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Exploring downtown Hanoi, Ngoc Son Temple is an intriguing destination, rich in historical significance, aesthetic beauty, and traditional culture. Let's delve into the heritage of Ngoc Son Temple!
Within the famous heritage cluster of Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi's capital, Ngoc Son Temple is always mentioned as a sacred place, existing alongside the ups and downs of the Thang Long – Hanoi land. This temple not only embodies ancient beauty but also holds great spiritual significance for the local people.
Despite the historical upheavals, Ngoc Son Temple remains a majestic architectural masterpiece amidst Hanoi. Visiting Ngoc Son Temple is also a way to relax the soul, experience a slower pace of life, and capture beautiful photos on your Hanoi travel.
Overview of Ngoc Son Temple Heritage Hanoi
Ngoc Son Temple is an ancient temple dating back to the 19th century, as inscribed on the stele inside the temple, it was initiated in the autumn of 1841. This temple has undergone many renovations, name changes, and during the major restoration in 1865, many significant structures were added, including: Tran Ba Shrine, The Huc Bridge, Pen Tower, Stele Pavilion, creating a harmonious and majestic architectural complex amidst Hoan Kiem Lake.
Throughout the historical upheavals, Ngoc Son Temple has been intertwined with various stages of national development and innovation. This temple was classified as a special national relic of Vietnam in 2013.
Today, Ngoc Son Temple is not only a place of pure spirituality but also a famous tourist attraction in Hanoi, attracting visitors with its ancient, solemn beauty, symbolizing the long-standing cultural heritage of the capital city of Hanoi.
Who is Worshiped at Ngoc Son Temple?
Ngoc Son Temple is dedicated to Hung Dao Dai Vuong Tran Quoc Tuan and the Deity of Literature Quan, a deity revered by both folk beliefs and Taoism as the patron saint of success and fortune for scholars. Additionally, there is also a Buddha shrine, a Cong Dong altar, Tam Toa Thanh Mau altar, etc. This reflects the Vietnamese belief in the harmony of three religions at that time: Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. This harmony is not only evident in worship but also in architecture, decoration, and the system of couplets and horizontal lacquered boards in Ngoc Son Temple.
Where is Ngoc Son Temple Located?
Ngoc Son Temple is situated on a small hill rising from Hoan Kiem Lake, known as Jade Island. If the Turtle Tower is located to the south of the lake, Ngoc Son Temple sits to the northeast. All these structures form a harmonious complex with the natural landscape, becoming a symbol of cultural and historical significance for the capital city of Hanoi.
Guidance on Exploring Ngoc Son Temple Independently
With its splendid location right by Hoan Kiem Lake, visiting Ngoc Son Temple is not at all difficult. You can get there by private vehicle, taxi, or public transport.
A compact motorbike would be very convenient, allowing you to roam around the streets effortlessly. You can rent a motorbike directly from your hotel or private services, and park it at designated spots in the Hanoi Old Quarter area. Moreover, Klook's popular private car rental service with driver is highly recommended. Just sit back and enjoy the views while the driver takes care of the transportation!
If you opt for the bus, you can consider the following routes passing by Hoan Kiem Lake:
- Route 08: Departing from Long Bien bus station
- Route 14: Departing from Co Nhue
- Route 31: Departing from Bach Khoa University
- Route 36: Departing from Long Bien transfer point
The Hanoi Old Quarter pedestrian street is held on weekends, and vehicles are not allowed to enter the Hoan Kiem Lake area. Therefore, if you visit Ngoc Son Temple during this time, remember to arrange your transportation for maximum convenience.
Reference Ticket Prices for Ngoc Son Temple
Ngoc Son Temple charges admission fees for the central area as follows:
- Adults: 30,000 VND/person
- Children under 15 years old: Free
If you only explore the exterior without entering the Dac Nguyet Tower, you don't need to purchase a ticket.
