Thai Vi Temple

Temple in Ninh Binh (Tam Coc)

Thai Vi Temple Ninh Binh
Public Domain / Kien1980v (thảo luận)

Discover the cultural and spiritual charm of Vietnam at Thai Vi Temple, an ancient gem nestled just outside Ninh Binh city. This temple is an essential stop for travelers looking to immerse themselves in Vietnam’s rich history and traditions.

History of Thai Vi Temple

Thai Vi Temple was built and consecrated by King Tran Thai Tong, the first ruler of the Tran Dynasty (1218-1277). According to legend, after his victory over the Yuan (Mongol) Dynasty in 1258, King Tran Thai Tong decided to construct a temple to celebrate and give thanks. The king rejected two potential sites due to unsuitable feng shui, eventually choosing the location that met his criteria of “Quần Sơn Hội Tụ” — a description of a place surrounded by mountains and a clear blue sky. This phrase still aptly describes Thai Vi Temple on a clear day.

Modern feng shui experts agree that King Tran Thai Tong’s choice was wise, as the site is exceptionally well-suited for prayer, meditation, and thanksgiving. Locally, the path leading from Cửa Quán Temple is compared to a dragon’s body, while Thai Vi Temple represents the dragon’s head. At the entrance to the cave, two large stone elephant statues stand guard, symbolizing the war elephants used in the battles against the Mongol invaders, with King Tran himself riding one into battle.

Architecture of Thai Vi Temple

Thai Vi Temple is designed with traditional Vietnamese architecture, featuring a triple-arch entrance gate, which represents the “three ways of seeing” Buddhism. A pair of moss-covered stone horses flank the gate, serving as guards, much like the elephants, and symbolizing their importance in transportation during both peaceful and wartime periods.

The entire structure was built using locally sourced stone and wood, heavily etched with intricate motifs by master craftsmen. The temple’s design reflects the local community’s industriousness. Inside the front yard, two small green ponds are home to koi fish, adding to the temple’s tranquil atmosphere.

The Bell Towers

There are two bell towers at the temple: one houses a bronze bell cast in the 1600s, while the other holds a traditional drum stand. Both were used to calm the mind and signal in times of trouble or during ceremonies to ward off evil spirits. Nearby small houses are used to prepare “votive papers,” colorful offerings burned for Vietnamese ancestors. At the end of the path is the main stone temple.

The architecture of Thai Vi Temple is designed to reflect symmetry, reverence, and beauty — honoring both the divine and the worshipers. The Tran Dynasty is celebrated for its role in fostering independence, self-reliance, and resilience in Vietnam.

An incense burner in front of the main hall frames several altars dedicated to famous Tran Dynasty generals, with a prominent altar for King Tran’s grandson, Buddhist King Trần Nhân Tông (1258-1308), considered one of Vietnam’s most influential Buddhist monarchs.

The rafters above the altar feature a lacquered board engraved with Chinese characters, and the pillars are decorated with flying dragons and clouds. On both sides, wooden representations of swords, spears, and hammers serve as symbols of the weapons used to defeat the Yuan invaders.

Kings and Queens

At the back of the main temple stands a statue of King Tran Thai Tong, his queen, and their son. King Tran Thai Tong was a revered, enlightened ruler instrumental in the construction of Hành Cung Vũ Lâm (Vu Lam Palace). Above their altar are tablets honoring the ancestors of the Tran family, and beside them are statues of the Senior Generals of the Tran Dynasty, including Prince Chiêu Minh Trần Quang Khải (1241–1294) and Lord Prince Trần Hưng Đạo (1228–1300), later known as Saint Trần. Both were key commanders who played crucial roles in defeating the Mongol invaders.

The altars and stone pedestals are adorned with representations of the four great Vietnamese cultural mascots: the dragon, unicorn, turtle, and phoenix, symbolizing power, wisdom, longevity, and immortality.

Mahayana Tower

At the rear of the temple is a small tower in Mahayana Buddhist style, featuring rock tables and chairs for visitors to rest. The surrounding tiled space forms an inner “fence” for visitors, while nearby carved stone turtles bear the names of those who contributed to preserving the temple. The temple has undergone several renovations, with significant updates in 1589, 1601, 1881, 1893, and 1925. The most recent repairs were carried out between 2006 and 2018, preserving the main temple while restoring the exterior structures.

United Holy Land

According to Chu Văn Thim, the 90-year-old current curator, the Tran Dynasty intended for the temple to be a “Sacred Land with Extraordinary People,” engraving this on the exterior temple poles with the phrase “Thảo Tú Sơn Lâm Vô Song Thánh Địa,” which roughly translates to “United Holy Land.”

Every year, from the 14th to 17th of the third lunar month (around mid-March), the temple hosts a festival to celebrate the Tran Dynasty’s victory over foreign invaders. The festival includes dragon-lion dances, wrestling, and boat races, making it a lively event that should not be missed if you are in Ninh Binh during this time.

The Thai Vi Temple, along with Thien Huong Cave and Cửa Quán Temple, is an important and beautiful piece of Vietnamese history. As national historical sites, entrance is free, though donations are encouraged. During the festival, a small fee may be required for parking or vehicle safety.

Things to Do at Thai Vi Temple

Take a Scenic Boat Ride along Tam Coc – Bich Dong

A boat ride along the Ngo Dong River is a popular way to reach Thai Vi Temple. This journey, often called the “Ha Long Bay on land,” takes you through stunning caves, limestone cliffs, and vibrant green fields. The scenery is captivating and allows you to fully appreciate the natural beauty of Ninh Binh.

Admire the Unique Architecture

Thai Vi Temple’s architecture blends Eastern and Western styles, with intricately carved stone pillars featuring delicate floral patterns. Upon entering, you’ll find a spacious 40-square-meter courtyard paved with green stones, leading to the temple’s distinct Five Great Gates, adorned with Chinese characters on stone columns and beams.

Bike around the Temple’s Scenic Surroundings

Cycling is a wonderful way to explore the peaceful landscapes surrounding Thai Vi Temple. The nearby limestone mountains, green fields, and serene rivers make for a perfect biking destination, giving you a glimpse into local life and the area’s natural beauty.

Participate in the Thai Vi Temple Annual Festival

Every year, Thai Vi Temple hosts a festival on the 14th, 15th, and 16th of the third lunar month to honor King Tran Thai Tong’s victory and the bravery of the soldiers who defended Vietnam against Mongol invasions. The festival includes folk games, human chess, wrestling, dragon dances, and boat racing.

Tips for Visiting Thai Vi Temple

  • Dress modestly: As a religious site, it’s best to wear respectful clothing, avoiding shorts and sleeveless tops.
  • Show respect: Keep noise levels down and avoid touching statues or artifacts.
  • Prepare for the weather: Ninh Binh’s climate can be hot and humid, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and water.
  • Mind your belongings: As with any tourist site, keep an eye on your personal items.

For a deeper connection to Vietnam’s spiritual and historical heritage, Thai Vi Temple offers an experience rich in culture and tranquility.

The Thai Vi Temple appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ninh Binh (Tam Coc)!

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Visiting Thai Vi Temple

Price:

Free

Address: Thai Vi Temple, Ninh Hải, Hoa Lư District, Ninh Bình, Vietnam

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