Top 11 Famous Cultural and Spiritual Tourist Spots in Nam Dinh

Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda is one of the oldest and most preserved pagodas in Vietnam, with a history spanning over 400 years. This sacred site is dedicated to the revered Buddhist monk Duong Khong Lo, who played a pivotal role in the development of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha during the Ly Dynasty. Located in Xuan Hong commune, Xuan Truong district, Keo Hanh Thien is one of the country's most ancient pagodas, still retaining its original architecture over four centuries later.

Legend has it that the pagoda was originally constructed in 1061 by Duong Khong Lo near the Red River during the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong. Initially named Nghiem Quang Tu, it was later renamed Than Quang Tu in 1167. It is also known as Keo Pagoda, after the name of the nearby Giao Thuy district. In 1611, the Red River flooded and submerged the village of Giao Thuy, where the original Keo Pagoda stood. The villagers relocated and rebuilt the pagoda in its current location in Hanh Thien village.

Covering an area of 58,000m² in Xuan Hong commune, Xuan Truong district, the pagoda preserves many ancient artifacts dating back to the 17th century, including altars, bells, wooden plaques, and Han script books about the temple's history. The Keo Hanh Thien Festival, held from October 8th to 14th, is a significant cultural event featuring traditional rituals, folk games, and boat races.

DETAIL INFORMATION:

Address: Hanh Thien Village, Xuan Hong Commune, Xuan Truong District, Nam Dinh Province

Opening Hours: All Day

Main Festival: From 10th to 16th of the 9th lunar month each year

Another well-known spiritual destination in Nam Dinh is Co Le Pagoda, also referred to as Quang Than Tu. This is a historic and cultural relic of great importance in the Red River Delta region. Co Le Pagoda is an ancient pagoda built during the Ly Dynasty by the monk Nguyen Minh Khong. The pagoda features a unique architecture with the Cuu Pham Lien Hoa Tower, a 9,000kg bell, and a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni...

Architecturally, Co Le Pagoda blends traditional Vietnamese design with Western influences, creating a distinctive and fascinating appearance. The octagonal base of the tower rests on the back of a turtle and faces the pagoda. Inside the tower is a giant spiral staircase leading to the top, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Notably, the pagoda is home to the towering Cuu Pham Lien Hoa Tower, which stands tall against the blue sky, with 98 winding steps leading to the summit.

From the top of the tower, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Legend has it that pilgrims who reach the 98th level and touch the statue at the top will be blessed with good fortune and happiness in their lives. The pagoda also preserves rare artifacts, such as a large red bell and a bronze drum dating back to the Ly Dynasty. If you visit Nam Dinh, Co Le Pagoda is a must-see!

DETAIL INFORMATION:
Address: Near National Road 21A, Co Le Town, Truc Ninh District, Nam Dinh Province,
Opening Hours: All Day
Main Festival: From the 13th to the 16th day of the 9th lunar month every year

Luong Pagoda is a renowned historical site in Hai Hau, located in Hai Anh commune. Despite enduring many historical upheavals, this ancient pagoda retains its timeless beauty with unique and intricate carvings. Originally known as Phuc Lam Pagoda, or the 'Hundred-Room Pagoda,' it was built to the north of Luong market, hence the name. Initially, the pagoda’s roof was made from straw, later replaced with tiles.

After several restorations, Luong Pagoda now boasts impressive grandeur, comprising 100 rooms including the front hall, upper hall, rear hall, two east-west corridors, the ancestral worship hall, two back rooms, the bell tower, guest house, and the main gate. In front of the pagoda, there is a crescent-shaped pond, which is adorned with blooming lotus flowers in the summer, creating a peaceful and fragrant atmosphere. Today, the pagoda is an architectural masterpiece that blends elements from several periods, although it still retains the core design of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Luong Pagoda is situated in a picturesque and spacious area, surrounded by the soothing sound of nature. Its architectural carvings are particularly remarkable. The front hall features intricate carvings of flying dragons, each with a lifelike pose, showcasing the zenith of artistic craftsmanship: coiled dragons, dragons circling the moon, pearl dragons, and playful dragons, horses, and fish – each piece a testament to the skill of the artisans.

