Introduction
In the heart of the scenic Trang An Landscape Complex, Thai Vi Temple is a revered historical site in Ninh Binh. Built during the Tran Dynasty, this ancient temple honors the Tran kings and their contributions to Vietnam’s history
Surrounded by majestic limestone mountains and peaceful rice fields, Thai Vi Temple Ninh Binh offers visitors a serene atmosphere, perfect for those seeking cultural and spiritual experiences. Explore the beauty and history of Thai Vi Temple with Ninh Binh Private Car, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free journey to this sacred destination.
Thai Vi Temple resides in the O Lam forest, in the ancient Vu Lam, today in Van Lam village, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. This place once belonged to the Vu Lam palace, one of the important locations during the resistance war against the Mongol army. The temple has been famous for a long time and is the place to worship Tran Dynasty kings such as Tran Thai Tong, Tran Thanh Tong, Tran Nhan Tong, Tran Anh Tong, generals Tran Hung Dao, Tran Quang Khai and Queen Thuan Thien.
History of Establishment of Thai Vi Temple
Unlike many other temples, Ninh Binh Thai Vi Temple does not have a grand history of establishment but is simply a retreat for King Tran Thai Tong when he abdicated. The king built the first temple in 1258, right after the resistance war against the Mongol army ended successfully.
After giving up the throne to his son, King Tran Thai Tong retreated to the mountains of Tam Coc and established the Thai Vi hermitage to become a monk. Later, some kings followed and became monks here, such as Tran Thanh Tong and Tran Nhan Tong.
Geographic Location And How To Get To Thai Vi Temple
The temple is located on the right side of the Ngo Giang River, and the left side of Coi Linh mountain has been harmoniously interwoven for thousands of years, creating the legend of the Tam Coc region known as “Ha Long Bay On Land.” Located right in front of the temple is a sacred well with clear water in all seasons, also known as Bach Ngoc well.
There are two ways to get to Thai Vi temple: follow the road through Van Lam ferry station and then turn onto the road parallel to the Ngo Dong River. Or you can go down the river and take a boat into Tam Coc to reach the temple; we encourage you to choose the second choice. Traveling by waterway allows you to admire the natural beauty of Ninh Binh, the green rice fields, and the floats on the Ngo Dong River.
Unique Architectural Space
Outside
Stepping into the temple gate, you will be greeted by Nghi Mon, the entrance inside the temple. After passing Nghi Mon, you will reach the ancient bell tower made from ironwood, and the roof is covered with tiles that have stood for generations. Inside it are two ancient bells cast in the 19th year of Chinh Hoa.
Next will be Dragon Yards, which is made of green stone carved with dragon patterns and is about 40 square meters wide. On both sides of Dragon Yards are two rows of Vong houses, where the elders discussed offerings in the past. From the Dragon Yard, follow the 1.2m high stone steps to reach the Five Great Gates, which consist of six stone pillars arranged parallel to each other.
The outsides of these stone pillars are engraved with couplets in Chinese characters. The top is also carved with a highly sophisticated image of Two Dragons Chasing the Moon, which created the majesty of this temple.
Inside
Come inside, and you will see that Bai Duong is majestic; high above hangs a lacquered and gilded horizontal panel with four prominent Chinese characters, “Long Duc Chinh Trung.” Bai Duong consists of 6 square stone columns, and Trung Duong has two rows of round stone columns, each row of 4 columns, all carved with dragons, qilin, tortoises, Fenghuang, and carp transformed into dragons. Chinh Tam pavilion also has 8 round stone pillars carved in relief: Cam, Ky, Thi, and Hoa.
The unique thing about Thai Vi temple is that all the columns are made of tall monolithic green stones, carved elaborately and meticulously, with smooth and elegant lines like carved wood. Even the altars, worshiping objects, and incense bowls are all made from monolithic green stone. Thanks to that, the temple has a majestic, solid, and sturdy appearance.
In Chinh Tam’s palace, statues of Tran Dynasty kings will be placed. If in the middle is the statue of Tran Thanh Tong, on the left are the statues of Tran Nhan Tong and Tran Thai Tong, then on the right will be the statue of Queen Mother Hien Tu. Every line on the face is meticulously carved, simulating the portraits of kings.
Thai Vi Temple Festival
Every 3 years, in the years of the Rat, Horse, Cat, and Rooster, Thai Vi Temple will hold a significant festival on the 14th, 15th, and 16th of the third lunar month. According to the concept of the Tam Coc local people, after defeating the Mongol invaders, March 15 is the day the king returned to Thien Truong in Nam Dinh to worship his ancestors. Therefore, this festival honors the court’s achievements and commemorates the fallen heroes.
On the afternoon of the 14th, the residents of Van Lam village will open the temple and wash everything to prepare for the ceremony. People believe that in the past, this was where mandarins came to report before entering the Vu Lam palace and worship the Tran kings here. On the morning of the 15th, the ancient Vu Lam canton villages will process the holy palanquin representing their village to the Cac communal house to perform the rituals.
The first place on this journey will be Khe Dau village, where people will gather to process the palanquin. Immediately, the palanquin will pass through Xuan Ang, Kha Luong, Hanh Cung, Ha Trao, and Tuan Cao. When the palanquin reaches a village, that village’s palanquins follow each other, pulling each other’s tail to the last village and the Cac communal house. In addition, the festival also organizes many folk games such as human chess, wrestling, lion dance, dragon dance, and boating.
Thai Vi Entrance Fee
One thing that passengers need to note is that visitors do not need to buy tickets to visit. There are no such things as Thai Vi tickets, so you do not need money to enter the temple.
Conclusion
A trip to Thai Vi Temple is a journey through history, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you’re drawn by its spiritual significance or the peaceful surroundings, this hidden gem in Ninh Binh promises a memorable experience. Let Ninh Binh Private Car take you there comfortably and conveniently, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit to this sacred site.
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Things To Keep In Mind When Visiting Here
Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting Thai Vi Temple:
- Dress appropriately: Thai Vi Temple is a religious site, so modesty is essential. Avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless tops, or anything too revealing.
- Be mindful of your behavior: Respecting the customs and traditions is essential at any religious site. Refrain from making loud noises and avoid touching any artifacts or statues.
- Be prepared for the weather: Ninh Binh can be hot and humid, especially during summer. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water to hydrate yourself.
- Watch your belongings: As with any tourist attraction, you should keep an eye on your belongings and avoid leaving them unattended.