Thai Vi Temple is known as an ancient temple built in 1958 when King Tran Thai Tong decided to retire to the mountains to rest. This place boasts majestic and magnificent natural scenery, with twin mountains and expansive rice fields where storks soar gracefully.
Thai Vi Temple – Magnificent Cultural and Historical Space
Brief Information about Thai Vi Temple
Thai Vi Temple is located in Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, boasting vast and airy natural surroundings, serving as a prominent cultural and historical relic as well as a tourist destination in Ninh Binh. Situated within the famous ecotourism area of Tam Coc – Bich Dong, it annually attracts millions of visitors. The temple mainly worships the early Tran dynasty kings such as Tran Thai Tong, Tran Thanh Tong, Tran Nhan Tong, Tran Anh Tong, the generals Tran Hung Dao, Tran Quang Khai, and Queen Thuan Thien. All of them contributed to the establishment of Vu Lam Palace, a crucial stronghold in the resistance against the Mongol invaders. During every Tet holiday, springtime, or temple festival season, Thai Vi Temple hosts gatherings where people from all directions come to participate in solemn ceremonies and various festive activities, providing entertainment and joy.
History of the Establishment of Thai Vi Temple Historical Site in Ninh Binh
Unlike other grand and magnificent temples, Thai Vi Temple is simple and gentle, as it was the place where King Tran Thai Tong retreated for spiritual practice after years of governing the country. The first temple on this site was built by the king in 1258, immediately after the successful resistance against the Mongol invaders. King Tran Thai Tong, after abdicating the throne to his son, retreated to the Tam Coc mountains, establishing Thai Vi hermitage for meditation. Later on, other kings such as Tran Thanh Tong and Tran Nhan Tong also practiced spirituality here.
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Unique Features of Thai Vi Temple in Tam Coc
Boat Trip along the Tam Coc – Bich Dong River from the Dinh Cac Pier
Currently, there are two ways to reach Thai Vi Temple: by road through the Van Lam ferry crossing and then turning onto the road parallel to the Ngo Dong River to reach the temple, or you can take a boat trip along the river into Tam Coc. However, the waterway entrance is particularly unique. You will be transformed into a tiny “dot” amidst the vast and expansive landscape of Tam Coc, surrounded by intertwining gray-green mountain ranges.
Unique Classical Architecture Space
Nestled amidst the natural landscape like a painted picture, Thai Vi Temple features architecture in the “Domestic skill, Foreign style” manner. All the pillars inside and outside the temple are made of solid green stone, intricately carved on the outside with delicate and elegant floral patterns, rivaling wood carvings. In front of the temple is a jade well also built from green stone, maintaining its green color throughout the year. Behind the temple lies the majestic twin peaks of Cam Son rocky mountains. Inside the temple, there are numerous valuable ancient stone statues, stone steles, and ancient bronze bells. The stele tower records the merits of those who contributed to pilgrimage and temple construction.
Upon entering the temple, you will see a large dragon courtyard, approximately 40m2, paved with green stone. Both the main path and the dragon courtyard are paved with green stone. On both sides are two rows of Vong houses – where ancestors used to discuss ritual matters. Additionally, Thai Vi Temple features the Five Great Gates with incredibly impressive carved architecture. Outside, stone pillars are engraved with prominent Han characters, while the stone verandas are finely sculpted with intricate dragon and moon motifs.
From the dragon courtyard, stepping along the 1.2m-high stone steps leads to the (5 large doors), with six rows of parallel round stone columns, all intricately carved with dragon motifs facing the main facade. The outer faces of the stone columns are also carved with various motifs. The verandas are also made of stone, adorned with carvings.
Despite the many stone columns inside Thai Vi Temple, the stone artisans have “breathed life” into each pillar, imbuing them with more soul and artistic flair. Whether carving couplets or recording the merits of the Tran dynasty kings, each has its own uniqueness and special characteristics. In the Main Hall, statues of Tran dynasty kings are placed. If in the middle stands the statue of Tran Thanh Tong, to the left are the statues of Tran Thanh Tong and Tran Thai Tong, while to the right stands the statue of Queen Hien Tu. Every line on the faces is meticulously carved, faithfully depicting the portraits of the kings.
Participation in the Thai Vi Temple Festival – Annual National Festival of Ninh Binh Province
Festival Schedule and Meaning
Every three years, in the years of Tí, Ngọ, Mão, and Dậu, Thai Vi Temple holds a major festival from the 14th to the 16th day of the third lunar month. This is one of the most important cultural events in Ninh Binh.
According to local beliefs, the 15th day marks the return of the Tran king to Thien Truong (Nam Dinh) after defeating the Mongol invaders. The festival honors this victory and pays tribute to the Tran kings and fallen soldiers.
Opening Ceremony at Dinh Cac Shrine
On the afternoon of the 14th day, residents of Van Lam Village open the festival. They carry sacred incense from Thai Vi Temple to Dinh Cac Shrine.
In the past, officials stopped here before entering Vu Lam Palace. Today, the shrine remains an important spiritual site linked to Tran Dynasty worship.
Village Processions on the 15th Day
On the morning of the 15th day, villages in Vu Lam Commune organize holy processions. Khe Dau Village, the eldest village, leads the parade.
The procession passes through Xuan Ang, Kha Luong, Hanh Cung, Ha Trao, and Tuan Cao. Each village joins as the parade moves forward, forming a long ceremonial line.
After rituals at Dinh Cac Shrine, the procession continues to Thai Vi Temple to honor the Tran kings.
Traditional Performances and Folk Games
After the ceremonies, performers present Ca Cong singing, accompanied by the chanh instrument and traditional Ao Dai costumes.
The festival also features a symbolic word-forming ceremony with 120 youths. Traditional folk games such as human chess, wrestling, lion dance, dragon dance, and boat racing bring the festival to a lively close.
Conclusion
Thai Vi Temple is a destination well worth your time and effort. The temple impresses visitors with its breathtaking natural setting, which looks like a watercolor painting brought to life. Its ancient architecture reflects the passage of time and adds deep cultural value. Unique local festivals further enhance the experience.