DETAIL INFORMATION:

Address: Hai Anh Commune (the former Quan Anh area), Hai Hau District, Nam Dinh Province

Opening Hours: Open all day

Main Festival: From the 13th to the 16th day of the 3rd lunar month each year

Phu Nhai Church, officially known as the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, is a Roman Catholic church located in the Bui Chu Diocese, in Xuan Truong District, Nam Dinh Province. The church has undergone five construction phases, the first in the 18th century and the most recent in 1933. Currently, it covers an area of 2,160 square meters. In front of the church is a spacious square. To the right stands a 17-meter tower dedicated to Saint Dominic, the founder of the Dominican Order in the 12th century.

The church was initially built from wood by Father Emmanuel Riano Hoa in 1866, following the royal decree by Emperor Tu Duc, who promised not to harm the Catholic community, ending nearly three centuries of religious persecution. On the left side of the church is a 15-meter-high tomb containing the remains of 83 martyrs from the Phu Nhai diocese. Surrounding the church are 14 bas-reliefs depicting Christ carrying the cross to His crucifixion. The church attracts visitors with its Gothic architecture, reminiscent of medieval Western Europe. The doors and walls are intricately carved with Chinese characters. Flanking the bell tower are four bells made in France, each weighing two tons, which are rung only during major festivals. The majestic wooden doors open into a grand sanctuary with stunning vaulted ceilings.

DETAIL INFORMATION:

Address: Phu Nhai Village, more than 1km from Xuan Truong town, Xuan Phuong commune, Xuan Truong District, Nam Dinh Province

Opening Hours: Open all day

Main Festivals: December 7th for the church consecration; December 8th for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception; December 24th for Christmas

Pho Minh Pagoda is located in Tuc Mac village, Loc Vuong ward, Nam Dinh Province, just 90 kilometers south of Hanoi. The pagoda was originally built during the Ly Dynasty, with a history of nearly a thousand years. It was expanded during the Tran Dynasty in the 13th century due to the growth of the Thiên Trường Capital (the second capital of the Tran Dynasty). Pho Minh Pagoda served as a place of worship and meditation for the nobility and officials of the Tran court. The complex consists of two parts: the Pho Minh Pagoda and the Pho Minh Tower. The pagoda reflects the deep influence of Vietnam's religious traditions, including Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism.

Pho Minh Pagoda once housed a massive 7-ton bell used for guarding the temple, though it unfortunately disappeared. In Vietnamese culture, it was considered one of the most priceless artifacts of Đại Việt (ancient Vietnam). Other significant relics include the Quy Dien bell, the statue of Quỳnh Lâm, and the Bao Thien Tower. The pagoda also preserves several valuable statues, including the statue of King Tran Nhan Tong – the great leader of the Đại Việt army who fought off the Yuan-Mongol invaders in 1285 and 1288. Additionally, there are three statues of the founders of the Truc Lam Zen sect: King Tran Nhan Tong and two other important figures.

DETAIL INFORMATION:

Address: Tuc Mac village, Loc Vuong commune, Nam Dinh city, Nam Dinh Province

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Main Festival: From 15th to 20th of the 8th lunar month every year

Hung Dao Vương is a legendary figure, a brilliant general who lives on in the hearts of generations of Vietnamese people, revered and worshipped by all. To honor him, the people of Nam Dinh built a temple in An Lac village, the birthplace of this great hero. Originally known as An Lac Temple, Bao Loc Temple, located in Bao Loc village, My Phuc commune, My Loc district, Nam Dinh province, has undergone numerous historical changes. Today, it is known as Bao Loc Temple.

From the entrance, Bao Loc Temple presents a central main temple facing east, with a Buddha hall to the left and a Mother Goddess shrine to the right. At the back of the temple is the Khai Thanh Temple, which honors the parents and two daughters of Hung Dao Vương. The architecture of Bao Loc Temple is expansive, constructed in the shape of the character 'Đinh'. It consists of a 7-room front hall, a 5-room middle hall, and a 3-room inner sanctum. In the central hall, a memorial tablet of the Holy Trần is respectfully displayed. In addition, a bronze statue of General Trần Hưng Đạo is seated in the middle hall, flanked by two statues: one of his son Hưng Vũ Vương Nghiễn and one of his son-in-law Phạm Ngũ Lão.

DETAIL INFORMATION:

Address: Bao Loc village, My Phuc commune, My Loc district, Nam Dinh province

Opening Hours: All day

Main Festival: From 15th to 20th of the 8th lunar month every year

Quang Cung Temple, located in Nam Dinh province, is dedicated to the worship of Saint Mother Liễu Hạnh, one of the Four Immortals in Vietnamese folklore. It has been recognized as a national cultural and historical site. The temple is situated in Yen Dong commune, Yen district, and was built on the foundation of Liễu Hạnh's former home, which is believed to be the place where she was reborn. Legend has it that Liễu Hạnh descended to earth for the first time on the 6th day of the 3rd lunar month in the year of the Tiger (1434) during the reign of King Le Thai Tong. She ascended to heaven in 1473, during the year of the Snake.

To express their gratitude for her immense contributions, the people built a temple in her honor. In 1973, the original structure, which had been damaged by time and war, was dismantled, and its materials were used for social welfare projects. With support from local authorities and contributions from people across the country, the temple was rebuilt in 1994, on the same foundation. Among all statues of Saint Mother Liễu Hạnh, the one in Quang Cung Temple is considered the most exceptional.

DETAIL INFORMATION:

Address: Vi Nhue village, Yen Dong commune, Yen district, Nam Dinh province

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Main Festival: From the 1st to the 10th of the 3rd lunar month every year

Nam Dinh province is renowned for its numerous historic and beautiful Catholic churches, many of which are located just a few kilometers apart, with large domes and tall spires standing proudly in the heart of villages. Xuân Trường district, about 20 kilometers from Nam Dinh city, is home to the Bùi Chu Diocese, which boasts several religious landmarks, including the famous Phú Nhai Church and Bùi Chu Cathedral.

Bùi Chu Cathedral was constructed in 1885, and over a century later, it still stands as a symbol of grandeur. Measuring 78 meters in length, 22 meters in width, and 15 meters in height, the cathedral has hosted many significant events throughout its history. The Bùi Chu Diocese is considered the birthplace of Catholicism in Vietnam, having been introduced by foreign missionaries in 1533. It was also home to the first indigenous Christian cross worship group in the country, established in 1670 by the French bishop Pierre Lambert de la Motte, one of the first two Catholic bishops in Vietnam.

DETAIL INFORMATION:

Address: Xuân Ngọc, Xuân Trường, Nam Dinh

Opening Hours: Always open

Trần Temple is located on the outskirts of Nam Dinh city and is a renowned historical site dedicated to the Kings of the Trần Dynasty and their loyal officials. Surrounding the temple are numerous shrines, pagodas, tombs, and stone temples. The Trần Temple complex consists of three main buildings: the Lower Temple, the Middle Temple, and the Upper Temple. The Cố Trạch Temple honors Hưng Đạo Đại Vương (Trần Quốc Tuấn), the legendary general who successfully repelled the Mongol invasions in the 13th century. His family and trusted aides, as well as other officials, are also commemorated here.

The Middle Temple is the newest addition to the Trần Temple complex, built in 2000. It is dedicated to 14 kings of the Trần Dynasty and their most esteemed officials. The Upper Temple, also known as Thiên Trường Temple, consists of four sections: the Front Hall for rituals, the Middle Hall for the 14 Trần kings, the Main Hall for the Trần ancestors, and the Smaller Hall for the Trần officials. The wives of the Trần kings are honored in two side shrines.

Trần Temple Festival takes place annually from the 15th to the 20th of the 8th lunar month. In odd-numbered years, the festival is more grandly celebrated than in even-numbered years. However, pilgrims from across the country do not wait for the main festival but come early to pay homage. The festival features a procession from neighboring villages to the Upper Temple. The incense offering ritual involves 14 virgin girls carrying 14 flower trays into the temple, placing them on the altar accompanied by music. This ritual symbolizes the grandeur of the feudal courts. The festival also includes a variety of cultural activities such as cockfighting, five-element performances, wrestling, lion dances, bài chòi dances, sword dancing, and traditional singing performances.

DETAIL INFORMATION:

Address: Trần Thừa, Lộc Vượng, Nam Dinh city, Nam Dinh province
Opening Hours: 06:30 - 18:00

Trần Temple Festival:

• Seal Ceremony: 14th - 15th of the first lunar month annually
• August Festival: 15th - 20th of the 8th lunar month annually

Thánh Ân Pagoda, also known as Chùa Cả, is a prominent religious site in Nam Dinh, where monks and pilgrims from all over the province come for worship and study. The pagoda is located near the Vị Hoàng communal house, in the Vị Hoàng Ward of Nam Dinh city. Built during the Trần Dynasty, the pagoda’s origins can be traced back to the 6th year of the Mạc Phúc Nguyên reign (1553). Initially located at Bến Ngự, it was later moved to its current location due to flooding along the Vị Hoàng River. The pagoda now rests on a spacious plot of land with a bamboo forest behind it and a lotus pond in front.

Thánh Ân Pagoda was designed in a unique architectural style shaped like the Chinese character Đinh, with a main hall dedicated to Buddha in the center. On the right, there is a shrine to Tản Viên, and on the left is a shrine to Cao Mang Đại Vương, a general who played a key role in the victory over the Mongol invaders during the Trần Dynasty. The pagoda underwent renovations during the Khải Định period (1914-1925), and again in 1982, when it was expanded to accommodate the growing number of monks, nuns, and visitors.

The Buddha hall is solemnly arranged, and the pagoda houses several ancient statues and artifacts of historical significance. Currently, the pagoda’s abbot is Thượng Tọa Thích Hạnh Nghiêm, who also serves as the head of the Nam Dinh Buddhist Association.

DETAIL INFORMATION:

Address: 265 Hàn Thuyên, Vị Xuyên Ward, Nam Dinh City, Nam Dinh Province

Opening Hours: All day long

Phủ Dầy Historic Site is located in Kim Thái Commune, Vụ Bản District, Nam Dinh Province, about 15 km southwest of Nam Dinh city. The site includes several important landmarks such as Tiên Hương Temple, Vân Cát Temple, and the village of Chúa Liễu. The village is named after Liễu Hạnh, the legendary Mother Goddess of Vietnam, one of the Four Immortals in Vietnamese folklore. According to legend, Liễu Hạnh was the daughter of the Jade Emperor. She broke his precious cup and was sent to the mortal realm as punishment. The emperor allowed her to reincarnate three times, as she cherished life on Earth.

Throughout her reincarnations, she used her magical powers to help people fend off foreign invaders, build dams to prevent floods, and offer assistance in times of need. Mother Liễu Hạnh is seen as a symbol of female empowerment, in contrast to the Confucian ideals of “three obediences and four virtues” that were expected of women. Vietnamese women admire her for her freedom of action and independent thought. This is one of the reasons why she is immortal in the hearts of the Vietnamese people.

Phủ Dầy Festival is held annually from the 3rd to the 8th day of the 3rd lunar month, making it the largest of the many festivals dedicated to Mother Liễu Hạnh across the country. Recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Phủ Dầy site plays a crucial role in the Vietnamese worship of Mother Goddesses. The festival attracts thousands of visitors, featuring vibrant spiritual activities such as dragon dances, palanquin processions, and wrestling competitions. Phủ Dầy is definitely a must-visit spiritual destination in Nam Dinh.

DETAIL INFORMATION:

Address: Kim Thái Commune, Vụ Bản District, Nam Dinh City, Nam Dinh Province
Opening Hours: All day long

Main Festival: From the 3rd to the 8th day of the 3rd lunar month annually