Top 7 Renowned Landmarks to Visit in Hung Yen City, Hung Yen Province

According to history, Hien Pagoda in Hung Yen was built in the late Ly dynasty, early Tran dynasty, and renovated during the Nguyen dynasty, by To Hien Thanh - a high-ranking official of the Ly dynasty. The architecture of Hien Pagoda follows the 'internal prayer and external state' layout, consisting of front yard, celestial palace, upper hall, and three corridors. In the middle of the upper hall stands a statue of Quan Am Nam Hai in a seated position, with eight pairs of hands, arranged symmetrically, wearing a hat decorated with lotus flowers, chrysanthemums, and decorative patterns. In front of it, there are statues of four Bodhisattvas sitting on lotus thrones, with solemn and dignified faces. These statues all date back to the 19th century. The prominent altar in the upper hall with the statue of Quan Am and the four Bodhisattvas reflects the worship of the gods who have many miraculous powers to save beings on rivers and seas. This is a distinctive feature of the altar layout of Hien Pagoda compared to other pagodas in the area.

Notably, Hien Pagoda is famous for its ancient lychee tree, over 300 years old. This lychee tree, also known as Tien Lychee, has a beautiful shape, silky bark, large fruits, thick shells, small seeds, and a fragrant taste. In the past, each ripe lychee season, it was often chosen to offer to the Buddha, to worship the deities and to present to local officials for offerings to the king. The main trunk of the tree is old, hollowed, and collapsed, leaving only one branch. This branch has been cared for and nurtured by the pagoda and the surrounding community, developing into a 'descendant' tree, now serving as a symbol of the famous Pho Hien lychee in Hung Yen. The tree is about 5m tall and produces sweet-scented fruits every year. In 1992, Hien Pagoda in Hung Yen was recognized as a national historical and cultural relic. By 2012, Hien Pagoda had set a record as the first pagoda with a lychee tree in Vietnam.

Address: Hong Chau Ward, Hung Yen City.

Bell Pagoda, also known as Kim Chung Pagoda, is located in Nhan Duc hamlet, Hien Nam ward, Hung Yen city. Bell Pagoda is part of the ancient Pho Hien relics, once dubbed the 'first famous landscape of Pho Hien'. Built since the Le dynasty (15th century) and underwent major renovations in 1707 to create the complete temple as it is today. The ancient and ornate features, as well as the architectural style of the Later Le dynasty, are evident on the gate and the Tam Quan roof.

Entering the Tam Quan gate, you will see a green stone path stretching to the Front Hall, Thien Huong Hall, and Upper Hall. Right below is a staircase leading to a stone bridge across the 'dragon eye' pond. This bridge was built in 1702. Both sides of the pond are adorned with many gunflower plants. In front of the temple, the green stone path leads to the front hall. Surrounding the courtyard are lush, cool, and fresh green trees. Passing through the Front Hall door, you will see a ancient incense pillar in the middle of the courtyard. In the center is the Upper Hall, with two side corridors featuring beautiful statues, notably the 18 Arhats.

The highlight of this ancient temple is its unique system of meticulously crafted clay Buddha statues. Prominent among them are the Eight Diamond Arrays, 18 Arhat statues, and 4 Bodhisattva statues running along the two side corridors. These statues are intricately carved, each with its own posture, unique appearance, and different expressions. Bell Pagoda in Hung Yen has gone through many ups and downs but still retains its ancient beauty, worthy of being called the 'first famous landscape of Pho Hien'. If you ever visit Hung Yen, don't miss this place.

Address: Nhan Duc hamlet, Hien Nam ward, Hung Yen city.

Located in Xich Dang village, Lam Son ward, Hung Yen city, Xich Dang Temple of Literature is an important site within the Pho Hien relics. Built from the late Le dynasty - 17th century (around 1701) and underwent a major restoration in 1839 (the 20th year of Minh Mang's reign), Xich Dang Temple of Literature still retains its ancient architecture intact. The temple complex covers an area of ​​6,000 m2, including three gate architecture, bell tower, drum tower, two courtyards, main area, and worship tower area. The three gates of the Temple of Literature are built in the architectural style of 'stacked candles with two floors and eight roofs'. This is a unique architectural work that has remained intact since its construction and is still used as a symbol of Hung Yen province.

On both sides of the courtyard are the bell tower and drum tower. Among them, the bell tower houses a bronze bell cast in 1804, while the drum tower hangs a stone drum, erected in 1803. Next is the two courtyards, built in the architectural style of five compartments, formerly the place where officials prepared for the Confucian ceremony. Today, this area displays images related to education and tourism in the province.

Address: Xich Dang village, Lam Son ward, Hung Yen city.

May Temple is located within the Pho Hien relics complex, classified as a special national relic. In the past, May Temple was situated next to the May ferry pier, along the Red River, now belonging to Dang Chau village, Lam Son ward, Hung Yen city. May Temple worships General Pham Bach Ho, one of the 12 envoys (king of May). Many records suggest that May Temple was built during the Dinh dynasty. Over time, May Temple has undergone numerous renovations. Today, the temple still retains the architectural features of the Le and Nguyen dynasties.

