Top 10 Must-See Destinations When Visiting Hai Duong

Chu Dau Pottery (Nam Sach district, Hai Duong province) is one of Vietnam's most exquisite types of pottery, flourishing from the 14th to the 17th century. After being forgotten for over three centuries, Chu Dau pottery has made a remarkable comeback, becoming a valuable craft product both in the domestic market and for export.

Experts highly appreciate Chu Dau pottery, describing it as "thin as paper, clear as jade, white as ivory, and ringing like a bell". Its shape, glaze, patterns, and decorations all reflect the unique cultural essence of Vietnam, blending traditional values, beliefs, philosophy, and the soul of the Vietnamese people. The motifs on Chu Dau pottery depict nature and the life of people in the Red River Delta, such as scenes of cowherds herding cattle, birds perched on flower branches, schools of fish swimming, and thatched houses by the river. The crafting techniques are of a high level, involving wheel-throwing, shaping, multiple steps of product formation, and meticulous assembly. The pottery is created using white glaze, blue-and-white glaze, or three-colored glaze. Today, 46 museums around the world display Chu Dau pottery artifacts.

If you ever visit Hai Duong, don't miss the chance to experience Chu Dau Pottery for yourself. Try painting your own piece and feel the art in your own way. It will certainly be an unforgettable experience.

Bia Temple, located in Van Thai village, Cam Van commune, Cam Giang district, Hai Duong province, is dedicated to the famous herbalist Tuệ Tĩnh, a revered figure in traditional medicine. The story of Tuệ Tĩnh is one of great inspiration. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by a monk and grew up with a passion for learning and studying herbal medicine. Despite passing a high-level exam, he chose to stay among the people and dedicate his life to healing. At 55, Tuệ Tĩnh was sent on a diplomatic mission to China.

There, he was courted by the Ming Emperor but always yearned to return home. After his death, he was buried in China, but on his tombstone, an inscription read, "Whoever returns to Vietnam, please bring me home." Years later, his body was finally brought back to Vietnam, but the boat sank as it passed through the area of Cam Van. The villagers managed to retrieve the stone tablet, and upon seeing a mound of earth shaped like a traditional herbalist’s knife, they built a small shrine to honor him. The shrine, originally made of reeds, was later replaced by a more substantial temple made of brick and lim wood, which became known as the Bia Temple.

Visitors to Bia Temple can immerse themselves in a peaceful atmosphere and explore the sacred herbal gardens. Locals say that the temple is very sacred, and wishes made here are often granted. Each year, during the early days of the Lunar New Year, people from all over the country visit the temple to offer their prayers for good fortune and health.

Amidst the vast waters, Chi Lang Nam Bird Island rises like a precious gem that nature has generously bestowed upon the Thanh Mien region. The island was formed around the 15th century and discovered in 1994. Covering an area of over 3,000 square meters in the middle of An Duong Lake, Chi Lang Nam is completely surrounded by lush bamboo groves and a variety of trees. This serene haven is home to various bird species, with the most prominent being the fire-billed heron, white heron, egret, and kingfisher. Many other birds, including storks and various waders, also make their home here, coexisting peacefully in a harmonious and unique environment that resembles a picturesque rural scene in Northern Vietnam.

Especially during early mornings or sunsets, visitors can delight in watching the herons glide gracefully in the air, immersing themselves in the tranquil atmosphere while witnessing the vibrant, lively “life” of the island. The entire island is adorned in the pure white of herons, accompanied by the distant sounds of birds calling to one another as they go out to forage or return to their nests. The rhythm of their calls, sometimes soft and sometimes rising, forms a beautiful natural symphony, providing a truly enchanting experience. Sitting in a boat, visitors can observe newly hatched heron chicks attempting to stand on trembling branches, or adult birds preening their feathers while softly calling out to each other.

Chi Lang Nam Bird Island is indeed a fascinating destination for nature enthusiasts. Today, the island is expanding with the planting of more trees, which has attracted an increasing number of birds and waterfowl. It can be said that this bird sanctuary is one of the last remaining pristine landscapes of the ancient floodplains along the Red River. A visit to Chi Lang Nam Bird Island promises an unforgettable experience, allowing you to embrace the wide-open natural beauty and peaceful serenity of the area.

