Top 7 Historical Sites in Dan Phuong District, Hanoi

Vạn Xuân Temple is located in Ha Mo, Dan Phuong District, Hanoi. It was recognized as a national historical site by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in 1991. The temple is dedicated to Hy Minh Dũng Nghị Đại vương, also known as Lý Bát Lang, the sixth prince of the Later Lý Dynasty (Lý Phật Tử).

The historical, cultural, and artistic value of Vạn Xuân Temple is highlighted in its official recognition as a national monument. Architecturally, the temple is large, towering above the surrounding village structures. This design emphasizes the divine power of the village's guardian deity and reflects the prosperity of Ha Mo over many centuries. Despite its grandiose appearance, the temple maintains the traditional aesthetic of ancient Vietnamese architecture. The soaring curves of the roof are a distinct feature of this style, and the temple's design is one of the most unique examples of traditional Vietnamese temple architecture still standing in the country today.

In addition to providing a suitable space for ceremonies, the central aisle within the temple enhances its grandeur and the solemnity of worship rituals for the village's protective deity. Seen from a distance, the main temple building presents a distinct two-story structure. As such, Vạn Xuân Temple is an invaluable reference for understanding the richness and variety of Vietnamese village temple architecture.

Address: Ha Mo, Dan Phuong, Hanoi.

Văn Hiến Temple, also known as Văn Hiến Đường, is located in Ha Mo village, Dan Phuong District, Hanoi. Historically, this temple was a Confucian sanctuary dedicated to Confucius and celebrated the prominent scholars of the village. After the death of Thái úy Tô Hiến Thành, a beloved figure of the region, the locals built his tomb and established a shrine to honor him here. In November 1991, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism officially recognized Văn Hiến Temple as a national historical and architectural monument. Like Vạn Xuân Temple, it is one of the significant historical sites in Ha Mo.

The temple is primarily dedicated to two revered figures of Ha Mo: Thái úy Tô Hiến Thành and scholar Đỗ Trí Trung. In 1908, following the Đồng Giáng bút ceremony at Hải Giác Pagoda (held in 1907), local scholars and the people of Ha Mo renovated and restructured the site into the Văn Hiến Temple we see today.

The temple also preserves the Bia Tràng Khoa stele and a set of Cổ Kim Truyền Lục printed books, which are invaluable historical resources highlighting the region's rich cultural traditions. Notably, Văn Hiến Temple is also associated with the "1000th Anniversary of Thang Long - Hanoi" memorial project.

Address: Ha Mo, Dan Phuong, Hanoi.

Starting from Hanoi, along National Route 32, passing through Phung Town in Dan Phuong District, turn right to reach Đình Đại Phùng. The temple is named after the village, now located in Dan Phuong Commune, Dan Phuong District, Hanoi. This grand and ancient temple, dating back to the late Le Dynasty (17th century), is situated at the entrance of the village, facing the ancient Day River and Mount Tan Vien. To the left stands the “Tam Giáo” Pagoda and the surrounding prosperous village. Beyond its role as a cultural hub of the village, Đại Phùng Temple also preserves unique architectural features and folk carvings.

According to the local legend, the Đại Phùng Temple dates back to the Tran Dynasty, and it is dedicated to the deity Tích Lịch Hỏa Quang, one of the natural deities (Clouds – Rain – Thunder – Lightning), and General Vũ Hùng, who played a pivotal role in defending the country during the reign of Trần Nghệ Tông. General Vũ Hùng defeated bandits who frequently terrorized the western area of Thang Long. After his death, the Tran Dynasty honored him with the title Trần triều Trung quân Ngã Bốn, Vũ Hùng Đại Vương. The people of Phung established a temple at the site where he had set up his military base. The area around the temple still retains names such as Ao Đồn, Nha Môn, and Ngõ Phủ.

The Đại Phùng Temple Festival is held three times a year. The largest festival occurs on the 18th day of the first lunar month, celebrating the birth of Saint Vũ Hùng; the second is on the 12th day of the second lunar month, honoring the deity Tích Lịch Hào Quang, the guardian spirit of the entire Phung area; and the third takes place on the 18th day of the 11th lunar month to commemorate the death of Vũ Hùng.

Address: Dan Phuong, Hanoi.

Hải Giác Pagoda (Hải Giác Tự) is located in the village of Hạ Mỗ, Dan Phượng District, situated on the right bank of the ancient Nhuệ River, about 20 kilometers northwest of Hanoi’s center.

Hải Giác Pagoda, a precious historical site in Vietnam, is also considered a "valuable ancient heritage" and was recognized as a national cultural monument by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in 1991. This pagoda is deeply connected to numerous artistic values and significant contributions to the national liberation efforts. Built on flat land at the edge of Hạ Mỗ village, Hải Giác Pagoda has preserved its ancient architecture and relics up until today. The pagoda is renowned for its numerous halls, described as:

“The village pagoda has a hundred halls
Inside and outside, the divisions are clearly distinguished.”

