A Destination for Returning to the Roots

During the third lunar month, millions of Vietnamese hearts turn toward the Hung Temple Special National Historic Site. This site is not only a sacred symbol of the Hung King Worship Belief but also affirms its position as a key spiritual tourism destination for the Ancestral Land and the nation. With a harmonious blend of majestic natural landscapes, thousands of years of cultural history, and unique new tourism products, it has become a rendezvous of reverence and a journey to discover a heritage of humanity.

Tourists offer incense to pay tribute to the Hung Kings who founded the nation.

A Convergence of Millennial Spiritual Values

Located on Nghia Linh Mountain (Hy Cuong Commune), the Hung Temple Special National Historic Site is where the Hung Kings, founders of the Van Lang State, are worshipped. In ancient times, this area was the heart of Van Lang, nestled between two rivers that acted as giant natural moats protecting the former capital. With its profound history, this site has become a focal point for spiritual culture, beliefs, and customs, reflecting the solidarity of the Vietnamese ethnic community.

The complex spans 845 hectares, including four temples, one pagoda, one mausoleum, and various architectural works integrated with nature. Each structure carries a legendary tale and unique architecture. The Temple Gate, built in 1917, features an arched design with the inscription “Cao son canh hanh” (The high mountain is a path for great conduct).

The journey leads to the Ha Temple (Lower Temple), where legend says Mother Au Co gave birth to a sac of one hundred eggs, the origin of the word “compatriots”. Nearby is Thien Quang Pagoda, a Buddhist temple from the Tran Dynasty. The Trung Temple (Middle Temple) is associated with the legend of the 6th Hung King holding a competition to choose his successor, where Lang Lieu created banh chung and banh giay. At the summit is the Thuong Temple (Upper Temple), where kings performed rituals to heaven and earth. Here stands the “Stone Oath Pillar,” a testament to the vow to protect the nation. Descending to the Gieng Temple (Well Temple), visitors find the Ngoc Well, where princesses Tien Dung and Ngoc Hoa used to comb their hair.

Furthermore, the complex includes the Temple of Father Lac Long Quan, the Temple of Mother Au Co, and the Hung Vuong Museum. The tropical forest ecosystem on Nghia Linh Mountain, with over 630 plant species, includes “historical witnesses” such as a 500-year-old Plumeria tree and an 800-year-old Cycad.

The Temple of Mother Au Co is a popular attraction for tourists during their pilgrimage to the Hung Temple.

Experiencing “Touching the Sacred”

Tourism at Hung Temple today offers diverse cultural experiences. A highlight in 2026 is the night tour themed "Touching the Sacred – Returning to the Roots." In the tranquil night, under mystical lights, visitors are led on a profound spiritual journey. The echoing sound of bronze drums amidst the Nghia Linh forest creates a sacred emotion, making every step of the pilgrimage feel lighter and more serene.

Mr. Tran Van Hung (75 years old), a veteran, shared: "Coming here every year to offer incense to our ancestors is my life’s wish. I am overjoyed to see so many young people here, fulfilling Uncle Ho’s teaching: 'The Hung Kings founded the nation; we must together protect it.'"

Mr. Dang Tuan Hung, Head of Tourism Management (Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism), affirmed: "Hung Temple is the nucleus of spiritual tourism and a key link in the Ancestral Land tour circuit. We are focusing on developing cultural tourism products integrated with experiential beliefs to spread the image of the Ancestral Land to domestic and international visitors."

The Hung King Worship Belief has become a Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. With innovative tourism and meticulous management, Hung Temple remains a place to "touch the sacred.“As the folk song goes:”Regardless of who goes up or down / Remember the Ancestral Anniversary on the tenth of the third month." Returning to Hung Temple is returning to the roots to gain strength for the journey toward the future.

Huong Lan