1. Bà Đanh Pagoda - Ngọc Mountain
Bà Đanh Pagoda, also known as Bảo Sơn Pagoda worshipping Lady Đanh (the deity of Pháp Vũ). This revered pagoda is located near Ngọc Mountain, 10 km south of Phủ Lý city, facing the Đáy River, surrounded by the picturesque scenery of clouds and rivers, creating a serene and tranquil ambiance. Throughout the ages, Bà Đanh Pagoda has woven intriguing tales and mysterious legends around its famous solitude, with the central focus being the statue of Lady Đanh. Visitors can engage with the monks to hear more captivating stories about the origin and history of Bà Đanh Pagoda.
After exploring the pagoda, descend to the elegant stone-paved waterfront by the Đáy River, immerse yourself in the idyllic landscape, and escape the hustle and bustle of urban life. If time allows, venture through the ancient fruit tree garden with thousand-year-old mulberry trees to reach the summit of Ngọc Mountain. From there, enjoy a panoramic view of the river, water, sky, and clouds. The question of why Bà Đanh Pagoda remains secluded remains unanswered. Is it due to its spiritual significance or its inconvenient location? Perhaps, the true answer is unknown. However, if you seek a place to purify your soul and find some peace, remember Bà Đanh Pagoda in Hà Nam.
Location: Đanh Xá Village, Ngọc Sơn Commune, Kim Bảng District, Hà Nam Province.


2. Trúc Temple - Ngũ Động Mountain
Trúc Temple - Ngũ Động Mountain complex worships the national hero Lý Thường Kiệt, nestled amidst a picturesque landscape with mountains, rivers, and fascinating caves amidst bamboo forests. Legend has it that in 1089, Lý Thường Kiệt's fleet was battling through Quyển Sơn village when a sudden fierce wind broke the sail mast and carried the flag to the summit of Núi Cấm. Intrigued, Lý Thường Kiệt decided to halt the fleet, and along with his soldiers, performed a ritual to seek victory. After a triumphant return, he established Trúc Temple at the site to honor the heroic deed. The temple, built with ironwood in a Đinh-style architecture, includes a gate, front yard, and rear courtyard surrounded by bamboo groves. Next to Trúc Temple is the Cấm Mountain or Cuốn Sơn, associated with an ancient legend. Following the trail to the mountain top, visitors will discover a naturally formed stone chessboard and enjoy panoramic views. Inside Cấm Mountain is the Ngũ Động (Five Caves) system consisting of 5 interconnected caves over 100m long with diverse structures and various stalactite formations.
Annually, the Trúc Temple festival takes place from the 1st to the 10th lunar month with traditional ceremonies, engaging folk games, Dậm dance, and boat racing. Trúc Temple - Ngũ Động Sơn is undoubtedly an intriguing weekend destination for travelers.
Location: Quyển Sơn hamlet, Thi Sơn commune, Kim Bảng district, Hà Nam province.


3. Nhà Bá Kiến - The Original Village of Vũ Đại
Vũ Đại Village, famously associated with the short story 'Chí Phèo' and characters like Bá Kiến, Chí Phèo, Thị Nở, is actually Đại Hoàng Village, Nhân Hậu hamlet, Hòa Hậu commune, Lý Nhân district, Hà Nam province - the hometown of the realist writer Nam Cao. Visiting the village, travelers can glimpse the old traces of a Vietnamese rural village in the late 18th century, with the sound of weaving fabric, rural roads shaded by bamboo, and traditional tile-roofed houses. Exploring Bá Kiến's house, you'll be amazed that after more than 100 years of weathering storms, bombing, and shelling, this 3-compartment house with exquisite wooden columns and stone bases still stands strong. The tile roof and carved patterns remain intact without any renovations. The surroundings include a banana garden providing cool shade, reminiscent of the simple love story of Chí Phèo and Thị Nở with a spicy onion porridge.
Bá Kiến's house is part of the project 'Nam Cao's Realistic Garden' aimed at preserving the literary legacy of the writer. Inside the memorial house, there is an altar and numerous artifacts from the writer's lifetime.
Today, a visit to Vũ Đại Village is not only a journey to recall a lively past portrayed by Nam Cao but also an opportunity to savor delicious and humble local specialties. One can enjoy a unique pot of braised fish in Nhân Hậu clay pot, best served with hot steamed rice. Other delicacies include the King banana bunch from Đại Hoàng, sweet-smelling and velvety red Nhân Hậu seedless persimmons. Perhaps, just that is enough to make people want to come and revisit this place many times over.
Location: Hamlet 11, Đại Hoàng Village, Hòa Hậu commune, Lý Nhân district, Hà Nam province.