Kính Chu Cave - Cao An Phu Temple is located in Duong Nam village, An Sinh commune, Kinh Mon district, Hai Duong province, nestled within a rugged rocky terrain. The cave and temple honor a variety of historical figures, including the Zen master Minh Khong, King Ly Than Tong, and Huyen Quang. The statues inside the temple are particularly unique, being entirely cast from stone, giving visitors a distinctly different experience compared to the typical wooden or brick structures found in other temples. Every year, during the festival, a large number of pilgrims visit, hoping to pray for peace and good fortune.

Also in An Sinh commune lies the Cao An Phu Temple, dedicated to An Sinh King Tran Lieu, the father of the legendary national hero Tran Hung Dao. Following restoration and expansion, the temple complex now includes a grand scale, with cultural landmarks such as Tuong Van Pagoda and the Tran Hung Dao statue. Surrounded by a serene, majestic landscape, the simple, tranquil environment offers visitors a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, filled only with fresh air and natural greenery.

When visiting the Hải Dương region, aside from exploring its scenic landmarks and sampling local specialties, travelers should not miss the opportunity to visit traditional craft villages, especially one that showcases the unique cultural beauty of Northern Vietnam, such as Thanh Hải Water Puppet Village.

Thanh Hà district in Hải Dương province is the birthplace of Thanh Hải Water Puppetry, which has been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Through many challenges and turbulent times, including devastating wars, the passion of local communities and the support from authorities have gradually revived and nurtured this traditional art, leading to numerous performances at national cultural festivals and events.

With many captivating and artistic water puppet performances, such as the play "Sending the Bell to Distant Lands," which has won several prestigious awards, visitors to the village will immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere of puppet-making preparations. The artisans, with their magical hands, create what seem like impossible wonders.

The Chu Văn An Temple is located on Mount Phượng Hoàng in Chí Linh District, a place where the esteemed teacher, admired by countless people across generations, is honored. The site offers breathtaking natural beauty, with steep mountains, peaceful pine forests reaching high into the sky, and clear streams flowing vigorously. It has become a spiritual destination as well as an educational site for many tourists, officials, teachers, and students from all over the country. The Chu Văn An Temple also stands as a grand architectural complex, embodying the architectural style of the Nguyễn dynasty, situated in a sacred location with magnificent natural surroundings.

The Chu Văn An Temple is built on a spacious, elevated plot with a staircase of 100 steps leading up to it. The tomb of the revered teacher is set in a tranquil area, filled with the aroma of incense, located at the eastern summit of Mount Phượng Hoàng, constructed from green stone with intricate carvings in the Trần dynasty decorative style.

When visiting the Chu Văn An Temple, travelers can enjoy the scenic views as well as partake in the meaningful cultural tradition of "requesting a calligraphy inscription."

The Sunflower Fields are located in Tân Bình, Hải Dương City. Once you approach this area, you'll immediately spot the expansive sunflower fields, located right next to Trường Chinh Road.

The vibrant beauty of the flowers is truly breathtaking, leaving anyone who passes by in awe. The best time to photograph the sunflowers is in the morning, between 7 and 9 AM, when the sunlight is soft, and the crowd is minimal. Alternatively, you can visit in the afternoon, from 3 to 5 PM, to capture stunning shots of the flowers with the sunset reflecting off their bright petals.

Each sunflower field offers its own unique charm and beauty, making the appearance of these flowers a major attraction for tourism in Hải Dương. This is a rare opportunity to experience such a magnificent sight, so don't forget to plan your visit and take in the breathtaking view while you still can!

Chí Linh Golf Course is located in the Sao Đỏ town, Chí Linh district, Hải Dương province, covering 325 hectares. This international AAA standard, 36-hole golf course is designed as a breathtaking valley. The course’s classic, poetic style creates an immersive experience, where visitors feel as though they’ve stepped into a lush valley, surrounded by meticulously maintained greenery. The course is divided into distinct sections, each offering a unique service experience.

