of the Year
As an integral part of the spiritual essence of Hanoi, belonging to the 'Four Sacred Temples of Thang Long,' Quan Su Pagoda was built in the 15th century and is one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam. Nowadays, upon arrival at the pagoda, visitors can see the name and couplets at the gate written in Vietnamese using the Roman alphabet, a distinctive feature that few pagodas in Vietnam possess.
Quan Su Pagoda - Ancient Pagoda in the Heart of Hanoi - Illustrative Image
The temple's triple-gated entrance features a three-tiered roof, with a bell tower in the middle. The main hall of the temple is a high, square-shaped building where large gold-plated Buddha statues are worshiped in the most solemn manner. Additionally, the hall to the right of the main hall is dedicated to worshiping Ly Quoc Su (also known as Zen master Minh Khong) with two attendant monks, while the hall to the left houses statues of Duc Ong and Chau Suong, Quan Binh. Adjacent to the Great Hall is the Ancestor Hall, where the Great Patriarch of Vietnamese Buddhism is revered.
3. West Lake Palace
West Lake Palace is considered one of the most sacred sites among the temples and pagodas in Hanoi, attracting not only local residents but also domestic and foreign tourists who come to pray for blessings.
When mentioning West Lake Palace, one immediately thinks of the worship of the Goddess Lieu Hanh. In the Vietnamese pantheon, Goddess Lieu Hanh is one of the Four Immortals (Mountain God, Saint Giong, Chu Dong Tu, Lieu Hanh Mother), the saint of the Four Palaces belief, a belief with deep roots and uniqueness in Vietnam.
West Lake Palace - Worship place of Goddess Lieu Hanh in Hanoi - Illustrative Image
Notably, the main altars in Mau temples often feature three accompanying goddess statues: Thượng Ngàn Mau, Thoải (water) Mau, and Địa Mau. These three goddesses combine to form the Three Palaces, bestowing mysterious blessings, absolution, and resolution.
Considered a sacred place, a spiritual tourism destination at the beginning of the year
4. Ngoc Son Temple
Located on the Jade Island of Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple is one of the budget-friendly tourist attractions that attracts visitors and serves as a distinctive symbol of the capital city of Hanoi. Despite the passage of time, Ngoc Son Temple Hanoi remains a quintessential representation of space and architecture, a proud image of the people of this ancient and modern metropolis.
Ngoc Son Temple - Symbol of spiritual tourism in Hanoi - Illustrative Image
The architecture of Ngoc Son Temple represents a harmonious blend of religious styles throughout millennia. Built in the shape of a Tam letter, Ngoc Son Temple primarily worships the deity Van Xuong De Quan (patron of literature and education) and Tran Hung Dao. Additionally, it also worships Buddha Amitabha, La Dong Tan, Quan Van Truong, and others.
Ngoc Son Temple - Spiritual tourism destination at the beginning of the year, now includes a complex of architectural structures: Pen Tower, Ink-slab Pavilion, The Huc Bridge, Moon Contemplation Pavilion, Temple of Worship, and Ba Dinh Pavilion. Together, they create a magnificent, grand, yet romantic beauty.
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5. Temple of Literature
Known as Vietnam's first university, the Temple of Literature is not only a famous historical landmark in the capital city but also a repository of the essence of previous feudal historical periods. It preserves traditional values, shining like a golden dust on the magnificent land of Hanoi.
Temple of Literature - A spiritual destination for aspirations and achievements - Illustrative Image
Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam was constructed in 1070 during the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong to honor Confucianism. It later became a venue for academic exams, aiming to nurture talents and educate skilled individuals to contribute to the nation's development.
Today, the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam serves as a venue for poetry gatherings, honoring outstanding students, and is a famous tourist attraction that attracts many visitors during Tet holidays in Hanoi. It's also a place where Hanoians come to pray for a peaceful and happy new year during traditional Tet days.
Top 5 Famous Spiritual Tourism Sites for the Beginning of the Year near Hanoi
Ninh Binh, Quang Ninh, Lao Cai, or suburban Hanoi have famous spiritual tourism destinations for the beginning of the year. Travelers can plan temple visits, temple sightseeing, or New Year festival tourism for exciting experiences during the 2021 Lunar New Year.
