At the bottom of the article, I have listed additional attractions and eateries nearby for your reference. If you want to visit any of the locations, just click on their addresses! ^.^
Introduction to Ngoc Son Temple:
Time: 8:00 AM – 6 PM, Or You can take “a mystical night tour” at Ngoc Son Temple in the evening (7 PM, 8 PM, and 9 PM on Wednesday and Thursday)
Address: Ngoc Son Temple, Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem – Open in Google map
Entrance fee: Children under 15: Free, Adults: 30,000 – 50,000 VND.
The History of Ngoc Son Temple
Ngoc Son Temple is located on a small islet in the northeastern part of Hoan Kiem Lake. The temple’s entrance is on Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. The temple has a rich history connected to many important events in the country.
The temple was built in the 19th century to honor Guan Yu (Quan Cong), a god who helps fight evil and brings good luck. When King Ly Thai To moved the capital to Thang Long, the temple was called Ngoc Tuong. During the Tran Dynasty, the temple was renamed Ngoc Son to honor soldiers who died fighting against the Mongol invaders, but it later fell into ruin. In the Le Dynasty, Lord Trinh Giang built the Khanh Thuy Pavilion and two small hills opposite Ngoc Son Temple. At the end of the Le Dynasty, part of the pavilion was destroyed, and the villagers rebuilt it, naming it Khanh Thuy Temple. Later, a philanthropist named Tin Trai built Ngoc Son Temple on part of the old pavilion. The pagoda was later changed into a temple for the Three Saints and renamed Ngoc Son Temple, managed by a charitable group. In 1865, scholar Nguyen Van Sieu renovated the temple, expanded the grounds, and built Trấn Ba Pavilion, The Huc Bridge, and other structures like the Pen Tower and Ink Slab. In 2013, Ngoc Son Temple was recognized as a special national heritage site and has become a popular tourist attraction.
What Makes Ngoc Son Temple Special?
Ancient Architecture
Despite many renovations, Ngoc Son Temple has kept its ancient architecture. At the entrance, visitors will see walls decorated with dragon and tiger carvings, along with couplets about studying and exams.
Crossing The Huc Bridge, visitors reach Dac Nguyet Pavilion (Moon Pavilion), with a two-tiered roof and cloud designs. The main temple is designed in the traditional “Tam” style, with three sections: the front hall, the middle hall, and the sanctuary. The sanctuary honors Tran Hung Dao, a famous general of Vietnam.
Surrounding Structures
Three special structures surround the temple:
- Pen Tower: A 9-meter-tall stone tower with the words “Tả Thanh Thiên” (writing on the blue sky) engraved on it.
Ink Slab - Ink Slab: A stone ink slab resting on three toads, with an inscription carved on it.
The Huc Bridge - The Huc Bridge: A wooden bridge curved like a shrimp, symbolizing “the place where the morning sunlight rests.
Hoan Kiem Turtle Specimens
In the temple’s main area, there are two displays of preserved Hoan Kiem turtles. One turtle died in 1967, and the other in 2016. Both are well-preserved and are important symbols of the lake’s legend.
These elements make Ngoc Son Temple a significant cultural and spiritual site in Hanoi.
Nearby attractions:
