Thái Vi - sacred temple in the heart of the valleys of Ninh Bình

Nestled in the tranquil village of Van Lâm, part of Vietnam’s Ninh Binh province, Thái Vi Temple flourishes amidst the peaceful landscapes typical of the northern countryside. From the moment they arrive, travelers are invited to immerse themselves in a world where history, culture, and spirituality intertwine - at the heart of a beautifully preserved natural environment.

A journey from temporal to spiritual horizons

Built amonglush rice fields and surrounded by the soft curves of mountains and hills, Thái Vi Temple stands as a tribute to the kings of the Trân dynasty. As soon as visitors pass through the temple gate, they are welcomed by the shade of a majestic banyan tree - a serene space where one can rest, reflect, and share in quiet harmony. The setting is truly remarkable: to the right, the Ngô Dông River gently winds its way through the landscape, while to the left rises the majestic Côi Linh Mountain, watching over the temple grounds like a guardian of the past.

What makes this place even more captivating are its architectural features of remarkable beauty, deeply infused with the local cultural identity. The sanctuary honors the early kings of the Trân dynasty - such as Trân Thái Tông, Trân Thánh Tông, Trân Nhân Tông, and Trân Anh Tông - as well as the generals Trân Hung Dao, Trân Quang Khai, and queen Thuân Thiên, founders of theVũ Lâm palace, a major military base during the resistance war against the Mongol invasions. Inside the temple, visitors can admire stone columns carved from massive monolithic blocks, bearing witness to the ancestral craftsmanship of Vietnamese artisans. A small hermitage, founded and used by king Trân Thái Tông during the final days of his life, adds a powerful layer of spirituality and reflection to this place filled with sacred history.

The Thai Vi Temple Festival

Every three years—during the lunar years of the Rat, Horse, Cat, and Rooster—Thái Vi Temple hosts a grand festival on the 14th, 15th, and 16th days of the third lunar month. According to tradition, March 15 marks the symbolic return of the king to Thiên Truong in Nam Dinh province, after his victory over the Mongol invaders. The day was set aside to honor the ancestors and celebrate the triumph.

This festival, which also serves as the village’s main communal celebration, continues to commemorate that victory and to recognize the sacrifices of the soldiers who defended the nation. As tradition dictates, on the 14th day, a ceremony is held to open the temple gates, symbolized by the procession of the incense burner to the communal house of Cac.
On the morning of the 15th, villagers carry a sacred palanquin - each representing their respective village - towards the communal house to perform ritual offerings. Following the ceremony, a performance of Ca Công traditional singing takes place, featuring a musician playing a folk instrument, accompanied by a singer dressed in a red and blue ceremonial costume, delivering a song in praise of the Trân kings’ heroic legacy. Thái Vi Temple transcends its role as a place of worship - it stands as a living testament  to  Vietnam’s rich history and cultural identity, nestled in a protected natural setting. It offers travelers a deeply enriching and unforgettable experience, where the past and the present harmoniously meet.

An immersive journey into nature

There aretwo main routes to reach Thái Vi Temple: one involves taking the road that runs alongside Van Lâm wharf, then turning onto the path that follows the Ngô Dong River  to access the temple; the other offers a scenic boat ride along the river all the way to Tam Coc. Choosing the waterway entrance provides one of the most unique experiences: you find yourself reduced to a tiny speck in the vast, majestic landscape of Tam Coc, surrounded by interwoven grey-green limestone mountains that rise like ancient guardians over the tranquil water.

Set off on an unforgettable voyage by rowing boat along the famous Tam Coc – Bich Dong waterway, departing from Dình Cac wharf. On your return, take a detour and stop at Thánh wharf, also known as Sính wharf, historically opened byking Trân Thai Tông. After disembarking, you're only a few steps away from the entrance of the Thien Huong cave, perched halfway up Dong Vô mountain, around 15 meters above the ground. To reach the cave, you can choose between two stairways, each with 30 steps. At the entrance, climb one more meter to reach the inner floor of the grotto. Inside, you'll be mesmerized by the cave’s spacious, lofty, and profound interior, shaped like the hollow inside of a giant inverted stone bell. Let yourself be enveloped by the mystical atmosphere of this extraordinary site, where nature and culture meet, creating a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Meeting the temple guardian

Crossing the threshold of the temple feels like stepping into a world wheretime stands still. At the heart of this sanctuary, visitors may witness a mesmerizing ritual known as “hâu dông”—a spiritual ceremony dedicated to the worship of the Mother Goddess, officially recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This captivating art form enchants spectators with its vibrant costumes, entrancing dances, and traditional chants, offering  a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural identity.

Within this sacred space, the elderly temple guardian, now in his eighties, embodies the very essence of tradition and wisdom. With deep knowledge of the Trân dynasty’s history and traditional folk instruments, he guides visitors through the meandering corridors of time, sharing fascinating anecdotes about the golden age of the Trần. With heartfelt passion, he recounts the heroic exploits of the Vietnamese in their resistance against the Mongol invasions, and highlights the value of the carefully preserved relics: ancient incense burners, millennia-old stone pillars, and altars rich with history—some dating back as far as 1689. In his presence, every stone and corner of the temple comes alive, transforming the visitor’s experience into a truly immersive journey through Vietnam’s culture and past.

Cycling around the Thai Vi Temple: an immersive exploration

Cycling around Thái Vi Temple offers animmersive experience in the heart ofVietnam’s natural and historical landscape. As travelers pedal along winding paths that weave through lush rice fields and charming villages, they are embraced by the soothing calm of the Vietnamese countryside. As they draw closer to the temple, its elegant architectureand serene gardens capture the eye, offering a welcoming pause in the midst of their journey. Riders can take time to explore the surroundings, discover local traditions, and admire the breathtaking scenery that frames this sacred site. Whether enjoyed as aquiet solo ride or a lively group excursion, cycling around Thái Vi Temple promises a memorable getaway, steeped in the culture and history of Vietnam.

The video about Thai Vi Temple is made by the Authentik Vietnam team in 2024

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