1. Introduction to Truc Temple Ha Nam: Unique cultural and historical symbol of the North
Hidden amidst the green canopy of Ly Thuong Kiet ward, Ninh Binh province, Truc Temple lies peacefully beside the gentle Day River, at the foot of the majestic Thien Son mountain. The scenery here is both poetic and sacred, evoking a sense of touching the boundary between serene nature and the historical depth of the Northern land.
Den Truc Ha Nam - a sacred space amidst mountains and forests. (Source: Collected)
Legend has it that Den Truc Temple is associated with the career of national hero Ly Thuong Kiet. During one time commanding the rebel army to attack the South, he encountered a strong wind that caused the flag to fly on the peak of Nui Thi Son. At this place, he set up an altar to pray to heaven and earth, then led the army to a glorious victory. To commemorate that great merit, the local people built a temple right on this sacred land.
Through the ups and downs of time, Den Truc Temple still retains its majestic features, becoming an important spiritual destination in the Northern Delta region. The temple was honored by various dynasties with 32 royal decrees, demonstrating the reverence and recognition of the relic's special position in the nation's spiritual life. In 1994, Den Truc Temple was officially recognized as a National Scenic Relic, not only a source of pride for the people of Ninh Binh but also a symbol of the patriotic spirit and indomitable will of the Vietnamese nation.
2. Guide to traveling to Den Truc Ha Nam
2.1. Traveling from Hanoi to Den Truc Ha Nam
Starting from the center of Hanoi, tourists have many transportation options to reach Den Truc Ha Nam. Buses are a cost-effective option, with routes from Giap Bat and My Dinh bus stations to Ly Thuong Kiet ward, with travel time around 2 – 2.5 hours depending on the route and traffic conditions.
If you want flexibility in time, a personal car is a suitable choice. The most convenient route is to take the Phap Van – Cau Gie expressway, then turn onto Road 21B to Ly Thuong Kiet ward.
For groups of friends who prefer independent travel, motorbikes offer a complete experience of exploring the Northern countryside. The route is similar to cars but convenient for stopping to admire the scenery or enjoy the fresh air.
2.2. Traveling from other provinces (Ho Chi Minh City, Central Vietnam...)
From Ho Chi Minh City or southern provinces, airplanes are the most effective way to shorten the travel time to Den Truc Ha Nam. After landing at Noi Bai Airport, you can continue by bus or rent a car to Ly Thuong Kiet ward, with a total travel time from Ho Chi Minh City to the attraction being about 4 – 5 hours, including flight time and the subsequent ground journey.
Trains are an option for those who prefer a slow travel pace and enjoy exploring the countryside throughout the journey. You can stop at Nam Dinh station or Phu Ly station, then take a taxi, bus, or motorbike taxi to Ly Thuong Kiet ward, usually taking another 30 – 45 minutes of travel.
3. Discover the unique architecture and art of Den Truc Ha Nam
3.1. Traditional "Dinh"-shaped architectural layout
Den Truc Ha Nam bears the strong imprint of traditional architecture with a "Dinh"-shaped layout – a familiar architectural style of ancient Vietnamese spiritual structures. The entire temple consists of three main areas: the temple gate, the front hall, and the inner sanctuary, arranged harmoniously and seamlessly to create a balanced overall structure.
Truc Temple Ha Nam carries the imprint of traditional architecture. (Source: Collected)
Right from the entrance, visitors will encounter a large screen wall placed between two majestic pillars. In the center of the screen wall is the prominent character "Tho" (longevity), with elephant figures sculpted on both sides – symbols of strength, endurance, and longevity. These seemingly small details create the soul of the structure, making it both solemn and lively.
The overall structure of Truc Temple is a blend of Vietnamese architectural art from the 17th-19th centuries with the rustic, ancient charm of Northern Vietnamese countryside. Every curved roofline, wooden pillar, and brick wall is meticulously cared for, creating a sense of solemnity without being distant, worthy of being a space for remembrance and gratitude to our ancestors.
3.2. Construction materials and traditional techniques
The durability of Truc Temple lies not only in its beauty but also in its traditional construction materials and techniques. The temple's frame is entirely built from old-growth ironwood – a precious wood renowned for its hardness, load-bearing capacity, and resistance to termites. The roof is covered with traditional Southern tiles, which help retain heat well: cool in summer, warm in winter, and durable over time.
The frame of Truc Temple is made entirely of ironwood. (Source: Collected)
The base is paved with well-fired seven-colored bricks, creating sturdiness for the entire structure. Notably, ancient artisans used mortise and tenon joinery techniques to connect the structure – completely without nails or screws, yet ensuring sturdiness. Thanks to these sophisticated techniques, the temple still stands firm through many rainy and sunny seasons, preserving its original ancient charm.
