Hai Ninh Temple: A notable spiritual site in Hai Phong

Contents

Hai Ninh Temple promises a culturally enriching experience (Source: Collected)

1. Overview of Hai Ninh Temple

• Location: Thien Loi Street, Vinh Niem Ward, Le Chan District, Hai Phong

Hai Ninh Temple, also known as Dong Thien Temple, originally stood in Bac Ninh Province before being relocated to Hai Phong. This historical journey is reflected in the temple’s name, as “Hai Ninh” combines the “Hai” in Hai Phong and the “Ninh” in Bac Ninh. The construction was done thanks to the donation of the locals to the Dong Thien Society, thus its alternative name. Refurbished in 1995, Hai Ninh Temple now welcomes locals and tourists every day except Saturdays.

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2. Things to do at Hai Ninh Temple in Hai Phong

2.1. Explore the unique architecture of the temple

Hai Ninh Temple follows the typical architectural style of Vietnamese temples with two triple-arched gates. The first gate is adorned with parallel sentences, with the temple’s name on the front door. Connecting this first gate with the second gate is a large round lake and an incense burner, flanked by extensive cemeteries, which brings a blend of ancient and modern.

The gate features a three-story, eight-roof structure, housing a large bronze bell. Passing this gate, tourists will find themselves in a large courtyard with lush flower beds and ornamental plants. Alongside the courtyard stand an ancestral building and a worship hall, each with five chambers, “yin – yang” roofs, and gable walls fortified with sturdy “three-level pillars.”

Hai Ninh Temple’s architecture is typical of Vietnamese pagodas (Source: Collected)

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2.2. Admire the Buddha hall

The Buddha hall of Hai Ninh Temple faces the second gate across the courtyard. It consists of seven front chambers, three middle chambers, and three rear chambers, each imbued with Vietnamese characteristics. Inside, the hall further impresses with its grand paintings, parallel sentences, Dharma statues, and altars dedicated to revered figures.

2.3. Reflect at the stupas

Two hexagonal stupas, each standing 1.4 meters tall with five storeys, are a highlight of Hai Ninh Temple. What makes these stupas unique is the intricate design of a dragon wrapped around a wine bottle at the top of each structure. Additionally, visitors should not overlook the sixty paintings that Mr. Vuong Ai Viet, a member of the Dong Thien Society, donated to the temple in 1926.

2.4. Contemplate the ancient sal tree

According to Buddhism, the flower of the sal tree is a symbol of longevity, permanence, ingenuity, and happiness. It also expresses kindness, tolerance, and knowledge. This type of flower is therefore often placed near the entrances of monasteries, hermitages, and temples. On the full-moon day in the first lunar month, the sal tree at Hai Ninh Temple bears fruit and attracts a lot of tourists. The tree’s blossoms give off a delicious scent. 

Check out other things to do in Hai Phong!

2.5. Participate in religious activities

Hai Ninh Temple hosts many religious events in the year. Below are some notable activities:

• Praying to Buddha while offering incense.
• Offering prayers during festivals and holidays.
• Commemorating the Buddha’s Birthday on Vesak.
• Taking part in meditation retreats.

Hai Ninh Temple attracts many visitors during special occasions (Source: Collected)

3. Extra tips for visiting Hai Ninh Temple

3.1. How to get there from the center of Hai Phong City?

It is quite easy to get to the temple as it is located in the heart of the city. You can either catch a taxi for convenience or rent a motorbike to ride there yourself. From downtown Hai Phong, proceed down Me Linh Street all the way to Ho Sen Lake. After passing the lake, turn right onto Mai Nang Street and follow it all the way down to Thien Loi Street, which is another 600 meters away from the temple.

3.2. What to note?

• Dress modestly. Avoid short skirts, shorts, or anything too revealing. 
• Put your phone in silent mode.
• Enter the gate via the right path and exit via the left one.
• Stand to the side instead of directly in front of the altar.
• Don’t touch the statues.
• Do not smoke, eat, or make loud noises inside the temple.

Your trip does not end at Hai Ninh Temple. Hai Phong is well-known for its wide variety of tourist attractions that cater to a wide range of interests. These include Do Son Beach, Cat Ba Archipelago, Tuong Long Tower, Ngoc Xuyen Temple, and Vinpearl Horse Academy Vu Yen – the first international-standard equestrian academy in Vietnam. Vinpearl Horse Academy Vu Yen provides many unique experiences for tourists, from attending horseback riding training sessions to immersing oneself in horse-care activities.

Vinpearl Horse Academy Vu Yen is a haven for equestrian excellence

Besides Hai Phong, Vietnam travel has many other fascinating destinations, such as Hanoi, Ha Long, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc. To have fun in these cities, you can come to the entertainment complexes of VinWonders, where all sorts of thrilling games and mesmerizing shows await. For accommodation, consider Vinpearl’s hotels and resorts, which are known for their luxury rooms and comprehensive amenities.

The vibrant atmosphere at VinWonders Phu Quoc

Book tickets to VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium and VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park for your holiday!