Top 10 Famous Tourist Attractions in Hung Yen Province

Chuong Pagoda – Pho Hien is an exquisite architectural masterpiece renowned for its historical significance and unique design. With its rich history and collection of beautiful ancient statues, Chuong Pagoda has become a popular spiritual destination. Built during the Le Dynasty, the pagoda has undergone several renovations but still retains its original architectural charm from the Late Le period. It is mentioned in historical texts from the reign of Trinh Như Tấu: “Chuong Pagoda – Pho Hien is famous for its landmarks.” In 1992, Chuong Pagoda was recognized as an architectural heritage site. Located in the Hien Nam ward of Hung Yen City, the pagoda has maintained its artistic style from the 17th century. Also known as Kim Chung Tu (Golden Bell Pagoda) due to an ancient legend, the pagoda holds a special place in local folklore.

According to legend, during a great flood, a golden bell was carried by a raft to the riverbank of Nhân Dục village. Many attempted to bring the bell back to their towns, but it was only when the elders of Nhân Dục village prayed to the heavens that ten young men and women were able to pull the bell ashore. Believing it to be a divine gift, the villagers built a larger temple and a bell tower to house the bell. Every time the bell rang, its sound echoed for miles. Fearing that the bell's sound would restore stolen treasures to their rightful owners, the Northern rulers sent a monk to steal the bell. Discovering the plot, the monks hid the bell in a small well. Over time, those who tried to retrieve the bell passed away, and the bell was never found again. Visitors to the pagoda today can marvel at the harmonious architecture that conveys a sense of peace and spirituality, guiding the mind towards enlightenment.

Location: Hien Nam, Hung Yen

Visiting Genh Temple in Ngoc Quynh village, Như Quỳnh, is like stepping into a place rich with the legacy of Empress Dowager Ỷ Lan, a woman revered for her wisdom, virtue, and lifelong devotion to the country and its people. Genh Temple is an architectural gem, built in the style of the Ly Dynasty, divided into three sections: the front hall, the main hall, and the inner sanctum. The temple faces south and overlooks the Tam Giao river. The ancient design of the temple is evident from the entrance, and inside the temple courtyard, visitors can see a large stone where offerings are placed. The entire temple complex is built on a raised platform with nine steps. Behind the temple, two crystal-clear wells, known as the Dragon’s Eyes, never run dry. On the banks of the wells stand two ancient trees, known as the Dragon Trees.

When visiting Genh Temple in Ngoc Quynh village, Như Quỳnh Town (Van Lam), pilgrims are taken to a place that marks the historical significance of Empress Dowager Ỷ Lan, a woman of immense beauty, intelligence, and a pivotal figure in the royal court. According to the Đại Việt History Book and local legend, Ỷ Lan, born Lê Thị Khiết in 1044 in Ghênh Sủi village (now Ngọc Quỳnh, Như Quỳnh), was the daughter of a humble family. At 18, she caught the eye of Emperor Lý Thánh Tông, who had been childless for years. After seeing her picking mulberries, he brought her into the palace, made her his concubine, and renamed her Ỷ Lan. She eventually gave birth to a son, earning the emperor’s favor and becoming Empress. She later became known as the Empress Dowager who played an essential role in Vietnam's history.

Location: Như Quỳnh, Van Lam, Hung Yen

If you ever find yourself in Hung Yen, be sure to visit Crescent Moon Lake. Known for its breathtaking beauty, this lake has long been a popular destination for travelers. Those who visit are always captivated by its scenic surroundings, peaceful atmosphere, and the annual festivals held here. Situated in the heart of Hung Yen town, Crescent Moon Lake adds a touch of charm to the bustling urban environment. Its crescent shape, which mirrors the curve of a waning moon, is the origin of its name. The lake is a remnant of the Red River, left behind when the river changed its course. With crystal-clear waters and lush greenery surrounding it, Crescent Moon Lake offers a serene escape. On one side, the Nguyet Ho Street runs alongside, while on the other, the Đại Hà dike stretches out. The peaceful setting amidst the urban hustle creates a perfect blend of nature and city life, making the lake an inspiration for artists and poets alike. The calm, reflective waters mirror the trees lining the shore, creating a mesmerizing scene. The renowned scholar Chu Mạnh Trinh once praised the lake’s beauty, saying: 'The autumn lake shines like a polished mirror.' The beauty of the lake is so striking that it has often been compared to other famous locations in Vietnam. Crescent Moon Lake not only offers stunning views but is also a site of rich cultural and historical significance. A visit to this tranquil spot promises a memorable experience, giving visitors the chance to witness nature’s beauty in its purest form.