You can visit Ngoc Son Temple every day of the week, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
History of Ngoc Son Temple in Hanoi
Originating from the time when King Ly Thai To moved the capital to Thang Long, the temple was originally named Ngoc Tuong. During the Tran Dynasty, it was renamed Ngoc Son, honoring the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in battles against the Yuan-Mongol invaders. Later, the temple collapsed. In the Vinh Huu period of the Le Dynasty, Lord Trinh Giang built Khanh Thuy Palace and created two artificial mounds on the eastern bank, facing Ngoc Son Temple.
By the end of the Le Dynasty, Khanh Thuy Palace was partially destroyed by Le Chieu Tong but later rebuilt by the villagers of Ta Khanh and named Khanh Thuy Temple. Due to this historical connection, the entrance of Khanh Thuy Temple faces Ngoc Son Temple.
Subsequently, a philanthropist named Tin Trai constructed Ngoc Son Pagoda on part of the Khanh Thuy Palace foundation, facing south. Shortly after, the pagoda was transferred to a charitable association and converted into a shrine dedicated to the Three Saints. This association reconstructed the main hall, side chambers, and installed statues, including that of Van Xuong De Quan, renaming it Ngoc Son Temple.
In 1865, Confucian scholar Nguyen Van Sieu undertook renovation works, adding land, building stone embankments, Tram Ba Pavilion to the south, The Huc Bridge leading from the east bank to the temple, Pen Tower, and the Stele Pavilion.
What Makes Ngoc Son Temple, Hanoi Attractive?
1. Unique Architecture of Ngoc Son Temple, Hanoi
Ngoc Son Temple is regarded as a masterpiece of ancient art amidst the modern capital, bearing the distinct architectural style of temples in the Northern region of Vietnam.
The temple is built in the shape of a Tam letter structure with eight square roofs, two floors, eight supporting columns, consisting of three consecutive main houses: the Bai Duong is the place of the first ceremony with a large incense burner and a pair of peacock statues on both sides; the Middle path worships Van Xuong, La Dong Tan, and Quan Van Truong; the Rear palace in the North worships General Tran Quoc Tuan.
In front of the Bai Duong house to the south is Tram Ba shrine, meaning the shrine blocking the waves. The shrine is built with the intention of being a solid pillar amidst the cultural waves of the time. The structure of four stone columns on the outside and four wooden columns on the inside combined together, adding uniqueness and solemnity to the overall architecture. Surrounding the temple are a series of unique structures with their own distinctiveness and significance.
2. The Huc Bridge Leading Into the Temple
The red The Huc Bridge symbolizing the sun will lead you to the temple area. Beyond the bridge is the Dac Nguyet Tower, which is also the gate of the temple, a small and lovely two-story tower overlooking the lake, exuding exquisite beauty.
3. Pen Tower - Stele Pavilion
A few steps away stands the Stone Pen Tower. The top of the tower features a feathered pen shape, and the body of the tower is engraved with three words, 'Ta Thanh Thien,' meaning 'Writing on the Blue Sky.'
At the foot of the Stone Pen Tower is the Stele Pavilion, a stone stele shaped like a half peach, split vertically. The inclined slab is supported by three stone turtles. Particularly, the stele bears an inscription by Confucian scholar Nguyen Van Sieu.
Many recount that when the sun casts its shadow, the Stone Pen Tower reflects down into the center of the Stele Pavilion, creating a marvelous image, showcasing the remarkable precision of the architecture as well as the philosophical essence of the structure.
4. The Legendary Turtle in Ngoc Son Temple
What particularly captivates visitors to Ngoc Son Temple is the display of two turtle specimens enclosed in glass cases. These specimens are the two legendary Hoan Kiem turtles, placed side by side. On the left is the turtle that passed away in 1967, while on the right is the last turtle found in 2016.
To craft the final turtle specimen, the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology collaborated with experts from the Berlin Museum using Germany's plastination method over two years. With modern lighting systems and advanced specimen preservation technologies, the image of the final turtle specimen appears vividly. When visiting Ngoc Son Temple, #teamKlook should not miss this fascinating area.
