The Red Temple of Hai Phong City, a Buddhist temple in Vietnam, has an important place in the local culture. The local people often come to the temple to ask for blessings, good health, and happiness for their families. Here, visitors can learn more about the city and take in the sights of a gorgeous ancient temple.
1. Where is the Red Temple of Hai Phong? How to get there?
Hai Phong is a diverse city with traditional attractions and gorgeous natural sites. The Red Temple is a prominent location on the historical side of the harbor city.
Though it is located near the city center, first-time visitors may miss it without detailed directions or guidance. The Red Temple is nestled deep within a relatively hidden alley on Le Lai Street, a major street in Hai Phong.
- Address: 282 Le Lai, May Chai Ward, Ngo Quyen District, Hai Phong
It should be easy to make your way from Hai Phong Railway Station to Le Lai Street. Start from Pham Ngu Lao Street, move on to Tran Phu Street, then Le Thanh Tong Street, and lastly Le Lai Street. Once you are on Le Lai Street, find Alley 282. It will take you around 10 minutes to go from the railway station to the Red Temple.
2. History of the Red Temple in Vietnam
The locals first built the Red Temple as a place to worship Buddha. Back then, there were many drowned bodies drifting to the shore, and the locals decided to build the temple as a way to ask for salvation from Buddha for the people who passed away.
However, the Red Temple never got its name until 1288, when Grand Prince Hung Dao scouted the area in preparation for future battles. He had people prepare food in the temple. This led to the locals naming the place the Red Temple, referring to the color of burning wood used for stoves back then.
Also, that is why there are shrines on the sides of the temple to commemorate the Grand Prince and his generals.
Nowadays, the Red Temple has become a significant place in the spiritual life of Hai Phong locals. Many come here to worship Buddha, pray for blessings, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the temple. Other than that, the Red Temple is also a venue for many important Buddhist ceremonies in Hai Phong.
3. The unique architecture of the Red Temple
The Red Temple has most of the architectural traits of a Vietnam Buddhist temple. It is 3-story tall with 20 roofs stacking atop each other, an unprecedented architectural aspect. The temple is divided into the Front, Middle, and Back sections.
The details of the Red Temple are what make it beautiful. Almost anywhere you look in the temple, it is adorned with meticulous carvings of dragons, phoenixes, lotuses, and other sophisticated patterns.
The most special aspect of the entire temple is probably the wooden Buddha statue. This 5.5-meter-tall statue was made by 10 sculptors in 20 months. The Buddha statue sits on a 2.9-meter-tall lotus platform with 50 golden lotus petals.
There are also many other interesting details in the Red Temple, like the 7-story tower in the Front section, the 5-meter-tall flag pole, the sculpture of lemon flowers and bodhi leaves in the Middle section, and the 1.2-meter-tall bodhi leaf in the Back section.
4. Top-rated tourist attractions near the Red Temple of Hai Phong Vietnam
Visiting Hai Phong, there are plenty of things to do. Each of the attractions you visit will give you a unique experience. You may be interested in the following sites that showcase the culture and lifestyle of Hai Phong locals:
- Hai Phong Museum
Hai Phong Museum is a must-visit for anyone planning a trip to the harbor city. This is where you can have a closer look into the history, culture, and traditions of the city with more than 20,000 artifacts. Not only that, the Gothic architectural style of the museum is gorgeous.
- The Cathedral of the Diocese of Hai Phong
The Cathedral of the Diocese of Hai Phong is a great place to see another aspect of Hai Phong culture. Built in the 20th century, the cathedral is still in its best condition with unmistakably Gothic architecture.
- Hai Phong Walking Street
There are no better ways to learn about the locals than hitting the streets. This is an upbeat and bustling destination that can offer visitors a chance to experience the local cuisine, interact with the people, and join whichever activities are being hosted. Also, the walking street can be a great segue into other destinations like Hai Phong Opera House, Lach Tray Stadium, etc.
Read more:
- The TOP things to do in Hai Phong, Vietnam in 2023
- Hai Phong weather: Essential information for your trip in 2023
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The Red Temple is a spiritual destination that you should visit when in Hai Phong. The ancient temple is beautifully constructed and etched in the harbor city’s long history. Here, visitors will be able to learn about its story, enjoy the architecture, and escape from the busy life during their visit to the sacred temple. If you are wondering about what to do in Hai Phong, visit and check out the Red Temple!
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