The Chí Linh Golf Course beautifully blends natural landscapes with man-made structures, giving it a unique charm. The carefully placed sand traps and winding paths create an expansive and inviting atmosphere. The highest point of the golf course is the Golf Clubhouse, a circular, distinctive building made of transparent glass that offers a stunning view of the entire course.

The facility is equipped with a wide range of amenities, including a restaurant, relaxation area, entertainment facilities, a fitness center, and a retail area for golf equipment. All services are conveniently available within the course, ensuring guests don't need to leave for anything. Simply make an appointment or place a call, and everything will be taken care of in an instant.

The Côn Sơn Scenic Area, located in Cộng Hòa commune, Chí Linh district, Hải Dương province, lies nestled between the majestic Phượng Hoàng and Kỳ Lân mountain ranges. The area is known for its awe-inspiring landscapes, ancient temples, pagodas, lush forests, and numerous historical sites linked to prominent figures from various dynasties. When visiting Côn Sơn, you'll be surrounded by verdant mountains, immersed in the sacred atmosphere of the ancient Hun Pagoda, hidden beneath towering centuries-old trees.

At the base of the mountain, near the Đăng Minh Bảo Tháp, you'll find a scene of many pilgrims waiting to receive water from the sacred Ngọc Well. It’s believed that this water purifies the soul, washing away worldly impurities and leaving a spirit as clear as jade. Children pray for wisdom, intelligence, and good health. Legend says that Zen Master Huyền Quang, one of the most renowned figures of Vietnamese Buddhism, was once guided in a dream to the precious spring. The water from this well is used for temple rituals as well.

Climbing around 600 stone steps from Hun Pagoda will bring you to the summit of Côn Sơn Mountain, where you can take in panoramic views of the towering mountains. At the top lies a solitary rock formation known as Bàn Cờ Tiên (Fairy Chessboard), where local legend holds that the Immortals used to rest during their celestial travels.

Kiếp Bạc Temple, located 5 kilometers from Côn Sơn in Hưng Đạo commune, Chí Linh district, is often paired with Côn Sơn to form the Côn Sơn - Kiếp Bạc heritage complex. In the 13th century, this area served as a strategic base for the national hero Trần Hưng Đạo. His temple, located in the heart of the Kiếp Bạc valley, stands as a testament to the area’s historical significance, exuding an air of ancient majesty.

Located along National Route 5 between Hanoi and Hai Phong, the Mao Điền Temple of Literature in Cẩm Giàng district, Hải Dương province, is a grand and historic structure. This temple honors Confucian scholars and has a distinguished legacy, having produced thousands of graduates, including figures such as Confucius, the revered teacher Chu Văn An, world-renowned cultural icon Nguyễn Trãi, the statesman Mạc Đĩnh Chi, renowned scholar Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, government official Phạm Sư Mạnh, and scholar Vũ Hựu, as well as the female scholar Nguyễn Thị Duệ.

As you walk along the tree-lined path leading to Mao Điền Temple of Literature, you pass through the impressive three-arch gate and arrive at a centuries-old cotton tree that casts its shadow over a peaceful pond. In addition to the solemn, tranquil ancient buildings, there is a large pond where lotuses bloom in the summer. Visitors enjoy standing on the elegant curved bridge to admire the vibrant pink lotus flowers in full bloom, inhaling their delicate fragrance in the fresh air. The ancient cotton tree by the pond was planted in the 9th year of the Cảnh Thịnh era (1801). On both sides of the main hall are the Đồng Bell Tower and Đại Drum Tower, designed in traditional architectural style with two stories and eight wooden roofs, both simple yet beautiful. The Đồng Bell weighs over a ton and stands 1.5 meters tall, while the Đại Drum has a diameter of 1.5 meters and a length of nearly 2 meters.

Historical records tell of large crowds gathering for worship and study in the past. Annually, on the first days of the second and eighth lunar months, Hải Dương organizes ceremonies to honor Confucius, with local officials, scholars, and officials participating in these formal events, emphasizing the importance of learning, respecting teachers, and honoring tradition. Even today, with its moss-covered towers, visitors can still imagine the dignity and grandeur of this once-great center of Confucian learning.