1. Why is Temple Cua Dat a pilgrimage destination chosen by many people during Tet?
1.1. Spiritual significance of Temple Cua Dat at the beginning of the year
Temple Cua Dat has long been a spiritual anchor for the people of Thanh Hoa, especially in the early days of the new year. Many believe that offering incense at Temple Cua Dat during Tet symbolizes praying for peace for the family, wishing for abundant health, and for smooth and favorable work in the new year. The sacred space of the temple helps pilgrims feel at ease, and reverently entrust their early spring wishes.
Besides the meaning of praying for blessings, Temple Cua Dat is also associated with long-standing folk beliefs, becoming a place people return to for peace of mind after a busy year. Pilgrimage here at the beginning of the year is not just a spiritual ritual but also a way for each person to start the new year with peace and positive belief.
Tourists visit Cua Dat Temple at the beginning of the year to pray for health, peace, and good luck. (Source: Collected)
1.2. What is special about the atmosphere at Cua Dat Temple during Tet?
In the early days of spring, Cua Dat Temple during Tet carries an atmosphere that is both solemn and serene, different from the usual hustle and bustle found at many major festival sites. Crowds of people come to offer incense but are not too noisy, creating a gentle feeling, suitable for those who wish to worship in a peaceful space.
The scenery around the temple, with mountains, forests, and rivers blending together, further enhances the feeling of relaxation when visiting. In the cool early-year weather, sightseeing, offering incense, and enjoying the spring atmosphere at Cua Dat Temple help the spring excursion become slower, more profound, and more meaningful.
2. When is a suitable time to visit Cua Dat Temple during Tet?
The suitable time to visit Cua Dat Temple during Tet usually starts from the 1st to around the 15th day of the first lunar month, when the spring atmosphere is still evident and the New Year rituals are held solemnly. Many people choose to visit on the 1st or 2nd day of Tet with the wish for a smooth start to the New Year, praying for peace and good luck for the whole family. However, this is also a time when a large number of people flock to the temple, especially in the morning.
If tourists want a more relaxed trip, avoid crowds, and easily feel the serenity, they can consider visiting Cua Dat Temple from the 4th day onwards or after the 15th day of the first lunar month. At this time, the temple's space still retains its sacredness, and the weather is favorable for sightseeing and offering incense, helping the early-year spring excursion become more relaxing and complete.
The ideal time to visit Cua Dat Temple during Tet is from the 1st to around the 15th of the first lunar month. (Source: Collected)
3. Experience visiting Cua Dat Temple during Tet
3.1. Offerings to prepare when visiting Cua Dat Temple at the beginning of the year
When visiting Cua Dat Temple during Tet , offerings should be prepared simply, lightly, and in accordance with traditional customs. Vegetarian offerings are often chosen, including incense, fresh flowers, betel leaves and areca nuts, sweets, oản (a type of ritual cake), and seasonal fruits. Preparing moderate offerings not only shows sincerity but also facilitates the offering process in the early days of the year.
The important aspect of preparing offerings is not their material value but the respectful heart. Visitors should avoid bringing inappropriate savory offerings, limit votive paper, and refrain from elaborate displays. This preparation method helps preserve the spiritual cultural beauty when visiting Cua Dat Temple during Tet .
3.2. How to offer rituals and pray at Cua Dat Temple during Tet
When offering rituals at Cua Dat Temple during Tet , visitors should follow a basic procedure, starting with tidying up attire, arranging offerings neatly, then lighting incense and praying. The prayer content should be concise, clear, focusing on general wishes such as peace, health, and smooth work for oneself and family.
During the prayer process, sincerity and a solemn attitude are the most important factors. Avoid asking for too many self-serving or superstitious things; instead, maintain a gentle, virtuous mindset so that the trip to Cua Dat Temple during Tet truly brings a sense of peace at the beginning of the year.
3.3. Choosing appropriate attire
Attire is a factor that requires special attention when visiting Cua Dat Temple during Tet . Visitors should choose polite, modest clothing with subtle colors to suit the spiritual space. Neat, comfortable attire also makes it more convenient to move around and sightsee at the temple.