The temple is built in the Tam character style: front, middle, and back. The front section has 3 compartments, housing engraved tablets... The middle section consists of 5 compartments where the 4 civil and military officials of King May Pham Bach Ho are worshiped. The back section comprises 3 compartments with a simple structure. Inside the temple, 27 statues mostly from the Le dynasty are preserved. Annually, the May Temple festival is held at two different times. From the 8th to the 16th of January is the festival commemorating the birth date. From the 12th to the 18th of November is the festival commemorating the anniversary of Pham Bach Ho's coronation. This is an occasion to attract tourists and local people.

Address: Dang Chau village, Lam Son ward, Hung Yen city.

Tran Temple is located on Bai Say Street, Quang Trung Ward, Hung Yen City. The temple is a place of worship for the national hero of Vietnam, Hung Dao Vuong Tran Quoc Tuan, with his glorious victories over the Yuan-Mongol invaders in the 13th century, his name resonating through the ages. The temple was constructed early on, on strategically important land, once chosen by Hung Dao Vuong as a military stronghold during the resistance against the Yuan-Mongol invaders in the 13th century, as it is situated at the convergence of three rivers: the Red River, the Chau Giang River, and the Luoc River.

Tran Hung Dao was born on December 10, 1228, into a noble family of the Tran dynasty. He led our army and people in three campaigns against the Yuan-Mongol invaders. He made significant contributions to the successful organization of the resistance, affirming the role of the people, advancing Vietnam's military science and art. Tran Hung Dao is an eminent hero of the nation, a military genius, a great cultural figure, whose legacy lives on in the history of the people.

The temple features a Tam architecture consisting of three parts: Front Temple, Middle Temple, and Rear Temple. From the outside, the Gate is built in a double-layered tile-roofed style, with three doors, arched entrances, and a tiled roof with simulated pipes. On top, there are four characters 'Sword Energy Fights Brilliance' meaning (Patriotic Spirit Shines), below it reads 'Tran Dai Vuong Tu' (Tran Temple Great King). The Front Temple consists of five sections, wooden structure in the style of 'stacked ridges fighting lotus', with carved dragon heads in relief, the main and side columns are placed on stone pedestals, giving the relic a more majestic and solid appearance. Next is the Middle Temple with a smooth, snug architecture, in the middle of the hall is a kneeling worship table with carved gold-plated dragons, the four sides of the table are engraved with twin dragons guarding the moon. Here are the altars of Yat Kieu and Da Tuong, the two 'national love generals' of the Tran era.

Address: Bai Say Street, Quang Trung Ward, Hung Yen City.

If anyone has ever set foot in Hung Yen, they cannot miss Crescent Lake. Crescent Lake in Hung Yen has always been a scenic spot attracting tourists. Everyone who comes here carries a deep impression of the picturesque landscape, the spacious atmosphere, and the annual festivals. The beauty of Crescent Lake in Hung Yen is also vividly and vibrantly portrayed in every word, every verse through various literary and artistic works of genius. Visiting Crescent Lake in Hung Yen, tourists will immerse themselves in the peaceful and fresh atmosphere, capturing impressive moments and indelible emotions.

In the bustling urban area, Crescent Lake shines like a beautiful crescent moon, with tranquil flowing water, creating a poetic scene amidst Pho Hien. Crescent Lake is a section of the Red River left behind during its course change, and locals liken the lake to a mirror dropped by the Moon Goddess onto the earthly realm. Although the lake is not connected to any other water bodies, it remains filled with clear water throughout the year. On one side lies the bustling streets, crowded with people coming and going. On the other side is the riverbank of the Red River, stretching along the dike adorned with lush green grass. The scene of the lake with its shadowy clouds, the calm water surface, and the rows of trees along the lake also reflect themselves under the clear water surface like a large sparkling mirror.

Address: Quang Trung Ward, Hung Yen City.

Located on Bai Say Street, Quang Trung Ward, Hung Yen City - Mother Goddess Temple (also known as Hoa Duong Linh Tu) is one of the sacred places of worship in Hung Yen province, attracting the attention of numerous foreign tourists. This unique temple is situated within the special national relic complex of Pho Hien, a historical site that not only boasts beautiful geography, architecture, and landscapes but also contains unique cultural and intangible values of ancient Pho Hien.

Mother Goddess Temple is located on a land area of nearly 3000m2, with a crescent lake in front, and further away is the Red River dike. The temple worships Lady Duong Quy Phi of the Song Dynasty of China, a rare distinction among Vietnamese ancient temples. The 'Dai Nam Unified Chronicle' records that the Mother Goddess Temple was founded during the reign of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong, in 1279. Despite undergoing various renovations over time, visitors to the Mother Goddess Temple still experience the ancient and venerable atmosphere preserved in every brick, roof, or statue.

It is rumored among foreign tourists that when they visit Mother Goddess Temple to pray for blessings, everyone returns with peace, health, and favorable business ventures. When attending ceremonies at Mother Goddess Temple, everyone must bring a pure heart, be kind, avoid greed, and selfishness. Mr. Duong Xuan Hung, a visitor from Hai Phong, shared: 'Many times passing through here, I always stop to pay homage to the Holy Mother. After the ceremony, I feel very relaxed and peaceful. The temple has beautiful architecture, layout, and surrounding scenery.' Every year, the Mother Goddess Temple Festival in Hung Yen is held from the 10th to the 15th of the 3rd lunar month, attracting a large number of people from the region and foreign tourists to attend, worship, and pray for blessings and happiness. The ceremony is solemn with a procession, while the festival features folk games, and ceremonial singing...

Address: Quang Trung Ward, Hung Yen City.