Kiep Bac Temple: A historical and spiritual icon of Hai Phong

Contents

1. Where is Kiep Bac Temple?

Kiep Bac Temple is part of the Kiep Bac complex, which in turn is part of the larger Con Son – Kiep Bac complex. It is located in Tran Hung Dao Ward, Hai Phong City. Before the nationwide administrative restructuring, this area belonged to Hung Dao Commune, Chi Linh City, Hai Duong Province. 

Con Son Kiep Bac Temple used to be in Hai Duong Province (Source: Collected)

From Hanoi, you can take a limousine bus ride to the former Chi Linh City, then hail a taxi or catch Bus 208 to Kiep Bac Temple. If you want to drive yourself, follow National Road 5 – National Road 17 – National Road 18 to get to Chi Linh, then turn left onto National Road 37. Another 8 kilometers and you will reach Con Son.

With its ancient architecture and historical value, Kiep Bac Temple is both a sacred worship site and a popular attraction for visitors interested in Vietnamese culture. 

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2. A glance at the history of Kiep Bac Temple

The name Kiep Bac comes from two old villages: Kiep (Van Kiep) and Bac. In the 13th century, this area was the headquarters of the army of Tran Quoc Tuan, a great general who was later known as Tran Hung Dao, Hung Dao Dai Vuong, or Duc Thanh Tran. He stationed and trained his soldiers here during the resistance against Mongol invasions.

Kiep Bac was a key point for both water and land routes, guarding the eastern gateway to the capital of Thang Long. With a favorable location, it became closely tied to the three major victories over the Mongols, as well as the life and legacy of Tran Hung Dao. He lived in Van Kiep until his final days. After his death, the people of Van Kiep built a temple on the site of his home. 

On May 10, 2012, the Con Son – Kiep Bac complex was recognized as a Special National Relic.

Kiep Bac Temple has a long history (Source: Collected)

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3. Things to explore on your visit to Kiep Bac Temple

3.1. Ancient architecture

The entire complex is built against the backdrop of Duoc Son Mountain, adding to its solemn setting. The entrance gate is grand, with an inscription that reads “Di Thien Vo Cuc,” which means “This legacy lasts as long as heaven and earth.”

Passing through the gate, you enter a large courtyard. Legend says this was where Tran Hung Dao punished Pham Nhan, an enemy general said to use dark magic. On both sides of the courtyard are long hallways, where visitors can rest or prepare offerings.

Behind the courtyard are the main hall and the rear sanctuary. The main hall has a large central altar, with four small thrones honoring Tran Hung Dao’s sons. The rear sanctuary has three chambers. The outer chamber is dedicated to General Pham Ngu Lao – Tran Hung Dao’s son-in-law, the middle one to Tran Hung Dao himself, and the inner one to his wife and their two daughters.

Inside the temple are seven bronze statues of Tran Hung Dao, his wife, daughters, son-in-law, and the deities Nam Tao and Bac Dau. The temple also keeps ancestral tablets for his sons and two loyal generals, Yet Kieu and Da Tuong.

The halls of Kiep Bac Temple (Source: Collected)

3.2. Cultural festivals

Every year, from the 16th to the 20th day of the 8th lunar month (around September), the Kiep Bac Festival takes place to honor the death anniversary of Tran Hung Dao. In 2012, it was officially recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. The festival includes many traditional customs such as the offering procession, the naval parade on the Luc Dau River, and the seal granting ceremony of Duc Thanh Tran. Visitors can also enjoy folk activities like wrestling, boat racing, duck catching, rice cooking, and puppet dance. 

3.3. Lotus ponds

From June to August, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the lotus season at Kiep Bac Temple. Here, visitors can taste lotus tea, ride a boat for photos on the lotus ponds, learn how to infuse tea with lotus blossoms, paint lotus designs on traditional hats, rent costumes, and take pictures surrounded by blooming flowers. These fragrant flowers have also become a signature product that reflects the heritage of the region.