Dressing appropriately not only shows respect for the place of worship but also contributes to preserving the beautiful image of the relic. When everyone is conscious of their attire, the space of Cua Dat Temple will always maintain its inherent solemnity and purity.
4. Visiting Cua Dat Temple during Tet combined with a day trip
4.1. Sam Son Beach
Sam Son Beach is a familiar destination when combining a trip to Cua Dat Temple during Tet with a day trip. In the early days of the year, Sam Son has a very different beauty compared to the bustling summer; it is less crowded, with fresher and more peaceful air. The cool weather and gentle sea breeze create a pleasant feeling, suitable for strolling along the beach, breathing in the salty air, and enjoying moments of relaxation at the beginning of spring.
After visiting, tourists can stop by the seaside seafood restaurants to enjoy fresh, simple yet flavorful seafood dishes. Combining a pilgrimage for peace at the start of the year and a stroll along Sam Son beach not only enriches the journey but also brings a balance between spirituality and relaxation, very suitable for a gentle spring outing with family.
4.2. Sam Son Sea Square
Sam Son Sea Square is an ideal stop for spring outings during Tet, especially suitable for tourists who love open, modern spaces and outdoor activities. With its large scale and airy architecture facing the sea, the square offers a sense of relaxation from the very first steps, making it perfect for starting the year's spring journey. It is also an ideal space for tourists to stroll, take commemorative photos, capture moments of family and friends gathering at the beginning of the year, enjoy the cool sea breeze, and the vibrant life of Sam Son during Tet.
A prominent highlight of Sam Son Sea Square is its modern water music performances, usually held in the evening. These shows, combining light, music, and continuously moving water jets, create a dazzling scene that attracts many tourists and locals. After a day of pilgrimage, sightseeing, or a day trip, stopping by the square to stroll, watch the water show, and enjoy the night sea air is a highly recommended experience. Combining a visit to Sam Son Sea Square on a Tet spring outing not only makes the trip more relaxing but also brings joyful and memorable moments for the whole family.
Strolling and taking photos at Sam Son beach square in the early days of the new year. (Source: Collection)
4.3. Ho Dynasty Citadel
Ho Dynasty Citadel is a historical and cultural attraction, very suitable to combine in a spring travel itinerary during Tet. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage, this structure impresses with its massive, imposing stone architecture and vast space, separate from the usual hustle and bustle. At the beginning of the year, the atmosphere at Ho Dynasty Citadel is quite peaceful, helping visitors easily feel the historical depth.
Visiting Ho Dynasty Citadel during the Tet holidays is not just a tour but also an opportunity to understand national roots and culture. The airy space and peaceful surrounding landscape are very suitable for a day trip, especially for those who love exploring history and want to make their early spring trip more meaningful.
4.4. Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Pu Luong Nature Reserve and ecological area is an ideal destination for those who want to combine spring travel during Tet with a journey back to pristine nature. In the early days of the year, Pu Luong has a unique beauty with mist lingering on the mountainsides, vast green forests, and a fresh, cool atmosphere. The space here is quiet, separate from the hustle and bustle of the city, especially suitable for tourists who want to start the new year gently and relaxingly.
Spring travel in Pu Luong during Tet does not require a packed itinerary; just stroll along small paths winding through terraced fields, visit the villages of the Thai and Muong ethnic groups to feel the slow pace of life and local culture. In the early part of the year, Pu Luong's scenery is both lush green and full of life, very suitable for resting, taking photos, and enjoying nature. Combining Pu Luong in a spring travel itinerary during Tet not only brings a novel experience but also helps tourists find a sense of balance and peace for a fulfilling start to the new year.
With its sacred space, harmonious landscape, and profound spiritual significance, Cua Dat Temple is always a chosen destination for many in their early spring travel itinerary. Thorough preparation from timing, offerings, to etiquette will make the trip more complete and peaceful. If you are looking for a gentle place of worship, avoiding crowds but still rich in spiritual value, plan to visit Cua Dat Temple during Tet to start the new year with many good things.