4. Trần Thương Temple
Trần Thương Temple stands as a significant historical, cultural, and spiritual landmark in Hà Nam and the country as a whole, carrying the profound meanings of history, culture, and spirituality throughout centuries. This sacred place is dedicated to Quốc công Tiết chế Trần Hưng Đạo, his family, and the generals who contributed to the resistance against the Mongol invasions in the 13th century. The local saying goes, 'Born in silver, cascade of Trần Thương, hometown Bảo Lộc,' highlighting how Trần Thương Temple, where General Trần Quốc Tuấn placed part of his remains, is revered.
Legend has it that this area used to be a low-lying, marshy region with sparse population. However, there were six elevated mounds making it difficult for the enemy but advantageous for us. Trần Hưng Đạo decided to establish six granaries here to support the resistance against the Mongol Yuan Dynasty, and Trần Thương served as the main granary. Therefore, every 18th to 20th day of the 8th lunar month, people from the region and visitors gather here to receive the first-of-the-year rice distributed by the Holy Trần. The main festival of Trần Thương Temple takes place during these dates with unique cultural activities, reminding people of the tradition of 'Remembering the source when drinking water.'
If you happen to visit Hà Nam during Tet, don't forget to stop by Trần Thương Temple, light a joss stick to commemorate the heroic figure honored as the Holy Trần, and admire the architecture of a place closely linked to the glorious history of the nation.
Location: Thôn Trần Thương, xã Nhân Đạo, huyện Lý Nhân, tỉnh Hà Nam.


5. Kẽm Trống
Kẽm Trống is a nationally recognized scenic spot since 1962, located 80km south of the capital Hanoi along National Highway 1A, between the provinces of Hà Nam and Ninh Bình. Kẽm Trống can be simply understood as the place where the Đáy River flows between two mountain ranges. To the left are the Turtle Mountain and Cổ Động Mountain, belonging to Hà Nam Province, and to the right are Bài Thơ Mountain and the Bạt Gia Mountain range in Ninh Bình Province. Besides mountains and rivers, visitors here can also marvel at numerous enchanting caves with various stalactite formations extending throughout the caves. Kẽm Trống is also a place immortalized in poetry by the poet Hồ Xuân Hương, known by the locals through a few verses until today:
'On both sides are mountains, in the middle is the river,
Is this not Kẽm Trống?
The wind shakes the tree branches with a rattling sound,
The waves push the water's surface, creating a resonant melody.
Inside the stone cave, the air is still narrow,
Leaving the mountain, the view expands widely.
Come to the door, oh my friend, and reconsider,
Does anyone know the floating feeling?'
According to legend, once King Minh Mạng wanted to travel down the Đáy River to contemplate the scenery of Kẽm Trống and Địch Lộng (Ninh Bình). However, upon learning about the mischievous and profound poem by Hồ Xuân Hương, the king refused to cross the river. Instead, he ordered the local people to dig a new river for the royal boat to pass. Hence, the artificial river exists alongside to this day. Travelers exploring Hà Nam should not miss the captivating choice of Kẽm Trống.
Location: Part of Thanh Hải and Thanh Liêm communes, Hà Nam, and Gia Thanh and Gia Viễn communes, Ninh Bình (near National Highway 1A).


6. Đọi Tam Drum Village - A Craft Village Over 1000 Years Old
Đọi Tam Village, situated at the foot of Đọi Mountain, is a village known for its drum-making craft that has been passed down for over 1000 years. Recognized as a 'typical Vietnamese craft village,' it contributes to preserving a unique cultural aspect deeply ingrained in the minds of the Vietnamese people. Moreover, Đọi Tam is renowned for creating the largest ceremonial drum in the country, with a diameter of 2.35m and a height of 3m, serving the 1000th anniversary of Thăng Long - Hà Nội, now displayed in the Temple of Literature.
Exploring the traditional craft village of Đọi Tam, visitors can observe and learn about the process of making various types of drums, including rowing drums, temple drums, school drums, and even mealtime drums. Feel free to participate in some simple processes and purchase a few small and beautiful drums as souvenirs for yourself and your family.
Location: Đọi Tam Village, Đọi Sơn Commune, Duy Tiên District, Hà Nam Province.


7. Tam Chúc - Ba Sao Ecotourism Area
Tam Chúc Ecotourism Area spans an area of 5100 hectares, comprising a system of scenic spots, with Tam Chúc Lake and Ba Sao Pagoda being standout attractions. Tam Chúc Lake alone boasts an area of up to 600 hectares, making it the largest natural freshwater lake in the entire country. The natural landscape of the ecotourism area still maintains its majestic and pristine charm, surrounded on three sides by the Thất Tinh mountain range shaped like outstretched fingers, and below the lake are six stone peaks rising from the water, known as Lục Nhạc. Hence the saying: 'Before Lục Nhạc - after Thất Tinh.'
Tam Chúc Lake lies in a unique mountainous submerged area with magnificent scenery, spacious and airy surroundings, and an immensely rich array of vegetation. The area also includes a spiritual zone that is being planned, covering a vast 147 hectares. Visitors to Tam Chúc will have the opportunity to admire a colossal 200-ton bronze Buddha statue, currently the largest bronze statue in Southeast Asia. In the future, it promises to be an ecotourism destination with great spiritual potential, perfect for weekend getaways from the capital Hanoi and the provinces of Northeastern Vietnam.
Location: Ba Sao Commune, Kim Bảng District, Hà Nam Province.


