3.4. Local delicacies

A journey to Kiep Bac Temple would not be complete without tasting its specialties. Among the highlights is lotus tea, a refined drink infused from lotus blossoms. Mung bean cake is another treat, perfect as a gift. There is also lotus wine, distilled with traditional methods that bring out a harmonious flavor. Other products include honey, which is collected from the local mountains and forests, and chrysanthemum tea, a soothing herbal infusion known for calming the mind and cooling the body. To round out the experience, lotus shrimp cake offers a creative combination of local ingredients.

Enjoy local delicacies at Con Son – Kiep Bac (Source: Collected)

3.5. Other attractions in the complex

Within the Kiep Bac complex, visitors can explore other sites such as Nam Tao Temple, Bac Dau Temple, Duoc Son Garden, Chao Pond, Vang River Shipyard, Tien Cave, Thoc Sinkhole, Tran Rong Mountain, and Luc Dau River.

A bit further away, the Con Son complex awaits with many notable attractions including Con Son Pagoda, Thanh Hu Cave, Nguyen Trai Temple, Tran Nguyen Dan Temple, Ngu Nhac Mountain, Dang Minh Stupa, Con Son Lake, and Con Son Stream.

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4. Guide for visitors to Kiep Bac Temple

4.1. Opening hours & entrance fee

The Kiep Bac complex is open every day, with an entrance fee of 20,000 VND.

4.2. Popular tours

The management of the Con Son – Kiep Bac complex has organized an official tour that you can join for a comprehensive glimpse. This is the tour’s itinerary: 

• 8 – 9:30 AM: Kiep Bac Temple
• 9:30 – 11 AM: The sweet annie field
• 11 AM – 1:30 PM: Lunch in Con Son with local specialties
• 1:30 – 3 PM: The Con Son complex
• 3 – 4 PM: Thanh Hu Cave and Nguyen Trai Temple
• 4 – 4:30 PM: Shop for local products such as lotus tea, mung bean cake, honey, lotus wine, and chrysanthemum tea

Join the official tour for a comprehensive glimpse into Kiep Bac Temple (Source: Collected)

4.3. Important notes

To ensure a respectful visit to Kiep Bac Temple, take note of the following:

• Park vehicles in designated areas
• Wear modest clothing, avoid revealing outfits
• Walk softly and speak quietly in the temple grounds
• Remove hats when entering the temple
• Dispose of trash properly; avoid breaking branches or carving on statues, steles, and structures.
• Register guided tours with the management office

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FAQs about Kiep Bac Temple

What is Kiep Bac Temple famous for?

Kiep Bac Temple is best known as a sacred place honoring Tran Hung Dao, the legendary general who led Vietnam to victory over Mongol invasions in the 13th century. Beyond its historical significance, it is also a spiritual center where local people come to pray.

When is the best time to visit Kiep Bac Temple?

The temple welcomes visitors throughout the year, but the best time is during the Kiep Bac Festival, which takes place around September.

What can visitors see at Kiep Bac Temple?

Highlights include the main shrine dedicated to Tran Hung Dao, smaller shrines dedicated to deities and other generals, ancient statues, lotus ponds, and scenic landscapes.

How do I get to Kiep Bac Temple from Hanoi?

Kiep Bac Temple is about 80 kilometers away from Hanoi. You can reach it in 2 hours by car, motorbike, or bus. 

What should I wear when visiting Kiep Bac Temple?

As the temple is a place of worship, dress respectfully. Clothing that covers shoulders and knees is recommended. Avoid revealing outfits.

Kiep Bac Temple is where history, culture, and spirituality come together. Whether you visit during the vibrant festival or on a quiet day, the temple offers a unique glimpse into Vietnam’s heroic past.

After discovering the solemn beauty of Con Son – Kiep Bac, you can balance your journey with some fun at VinWonders Vu Yen. Just a short trip away, this amusement park brings a lively contrast with thrilling games and modern attractions, making your itinerary both meaningful and joyful.

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