Do Temple is not just a sacred space - it is the beating heart of the Ly Dynasty's legacy, carved into the soil of Bac Ninh. Do Temple is a living monument to Vietnam’s imperial pride, cultural evolution, and spiritual resilience.

1. Overview of Do Temple in Bac Ninh

Nestled in Tu Son Ward, Bac Ninh, Do Temple, also known as Ly Bat De Temple or Co Phap Dien Temple marks a pivotal cradle of Vietnamese history. This is the very ground where King Ly Cong Uan, the first ruler of the Ly Dynasty, stood before changing the course of the nation forever.

Built in the 11th century, on the king’s ancestral land, Do Temple was originally a ceremonial hall welcoming Ly Cong Uan back to his homeland after his coronation. Later, his son, Ly Thai Tong, transformed the hall into a shrine. Over time, the temple evolved into a sanctuary that honors all the eight kings of the Ly Dynasty, a lineage that led Vietnam through one of its most enlightened and independent eras.

In 1991, the temple was recognized as a national historical and cultural relic. By 2014, it gained special national monument status.

2. Architectural highlights of Do Temple

Spanning over 31,000 square meters, Do Temple is a masterclass in ancient Vietnamese architecture. It is divided into an outer and inner area.

2.1. Outer area

The outer area of Do Temple greets you with a calm lake, the “Thuy Dinh” (Water Pavilion), and a series of ceremonial halls. First on your left is Van Chi Hall. Built in the distinctive triple-roof style, this hall honors legendary mandarins like To Hien Thanh and Ly Dao Thanh - brilliant minds who fortified the Ly Dynasty with their intellect and loyalty. Restored in 2003, the hall stands as a salute to the backbone of imperial governance.

Further in, there is “Thien Do Chieu”, a towering ceramic stele. This is a 3.5-meter-tall, 8-meter-wide Bat Trang ceramic reproduction of the Capital Relocation Edict. Its 214 raised Chinese characters glow cobalt blue on porcelain white, echoing the 214-year reign of the Ly Dynasty. The scroll was created to commemorate the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long - Hanoi and is considered the largest Bat Trang ceramic scroll ever made in Vietnam.

2.2. Inner area

Covering an area of over 4,000 m², the inner section serves as the heart of the temple, divided into the exterior and interior spaces.

2.2.1. Exterior

The exterior of Do Temple begins at the impressive “Ngu Long Mon” (Five-Dragon Gate). Built from rare wood and topped with curved tiles, the gate features stone dragon sculptures, each about two meters long. The two central dragons hold pearls in their mouths - symbols of wisdom and power.

There are three main entrances. The central gate, carved with flying dragons, opens only on special occasions like festivals or anniversaries. The side gates, once used by mandarins, are now open to visitors.

Beyond the gate lies the courtyard paved with eight large stone tiles. Each tile has circular motifs, symbolizing the balance of heaven and earth - a nod to the spiritual harmony at the core of the Ly Dynasty’s beliefs.

2.2.2. Interior

The interior of Do Temple unfolds through four main halls: Phuong Dinh, Tien Te, Chuyen Bong, and Linh Cung.

Phuong Dinh was where President Ho Chi Minh paid tribute to the Ly kings in 1945. Tien Te, often used for royal ceremonies, displays two national treasures: “Nam Quoc Son Ha” - Vietnam’s first declaration of independence, and a miniature of the Capital Relocation Edict.

Chuyen Bong houses an altar, where visitors can offer incense. At the heart of the interior lies Linh Cung, a sacred seven-bay hall that enshrines statues and tablets of all the eight Ly kings. The central chamber features Kings Ly Thai To and Ly Thai Tong.

2.3. Water Pavilion

Opposite the interior, across the crescent lake lies the Water Pavilion - a five-bay, eight-roof structure that used to echo with Quan Ho folk singing and water puppetry. It was here that kings listened to music upon returning to their roots. So iconic is this pavilion that it once graced Indochina’s old coin. In 2003, it reappeared on Vietnam’s 1,000 VND coin, a quiet testament to its enduring charm.

2.4. Co Phap Dien Tao Bi Stele

Co Phap Dien Tao Bi Stele stands as a powerful testament to the Ly Dynasty’s legacy. Carved in 1605 by Phung Khac Khoan, this stone slab measures 1.9 meters tall, 1.3 meters wide, and 17 centimeters thick. Its surface once gleamed with intricate carvings of twin dragons flanking a radiant moon - symbols of authority and enlightenment. Although weathered by time and war, the stele still preserves fragments of its 1,500 Chinese and Nom characters, etched across 35 lines. It records the rebuilding of Do Temple under King Le Kinh Tong and honors the achievements of the Ly kings - from relocating the capital to Thang Long - Hanoi to codifying laws, fostering education, and opening trade routes.

>>> Read more: Dau Pagoda, Bac Ninh: The oldest Buddhist site in Vietnam

3. Useful tips for visitors to Do Temple, Bac Ninh

3.1. When to visit?

The temple welcomes visitors year-round. That said, the best time to visit Do Temple is during the annual Do Temple Festival, which is held from the 14th to 16th day of the 3rd lunar month. This is when the temple comes alive with traditional ceremonies like palanquin processions, incense offerings, and ancestral tributes - all honoring the legacy of the Ly kings.

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3.2. How to get there?

Getting to Do Temple from Hanoi is simple as it is located about 25 kilometers northeast of the city center, and the journey takes roughly 50 minutes by road. The most direct route goes through Chuong Duong Bridge northeast, then follows the streets of Nguyen Van Cu Street, Ngo Gia Tu, Ha Huy Tap, Dang Phuc Thong, and Tran Phu to Tu Son Ward. Turn right at a roundabout onto Ly Thai To Street, go for another kilometer, and you will see the temple on your right. For those using public transport, Bus 54 runs from Hanoi to Tu Son Post Office. From the stop, it is just a short 1.2-kilometer walk to the temple.

3.3. What to do?

At Do Temple, visitors can take in the peaceful atmosphere, wander through ancient halls, admire the Ly Dynasty’s architecture, and reflect at sacred altars. It is a place to not only learn about the past but also to slow down and enjoy the serenity of a space steeped in culture.

3.4. What to note?

For your visit to Do Temple, note these:

Wear modest clothes
No loud chatter in the halls
Don’t touch the altars or statues
Photos are allowed, but avoid using flash indoors
It’s best to visit in the morning to avoid the crowd and heat.

3.5. Where to go nearby?

After exploring Do Temple, don’t miss these nearby attractions:

Dinh Bang Communal House (1 kilometer away): One of the largest communal houses in northern Vietnam, it showcases traditional village architecture and honors local deities and national heroes.
Tieu Pagoda (5.4 kilometers away): Perched on a hillside, this ancient pagoda is believed to be where King Ly Cong Uan spent his early years as a monk. It is a peaceful spot with panoramic views.
Phat Tich Pagoda (8.6 kilometers away): Home to Vietnam’s largest stone Buddha statue, this pagoda is both a spiritual site and a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Red River Delta.

>>> Read more: 11 things to do in Bac Ninh to discover its hidden charms

Do Temple captures the essence of a dynasty that planted the seeds for a modern nation. It invites visitors to pause, reflect, and reconnect with centuries of culture.

If you are planning to stay overnight in Bac Ninh, treat yourself to a comfortable stay at Vinpearl Hotel Bac Ninh, where tradition meets luxury. With stunning views, modern amenities, and easy access to attractions, it is a perfect base for your journey through this ancient land.