Buzz
Let's pay a visit to the Vua Hùng Temple.
1. Wondering what to do in Thảo Cầm Viên? Let's head to Cổ Loa!
The Vua Hùng Temple is a lesser-known destination, perhaps due to its sacred aura that instills a sense of apprehension, or maybe because of some enchantment that shrouds this place, rendering it invisible to the naked eye for those who pass by too quickly.
The Vua Hùng Temple lies beyond rows of trees.
Number 2, Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
The Vua Hùng Temple is located within the grounds of the Thảo Cầm Viên Saigon.
The temple is open for visitors from Tuesday to Sunday every week, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. On the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month, there is always a grand ceremony to commemorate the contributions of Vua Hùng. When visiting the temple, remember to dress respectfully and maintain silence.
2. Experience a glimpse of 'time' with intricate architectural design
Formerly known as the Temple of Hùng Vương, it was built during the French colonial period with elaborate architectural details and decorations reminiscent of traditional Eastern architecture, with curved tiled roofs akin to those seen in temples in Huế. The entire temple seems to be sculpted from a flawless block. The arrangement of trees and statues is symmetrical, almost unbelievably precise.
In contrast to the bustling scenery of Thảo Cầm Viên, the temple area always appears serene and deserted.
The entire temple is adorned with decorative motifs depicting cranes, lions, turtles, and phoenixes, symbolizing the noble lineage of Vietnamese people, prominently featured are the azure dragons sculpted on either side of the stairway leading up to the temple, as if witnessing the celestial dragons gathering, reverently worshiped under the protection of the first Kings of Hùng Dynasty.
The front facade of the Vua Hùng Temple adorned with a pair of ruling dragons.
One of the interesting features here is the 'door panels'. They constitute an artistic sky frame with exquisite harmony of colors and rich patterns characteristic of the peak civilization during the era of the Hùng Kings. They are folding doors, when opened they create a cleverly concealed barrier, alternating between inside and outside. If you want to experience an ancient royal court style, stroll through these door frames here.
Surrounding the temple are tall, intricate door frames with complex patterns.
Take a stroll around the temple grounds.
3. Amidst legendary tales and serene scenery
Few venture inside the temple, lending a somewhat melancholic atmosphere. Not wishing to disturb the tranquility and reverence of this place, we opted to wander around the courtyard.
A feeling of melancholy permeates the space.
The space here is cool and refreshing, contrasting with the bustle of the nearby zoo. Surrounding the temple is a large courtyard, shaded by lush green trees. The corridors are adorned with a continuous series of intricate patterns, adding to the remarkable charm of the temple. The decorative architecture is fascinating, yet the Vua Hùng Temple always exudes a serene atmosphere.
The deserted scene is filled with old tales at the Vua Hùng Temple.
The wind, the trees, the moss-covered walls in every hidden corner create a truly picturesque scene. There's no need to wait for the ancestral anniversary to come. On a day lost in the splendor of Saigon, pay a visit to the Vua Hùng Temple to find some peace, to rediscover the whispered stories of the days when we wore red scarves and carried books to school. Stories from the times of Văn Lang - Âu Lạc reappear in the mind, with the majestic Cổ Loa citadel, the love story of Mị Châu and Trọng Thủy, or the miraculous tale of the Golden Turtle Deity and the legendary crossbow.
Like stepping into the ancient citadel of Cổ Loa with lotus flowers gracefully lining the walls.
A little bit of wandering and the mind drifts elsewhere, no longer confined to the early days of history. The wide, deserted corridors truly stir the soul. Have you ever let your thoughts wander back to those days? It's a strange feeling. Despite living in an era where we only hear lectures, myths, or stories passed down by our grandparents, when passing through these moss-covered walls, the heart feels strangely affectionate, as if we've lived through those historical milestones ourselves.
It feels like witnessing the reign of the Hùng Kings firsthand.
Modern life, with its many conveniences, makes us forget the simple yet precious moments. Visiting the Vua Hùng Temple isn't just about admiring the scenery or expressing gratitude, but also about finding a bit of peace, a bit of serenity amidst the ever-flowing stream of life. A bygone era, a remaining history, a surviving culture. They all converge here, under the sturdy walls and weathered tiled roofs.
Perhaps this verse is always engraved in the minds of every Vietnamese. It affirms the role of the era of the Hùng Kings in building the nation and reminds us to always remember our roots. There are over 1000 temples dedicated to the Hùng Kings across the country, but you don't really need to go far. Right here in Saigon, there's a place for us to reminisce about a bygone era.
Author: Cat's Journey
* Article participated in the Mytour Golocal program
Mytour Golocal