3.3. Art of carving and decoration
The artistic beauty of Truc Temple is most evident in its intricate hand-carved sections. On the beams, rafters, and roof ridges are the motifs of the four sacred creatures – dragon, qilin, turtle, phoenix – depicted vividly, both strong and graceful. Alongside these are images of the four seasons, birds, and flowers, evoking the folk spirit of the Northern region.
Every detail in the temple showcases the beauty of elaborate carved art. (Source: Collected)
Each detail is not merely decoration but also contains life philosophy, reverence for ancestors, and aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous life. Every carving is a crystallization of the talent, patience, and dedication of ancient artisans.
4. Typical activities and festivals at Truc Temple, Ha Nam
4.1. Strolling in the ancient bamboo forest: A hundred-year-old green space
Surrounding Truc Temple is a lush, ancient bamboo forest, rarely seen in the Northern plains. Hundred-year-old bamboo clumps intertwine to form a natural canopy, bringing a cool and tranquil feeling. Decades ago, this bamboo forest covered tens of hectares; today, it still retains its pristine state and rare density.
Entrance to Truc Temple is shaded by lush green bamboo groves. (Source: Collected)
Strolling under the bamboo canopy, visitors will hear the rustling of leaves in the wind, and gentle sunlight filtering through the leaves, creating a scene that is both peaceful and poetic. Each step seems to take us back to old memories, where life slows down and the soul is cleansed by the fresh green color. Many people have chosen this place as a stopover to capture beautiful photos, recording peaceful moments in nature.
4.2. Exploring the beauty along the Day River
The beauty of Truc Temple is not only in its ancient architecture or lush green bamboo forest, but also in the wonderful harmony between mountains, rivers, and sky. The Day River flows leisurely at the foot of the temple, embracing the gentle Thison land in the distance, creating a landscape painting typical of the Northern Vietnamese countryside.
Day River - a gentle river associated with the lives of the people of Ha Nam. (Source: Collected)
Along the riverbank, visitors can stop, fill their lungs with the cool breeze, and watch the rippling water reflecting the morning sun. In that quiet space, all the city's noise seems to disappear. Many people liken the feeling at Truc Temple to being “bathed in the spiritual energy of heaven and earth”, finding peace and balance in their souls.
4.3. Traditional Festivals and Pilgrimage
Each spring, from the 1st to the 10th day of the second lunar month, Truc Temple bustles with a traditional festival lasting nearly a month. This is the busiest time of the year for the temple, attracting tens of thousands of visitors from all over to join the festival and pilgrimage for peace.
The most distinctive highlight is the 'hat dam' ritual, along with the ceremony of worshipping the deity and the procession of royal decrees, all organized solemnly. These rituals not only commemorate the merits of national hero Ly Thuong Kiet but also express the wish for a peaceful and prosperous new year.
Festive atmosphere commemorating the merits of hero Ly Thuong Kiet at the Truc Temple festival. (Source: Collected)
Not only a festival of faith, the Truc Temple festival is also an occasion for local people and tourists to exchange culture and strengthen community bonds, while continuing the good traditions of our ancestors. Amidst the lively sound of festival drums, spreading incense smoke, and colorful flags filling the sky, the space here seems to revive the heroic spirit and eternal spiritual beauty.
5. Suggested 1-day itinerary for visiting and experiencing Truc Temple in Ha Nam
A one-day itinerary at Truc Temple in Ha Nam should start in the morning to fully enjoy the experience. From Hanoi or Phu Ly, you can reach the temple around 8-9 AM. Begin by checking in under the ancient bamboo canopy, where the early morning light is ideal for capturing memorable moments.
Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll through the bamboo forest to feel the cool, tranquil atmosphere. Continue exploring the main areas of Truc Temple , from the temple gate, front hall, rear sanctuary, to the decorative screen with its skillful carvings.
At noon, you should enjoy Ha Nam's famous fish noodle soup with river carp and delicious rice at the eateries near the temple. In the afternoon, if it coincides with the festival period, this is the time not to miss the traditional ceremonies, especially hat dam (a type of folk singing).
To enrich your experience, visitors can spend more time exploring nearby attractions such as the ancient Ba Danh Pagoda by the river, Luon Cave with its unique limestone landscapes, or visit Sun World Ha Nam.
Truc Temple in Ha Nam is not only a sacred destination but also an opportunity to experience the unique cultural and historical beauty in a peaceful natural setting. Prepare your belongings thoroughly and experience the distinctive charm that this land offers!
