Discover Ngoc Son Temple - A Famous Spiritual and Cultural Symbol of the Capital

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Unveiling the Historical Formation of Ngoc Son Temple

Ideal Timing and Ticket Prices for Visiting Ngoc Son Temple

How to get to Ngoc Son Temple

What makes Ngoc Son Temple special?

Unique architectural features

Surrounded by uniquely designed architectural structures

Belief in the 'three religions, same origin' principle

The Monumental Hồ Gươm Turtle Statues

Hotel near Ngoc Son Temple

Tips for Visiting Ngoc Son Temple

Ngoc Son Temple

Unveiling the Historical Formation of Ngoc Son Temple

Ngoc Son Temple

Ngoc Son Temple viewed from above @zingnews.vn

Constructed in the 19th century, the temple was built to worship Quan Emperor, bringing goodness and prosperity by warding off evil forces.When King Ly Thai To moved the capital to Thang Long, the temple was initially named Ngoc Tuong.During the Tran Dynasty, it was renamed Ngoc Son - a place of worship for military leaders who sacrificed their lives in the battle against the Mongol invaders. Subsequently, the temple faced a period of decline.During the Lê dynasty, Lord Trinh Giang erected Khánh Thụy Palace and molded two earth mounds on the eastern shore, facing Ngoc Son Temple. By the end of the Lê dynasty, a portion of Khánh Thụy Palace was destroyed, later rebuilt by the villagers of Tả Khánh and renamed Khánh Thụy Temple. Currently, the gate of Khánh Thụy Temple faces Ngoc Son Temple.Subsequently, a philanthropist named Tín Trai built Ngoc Son Pagoda on a part of the former Khánh Thụy Palace foundation, facing south.

Ngoc Son Temple viewed from above @zingnews.vn

In 1865, Confucian scholar Nguyen Van Sieu renovated by adding land, constructing stone embankments, Trấn Ba Shrine to the south, Thê Húc Bridge connecting from the east to the temple along with the Pen Tower and the Stele Pavilion.

In 2013, Ngoc Son Temple was designated as a special national monument, drawing every visitor to Hanoi. Recognized as one of the sacred and famous temples in the capital, it annually attracts many students who come to perform rituals before exams.

Ideal Timing and Ticket Prices for Visiting Ngoc Son Temple

Visitors can explore, admire the scenery, and make offerings at this renowned temple at any time of the year. However, the beginning of the year is considered the most opportune time when the festive atmosphere fills every corner. During this period, Hanoi residents come to light incense, praying for a healthy, lucky, and successful new year.

The temple welcomes guests every day of the week. From Monday to Friday, it opens from 7 AM to 6 PM. On Saturdays and Sundays, it extends its opening hours until 9 PM to accommodate sightseers. Tourists can plan their time and schedule wisely to visit the temple.

Visitors only need to purchase tickets when visiting Đắc Nguyệt Lâu. If you stop at Thê Húc Bridge, no ticket is required. Ticket prices vary for different groups as follows:

Children under 15: free admission.Students: 15,000 VND/ticket (with student ID)Adults aged 15 and above: 30,000 VND/ticket

Entrance Gate to Ngoc Son Temple @vietlandmarks.com

How to get to Ngoc Son Temple

Ngoc Son Temple

From various locations in Hanoi, visitors can reach the temple by taxi, ride-sharing, motorbike, or bus. If taking the bus, options like routes 36, 08, 31, and 14 pass by the temple. Note that on weekends, the city restricts vehicle access along the pedestrian street around Hoan Kiem Lake. Visitors arriving on weekends should pay attention to choose suitable transportation and stops.

What makes Ngoc Son Temple special?

Unique architectural features

Ngoc Son Temple

Dragon and Tiger Plaques @vietlandmarks.com

Passing through Thê Húc Bridge, visitors enter Đắc Nguyệt Lâu (Moon Contemplation Pavilion). The pavilion is designed with a two-tiered arched roof adorned with cloud motifs at the four corners. On Đắc Nguyệt Lâu, two embossed paintings depict the Righteous Dragon and the Divine Quy Lac Thư on the left and right, respectively.