Location: Hung Yen City, Hung Yen

Hung Yen, a land known for its 'prosperity' and 'peacefulness', is the birthplace of many renowned scholars. The people of Hung Yen take great pride in the Xich Dang Temple of Literature, a place that symbolizes intellectual excellence and scholarly achievement. Built in 1832 in Xich Dang village, Lam Son, this temple stands as a tribute to Confucianism and education. In front of the temple, two ancient silk-cotton trees, hundreds of years old, greet visitors. The temple complex spans 6,000 square meters and includes several architectural features such as the triple gate, bell tower, stone tablet pavilion, two ceremonial halls, the main building, and the shrine tower. The triple gate is an example of unique architecture with its two-story, eight-roof design, a feature that has been preserved since its construction and is now a symbol of Hung Yen Province. On either side of the courtyard are the bell and stone tablet pavilions. The bell tower houses a bronze bell cast in 1804, while the stone tablet pavilion displays a stone tablet erected in 1803. The ceremonial halls, designed in a five-gable style, were once used for the preparation of ceremonial items and the procession of Confucian offerings.

Today, the temple displays images of education and tourism in the province. In the past, Xich Dang Temple of Literature hosted two main festivals, held on the 10th of February and the 10th of August. During these important occasions, local scholars and government officials would gather at the temple to pay respects, reaffirming Confucian values of honoring teachers and fostering education. These ceremonies were seen as a model for future generations, with hopes for the continued advancement of education. Today, the temple holds an annual festival on the 4th and 5th days of the Lunar New Year, featuring activities such as traditional ca tru singing and calligraphy performances to welcome the new year.

Location: Le Quy Don, Lam Son, Hung Yen

Thai Lac Pagoda is located in Thai Lac village, Lac Hong, Van Lam, Hung Yen. The pagoda was first built during the Tran Dynasty in the early 14th century. It was renovated and reconstructed multiple times during the 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. In the upper hall, the altar is dedicated to four statues: Phap Van, Phap Vu, Phap Loi, and Phap Dien, who represent the four deities of the Four Phap system. The pagoda still retains some of its original 14th-century wooden panels, which are unique in Vietnam, depicting subjects such as musicians playing flutes, zithers, and violins, as well as reliefs of dragons and phoenixes. The Ministry of Culture and Information has recognized it as a national historical and cultural monument.

Thai Lac Pagoda also preserves the original wooden trusses in the central hall, which date back to the Tran Dynasty and remain in relatively good condition. This type of architecture is rare in Vietnam, with the only other examples found at Dau Pagoda and Boi Khe Pagoda. The wooden framework is designed in a 'gong stand' style, supported by four columns. The structure harmonizes architecture and decoration, with many large carvings on the columns and beams. If fully intact, over 20 reliefs would depict various themes. The panels show scenes of female immortals with the bodies of birds, while the pillars are carved with figures of ancient sages holding lotus pedestals. Other panels show female immortals riding phoenixes, playing flutes, or playing the zither. A particularly unique carving shows a three-person orchestra using traditional Vietnamese musical instruments. Thai Lac Pagoda also retains statues of Phap Van, three altars, and three stone stelae detailing the pagoda's restoration process. In 1964, the Ministry of Culture and Information designated Thai Lac Pagoda as a national historical and architectural site.