Being an ancient pagoda founded early and completed during the Le Dynasty, Hải Giác Pagoda's main hall is large and well-developed, reflecting the typical features of a Le Dynasty temple. The pagoda houses a dense collection of round statues, spread across the main temple area and the three surrounding corridors. Today, Hải Giác Pagoda preserves over 200 statues of various sizes, including 50 remarkable round statues that are considered valuable works of art.

Address: Hạ Mỗ, Dan Phượng, Hanoi.

Phương Mạc Communal House, a historical site and Le Dynasty architectural art monument, was recognized as a national historical monument by the Ministry of Culture and Information in 1990. This ancient house, which has been restored several times, still preserves the architectural artistry of 18th-century woodwork.

The building consists of a five-bay front hall with a curved roof, flanked by two smaller wings to welcome visitors. In front of the house is a square-shaped well. The narrow courtyard leads to the main hall, a grand building with traditional tiled roofs. Phương Mạc Communal House has also preserved many valuable artifacts such as: incense stands, a pair of carved wooden cranes from the 19th century, a dragon-shaped royal throne, and a memorial tablet adorned with a dragon carving. Notably, the house contains a sacred text and 10 royal decrees from various Vietnamese dynasties, granting the title of village tutelary god to Phạm Bạch Hổ, also known as Phạm Hồng Át. He was one of the 12 warlords of the late Ngô Dynasty and early Đinh Dynasty in the 10th century. During the Ngô Dynasty, Phạm Bạch Hổ was a prominent general who played a crucial role in the battle against the Nam Han invaders at the Bạch Đằng River under the leadership of Ngô Quyền in 938. In recognition of his contribution, the people of Phương Mạc revered him as their tutelary god after his death and built this communal house in his honor.

Additionally, the communal house holds a local charter containing 149 articles, which provides valuable insight into the cultural and social customs, laws, and traditions of traditional Vietnamese village life.

Address: Phương Đình, Dan Phượng, Hanoi.

Although there is no official record specifying the exact date of the construction of Đình Chùa Hạ Hội, based on architectural style and ancient relics such as the royal decrees for the local deity Đinh Tuấn from the 5th year of the Đức Long reign during the Lê Thần Tông dynasty (1633), and the stone inscriptions at the temple dating back to 1678 and 1732, it can be assumed that the temple was built sometime during the 17th or 18th century. Over the course of its existence, Đình Chùa Hạ Hội has undergone numerous renovations and expansions. With a history of 300-400 years, it reflects the rich historical tradition of the local community.

Located in Tân Lập, Đan Phượng District, Hanoi, Đình Chùa Hạ Hội was recognized as a national cultural heritage site in 1991. With its remarkable historical, cultural, architectural, and artistic values, the temple is an invaluable cultural asset that must be preserved and promoted in today's context. This temple honors Thành Hoàng Đinh Công Tuấn, a national hero from the 13th century under the Trần Dynasty.

He was bestowed many titles by the rulers of the Trần, Lê, and Nguyễn dynasties, including "Đinh Lang Tướng quân Phúc Đẳng Hạ Thần". The temple still retains these royal decrees to this day. If you ever visit Tân Lập, Đan Phượng, be sure to explore this historic site.

Address: Tân Lập, Đan Phượng, Hanoi.

Miếu Voi Phục and Lăng Văn Sơn is a historical site designated as a national cultural heritage in 1997 by the Ministry of Culture and Information. It is believed to be the home and tomb of General Văn Dĩ Thành, a hero from the time of resistance against the invading Minh forces during the reign of King Trần Trùng Quang.

Miếu Voi Phục holds 40 imperial decrees granted by various dynasties, from the Hậu Lê (1620) to the Hậu Nguyễn (1924), honoring Văn Dĩ Thành with high titles like “Nam thiên thượng đẳng thần,” “Anh hùng hào kiệt,” “Hữu công tối đại,” and more. This site is not only an important cultural historical monument but also a revolutionary landmark. After 60 days and nights of fierce battles defending Hanoi from the French, the Thủ Đô Regiment withdrew to Đông Anh. On February 22, 1947, the regiment regrouped at Miếu Voi Phục and met General Võ Nguyên Giáp there. On December 20, 1998, during the commemoration of Tân Hội’s recognition as a Heroic Armed Forces Unit, General Giáp visited the site again and planted a banyan tree at Lăng Văn Sơn.

To honor Văn Dĩ Thành’s contributions, the people of Gối Village created a unique art form known as “hát chèo tàu.” Originally held once every 25 years, the performance was interrupted for a long period and almost faded away. Tân Hội village formed a club to revive this ceremonial form of singing. Today, the club practices and performs at Miếu Voi Phục, with the festival held every five years from January 12 to 15 at Lăng Văn Sơn.

This historical site is also where General Võ Nguyên Giáp met with the Thủ Đô Regiment. If you have the chance to visit, don't miss a trip to this temple!

Address: Thượng Hội, Tân Hội, Đan Phượng.