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Visiting temples at the beginning of the year is a long-standing tradition and a beautiful cultural aspect of Vietnamese spiritual life during the Tet holiday. Each spring, people seek out tranquil places to find a bit of peace after a busy year and to immerse themselves in the beauty of the new year. If you're planning to travel for temple visits in Hanoi this Tet holiday, be sure to save the famous temples and pagodas of the capital for the Year of the Ox 2021.
Explore 6 Sacred Temples in Central Hanoi for New Year's Temple Visits
With a thousand years of history, Hanoi boasts many temples and pagodas that not only hold architectural and historical value but also play a significant role in the spiritual life of its residents. Mytour proudly presents 06 temples in central Hanoi - the destination for New Year's 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 for Hanoi tourism and is listed among the top 16 most beautiful pagodas in the world. During the Lunar New Year, the pagoda not only attracts visitors to pray for peace but also to admire its beauty and the scenery of West Lake in spring.
Tran Quoc Pagoda, a must-visit destination in Hanoi - Illustration
The pagoda is built in a harmonious architectural style blending solemnity with the serene landscape of the vast lake. Particularly, at Tran Quoc Pagoda, visitors can admire the lotus-shaped tower with 11 floors and a height of 15 meters. Each floor of the tower has 6 arched windows, each containing a statue of Amitabha Buddha made of precious stones, exuding grandeur. With its picturesque scenery, Tran Quoc Pagoda is a destination for Buddhists and travelers from all over the world.
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2. Quan Su Pagoda - Spiritual Destination for the New 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 Vietnam's oldest pagodas. Today, upon visiting the pagoda, tourists can see inscriptions and couplets at the gate written in Vietnamese romanized script, a unique feature that few temples in Vietnam possess.
Quan Su Pagoda - an ancient temple in the heart of Hanoi - Illustration
The temple's triple gate has a three-tiered roof, with a bell tower in the center. The main hall of the temple is a tall square structure where large gilded Buddha statues are enshrined in the most solemn area. Additionally, the hall to the right of the main hall is used to worship Ly Quoc Su (or Zen Master Minh Khong) with two disciples, while the left hall worships the Duke and Chau Suong statues. Adjacent to the Grand Hall is the Ancestral Hall, where the Vietnamese Buddhist Patriarch is revered.
3. Tay Ho Palace
Tay Ho Palace is considered one of the most sacred places in Hanoi's temple system, attracting not only the locals but also domestic and international tourists who come to burn incense and seek blessings.
When mentioning Tay Ho Palace, people immediately think of the worship of the Goddess Lieu Hanh. In the Vietnamese pantheon, Goddess Lieu Hanh is one of the Four Immortals (Mountain Spirit, Saint Giong, Saint Giong, Mother Lieu Hanh), the patron saint of the Four Palaces religion, a belief with ancient and unique roots in Vietnam.
Tay Ho Palace, the shrine of Goddess Lieu Hanh in Hanoi - Illustration
Most notably, the temples dedicated to the Mother often have three accompanying goddess statues: Upper Mother, Water Mother, and Earth Mother. These three mothers form the Three Palaces, bestowing mystical blessings, absolution, and relief from suffering.
Considered a sacred place, spiritual tourism at the beginning of the year, during Tet and Spring, always attracts a large number of visitors to Tay Ho Palace. Besides praying for luck and fortune, visitors also enjoy the beautiful scenery of Tay Ho Lake.
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 draws visitors and is a distinctive symbol of Hanoi. Despite the passage of time, Ngoc Son Temple remains a quintessential representation of space, architecture, and a proud image of the people of the ancient capital.
Ngoc Son Temple, a symbol of spiritual tourism in Hanoi - Illustration
The architecture of Ngoc Son Temple represents a harmonious blend of religious styles over thousands of years. Built in the shape of a Tam character, Ngoc Son Temple primarily worships the God of Literature, Van Xuong De Quan (patron of literature and education), and Tran Hung Dao. Additionally, it also worships Amitabha Buddha, La Dong Tan, Quan Van Truong, and others.
Ngoc Son Temple - Spiritual tourism destination at the beginning of the year, now encompasses an architectural complex including the Pen Tower, the Ink-Slab, the Huc Bridge, the Moon Gazing Pavilion, the Altar, and Tran Ba Dinh Stele. Together, they create a majestic, magnificent, yet incredibly romantic beauty.