Location: Lac Hong, Van Lam, Hung Yen

Da Nguu Communal House is located in the heart of Da Nguu village, Tan Tien, Van Giang, and is one of the oldest communal houses in Hung Yen that still retains its original architectural layout, surroundings, and valuable artifacts. Elders in the village recount that the house has stood for 700 years, comprising two sections arranged in the shape of the Chinese character “sĩ”. Adjacent to the communal house’s yard, paved with Bat Trang bricks, stands the majestic hundred-column building, rich with the architectural style of the Ly and Tran Dynasties. Da Nguu Communal House is a striking architectural site among the places dedicated to worshipping Chu Dong Tu, a national heritage site. Over the centuries, the house has remained robust and dignified, and visitors can not only admire the unique architecture of the Ly and Tran periods but also listen to tales of the cleverness of ancient Vietnamese craftsmen. Amid the hustle and bustle of modern life, Da Nguu Communal House retains a serene and solemn atmosphere, untouched by the noise of the outside world.

From a distance, the red roof of the communal house, adorned with a pair of dragons circling the moon, stands out against the green backdrop of surrounding trees, urging passersby to quicken their pace and appreciate the beauty of this sacred site. Passing through the gates of the house, past the Ngoc Well and the spacious yard paved with Bat Trang bricks, visitors are greeted with the profound beauty of the hundred-column Da Nguu Communal House, featuring the distinct style of the Ly and Tran Dynasties. Based on the remains of the Queen Mother’s tomb and royal edicts (including one from Emperor Quang Trung), it is believed that the Da Nguu Communal House was established early on. In 1520, the two brothers Cong Ca and Cong Hai spearheaded the construction, which was expanded in 1706 and later renovated in 1907.

Location: Van Giang, Hung Yen

Lac Dao Commune, located in the Red River Delta, features flat terrain enriched by fertile alluvial soil. Famous for its traditional trades, Lac Dao is renowned for its rice wine production, among other local crafts like blacksmithing, salt-and-sesame rice balls, and carpentry. Lac Dao wine, known for its rich, hearty taste, has a long-standing reputation in the market. Lac Dao is one of the most beloved local wines, and its reputation continues to grow. Other local specialties include Longan fruit, honey, lotus seeds, Đông Tảo chicken, bánh giày (rice cakes), bánh tẻ (sticky rice cakes), bánh cuốn (steamed rice rolls), Phượng Toàn’s stewed frogs, Bần soy sauce, and Lac Dao rice balls. Here, visitors can learn much about the local crafts and enjoy these delicious, unique specialties. Today, there are many types of alcohol on the market, but consumers increasingly favor traditional, chemical-free liquors, making Lac Dao’s rice wine even more popular.

No one really knows when the art of brewing rice wine began in Lac Dao (Van Lam), but it is passed down from generation to generation. It is said that, during the French colonial period, rice wine brewing was prohibited, and those caught brewing were considered criminals and had their assets confiscated. This was a challenging time for the craft, with only a few people in Lac Dao continuing to make wine, often doing so under the cover of night. The wine would be buried under the house’s columns to keep it hidden. Despite these challenges, the skill was passed down quietly through the generations. Initially, Lac Dao’s people brewed wine only for their own families, particularly during festivals and holidays. The local community relied on rice farming, and from their homegrown rice, the skillful hands of the Lac Dao people produced clear, fragrant, and distinctive rice wine that few could replicate. Today, everyone in Lac Dao, from the elderly to the youth, even women, knows how to brew the famous Lac Dao wine. The reputation of Lac Dao rice wine spread far and wide, and as the market economy grew, the craft was legalized and flourished. Now, more and more people come to buy Lac Dao wine.

Location: Van Lam, Hung Yen

Located 30 km east of Hanoi, Nom Pagoda in Dai Dong commune, Van Lam, is a famous pagoda in Pho Hien that has managed to retain many of its ancient characteristics. Upon entering the gates of Nom Village, visitors are immediately struck by the traditional charm of the old houses, moss-covered rooftops, ancient banyan trees, and sacred wells. Following the village’s customs, one must stop at the Tam Giang communal house to light incense and pray for good fortune. Then, visitors cross nine stone bridges over the Nguyet Duc River to reach the revered Nom Pagoda. Inside, the serene atmosphere and the mystical beauty of the sacred statues leave a lasting impression. Nom Pagoda, belonging to the Lam Te Zen sect, houses 122 Buddhist statues made of clay, each with vivid facial expressions and gestures. These include statues of the Three Saints, Three Lives, Amitabha Buddha, the Eight Vajra Guardians, and the Eighteen Arhats. In the pagoda’s garden, hundreds of blooming flowers, including peonies, roses, and frangipanis, create a stunning and poetic landscape that still retains its ancient charm.

