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Mẫu Thượng Sapa Temple is renowned as one of the most famous religious attractions in the North. Sapa captivates visitors not only with its natural splendor but also with its unique cultural and religious heritage. This destination attracts thousands of domestic and international tourists every month. Therefore, make sure to set foot in this sacred land to experience the spiritual and religious life of the Vietnamese people.
Explore the Top 3 Sacred Temples in Sapa
Discovering Spiritual Destinations in Sapa
Mẫu Thượng Sapa Temple
From the Mẫu Sơn Temple area, travelers ascend northwestward for about 3km to reach the renowned destination known as Mẫu Thượng Ngàn Temple, located in Hamlet 11, Sapa town. From afar, visitors will see the temple nestled against the mountainside, with its front opening to a vast and beautiful space. This is where Princess Liễu Hạnh, the goddess of the highlands, resides to protect this land.
Mẫu Thượng Sapa Temple stands with its back against the mountain and its front facing a spacious area
Princess Liễu Hạnh is depicted as a woman sitting in meditation, with her hands clasped in front of her chest. She is the daughter of Saint Tản Viên and Princess Mị Nương. After her parents passed away, Princess Liễu Hạnh took over their role in governing the land, and the people built a temple to commemorate her. This ancient temple is a historical relic for those interested in exploring Vietnamese culture and history. Formerly known as the Sawmill Temple due to its proximity to a large French sawmill, despite being located quite far from Sapa town, Mẫu Thượng Sapa Temple still welcomes approximately 4000 to 5000 visitors each month.
The Sapa Market Temple is a charming spot nestled in the heart of Sapa town, located at 32 Fansipan Street. Its central location makes it easily accessible for travelers heading to the H'Mong Cat Cat village, just 50 meters away from the town center. With its ancient charm and serene surroundings amidst majestic nature, the Sapa Market Temple attracts many visitors who seek to delve into history, perform rituals for peace, and marvel at its architectural beauty blending seamlessly with the landscape. Positioned with a front view overlooking the breathtaking Muong Hoa valley and a back facing a sturdy mountain, the temple exudes a sense of tranquility and solemnity.
Each year, Sapa welcomes around 5000 tourists to its temples.
Annually, the Sapa Market Temple celebrates its main festival on the 20th of August (Lunar calendar), dedicated to the worship of Saint Tran Hung Dao. If you happen to visit during this festive occasion, you'll witness the sacred atmosphere as elderly individuals, adorned in traditional silk attire and hats, carry out rituals like offering wine and playing flutes amidst the solemn yet vibrant ambiance of the festival season. The resounding beats of ceremonial drums transport visitors back in time, immersing them in the glorious history and the profound significance of ancient palace rituals, prayers for blessings from Saint Tran, not just for themselves but also for their families and loved ones.
The Sapa Market Temple's annual festival on the 20th of August (Lunar calendar) pays homage to Saint Tran Hung Dao.
The Mau Son Sapa Temple, dedicated to Princess Lieu Hanh, the mother guardian of Vietnamese land and rivers.
The Mau Son Sapa Temple is where Princess Lieu Hanh, the mother protector of Vietnamese land and rivers, is worshipped.
After visiting the Upper Sapa Temple and the Sapa Market Temple, travelers shouldn't miss out on the Mau Son Sapa Temple. Situated on Thach Son Street, Block 4A, it's also very close to the center of Sapa town, making it easy to explore all three sacred temples of this Northwest region. The Mau Son Temple is open every day of the week and admission is free. If you want to leisurely admire the intricate architectural details, it's best to visit on weekdays. If you wish to experience the lively atmosphere of festivals, choose full moon days and the beginning of the month to offer incense, make offerings, and pray for peace for your family.
The Mau Son Sapa Temple also worships Lady Hanh Mau, believed to often appear as a rice and water vendor to bless the poor, help build embankments, cure the sick, and contribute to protecting against threats from neighboring countries. Besides ensuring peace for the people, as it was once a sacred forest with many wild animals and demons rampant, Lady Lieu Hanh symbolizes spiritual power in the subconscious of Vietnamese people, wherever she is, people will be protected to live in peace and prosperity, blessed with goodness, and live in tranquility. She represents the warmth of a mother in the spiritual life of Vietnamese people, embodying the noble qualities of Confucianism, and is honored as one of the four immortal saints. Every year, thousands of tourists visit this sacred place to remember and honor Saint Mother Lieu Hanh.
The Mau Son Sapa Temple is a historical monument over 200 years old.
The Mau Son Temple, over 200 years old, unlike other temples, is located on the banks of the Red River and Nam Thi River. Previously dilapidated due to the ravages of time, it was renovated in 2013 to honor its historical, religious value and promote tourism. According to Vietnamese history, the Nguyen dynasty bestowed the Mau Son Temple with a title three times (in 1853, 1888, and 1924). In 2011, it was further recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism as a national historical and cultural relic.
All the temples hidden in the mountains of Sapa exude a strong spiritual beauty, as the majestic rivers and mountains create a solemn atmosphere found nowhere else. On festival days, people and tourists flock here, the thick incense smoke making this place even more mystical and sacred as if in a celestial realm.
The temple is built on high ground, with its back against the mountain and the front facing a vast, open space adorned with lush greenery. The gate of Mau Son Temple is designed in the style of a three-gate, single-roofed structure, familiar in Vietnamese Buddhism. Particularly, the temple has three entrances, with a main entrance in the middle and two smaller side entrances, and a single main hall inside the temple. In front of the hall, visitors will admire an intricately carved stone stele, and upon entering the hall, they will be greeted by three altars, with the central altar dedicated to Saint Mother Lieu Hanh.
When visiting the Upper Sapa Temple, Mau Son Sapa Temple, and Sapa Market Temple, it's important to dress modestly and respectfully. Avoid wearing short skirts, shorts, or any inappropriate attire as outward appearance reflects respect for the religious beliefs of the locals. Walk lightly, speak softly, smile gracefully when entering temples, and try to minimize noise or maintain silence. Most importantly, approach religious sites with sincerity, even if you don't share the same beliefs, it's essential to respect the customs and spirituality of the local people as you step into these sacred places.
Sapa exudes the essence of sacredness and breathtaking landscapes.
A trip to the Upper Sapa Temple will surely offer you many fascinating experiences. Don't miss out on a place where you can admire the serene mountain scenery, offer prayers for peace and health.