Events & Festivals at Ngoc Son Temple
During Tet and other special occasions, people from Hanoi and neighboring areas come to Ngoc Son Temple to offer prayers for prosperity, peace, and good fortune. Alongside the Temple of Literature, Ngoc Son Temple is also a place of prayer for students before their exams, hoping for success and achievement.
1. Offering Rituals at Ngoc Son Temple
When visiting Ngoc Son Temple, pilgrims choose elaborate offerings to present at the altar. Depending on their prayers, they prepare offerings suitable for each shrine. Particularly, embroidered banners are a popular choice for many due to their high aesthetic value and profound spiritual significance.
2. Literary Prayers at Ngoc Son Temple
Currently, there are three common literary prayers at Ngoc Son Temple, each corresponding to a different shrine within the temple, including: the Thanh Hoang literary prayer, the Cong Dong literary prayer, and the Tam Toa Thanh Mau literary prayer. These prayers can be applied to temples in Hanoi specifically and Vietnam in general.
Travel Tips for Exploring Ngoc Son Temple Independently
- You can visit Ngoc Son Temple at any time since it's always bustling with visitors and worshippers. However, it tends to be more crowded on full moon days or the first day of the lunar month. To avoid crowds, it's best to avoid these days.
- It's recommended to visit Ngoc Son Temple on sunny days in autumn or spring to capture beautiful moments at The Huc Bridge. When entering the temple, follow the ceremony from the main temple first, then proceed from right to left inside.
- When entering the main temple, use the side doors instead of the central one, and step over the door threshold. Additionally, maintain a low voice, dress modestly, avoid pointing fingers at the statues inside the temple, and refrain from taking photos in the worship area.
Nearby Tourist Attractions around Ngoc Son Temple, Hoan Kiem Lake
Ngoc Son Temple – Hoan Kiem Lake is located in the Hanoi Old Quarter pedestrian zone, making it easy to explore other famous landmarks in downtown Hanoi. Additionally, every Sunday morning, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater near Ngoc Son Temple offers unique water puppet performances. You should also visit the Hanoi Old Quarter, which is close to Ngoc Son Temple.
Recommended Hotels Near Ngoc Son Temple for Your Reference
There are many beautiful and affordable hotels in the Hoan Kiem area. If #teamKlook wants to choose accommodation in this area, it's not difficult at all. Don't forget that you can already book Hanoi hotels on Klook Vietnam with discounts of up to 50% off.
1. Hanoi Imperial Hotel & Spa
- Address: 44 Hang Hanh Lane, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City
- Price range: from 2,244,000 VND/night
2. Royal Holiday Hanoi Hotel
- Address: 19 Hang Hanh Lane, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City
- Price range: from 1,909,000 VND/night
3. Solaria Boutique Hotel
- Address: 22 Bao Khanh Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City
- Price range: from 3,266,000 VND/night
4. Old Quarter 1961 Hotel
- Address: 6/22 Hang Voi, Hanoi City
- Price range: from 115,000 VND/night
5. Hanoi Pearl Hotel
- Address: 6 Bao Khanh Alley, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City
- Price range: from 1,532,000 VND/night
Visit Klook Vietnam's Blog to explore the list of Hanoi hotels, homestays in Hanoi, or resorts near Hanoi that are currently popular.
Đền Ngọc Sơn and Hoan Kiem Lake have formed a harmonious and ancient picture. Explore more about One Pillar Pagoda, Hanoi Old Quarter, Bat Trang Ceramic Village, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, museums in Hanoi and much more to deepen your love for this thousand-year-old land of culture.
For a smooth trip, don't forget to visit Klook Vietnam to discover more fun activities in Hanoi, sightseeing tours in Hanoi, outskirts of Hanoi on military Jeep tours, Chua Huong temple complex tours and other exciting travel suggestions.
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