Beyond Nom Pagoda, visitors can explore the historical Nom Village, including the village gate, Nom Bridge, Nom Market, and the Tam Giang communal house, which features stone architecture from the Later Le Dynasty. The Nom Bridge, entirely made of stone, is over 200 years old. The bridge’s nearly 2-meter wide surface is crafted from large stone slabs, intricately carved with fine, detailed patterns. The stone parapets on either side are adorned with exquisite floral designs. Despite enduring the ups and downs of history, the Nom Village complex remains a living testament to the past. Every year, especially during holidays and festivals, hundreds of visitors from all over come to worship at the pagoda and enjoy the picturesque village. Nom Pagoda and Nom Village are sources of pride for the people of Van Lam and represent a significant historical and cultural landmark in Hung Yen Province.

Location: Nom Village, Van Lam, Hung Yen

Long Thuong Bronze Casting Village is renowned for its finely crafted bronze products, including flower vases, incense burners, and censer bowls. The skilled artisans of the village have contributed significantly to the beauty of the ancient Thang Long citadel. Visitors can learn about the time-honored techniques and even try their hand at bronze casting under the guidance of local masters. Today, the village has expanded its operations and divided the craft into specialized production units, creating distinct workshops for various items like trays, basins, ritual objects, and statues. This organization has helped the village grow. Historically, the art of bronze casting here is said to have been passed down by Khong Minh Khong, the national teacher of the Ly Dynasty in the 12th century, who taught the villagers the craft. In honor of the founding master, the villagers have cast and venerated a statue of him, keeping it in constant worship throughout the year.

According to local legend, the peak of bronze casting in Dai Dong commune occurred during the Le-Trinh period. Before 1990, four of the nine villages in Dai Dong, namely Bung Dong, Van O, Xuan Phao, and Long Thuong, practiced this craft. Today, only Long Thuong remains. In the past, Long Thuong specialized in casting statues, incense burners, and bells, but now primarily produces ritual items such as incense burners, cranes, candlesticks, lamps, trays, and offerings that are essential for every family altar. Today, Long Thuong Bronze Casting Village has grown, with separate workshops for different products such as trays, basins, ritual items, and statues. Thanks to its organized structure, the village has thrived, advancing in its craft of bronze casting and metalwork.

Location: Rong Village, Van Lam, Hung Yen

Chu Dong Tu Temple is found in various locations across Vietnam. In Khoai Chau, Hung Yen, located about 25 km from Hanoi along the Red River dike, two temples are dedicated to Chu Dong Tu. The first is in Da Hoa village, Binh Minh, situated beside the Red River, with views of the Tự Nhiên sandbars, where Princess Tien Dung, daughter of the 18th Hung King, married the humble Chu Dong Tu. The second temple is in Yen Vinh village, Da Trach, marking the spot where Chu Dong Tu and his two wives ascended to heaven. Though both temples share a traditional architectural style, they differ significantly, allowing visitors to distinguish between them. Pilgrims visit not only to enjoy the serene landscapes of green fields, winding rivers, and tall palm trees, but also to immerse themselves in the heavenly atmosphere of Da Hoa Temple, offering incense to honor the revered Chu Dong Tu and his beautiful wives, Princess Tien Dung and Princess Tay Sa.

The site is adorned with carefully selected trees, symbolizing Chu Dong Tu's immortality and the enduring beauty of his love. The surroundings are filled with poetic couplets and calligraphy that echo the immortal love of the human spirit. It truly feels like a celestial paradise on earth. The Chu Dong Tu Festival takes place annually from the 10th to the 12th day of the second lunar month at both temples. The story of the princess, born of royal lineage, falling in love with a poor yet virtuous young man has long been celebrated as one of Vietnam's most beautiful love stories.

Location: Binh Minh, Khoai Chau, Hung Yen