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Perched on Nghia Linh Mountain in Phu Tho Province, the Hung Kings Temple Complex is one of Vietnam’s most significant spiritual destinations. It is not only a place to honor the Hung Kings — the legendary founders of the Vietnamese nation — but also a sacred symbol of unity, remembrance, and the enduring tradition of “drinking water, remembering its source.”
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Ha Temple – The Cradle of Vietnamese Origins
Located at the foot of Nghia Linh Mountain, Ha Temple within the Hung Kings Temple Complex is the first stop on the pilgrimage to the ancestral land. According to legend, this is where Mother Au Co gave birth to a sac of one hundred eggs, which hatched into one hundred children — the ancestors of the Lac Hong lineage. The temple’s moss-covered tiles and ancient architecture exude an atmosphere of solemn reverence, connecting visitors to Vietnam’s mythical beginnings.
Trung Temple – Where the Kings Held Council
Halfway up the mountain lies Trung Temple, believed to be where the Hung Kings and their court gathered to discuss national affairs. The peaceful setting allows visitors to imagine those historic moments when decisions that shaped the Van Lang civilization were made.
Thuong Temple – The Highest and Holiest Point
At the summit of Nghia Linh Mountain stands Thuong Temple, the most sacred site within the Hung Kings Temple Complex. Legend says the sixth Hung King performed a ceremony here to pray for peace and prosperity for the nation.
Next to the temple is the Hung Kings’ Mausoleum, a must-visit spot for every Vietnamese returning to their spiritual roots.
Gieng Temple – The Temple of Two Princesses
Unlike the temples on the mountain, Gieng Temple rests at its foot. It honors Princesses Tien Dung and Ngoc Hoa, daughters of the 18th Hung King. It is said the princesses often combed their hair and gazed into the sacred well here, giving rise to a poetic legend that endures to this day.
Thien Quang Pagoda – A Tranquil Buddhist Haven
Situated within the Hung Kings Temple Complex, Thien Quang Pagoda reflects traditional Vietnamese Buddhist architecture, with gracefully curved roofs and carved wooden interiors. Visitors and monks alike come here to find inner peace amid the sacred stillness of the ancestral mountain.
Lac Long Quan Temple – Honoring the Father of the Nation
About one kilometer from Nghia Linh Mountain, Lac Long Quan Temple stands on Sim Mountain. Designed in the shape of a giant turtle — symbolizing longevity and strength — it is dedicated to Lac Long Quan, the legendary dragon lord regarded as the father of the Vietnamese people.
Au Co Temple – Honoring the Mother of the Vietnamese Nation
Located on Van Mountain within the Hung Kings Temple Complex, Au Co Temple commemorates Mother Au Co, the symbolic matriarch of the Vietnamese people. The serene temple, harmoniously nestled in nature, offers a meaningful pause on the journey back to one’s origins.
Hung Kings Festival – A Sacred Day of National Unity
Every year, on the 10th day of the third lunar month, millions of Vietnamese from across the country gather at the Hung Kings Temple Complex to pay tribute to their ancestors. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Hung Kings Festival is one of Vietnam’s most important cultural events.
The festival consists of two main parts:
- The Festive Activities: Processions, xoan singing, wrestling, tug-of-war, cockfighting, and other folk games create a lively and communal atmosphere.
- The Ceremony: A solemn incense offering held at Thuong Temple, led by state officials and citizens, expressing deep gratitude to the nation’s founders.
The Pilgrimage Back to the Roots – A Journey Not to Be Missed
The Hung Kings Temple Complex is not merely a historical site; it is a living cultural heritage, a sacred reminder of Vietnam’s beginnings. Each year, the pilgrimage back to this ancestral land embodies national unity and respect for the country’s spiritual lineage.
If you’re seeking a meaningful journey into Vietnam’s cultural heart, let ExoTrails be your guide. Explore trekking routes, hidden stops, and travel insights about Phu Tho’s Hung Kings Temple Complex directly on the ExoTrails app — and rediscover where it all began.
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