Tuyen Quang, a province located in the Northeast of Vietnam, is not only famous for its majestic natural landscape but also known as an attractive spiritual tourist destination, especially at the beginning of the year. With a rich system of temples, pagodas and unique traditional festivals, Tuyen Quang attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world to visit, worship and learn about local culture.

Truc Lam Chinh Phap Zen Monastery

One of the prominent spiritual destinations in Tuyen Quang is Truc Lam Chinh Phap Zen Monastery, located in Trang Da Commune, Tuyen Quang City. Construction began in 2019 and the Zen monastery quickly became a place that attracts a large number of Buddhists and tourists.

The highlight of the Zen monastery is the three-storey tower with an 18m high statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, holding a lotus branch, placed on a 4m high lotus pedestal. From the third floor of the tower, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Tuyen Quang city with its majestic mountains and the historic Lo River.

Not only a place of pilgrimage, the monastery also brings visitors a sense of peace and serenity, helping to dispel the fatigue and worries of everyday life.

The above location is about 130km from the center of Hanoi , the travel time is about more than 2 hours. Visitors can take a private car in the direction of Hanoi - Noi Bai highway, then turn to Tuyen Quang - Phu Tho highway. Or visitors can take a bus from My Dinh bus station, there are many trips to Tuyen Quang every day (ticket price is about 120,000 - 150,000 VND/trip).

Ha Temple

Ha Temple is located in Group 4, Tan Quang Ward, Tuyen Quang Town, an architectural work with strong historical imprints. It was built in 1738 and underwent the first restoration in 1878.

Through each historical period, Ha Tuyen Quang Temple has had different names. During the Ly Dynasty, the temple was known as Tam Ky - a bustling trading point for merchants from the North, Central and South. During the Tran Dynasty, the temple was renamed Hiep Thuan, associated with the name of Hiep Thuan village in Y La commune, Ham Yen district. Finally, the name Ha Temple has been used since the end of the Later Le Dynasty until today due to the appearance of two parallel temples on the two banks of the Lo River.

Temple of the Mother Goddess of Heaven, also known as Princess Phuong Dung, daughter of King Hung. According to legend, during a trip, Princess Phuong Dung and her younger sister Ngoc Lan mysteriously disappeared at Tam Co wharf, where the temple is now located. People believe that the princesses transformed into deities and built a temple to honor them.

In terms of architecture, Ha Temple has the style of "inner public, outer private", with the facade facing East, overlooking the Lo River. The temple's three-door gate has three red-painted doors, with the roof engraved with the words "Hiep Thuan Linh Tu". Inside, the columns, rafters and arched doors are elaborately carved with the four sacred animals and four seasons motifs, demonstrating traditional wood carving art.

Regarding transportation, after arriving at the center of Tuyen Quang city, Ha temple, Thuong temple, and Y La temple are within a radius of 2-3km from each other. Visitors can walk or rent an electric car or taxi.

Upper Temple

Thuong Temple, also known as Mau Dum Temple, is located in Trang Da commune, Tuyen Quang city. The temple was built in the mid-18th century, at the same time as Ha Temple.

The temple worships Princess Ngoc Lan, the younger sister of Princess Phuong Dung. After the mysterious event at Tam Co wharf, people built a temple to worship Princess Ngoc Lan at the current location of Thuong Temple.

In terms of architecture, Thuong Temple has a strong traditional character with delicate wood carvings, reflecting the talent of ancient artisans. The temple space exudes a majestic, serene atmosphere, creating a sense of peace for visitors.

Y La Temple

Y La Temple is located in Y La Ward, Tuyen Quang City. The temple was started to be built in 1743, under the Canh Hung Dynasty, and was restored in the early 19th century.

The temple worships Princess Phuong Dung, who is considered the incarnation of the Mother Goddess of Heaven. According to legend, during the war, the statue of the goddess from Ha Temple was moved to Y La village for protection. After the situation stabilized, the people built Y La Temple at this temporary shelter to continue worshiping her.

The architecture of Y La Temple bears the mark of the Nguyen Dynasty, with many rare relics and antiques dating from the mid-19th and early 20th centuries. The temple is surrounded by green ancient trees, creating a peaceful and sacred space.

Every year, from the 11th to the 16th of the second lunar month, Tuyen Quang city organizes the Mother Goddess procession festival at these three temples. The festival includes the Mother Goddess palanquin procession, worship ceremonies and many traditional cultural and sports activities, attracting a large number of people and tourists to participate. This is an opportunity to honor the Mother Goddess worship belief, while promoting local culture and tourism.

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/kham-pha-cac-dia-diem-du-lich-tam-linh-o-tuyen-quang-192250218174412576.htm