1. Bai Dinh Pagoda - Ninh Binh
Part of the Trang An Cultural Heritage Complex in Ninh Binh, you can spend the first day of 2021 visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda - One of the largest pagodas in our country. This pagoda holds many records in Vietnam and Asia such as the largest Golden Buddha Statue, the longest Arhat corridor, the widest jade well, and more.
Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex - Ninh Binh. Photo: ST
Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in New Year festival tourism at Bai Dinh Pagoda, which kicks off annually on the 6th day of the Lunar New Year with many large-scale activities here.
2. Tam Chuc Pagoda - Ha Nam
Tam Chuc Pagoda is part of the Tam Chuc spiritual tourism complex, also known as the largest pagoda in the world. It hosted the United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations in 2019, promising an impressive spring pilgrimage for visitors.
Tam Chuc Spiritual Tourism Area - Ha Nam. Photo: ST
When visiting Tam Chuc for New Year's prayers, don't forget to explore the picturesque landscapes with attractions like the Jade Pagoda, Tam Bao Hall, Mau Ni Patriarch Temple, Garden of Eden, and Tam Chuc Temple. Every year, the New Year opening ceremony at Tam Chuc Pagoda takes place on the 12th day of the first lunar month.
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3. Yen Tu - Dong Pagoda - New Year festival tourism destination
Yen Tu is considered the Holy Land of Vietnamese Buddhism, where the first bricks were laid and holds an irreplaceable position in the hearts of our Buddhist community. Exploring the spiritual New Year festival tourism cannot overlook the Yen Tu - Dong Pagoda Complex (Quang Ninh), where visitors can admire majestic landscapes and seek blessings for the new year for their families and loved ones.
Dong Pagoda - Yen Tu shrouded in mist. Photo: ST
Moreover, Yen Tu on the New Year's opening day (January 12th every year) always has many interesting and colorful activities. Plan to visit this place during the Tet 2021 holiday!
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4. Ba Vang Pagoda - Spiritual tourism destination in early 2021
Another famous temple in Quang Ninh is Ba Vang Pagoda. This temple dates back to the reign of King Le Du Tong, originally made of simple wood. Today, the temple has been built on a large scale, becoming the center of Buddhism in the North. The temple also houses many valuable wooden statues such as Ong Thien, Ong Ac, Quan Am, Buddha Shakyamuni, etc. Ba Vang Pagoda attracts the most visitors on the Spring Opening Day, the 8th day of the Lunar New Year.
Ba Vang Pagoda, the Buddhist center of the North. Photo: ST
5. Ong Hoang Bay Temple - Mao Lau Cai Goddess
Although not a large-scale or beautifully architectural temple, the Ong Hoang Bay Temple in Bao Ha, Lao Cai is still famous for its sacredness, attracting worshippers from all over the North. Near the Ong Hoang Bay Temple is the Co Tan An Temple, which visitors can visit during their early-year spiritual journey.
The gate of Ong Hoang Bay Temple in Lao Cai, suitable for a New Year's spring trip. Photo: ST
What to Pay Attention to When Traveling to Northern Temple Festivals at the Beginning of the Year?
From Tet to the end of the third lunar month, the North has many opening festivals of large temples. Depending on your conditions and time frame, you can choose a suitable destination. To make your early-year spiritual journey complete, Mytour offers you some tips:
Choose the Opening Day Wisely: Determine if you want to witness extremely crowded and chaotic scenes. If you choose to go on this day, you need to prepare mentally, physically, and manage your belongings well.
Travel with Elderly and Children: It will be challenging if you go on a temple pilgrimage with your family to distant places, involving mountain climbing and many steps. The health of the elderly and children will be significantly affected.
Booking Tours with a Group:
Indeed, traveling with a group can save you a significant amount of money. Moreover, groups of 15 people or more can rent a private vehicle and have much more flexibility with their travel schedule. Feel free to contact Mytour hotline if you need advice on planning a New Year temple tour, Mytour's professional staff will assist you with the utmost professionalism!
