1. Where is An Sinh Temple? How to get there?
An Sinh Temple is located in Trai Loc Village, An Sinh Ward (formerly An Sinh Commune, Dong Trieu Town), Quang Ninh Province. The temple sits at the center of a group of 14 historical sites in the Tran Dynasty Heritage Complex. Nearby attractions include the royal temple, the seven Tran emperors' tombs, and Quynh Lam, Ho Thien, and Ngoa Van pagodas.
From Ha Long downtown, you can take National Highway 18 to Tran Nhan Tong Street in Duc Chinh. The trip takes about 1 hour and 19 minutes (61 kilometers). Then, follow Tran Nhan Tong Street to reach the temple in about 6 minutes (4 kilometers).
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2. Things to know about An Sinh Temple
2.1. History & significance
The area of Dong Trieu was once called An Sinh. It is considered the birthplace of the Tran Dynasty, one of Vietnam's most powerful feudal dynasties. In 1237, after Emperor Thai Tong Tran Canh took the throne, he granted An Sinh and the surrounding land to his brother Tran Lieu. Tran Lieu and his descendants lived there, took care of the land, and honored their ancestors.
Tran Lieu built a residence and temples to worship his family. An Sinh Temple, also called An Sinh Palace, was built in 1381. At first, it honored five Tran emperors. From 1958 to 1975, the temple area became a school for students from the south, and later was taken over by Quang Ninh Teacher Training College.
The temple was restored between 1997 and 2000, preserving traces from many dynasties. Today, An Sinh Temple honors eight emperors, Tran Lieu, Queen Thien Dao, and General Tran Quoc Tuan. The temple is an important historical site in the Tran Dynasty Heritage Complex in Dong Trieu. The temple is both a historical monument and a spiritual destination for locals and visitors.
In 1962, An Sinh Temple was recognized as a national historical and cultural site. In 2013, the Tran Dynasty Heritage Complex in Dong Trieu was classified as a special national site.
2.2. Architecture
The temple's original layout followed the “Cong” (工) character, with a main hall, middle hall, and rear sanctuary. During the Nguyen Dynasty, the temple was rebuilt in a “Tam” (三) layout. Two small shrines sit beside the temple, dedicated to the Queen Mother and Confucius. A wide wall surrounds the temple, and a small stone stele at the front gate reads “Ha Ma” and “Tieu Diec.”
Today, An Sinh Temple covers more than 1,000 square meters. Its layout is still in the “Cong” (工) shape, with five rooms in the front hall, a central hall, and five rooms plus two side wings in the rear sanctuary. The temple has two floors and eight roofs, using a traditional frame with overlapping beams and braces.
3. What to do on your visit to An Sinh Temple?
3.1. Admire its ancient structure
You can spend time exploring the temple and appreciating its traditional architecture. The front hall, central hall, and rear sanctuary are arranged in a way that reflects careful design and cultural significance.
The detailed wooden beams, layered roofs, and decorative carvings reflect the style of past dynasties. Even the smaller shrines and surrounding walls add to the sense of history. Walking through the temple gives a feeling of stepping back in time and offers a deeper appreciation for Vietnam’s heritage.
3.2. Explore precious artifacts
An Sinh Temple also serves as a kind of open-air museum, preserving artifacts from the Tran Dynasty, the Le Dynasty, and the Nguyen Dynasty. You can see items such as stone column bases, roof tiles, tower components, bowls, and plates.
The display areas within the temple grounds showcase a wide variety of objects in different materials, sizes, and colors. These artifacts highlight the artistic and cultural value of the Tran Dynasty and the historical importance of the temple complex.
3.3. Enjoy natural greenery
The temple sits on a low hill, with the distant Yen Tu Mountain stretching behind it. Surrounding the temple are fields and small villages that add to its peaceful setting.
You can walk along shaded paths lined with trees, enjoying the cool, green canopy overhead. The temple grounds cover about 2.5 hectares, so there is plenty of space to explore. The lush surroundings make your visit both relaxing and visually inspiring.
3.4. Experience its cultural festival
An Sinh Temple holds a traditional festival every year on the 20th day of the eighth lunar month. The festival is a time for locals and visitors to show respect for the Tran emperors and other ancestors who contributed to building the country.
The festival runs for three days and features a variety of activities, including traditional village competitions, martial arts demonstrations, chess tournaments, tug-of-war, and pole pushing. Many villages, neighborhoods, and schools in the area participate, creating a lively atmosphere. The festival also includes photography exhibitions about Dong Trieu and displays of artistic bonsai trees.
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4. Important notes while visiting An Sinh Temple
To show respect for the temple when you visit, keep these guidelines in mind:
- Learn about the Tran Dynasty before visiting to better understand the temple’s historical value.
- Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the sun and crowds.
- Dress respectfully and modestly. Wear long pants and tops with sleeves when entering the temple area.
- Do not step on the altar steps. This is a sacred area.
- Keep the area clean. Limit plastic waste and dispose of trash in designated bins.
- Maintain a respectful attitude. Speak quietly and avoid joking or loud behavior.
- Respect the peaceful atmosphere. Avoid using speakers, playing music, or taking photos with flash.
- Consider combining your visit with nearby sites such as Ngoa Van Hermitage, Quynh Lam Pagoda, and other Tran Dynasty heritage sites.
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FAQs about An Sinh Temple in Quang Ninh
What is An Sinh Temple famous for?
The temple is known as one of the most important relics of the Tran Dynasty. Many Tran kings are honored here, and the temple reflects the dynasty’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
Who is worshipped at An Sinh Temple?
Today, the temple honors eight Tran emperors, Tran Lieu (An Sinh Vuong), Queen Thien Dao, and General Tran Quoc Tuan (Hung Dao Vuong).
What can I see at An Sinh Temple?
You can admire the ancient architecture, valuable stone steles, royal altars, and peaceful courtyards surrounded by lush trees and serene ponds.
When is the best time to visit An Sinh Temple?
You can visit at any time of the year. The temple is especially lively during the annual temple festival.
Is there an entrance fee to visit An Sinh Temple?
No, it is free to enter the temple. You should dress respectfully, and can make voluntary donations to support temple maintenance if you want.
An Sinh Temple stands as a living piece of Vietnam’s history. Its grand architecture, sacred relics, and tranquil grounds invite visitors to step into the past and feel the legacy of the Tran Dynasty. The temple leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits.
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