1. Where is Hong Son Temple? How to get there?
Hong Son Temple stands on elevated ground in Vinh Tan Ward, Nghe An Province (formerly Hong Son Ward, Vinh City). Covering about 6,500 square meters, it borders Nguyen Cong Tru Street to the east.
From the center of Vinh City, make your way to Nguyen Trai Street. Follow Nguyen Trai Street - Mai Hac De Street - Le Loi Street - Quang Trung Street - Phan Dinh Phung Road - Nguyen Cong Tru Street. The temple will be on the right.
2. A glance at the history of Hong Son Temple
According to ancient records, Hong Son Temple was first built to honor Guan Yu, a legendary general of China’s Three Kingdoms era. Renowned for his unmatched skill and unwavering loyalty, Guan Yu helped Liu Bei found the Shu Han Dynasty in China. As the temple used to worship Guan Yu, it was named Quan Cong Temple, better known locally as Nha Ong Temple.
Later on, Hong Son Temple also honors Tran Hung Dao, a celebrated Vietnamese general. The local people dedicated their efforts and resources to create an imposing shrine that blends a solid architectural foundation with an elegance that reflects the reverence he commands. After becoming part of Hong Son Ward, it was renamed Hong Son Temple.
On August 30, 1984, Hong Son Temple was recognized as a National Architectural Relic.
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3. Architecture of Hong Son Temple in Nghe An
Hong Son Temple has three main halls: the upper hall, middle hall, and lower hall. Designed with perfect symmetry, these halls are aligned seamlessly, creating a space which is both solemn and airy.
3.1. Upper hall
The upper hall is the heart of the site, covering about 100 square meters. Its four-tiered, gracefully-curved roof is intricately adorned with dragon and phoenix motifs, exuding both elegance and antiquity. Inside, there is an altar for Guan Yu and his two loyal vassals. There are also additional altars dedicated to Ngoc Hoang, Nam Tao, Bac Dau, Trung Thien Tinh Chua, Thai Thuong Lao Quan, and other revered figures in the local belief. The upper hall also preserves statues, tablets, and relics of military heroes such as Tran Hung Dao, Pham Ngu Lao, Yet Kieu, Da Tuong, and Tran Quoc Toan.
3.2. Middle hall
The middle hall, about 65 square meters in size, reflects the Nguyen Dynasty architecture with its tiered roof and finely carved motifs of lotus, birds, and fish. Situated between the lower and upper halls, it enjoys natural light and airflow, enhancing its solemn yet airy ambiance. Altars are arranged in sequence: the Hung Kings, Tran Hung Dao with Yet Kieu and Da Tuong, Tran Binh Trong, Pham Ngu Lao, and the Second Princess with her attendants.
3.3. Lower hall
The lower hall spans about 274 square meters and also retains the graceful architectural style of the Nguyen Dynasty. It is adorned with gilded woodwork, parallel sentences, calligraphy panels, and ritual instruments such as drums, gongs, swords, and spears. During festivals, this hall hosts opening rites and welcomes visitors before they proceed to the middle and upper halls.
3.4. Other works
In addition to the three main halls, Hong Son Temple boasts other striking structures such as the triple-gate gate, carved archways, auxiliary halls, bell towers, and drum towers. The temple also preserves 383 valuable relics - stone steles, statues, bronze bells, stone gongs, imperial edicts, and royal regalia, making it one of Nghe An’s most significant repositories of history and art.
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4. Traditional festivals at Hong Son Temple
Hong Son Temple hosts three major annual festivals: the Hung Kings’ Commemoration (10th day of the 3rd lunar month), the death anniversary of Tran Hung Dao (20th day of the 8th lunar month), and the death anniversary of Lieu Hanh (3rd day of the 3rd lunar month). These festivals feature solemn rituals and vibrant activities. New-moon and full-moon days are also occasions for spiritual gatherings.
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5. Important notes while visiting Hong Son Temple
To make your visit to Hong Son Temple respectful, follow these guidelines:
- Dress modestly: wear long pants and sleeved tops.
- Bring water and wear comfortable shoes for the 500-step climb.
- Travel light.
- Take photos respectfully, no flash or inappropriate poses.
- Do not write, draw, or carve on any surfaces.
- Do not touch the relics.
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Hong Son Temple in Nghe An stands as a stunning masterpiece of ancient architecture, radiating timeless beauty and grace. Home to hundreds of precious relics, it showcases a unique blend of ceremonial traditions. When you visit Nghe An, don’t miss the chance to explore this remarkable site and experience its captivating heritage firsthand.
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