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5. Temple of Literature
Dubbed as Vietnam's first university, the Temple of Literature is not only a famous historical site in the capital city but also a repository of the essence of ancient feudal periods and a preserver of traditional values, adding a glistening touch to the splendid land of Hanoi.
Temple of Literature, a spiritual destination for aspirations - Illustration
Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam was constructed in 1070 during the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong to honor Confucianism. Later, it became a venue for academic exams, aiming to nurture talents and educate the skilled to contribute to the nation's development.
Today, the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam has become a venue for poetry gatherings, praising outstanding students, and a famous tourist attraction that attracts many visitors during Tet holiday tours in Hanoi. It's also a gathering place for people of Hanoi during traditional Tet days, wishing for a peaceful and happy new year.
Compilation of 5 famous spiritual tourism sites near Hanoi for the beginning of the year
Ninh Binh, Quang Ninh, Lao Cai, or the outskirts of Hanoi have famous spiritual tourism destinations for the beginning of the year. Travelers can plan to visit temples, explore pagodas, or participate in New Year festivals for exciting experiences during the Tet Lunar New Year 2021.
1. Bai Dinh Pagoda - Ninh Binh
Part of the Trang An Cultural Heritage Complex - 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 gemstone well, and more.
Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex - Ninh Binh. Photo: ST
Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in New Year festival tourism at Bai Dinh Pagoda, which opens every year on the 6th day of the Lunar New Year with various large-scale activities.
2. Tam Chuc Pagoda - Ha Nam
Tam Chuc Pagoda is part of the Tam Chuc spiritual tourism complex, also known as the world's largest pagoda. 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 the New Year's ceremonies, don't forget to explore the picturesque pagoda with its various attractions: Jade Pagoda, Tam Bao Palace, Mau Ni Patriarch's Altar, Botanical Garden, Tam Chuc Hall... Every year, the New Year opening ceremony of Tam Chuc Pagoda takes place on the 12th of January.
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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 Vietnamese Buddhists. Exploring the New Year festival spiritual tourism cannot be complete without visiting the Yen Tu - Dong Pagoda Complex (Quang Ninh), where tourists can enjoy magnificent landscapes and pray for blessings in the new year for their families and loved ones.
Dong Pagoda - Yen Tu immersed in mist. Photo: ST
Besides, Yen Tu on the New Year opening day (January 12th every year) always hosts 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 2021
Another famous temple in Quang Ninh is Ba Vang Pagoda. This temple dates back to the reign of King Le Du Tong, initially built from simple wood. Today, the temple has been expanded and magnificently constructed, becoming a focal point of Buddhism in the northern region. The temple also possesses many large and valuable wooden statues such as Mr. Thien, Mr. Ac, Quan Am, Buddha Shakyamuni, etc. Ba Vang Pagoda attracts the most visitors on the opening day of spring, the 8th day of the Lunar New Year holiday.
Ba Vang Pagoda, the spiritual center of Northern Buddhism. Photo: ST
5. Ong Hoang Bay Temple - Mau Lao Cai
Although not a large-scale or splendid temple, Ong Hoang Bay Temple, Bao Ha, Lao Cai still carries a sacred reputation, fulfilling wishes throughout the Northern region. Near Ong Hoang Bay Temple is Co Tan An Temple, which visitors can visit during their spiritual tourism journey at the beginning of the year.
The gate of Ong Hoang Bay Temple, Lao Cai, is suitable for a New Year's spring trip. Photo: ST
What to pay attention to when visiting Northern temples at the beginning of the year?
From Tet to the end of the third lunar month, Northern Vietnam hosts numerous temple festivals. Depending on your schedule and preferences, you can choose a suitable destination. To make the most out of your spiritual journey at the beginning of the year, Mytour offers you some tips:
Choose the right opening day: Be prepared to witness extremely crowded and chaotic scenes. If you choose to visit the temple on the opening day, mentally and physically prepare yourself and take good care of your belongings.
Travel with elderly and children: It can be challenging to travel with family for temple visits, especially to remote locations involving mountain climbing and steep stairs. The health of the elderly and children may be greatly affected.
Booking a group tour: Indeed, you'll save costs by traveling with a group. Moreover, a group of 15 people can rent a private vehicle and have much more flexible trip schedules. Call the hotline Mytour if you need advice on holiday temple tours, the Mytour team will provide you with the most professional assistance!
