Located approximately 60km southeast of Hanoi, it takes only about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Hung Yen, a land rich in cultural traditions. While not boasting as many beautiful landscapes as other tourist destinations in Northern Vietnam, Hung Yen possesses numerous architectural structures of high historical value. Most notably, the majority of tourist attractions in Hung Yen strongly reflect the distinctive characteristics of Northern Vietnamese culture.
If you enjoy exploring new places and are interested in learning about culture, Hung Yen is the perfect destination for your next trip.
1. Chu Dong Tu Temple
Considered one of the earliest recorded legends in the Linh Nam Chich Quai (a Vietnamese folk tale), the story of Chu Dong Tu is very famous in folklore and is still passed down to this day. Hung Yen province boasts two of the three temples dedicated to Chu Dong Tu (one of which is in Hanoi). Therefore, when mentioning tourist destinations in Hung Yen, these two temples cannot be overlooked.
These are Da Hoa Temple (Binh Minh commune, Khoai Chau district, Hung Yen) and Da Trach Temple (Da Trach commune, Khoai Chau district, Hung Yen). Both temples are recognized as National Historical Monuments. Da Hoa Temple, in particular, possesses a unique architecture with dragon carvings on wood and a pair of "Hundred Longevity" statues made of ceramic with 100 characters inscribed on their bodies.
2. Nom Village - the oldest ancient village complex in Vietnam.
Nom Village is one of the must-visit check-in spots in Hung Yen. It's renowned as one of the oldest villages in the Northern Delta region. Visiting Nom Village, you'll encounter familiar images associated with rural life, such as banyan trees, riverside docks, and thatched roofs visible in the distance… Despite enduring many hardships and years of development, the village has retained its precious, rustic beauty.
3. Phuc Lam Pagoda - a unique pagoda covered in gold leaf.
The gilded architecture makes a powerful impression on visitors to Phuc Lam Pagoda. The opulent, magnificent beauty with its dazzling golden hue might remind you of temples in Thailand. But no, Phuc Lam Pagoda still retains its distinctly Vietnamese charm.
4. Cao Thon Incense Village - Experience the Traditional Incense Making Craft
Did you know that Cao Thon is one of the largest traditional incense-making villages in our country? When you visit, you can not only see rows of brightly colored incense sticks basking in the sun but also experience and learn about the various stages of creating the finished product.
5. Pho Hien - a visit to a once-famous trading port.
Hung Yen truly is a land of many "firsts"! Besides the Chu Dong Tu Temple, Phuc Lam Pagoda, and the incense village, this place also boasts the oldest trading port in the country - Pho Hien. There's a folk saying, "First is the capital city, second is Pho Hien," and visiting here will give you an idea of how glorious this place once was.
And that's not all! The spiritual sites in Pho Hien are also diverse and worth visiting. These include Hien Pagoda, Mau Temple, and Chuong Pagoda…
6. The Chrysanthemum fields - a glimpse of Hung Yen's gentle and charming beauty.
Hung Yen is famous for producing the renowned chrysanthemum tea. If you visit around December, you will be immersed in vibrant yellow chrysanthemum blossoms.
7. Thu Sy Village - Discover the Traditional Basket Weaving Craft
Hung Yen's tourist destinations have always preserved their ancient beauty. After the hustle and bustle of city life, a visit to Hung Yen will allow you to immerse yourself in the true essence of the countryside.
While these items were once created to serve the needs of fishing, today they are increasingly used in interior and exterior landscaping... and even exported abroad.
8. Tuong Ban Traditional Craft Village - Discover the Famous Delicacies of Hung Yen Province
Tuong Ban is the dish that made Hung Yen famous. It is also considered the best place in the world to make Tuong Ban. Tuong Ban, made by Vietnamese farmers, has been exported all over the world. From ancient times to the present day, Tuong Ban has been a regular condiment in Vietnamese meals.
9. Dong Tu Temple
As one of the most famous and important spiritual landmarks in Hung Yen province, Chu Dong Tu Temple attracts visitors not only with its ancient and sacred beauty but also with its rich and profound legends about the Van Lang era and the 18th Hung King period. The temple is dedicated to Chu Dong Tu and Princess Tien Dung, two legendary figures in Vietnamese history. According to legend, Chu Dong Tu is one of the four immortals of Vietnamese folklore, famous for his beautiful and touching love story with Princess Tien Dung. The temple is a place where locals and tourists come to remember, worship, and pray for protection and blessings from the sacred deities. With its rich history and profound cultural significance, Chu Dong Tu Temple is not only a spiritual destination but also an important part of preserving and promoting the traditional cultural values of the nation.
10. Huong Lang Pagoda
Huong Lang Pagoda, also known by the familiar name Lang Pagoda, is a Buddhist temple of the Northern school, imbued with the spirit of time and history dating back to the Ly Dynasty, built around 1115. With over a thousand years of history and profound spiritual traditions, Huong Lang Pagoda is not only a famous tourist destination but also a cultural and spiritual symbol of Hung Yen province. The annual festival at the pagoda attracts thousands of visitors and Buddhists seeking tranquility and peace in its sacred space. It is not only a place for sightseeing and worship but also a spiritual retreat, where people can find peace and liberation from the hustle and bustle of life. Huong Lang Pagoda plays a crucial role not only in preserving and developing cultural heritage but also as a spiritual destination, connecting people with the traditions and spiritual values of the nation.
11. Crescent Lake
With its cool and airy atmosphere, Crescent Lake offers visitors a truly relaxing experience amidst majestic nature. Besides its stunning natural beauty, the lake is also the venue for many vibrant cultural activities and traditional festivals, creating a diverse and rich cultural space. From the Tran Temple festival, a filial piety ceremony commemorating the nation's valiant heroes, to the lively Pho Hien folk festival with its traditional cultural activities, and the Mau Temple festival, a ceremony of profound reverence for the Mother Goddess, all contribute to a joyful and vibrant atmosphere, making a visit to Crescent Lake an unmissable experience. It's not only a destination for relaxation and enjoying nature but also an opportunity to understand and participate in the rich local culture.
12. Ancient Stone Bridge
The Ancient Stone Bridge, located in Nom Bac village and spanning the Nguyet Duc River, is a masterpiece of ancient stone architecture, bearing the distinct mark of a bygone era. With a history spanning hundreds of years, the Ancient Stone Bridge is not only a symbol of the enduring strength and resilience of national culture but also a vivid portrayal of the country's glorious past. Its ancient beauty and elegance have been preserved and cherished through generations, a testament to the skill and talent of its builders. The Ancient Stone Bridge is not only a unique architectural work but also a living museum of history and culture, offering visitors a fascinating and profound experience of Vietnam's past and its people.
The Best Time to Visit Hung Yen
- October to April: This is the ideal time to visit Hung Yen. The weather is cool and pleasant, perfect for visiting historical sites and participating in outdoor activities.
- Autumn (September - November): In particular, autumn is the most beautiful time to visit Hung Yen, when the rice fields are a brilliant golden color and the air is fresh and cool.