The pavilion sits gracefully beneath the shade of ancient banyan trees @vietlandmarks.com

Ngoc Son Temple

The main sanctuary within Ngoc Son Temple @vietlandmarks.com

The Bai Duong is the first ceremonial area featuring a grand incense offering, flanked by pairs of elegant birds. In the central section, there is a shrine dedicated to Van Xuong, Quan Vu, and La To - renowned deities of knowledge. The rear courtyard houses an altar venerating Tran Hung Dao, the national hero who triumphed three times against the Mongol invaders.

Inside the central pathway @vietlandmarks.com

To the south of the temple is the Trấn Ba Shrine (Wave-Blocking Shrine), characterized by a square-shaped structure with eight roofs. The two-tiered roof is supported by eight columns, four of stone and four of wood.

Trấn Ba Shrine @redsvn.net

Surrounded by uniquely designed architectural structures

Ngoc Son Temple

The Ink Tower stands at the entrance, built with stone and standing 9m tall on a rock mound symbolizing a mountain named Unique Sovereignty. The tower bears the inscription 'Write Upon the Azure Sky'. This tower, to this day, is over 150 years old.Beneath the Ink Tower lies the Stone Desk, made of green stone and carried on the backs of three mythical turtles. The desk bears the inscriptions of the Confucian scholar Nguyen Van Sieu. Legend has it that fortunate visitors will witness the shadow of the Ink Tower precisely pointing to the center of the Stone Desk when the sun is directly overhead.

Inclined Ink Pen Tower @collector's find

The Turtle Shell Bridge, known for its arching shape resembling a shrimp, is crafted from wood. Thê Húc translates to 'where the Sun's rays dock in the early morning,' symbolizing the Sun God guiding the way to Ngoc Son Temple.

The Turtle Shell Bridge leads to the Đắc Nguyệt Tower @charmesvietnam.com

Belief in the 'three religions, same origin' principle

Ngoc Son Temple

The Monumental Hồ Gươm Turtle Statues

On either side of the main temple are two pavilions. The one on the right houses two monumental Hồ Gươm turtle statues. The outer statue belonged to the 'ancestor' turtle, deceased in 1967, weighing 250kg, measuring 2.1m in length. The inner statue belonged to the 'ancestor' turtle, deceased in 2016, weighing 169kg, measuring 2.08m in length, and 1.08m in width. Both statues are treated using the plasticization method.

Visitors marvel at the monumental Hồ Gươm turtle statues @vietlandmarks.com

Hotel near Ngoc Son Temple

For a convenient visit to the temple, travelers can stay in hotels close to Ngoc Son Temple. Here are some ideal suggestions:

Hanoi Victor Gallery Hotel & Spa is a 4-star hotel located very close to Hoan Kiem Lake. The hotel features a bar, a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can rent bicycles or cars at the hotel to explore the city. Don't forget to book your hotel early to have the chance to enjoy the best surprises.

95B Hang Gai Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, HanoiRoom rates starting from 1,142,130 VND per night

La Sinfonia del Rey Hotel and Spa offers 4-star standard accommodation and services. The hotel provides hot tub, massage, and dry sauna services on-site. Guests can choose rooms with a city view or overlooking a corner of Hoan Kiem Lake.

33-35 Hang Dau Street, Ly Thai To Ward, Hoan Kiem District, HanoiRoom rates starting from 2,700,000 VND per night

Ultra-luxurious accommodations at @La Sinfonia del Rey Hotel and Spa

Ngoc Son Temple

60 Cau Go Street, Hang Bac Ward, Hoan Kiem District, HanoiRoom rates starting from 6,000,000 VND per night

Silk Queen Hotel & Spa is centrally located in the Old Quarter, making it convenient for tourists to explore Hanoi's attractions. In addition to 4-star standard rooms, the hotel offers massage services, dry sauna, and an outdoor swimming pool.

100 Hang Gai Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, HanoiRoom rates starting from 1,332,999 VND per night

Searching for information and booking hotels is extremely quick and easy with Mytour, such as:

Luxurious 5-star Hotels in HanoiCharming 4-star Accommodations in HanoiComfortable 3-star Hotels in Hanoi

Tips for Visiting Ngoc Son Temple

Ngoc Son Temple

Choose modest and respectful attire suitable for the spiritual site.Walk softly, speak quietly, and avoid creating noise.When offering incense inside, do not wear hats, use umbrellas, chew gum, or smoke.Avoid littering, as it affects the landscape's beauty.

Ngoc Son Temple

Explore more:Roam around the capital, discover the 6 hottest tourist spots in Hanoi.

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