Exploring the serene beauty of Northern Vietnam's sacred temples during the Lunar New Year.

Whether it's Yen Tu Pagoda, Perfume Pagoda, or Bai Dinh Pagoda, they all serve as popular destinations for New Year pilgrimages and spring outings.

Embarking on a spiritual journey to the enchanting temples of Northern Vietnam for the New Year festivities.

Yen Tu Pagoda – Quang Ninh

The Yen Tu heritage site is nestled in the Yen Tu Mountain, part of the Dong Trieu Mountain Range in Quang Ninh Province. This place has long been a familiar New Year pilgrimage site for many people in the North, with its sacred temple located at an altitude of 1,000 meters above sea level. Previously, visitors and Buddhist followers had to trek up the mountain, but now tourists can take a cable car to the Dong Pagoda at the mountain peak. Surrounding Yen Tu Mountain are numerous scenic spots to explore, such as Giai Oan Pagoda, Giai Oan Stream, Truc Lam Zen Monastery, Trinh Temple, Hue Quang Tower, Hoa Yen Pagoda, and the statue of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong. From Hanoi to the foot of Yen Tu Mountain takes quite some time, so it's best to start your journey early, preferably spending a day and a night there for relaxation.

Perfume Pagoda – Hanoi

The vibrant celebration of Hương Pagoda Festival is arguably one of the most crowded spring festivals in Vietnam. Up north, mentioning Lunar New Year festivities entails a pilgrimage to Hương Pagoda. This festival spans nearly 3 months from the 6th day of the first lunar month to the 3rd month, peaking from the 15th day to the 18th day of the second lunar month. Tens of thousands of pilgrims flock here daily, leading to overcrowding and inflated service fees. Hương Pagoda and Cave are located 65 km southwest of Hanoi, in Hương Sơn Commune, Mỹ Đức District, by the Đáy River. The path to Hương Pagoda is adorned with lush greenery and serene blue waters. Visitors can leisurely cruise along the dreamy Yến Stream, surrounded by budding flowers and foliage, until reaching the enchanting Hương Pagoda.

Bái Đính – Ninh Bình

Alongside Hương Pagoda and Yên Tử, Bái Đính Pagoda resides within the triumvirate of grand spiritual landmarks in northern Vietnam. Situated in Ninh Bình Province, Bái Đính underwent extensive renovation over the past decade atop its ancient foundation. The Bái Đính complex now spans 1,700 hectares, comprising the ancient and modern Bái Đính temples, along with cultural park, Buddhist academy, reception area, scenic park, roads, parking lots, and Đàm Thị Lake, among others.

This site boasts numerous Asian and Vietnamese records, including the largest bronze-gilded Buddha statue in Asia and the longest corridor of Arhat statues in Asia. Furthermore, Bái Đính's proximity to other tourist destinations in Ninh Bình such as Tràng An, Hoa Lư, Tam Cốc, and Bích Động makes it an accessible hub. This region is also renowned for its delectable local specialties.

Đền Trần – Nam Định

Đền Trần, located in Lộc Vượng Ward, Nam Định City, adjacent to National Highway 10, is a complex of shrines dedicated to the Trần dynasty kings and their loyal officials. Constructed in 1695 atop the remnants of Thái Miếu, a Trần dynasty temple destroyed by the Ming army in the 15th century, Đền Trần comprises three main architectural structures: Thiên Trường Temple (Upper Temple), Cố Trạch Temple (Lower Temple), and Trùng Hoa Temple. Visitors must pass through a series of gateways before entering the complex.

The ceremony to seal the Tran temple takes place between the night of the 14th and the beginning of the 15th of January. It is an ancient custom signifying the resumption of work by the court after the Tet holidays. Today, the festival attracts students and those seeking enlightenment. Besides its symbolic significance, the sealing ceremony also includes a variety of cultural activities such as wrestling, dragon and lion dances, cockfighting, ring toss, swings, card games...

Ong Hoang Muoi Temple - Nghe An

Ong Hoang Muoi Temple is located in Hung Thinh commune, Hung Nguyen district, Nghe An province, also known as Xuan Am Temple, built during the Late Le Dynasty. Over time, the temple deteriorated, then was renovated and rebuilt in 1995 on the site of the old temple. The current complex includes the lower temple, upper temple, side buildings, main gate, Co Trung temple, Co Chin temple, and the tomb area of Ong Hoang Muoi. Besides the ceremonial procession on the 14th of the third lunar month and the commemoration on the 10th of the 10th lunar month, from the first day of the lunar new year, people from all directions flock to the ancient temple to pray for peace and prosperity in the new year. Ong Hoang Muoi Temple is part of the Lam River tourist area, along with Quang Trung Temple, Quyet Mountain, and Phuong Hoang Trung Do...

By Ha Nguyen/The Star

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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide