Top 11 Famous Spiritual and Cultural Tourist Attractions in Ninh Binh

Address: Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province

Main Festival: March 6th-8th annually

The first must-visit destination in Ninh Binh is the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, known as one of Vietnam's first feudal capitals. It served as the political, economic, and cultural center of ancient Dai Co Viet, the feudal regime that lasted for 42 years under three consecutive dynasties: Dinh - Early Le - Ly (968-1010).

Throughout its history, Hoa Lu has preserved many temples, tombs, and cultural relics that hold significant historical and cultural value. It has retained evidence of the nation's glorious history during the resistance against foreign invaders and the capital relocation process initiated by King Ly Thai To to present-day Hanoi. Especially noteworthy are the ancient temples and tombs of Kings Dinh and Le, symbolizing the pioneering monarchs of Dai Co Viet.

Address: Dam Khe Hamlet, Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province

Bich Dong Pagoda is part of the Tam Coc - Bich Dong tourist complex, an ancient architectural masterpiece harmoniously combining mountains, caves, and temples hidden beneath lush green trees, creating a magnificent natural landscape imbued with the mystical aura of spiritual places. This is where the Eight Sceneries of Bich Son converge, known as the 'Second Beautiful Cave of the Southern Sky' after the Perfume Pagoda, which is the first.

Bich Dong Pagoda was built in 1428 during the early Le dynasty, following the Tam architecture style in Han characters, with three separate towers built vertically along the mountainside, forming three distinct temples: Lower Pagoda, Middle Pagoda, and Upper Pagoda...

Address: Sinh Duoc Hamlet, Gia Sinh Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province

Main Festival: From the 6th day of the 1st lunar month to the end of March every year

As a spiritual highlight in Ninh Binh, Bai Dinh Pagoda harmonizes the ancient solemnity of the old Bai Dinh temple with the grandeur of the new Bai Dinh temple. Bai Dinh Pagoda is now the largest Buddhist architectural complex in Vietnam with many Asian and Vietnamese records established, such as the largest bronze-coated statue of Sakyamuni Buddha in Asia, the longest corridor of 500 Arhat statues in Asia, the largest bronze statue of Maitreya Buddha in Vietnam, and the largest bronze bell in Vietnam… Moreover, it also preserves six gemstone relics, precious treasures of the Buddha. With these records and magnificent beauty, Bai Dinh is worthy of being the next destination on the spiritual journey to Ninh Binh.

Bai Dinh Pagoda is now dubbed the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia with a unique architecture, located on a high and steep mountain. Therefore, visitors here can widen their eyes to admire the panoramic view of Ninh Binh, creating a special point that overwhelms us with the beauty and grandeur of the pagoda.

Address: Thien Ton Town, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province

Main Festival: March of lunar calendar every year

Thien Ton Cave is located in the area of Dung Duong mountain, east of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. Similar to Thang Long Tu Tran, Thien Ton Cave, along with Nguyen Thanh Temple, Tran Temple (Quy Minh Temple), and Cao Son Temple, formed the Hoa Lu Four Guardian Temples, guarding the four sides of the former capital of Hoa Lu.

Inside the cave is the Holy Temple of Tran Vu Thien Ton, also known as Chan Vu Emperor Quan, who is the Divine Emperor incarnated as the Divine General, with the role of commanding the heavenly soldiers and generals, sent down to earth to eliminate demons and restore peace. The statue of Holy Tran Vu Thien Ton in the cave is cast in bronze, standing on the back of a turtle.

Address: Van Lam Hamlet, Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province

Main Festival: From the 14th to the 17th day of the 3rd lunar month annually

While visiting Ninh Binh, tourists should not miss Thai Vi Temple, a temple built to commemorate the four Tran kings: Tran Thai Tong, Tran Thanh Tong, Tran Nhan Tong, Tran Anh Tong, and Queen Hien Tu Hoang Thuan Thien, to commemorate the contributions of the Tran kings who defeated the Mongol invaders, maintaining peace and prosperity in the country.

The temple was built on the foundation of the Vu Lam Royal Palace of the Tran kings, featuring the architectural style of 'Domestic Strength, Foreign Appearance'. In front of the temple, there is a precious gem well, and inside the temple courtyard, there is an eight-roofed two-story bell tower made of ironwood, where a bronze bell cast in the 19th year of Chinh Hoa era, equivalent to the year 1689, is hung.

Address: Ninh Xuan Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province

Main Festival: 18th day of the 3rd lunar month annually

Tran Temple (located in the southern part of the Hoa Lu Citadel) is a famous spiritual destination in Ninh Binh. The temple is dedicated to the worship of Deity Quy Minh and Queen Consort Quy Nuong, who was the wife of Deity Quy Minh. According to legend, Deity Quy Minh was one of the three brothers - three deified generals (including Deity Tan Vien, Deity Cao Son, and Deity Quy Minh) who played significant roles in defending the country during the reign of King Hung Due Vuong (also known as the 18th Hung King). He was a 'supreme deity', honored by kings of various dynasties with royal decrees and widely worshiped by people everywhere.

Tran Temple, majestically situated on a high mountain, has long been renowned as a sacred temple far and wide, considered the 'land-based Halong Bay'. The temple was built by King Dinh Tien Hoang in the 10th century with the intention of borrowing the saint's prestige to guard the four directions of East - West - South - North. The old temple, built of wood by King Dinh Tien Hoang, was destroyed, and during the Tran Dynasty, it was rebuilt with famous stone columns that remain intact to this day, hence it is commonly referred to as Tran Temple because it was rebuilt during the Tran Dynasty. Tran Temple is located amidst a picturesque landscape in the Trang An Eco-tourism Complex. The temple features four unique stone columns carved with the Four Sacred Animals (dragon, unicorn, tortoise, phoenix).

Address: Gia Thang Commune, Gia Tien Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province

Main Festival: 3rd lunar month annually

The temple of Holy Duke Nguyen, worshiping Ly Dynasty's National Teacher Nguyen Minh Khong (or Ly Quoc Su), is a high-ranking monk who held a leading position in the Ly court in Vietnamese history due to his contributions to healing the Ly kings and the people. The temple was built on the foundation of the Vien Quang Pagoda erected by Nguyen Minh Khong in 1121. After his death, people worshipped him here. Nguyen Holy Temple is located in the northern part of the Hoa Lu Citadel, one of the ancient Hoa Lu Quadrangle.

In addition to its historical value, the temple is also recognized for its outstanding architectural and artistic values ​​due to its delicate carvings and sculptures. At present, the temple still preserves many ancient artifacts. In front of the incense-burning hall are two stone squirrels from the early Le period, inside the hall are two rare Lý-Trần era drums, the entire altar from the Nguyen era, ... Nguyen Holy Temple was classified as a National Architectural-Artistic Monument in 1989.

Address: Quang Thien Commune, Kim Son District, Ninh Binh Province

Main Festival: From the 14th to the 16th day of the 11th lunar month every year

The unique Nguyen Cong Tru Temple was built while he was still alive. Its predecessor was the three-room house of Nguyen Cong Tru in Lac Thien hamlet. This was where he lived and worked during his time in Kim Son. In 1852, the people of Kim Son constructed and renovated it into a living temple. Every year, on Nguyen Cong Tru's birthday, the local people celebrate with a festival. After his passing, the people of Kim Son built another structure next to the old house, called the Forecourt, where Nguyen Cong Tru is worshipped. The old house is used as the Main Hall. From then on, the temple was renamed Truy Tu Tu. In 1992, the Nguyen Cong Tru Temple was recognized by the state as a National Historical and Cultural Monument.

The Nguyen Cong Tru Temple is built in the Dinh architectural style (Chinese characters), with a five-room Forecourt and a three-room Rear Hall. On the left and right sides of the Forecourt are two bronze columns, and inside the Forecourt are incense burners, drum stands, gong stands, and three large portraits, expressing the deep respect and admiration of the people of Kim Son for Nguyen Cong Tru. The middle room of the Rear Hall is where the altar to Nguyen Cong Tru is located. On the altar is a white porcelain incense bowl with a painting of two dragons facing the moon. This is a very precious ancient incense bowl dating back to the Tran dynasty.

Address: Van Phu Commune, Nho Quan District, Ninh Binh Province

Main Festival: March of lunar calendar every year

According to legend, Cao Son Great King is the Spirit Commander Vu Lam, the 17th son of King Lac Long Quan. The deity taught and helped the people in their livelihoods and protected them from destructive forces. Therefore, King Dinh allowed the people to establish a temple to protect the capital from the west on Dinh mountain.

Together with the Spirit Thien Ton guarding the eastern gateway to the city, the revered deity Quy Minh guarding the southern gateway, the saint Nguyen guarding the northern gateway, and the deity Cao Son guarding the western gateway to the capital Hoa Lu, forming the Hoa Lu four guardian temples.

Address: Thanh Binh Ward, Ninh Binh City

Non Nuoc Pagoda - a temple located at the foot of Non Nuoc mountain, along the Day River and Van River mouth. The temple is famous for its picturesque scenery, imbued with the quintessential charm of the Northern countryside with its serene landscape. Visitors here, after paying homage to the temple, can also admire the peaceful scenery of Vietnamese countryside.

The pagoda was built during the Ly Dynasty, but later collapsed, and was rebuilt during the Tran Dynasty to worship Buddha. Despite many upheavals in history, the pagoda still stands strong and proud as it does today. The pagoda is also known as Duc Thuy Son. It has two gates, one entrance gate to the north, and another gate to the southeast overlooking the Day River, which is also where local people release carp on the Kitchen Gods' Day.

Non Nuoc Pagoda is open year-round, making it convenient for visitors to come at any time of the year. Moreover, visiting the pagoda during Tet holidays when the cold air still blankets the entire Northern region, visitors can enjoy the slightly chilly atmosphere here. A wonderful feeling amidst the charming countryside of Non Nuoc.

Address: Phat Diem Town, Kim Son District, Ninh Binh Province

Main Festival: Christmas, December 24th and 25th every year

Phat Diem Cathedral, also known as Phat Diem Main Cathedral, is a complex of Catholic churches, one of the most beautiful churches in Vietnam, often referred to as the 'Catholic capital' of Vietnam. Visitors here will marvel at a unique architectural complex that combines Eastern temple-style architecture with Western Gothic architecture, making it a unique attraction for tourists. Phat Diem Stone Cathedral reflects the unique architectural art of Vietnam, especially stone carving. In addition to the main cathedral, the Phat Diem Stone Cathedral complex includes a lake, a bell tower, 4 small churches, and the Heart of Virgin Mary Church (also known as the Stone Church) - considered the 'gem' of the complex. The Stone Church is not only a pride of Vietnamese Catholics but also famous for its unique architecture found only in Ninh Binh.

The construction of the cathedral began in 1875 and was completed in 1898. In 1988, Phat Diem Stone Cathedral was recognized as a historical and cultural relic. Today, in addition to serving the religious needs of the local people, Phat Diem Cathedral is also a spiritual tourism destination, attracting many domestic and foreign visitors.