The Sacred Duc Ong Tran Quoc Nghien Temple in Ha Long

General introduction to Duc Ong Tran Quoc Nghien Temple

The land of Quang Ninh historically shared an intimate 175-year connection with the Tran Dynasty (1225–1400) as the ancestral homeland of the Tran clan. Upon passing away, the emperors were brought back to their homeland for burial and worship. Today, numerous mausoleums, communal houses, temples, and shrines dedicated to the emperors and generals of the Tran Dynasty are still preserved here.

The Duc Ong Tran Quoc Nghien Temple relic is a famously sacred destination in Ha Long that visitors must not miss. Recognized as a National Historical Relic in 1993, the temple is not only a spiritual and cultural gathering place for locals but also possesses remarkable historical value and outstandingly beautiful architecture.

- Address: Tran Quoc Nghien Street, Hong Gai Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province

- Area: 0.85 ha.

- Managing authority: Duc Ong Temple Management Board - Hong Gai Ward.

Tran Quoc Nghien was the eldest son of Grand Prince Hung Dao, the eldest grandson of Prince An Sinh Tran Lieu, and the nephew of King Tran Thai Tong. He was a talented general proficient in both civil and military affairs, a filial son, and a deeply loyal courtier of the imperial court. During the resistance wars against the Mongol-Yuan invaders, he fought alongside his father Tran Quoc Tuan and other generals, achieving remarkable feats.

Most notably, he made great contributions to the third battle on the Bach Dang River in 1288, quelling enemies in the nation's northeastern region. To commemorate Tran Quoc Nghien's merits, boat owners passing by Bai Tho Mountain jointly erected a temple in his honor. Specifically, the temple was built around the end of the 13th century; through numerous historical ups and downs, Duc Ong Tran Quoc Nghien Temple deteriorated over time and was repeatedly renovated by fishing boat masters.

In those days, boat masters transported wood from forests in districts such as Tien Yen, Ba Che, and Hoanh Bo to the cave in front of the temple to conceal and chisel it for building the shrine. Later, when local residents entered the cave and saw plenty of leftover wood, they called it Dau Go Cave (Wood Drift Cave), which has now also become an attractive visiting spot associated with Duc Ong Tran Quoc Nghien Temple.

See more: Tuan Chau Island - Discover the radiant pearl in Ha Long Bay

How to get there

From Ha Long city center, travelers can choose various means of transportation to get here, such as rental motorbikes, taxis, or motorbike taxis (xe om). Specifically, you can follow National Highway 18 to Dang Ba Hat Street; at the intersection with Ba Deo Street, turn right and continue straight until you hit Le Thanh Tong Street. Reaching the roundabout of Le Thanh Tong, Phu Gia 1, and 25 Thang 4 streets, continue along Le Thanh Tong Street and then turn right at Ben Doan. Finally, simply turn left at the Ben Doan - Tran Quoc Nghien intersection and drive straight for a few hundred meters along Tran Quoc Nghien Street to arrive.

Discovering Duc Ong Tran Quoc Nghien Temple

3.1 A picturesque location

Duc Ong Tran Quoc Nghien Temple enjoys an exceptionally prime location in Ha Long City, nestled at the foot of Bai Tho Mountain in the Ben Doan - Hon Gai area. The temple's Sino-Vietnamese name is Phuc Linh Tu (Phuc Linh Temple), directly facing Ha Long Bay to create a rare, scenic landscape. Not far away are Bai Tho 2 Bridge and Long Tien Pagoda. From here, visitors can easily travel to go swimming or explore the stunning scenic spots nearby.

3.2 Architecture of Duc Ong Tran Quoc Nghien Temple

The temple complex comprises a ceremonial hall with 3 front worship bays and 1 rear sanctuary. The central bay is dedicated to Lord Tran Quoc Nghien; the two flanking sides honor two talented generals, Yet Kieu and Da Tuong, who assisted the Tran Dynasty in repelling foreign invaders. In addition, the temple grounds feature an ancient well whose water remains remarkably clear, cool, and sweet despite being located close to the sea.

Therefore, beyond serving as a rest stop for fishermen, Duc Ong Tran Quoc Nghien Temple was also a place to collect fresh water for their sea voyages. At present, the temple still preserves 2 stone steles and 5 ancient statues (dating back to the 13th century) carved and erected by boat owners. In 2011, the Ha Long City People's Committee approved the Master Plan for the Duc Ong Tran Quoc Nghien Temple Relic Area with an expanded construction area of 2,531.8 m2, and in 2013 further adjusted the plan to expand the relic precinct to 2,689.8 m2.

See more: Ti Top Island - Admire the tranquil island in the heart of Ha Long Bay

3.3 Events held at the temple

The Tran Quoc Nghien Temple Festival (Duc Ong Temple Festival) is held annually at Duc Ong Tran Quoc Nghien Temple. This is an occasion for the community to look back on the glorious historical traditions of the nation, inspiring pride and patriotic traditions in younger generations through reenacted events such as: Lord Tran Quoc Nghien accompanied by escorting generals parading through the streets, the sacred torch procession, the floating flower lantern ceremony...

The festival originally took place on the exact death anniversary of Lord Tran Quoc Nghien on the 24th day of the 3rd lunar month each year. Since 2008, however, the festival has been revived and held annually on April 29 and 30. This is also an extremely meaningful activity in the cultural and spiritual life of Quang Ninh residents, attracting many monks, nuns, Buddhists, local people, and visitors from near and far.

The event opens with a palanquin procession moving along 25 Thang 4 Street and Le Thanh Tong Street to Long Tien Pagoda before returning to Duc Ong Shrine. On the procession day, residents living on both sides of the streets step out to welcome Lord Tran Quoc Nghien with great solemnity and reverence. These two days feature a wide range of activities harmoniously blending traditional and modern elements: sacrificial rituals; Buddhist prayer recitations, rituals dedicated to the Tran Court and the Mother Goddesses; the procession of Lord Tran Quoc Nghien, dragon, lion, and unicorn dance performances; and releasing floating lanterns onto the sea to pray for favorable weather for mariners and coastal inhabitants...

- Ceremonial part: Takes place in the morning, comprising rituals such as the procession of Lord Tran Quoc Nghien, lion-unicorn-dragon dances, peace-praying ceremonies, animal release offerings...

- Festive part: Takes place in the afternoon, including folk games and cultural and musical performances.

- Evening: Sacred torch procession and floating flower lantern ceremony on the sea.

The evening ceremony is the most anticipated by residents and visitors alike because it carries profound significance, symbolizing Lord Tran Quoc Nghien illuminating and enlightening human wisdom. Furthermore, floating flower lanterns on the sea is also meant to pray for calm seas and favorable weather all year round so that fishermen can safely make their living. The event space expands across the entire Bai Tho Mountain Relic cluster, including: Duc Ong Temple, Long Tien Pagoda, and several streets in Hong Gai and Bach Dang wards.

The Duc Ong Tran Quoc Nghien Temple Festival has become a traditional cultural highlight for the people of Ha Long in particular and Quang Ninh as a whole. Its main purpose is to preserve and promote cultural values within the Bai Tho Mountain relic complex, while educating younger generations in pride for their homeland and the nation's glorious history.

It is hoped that by coming to Duc Ong Tran Quoc Nghien Temple, every traveler will gain more historical knowledge while admiring the magnificent coastal and island scenery of Ha Long City.