1. Bai Dinh Pagoda – Trang An Scenic Landscape
Bai Dinh Pagoda attracts a large number of tourists annually, especially during the Lunar New Year. Located in Ninh Binh province, it holds numerous records in Vietnam and Asia: Home to the largest collection of Arhat statues in Vietnam, and the largest bronze Buddha statue in Asia,...
Bai Dinh Pagoda – The Largest Pagoda in Vietnam
Experience the breathtaking landscapes of Tam Chuc mountains.
Explore the serene beauty of Yen Tu mountain, a sacred land where tranquility meets majesty.
Embark on a spiritual journey to Yen Tu mountain, a place of tranquility, magnificence, and spirituality. With its majestic natural scenery, diverse temple complex, and annual festivals, Yen Tu captivates visitors from all walks of life. Engage in traditional games like shuttlecock kicking and rope jumping, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Moreover, Yen Tu offers pilgrims the opportunity to reconnect with Buddhist roots as they ascend to Dong Pagoda, nestled at an elevation of 1,068m above sea level. Known as the cradle of Vietnamese Buddhism and the spiritual retreat of King Tran Nhan Tong, Yen Tu exudes the utmost serenity.
The serene Yen Tu Pagoda atop Yen Tu peak.
4. Perfume Pagoda
When it comes to crowded tourist spots during Tet (Lunar New Year) celebrations, one cannot overlook the Perfume Pagoda, a sacred temple located in Hanoi. Visitors come to the Perfume Pagoda to pray for peace and blessings for themselves and their families. The complex is vast, housing many shrines dedicated to the Buddha. It is also where the Perfume Pagoda Festival takes place, held from the 6th day of the first lunar month to the third lunar month.
The Perfume Pagoda in the first days of the year
Trúc Lâm Tây Thiên Meditation Center
Nestled against the Tây Thiên Mountain in Tam Đảo district, Vĩnh Phúc province, the Trúc Lâm Tây Thiên Meditation Center boasts picturesque landscapes of mountains and forests, offering a serene retreat. The annual Tây Thiên Festival on the fifteenth day of the second lunar month is a notable cultural event here. Visitors come to Tây Thiên not only to seek fortune and blessings for the year but also to partake in various unique cultural activities.
Trúc Lâm Tây Thiên Zen Monastery
Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám (Temple of Literature)
The Temple of Literature, also known as the Temple of Confucius, has long been renowned as the first university in our country and symbolizes the virtue of learning and the tradition of respecting teachers in Vietnamese culture. Every spring, students, scholars, and intellectuals from all over the country gather here, from young elementary students to seasoned professors, to celebrate knowledge and wisdom.
The Temple of Literature - the first university in Vietnam
The Temple of Literature has 82 stone tortoise steles inscribed with the names of ancient scholars, unveiling the stories of the venerable Chu Van An and the significant kings in history who contributed to the educational development of the southern country. Visitors come here not only to wish for a fortunate academic year and successful exams but also to express gratitude to the wise scholars of the past.
7. Tran Temple
Trần Temple is renowned for its annual seal opening ceremony held from the 11th to the 16th day of the first lunar month. It commemorates the merits of the Tran kings and court officials who made significant contributions to national defense. Moreover, it serves as a place where parents bring their children to educate them about the tradition of defending the country and the patriotic spirit of the Vietnamese people.
Captivating imagery of the Trần Temple festival
The Trần Temple Seal Opening Ceremony encompasses solemn rituals, including processions from temples to Thiên Trường Temple and the ancient Trạch Temple, where the Tran kings and Trần Hưng Đạo are worshiped. The ceremonies are conducted with great reverence, following the protocols of ancient dynasties. In addition to processions and incense offerings, the event features a festive atmosphere with unique activities such as dragon dances, wrestling, and traditional games, attracting numerous tourists.
8. The Temple of the Lady of the Warehouse
The Bà Chúa Kho Temple is dedicated to Linh Từ Quốc Chế, known for her efforts in establishing settlements and cultivating fields in Bắc Ninh. She also safeguarded the food reserves of Kho Mountain, greatly assisting King Lý and our people during the northern invaders' incursions.
Travelers visit the Bà Chúa Kho Temple to seek financial blessings at the beginning of the year.
The Bà Chúa Kho Temple hosts the Bà Chúa Kho Festival to honor her contributions. Every new year, visitors from afar gather here to seek blessings and 'borrow capital' from Bà Chúa Kho for business endeavors. It is believed that the capital lent by Bà Chúa Kho always brings good fortune, ensuring prosperous trade and wealth.
9. Hùng Temple
Perhaps every Vietnamese is familiar with the verse 'No matter who goes against the tide, Remember the Hung Kings' death anniversary on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month.' Every 10th of March lunar calendar, descendants from everywhere return to the Hung Temple to commemorate the Hung Kings who founded the nation, showcasing the tradition of remembering the roots.
The Hung Temple festival is held ceremoniously every year.
On the ancestral anniversary day, various competitions such as cooking, wrestling, and making square glutinous rice cakes are organized at the foot of the Hung Temple, attracting many tourists. Additionally, there are outstanding cultural activities such as rowing, operatic singing, and xoan singing.
Above are the spiritual tourist destinations in the Northern region for the spring pilgrimage and seeking blessings where you can refer to visit at the beginning of the year. Hopefully, you have gained useful information and chosen the most suitable destinations for yourself. Vntrip wishes you exciting journeys filled with meaningful experiences at the beginning of the year.
