Co Chin Temple, Thanh Hoa: A must-visit for culture seekers

Contents

Co Chin Temple is located in the heart of Thanh Hoa Province (Source: Collected)

1. Where is Co Chin Temple? How to get there?

Co Chin Temple’s exact address is on Tran Hung Dao Street, Bac Son Ward, Bim Son Town, Thanh Hoa Province, approximately 130 kilometers from the center of Hanoi. The temple is dedicated to Ban Thien Princess, also known as Cuu Thien Huyen Nu, the ninth daughter of the Jade Emperor.  

Directions to Co Chin Temple:

• By car: From Hanoi, take the Hanoi – Ninh Binh Expressway and continue along National Highway 1A. After passing Tam Diep City in Ninh Binh, you will arrive in Bim Son Town, Thanh Hoa, where the temple is located.
• By motorcycle: For a more scenic route, ride from Hanoi along Giai Phong Street and then follow the old National Highway 1. As you travel through Ha Nam and Ninh Binh, you will eventually reach Thanh Hoa and Co Chin Temple.
• By coach: Coaches to Thanh Hoa from major bus stations in Hanoi like Giap Bat and My Dinh often stop near Co Chin Temple. As the temple is close to National Highway 1A, it is easy to find a convenient bus route.

Co Chin Temple attracts many visitors annually who come to pray for good fortune (Source: Collected)

Read more: Central Vietnam itinerary: Must-go places & travel guide

2. The legend about Co Chin Temple

According to legend, during the battle between Tien Quan Thanh and Princess Lieu Hanh at Song Son, Lieu Hanh encountered danger and transformed into a dragon, retreating to the sacred site of the Nine Heavenly Wells, where Cuu Thien Cong Chua resided. 

Cuu Thien Huyen Nu used her divine powers to protect Lieu Hanh. With the intervention of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, Lieu Hanh was able to escape the trap set by Tien Quan Thanh. Grateful for the compassion of Avalokitesvara, Lieu Hanh converted to Buddhism, and out of appreciation for Cuu Thien Huyen Nu’s protection, she formed a sisterhood with her.

To commemorate and honor Cuu Thien Huyen Nu for saving Mother Goddess Lieu Hanh, the local people built a temple next to the nine sacred wells. Every year, during the procession honoring Mother Goddess Lieu Hanh to Ba Doi Pass, the procession also stops at Co Chin Temple as a symbolic gesture of the elder sister visiting her younger sister. This reflects a beautiful traditional cultural practice of the Vietnamese people.

The legend of Co Chin Temple reflects a beautiful traditional cultural practice of Vietnamese people (Source: Collected)

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3. The architecture of Co Chin Temple

Co Chin Temple was built in the late 18th century and underwent restoration in 1939. Nestled on a mountainside, the temple is surrounded by vibrant greenery, creating a serene landscape of mountains and flowing water. In front of the temple runs the Song Stream, where rocks naturally form small islets. 

Remarkably, beneath the waters of Song Stream, there are nine natural wells. These wells have crystal-clear water that flows endlessly from underground, and the sight of red-eyed, golden-bodied fish swimming through the waters adds to the temple’s charm.

At the entrance, the Tam Mon gate stands tall, supported by two strong bronze pillars. Atop these pillars are sculpted phoenixes facing each other, and the smaller pillars on either side are adorned with intricate dragon carvings. Moving ahead, the outer hall features seven rooms, all beautifully decorated with wooden archways and gold-gilded details. The central room houses the communal altar, while the left side is dedicated to the Divine Masters’ Council and the right side to the Divine Mistresses’ Council. 

The middle hall, consisting of five rooms in parallel with the outer hall, shares the same architectural style. The central room in this section is home to the altar of Co Chin, with The Ninth Courtier of Nine Wells altar on the right and Five Venerable Mandarins altar on the left. The innermost hall contains three rooms, with the leftmost room dedicated to the Mother Goddesses.

The Chin Gieng Temple is adorned with numerous wooden panels and couplets, celebrating the temple’s beauty and the spiritual legacy of the Ninth Mistress. In 1993, it was recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism as a National Historical and Cultural Site.

The impressive structure of Co Chin Temple (Source: Collected)

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4. When is the best time to visit Co Chin Temple?

Visiting Co Chin Temple offers travelers a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of Vietnam. The best time to visit Co Chin Temple is during the lunar festivals, particularly:

• Song Son Temple Festival: Celebrated on the 26th day of the 2nd lunar month, this festival features a grand procession carrying the statue of Mother Goddess Lieu Hanh from Song Son Temple to Co Chin Temple, symbolizing a connection between the two deities.
• Co Chin Festival: This festival occurs on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month and attracts many pilgrims who come to offer prayers and incense for health, peace, and prosperity.

Additionally, visiting during spring (February to April) offers mild weather and blooming nature. Summer (May to August) can be hot, but the lush surroundings are beautiful. Autumn (September to November) also provides pleasant weather and picturesque landscapes.

Visiting Co Chin Temple allows you to connect with the serene atmosphere of Vietnamese belief (Source: Collected)

Read more about the Thanh Hoa weather before traveling! 

5. Things to note while visiting Co Chin Temple

When pilgrimaging to Co Chin Temple in Thanh Hoa, please keep the following information in mind:

• Choose appropriate attire that reflects respect for this sacred space and does not disturb others.
• During the pilgrimage, move quietly and gently, adhering to the temple’s rules. Your demeanor should reflect reverence for the environment.
• For visitors interested in the experience of offering at the temple, it is essential to begin with a respectful prayer at the outer altar to seek permission. If needed, shops nearby can supply offerings and guide you through the prayer rituals for a meaningful experience.
• After completing your rituals, return any items used to maintain a tidy environment and show respect for the temple.

Co Chin Temple is a sacred place where Vietnamese people show respect (Source: Collected)

A visit to Co Chin Temple is more than just a pilgrimage; it is an enriching cultural experience that connects you with the spiritual heritage of Vietnam. By observing the rituals, respecting the sacred space, and engaging with the local customs, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the significance of this revered site. 

If you plan to visit Co Chin Temple in Thanh Hoa, consider combining your trip with a stop in Nghe An for an enriched travel experience. The two locations are conveniently close, allowing you to explore the cultural and spiritual heritage of Vietnam while also enjoying the vibrant attractions that Nghe An has to offer.

While in Nghe An, make sure to check out VinWonders Cua Hoi, the largest entertainment complex in North Central Vietnam. Featuring exciting rides, a water park, and engaging cultural performances, it is an ideal destination for family fun and relaxation.

You can create a diverse and memorable travel experience at VinWonders Cua Hoi

Book VinWonders Cua Hoi ticket now