Voi Phuc Temple: A guardian temple of Thang Long Citadel

Contents

Uncover a majestic legend behind Voi Phuc Temple (Source: Collected)

1. Where is Voi Phuc Temple? How to get there?

Voi Phuc Temple is tucked away in the West side of Thang Long Citadel (former Hanoi), inside Thu Le Park, Ngoc Khanh Ward, Ba Dinh District. It is one of the four guardian temples of the city, alongside Bach Ma Temple (East), Quan Thanh Temple (North), and Kim Lien Temple (South).

Getting to Voi Phuc Temple is relatively straightforward if you have done your research before the trip. It is situated about 6 kilometers west of Hoan Kiem Lake, the heart of the city. If you are departing from Hoan Kiem Lake, a taxi or motorbike ride will get you to the temple in about 20 minutes. If you are fond of public transport, you can take bus number 16, 32, 27, 34, or 49. Thu Le Park is rather easy to find so it should not be difficult to make your way to the temple.

2. The long-established history of Voi Phuc Temple

Voi Phuc Temple carries the legacy of a figure back in the 11th century. It was originally built during the Ly Dynasty, specifically during the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong (1054 – 1072), and was dedicated to his son, Prince Linh Lang. Legends recount that the prince had volunteered to join the battle against the Song Dynasty at the Nhu Nguyet River (Cau River). The king granted him two elephants, which took him to the frontline, where he fell in battle.

The story of Prince Linh Lang lives on through the temple (Source: Collected)

To commemorate the prince’s sacrifice, the king ordered the construction of a temple with two stone elephant statues, which was subsequently named Voi Phuc Temple by the locals. Nearly 1,000 years later, the temple witnessed another important milestone in Vietnamese history when Ton That Thuyet and Luu Vinh Phuc successfully ambushed French troops at this very spot. Over the centuries, Voi Phuc Temple has undergone several renovations due to the ravages of time.

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3. Things to do on your trip to Voi Phuc Temple in Hanoi

There are many things for visitors to do at Hanoi temples, and Voi Phuc Temple is no exception.

3.1. Admire the architecture of Voi Phuc Temple

Despite having gone through many major renovations, Voi Phuc Temple has retained most of its important relics. Its impressive structure features a classic three-compartment front hall with a traditional set of ceremonial weapons, a large drum on the left, and a bronze bell on the right. Meanwhile, the rear hall also has three compartments, housing an altar adorned with wooden and bronze statues.

As you look up to the roof, you will be able to admire the intricacies of every detail. Two majestic dragon figures grace the roof at the top while four sacred animals (dragons, phoenixes, qilins, and tigers) sit atop the upturned curves of the four corners. The rear hall, which is dedicated to the shrines of Linh Lang’s mother and the Three Holy Mothers, has wooden doors and ironwood pillars.

Admire the intricacies of Voi Phuc Temple’s architecture (Source: Collected)

3.2. Take part in a cycling tour

Many tour operators in Hanoi have been organizing cycling tours that go through all the four guardian temples, including Voi Phuc Temple. These tours offer a one-of-a-kind glimpse into the diverse cultural tapestry of Hanoi.

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4. When does the Voi Phuc Temple Festival take place?

The Voi Phuc Temple Festival is an annual occasion that commemorates the passing of Prince Linh Lang. It usually takes place in two days, on the 9th and 10th day of the second lunar month. The festivities usually start with many spiritual ceremonies organized by the locals to pay their respects. In the afternoon, there will be games and music performances as the temple begins to welcome tourists.

The main events commence on the next day, starting with the opening ceremony in the early morning. Tourists can immerse themselves in the local culture with a wide variety of activities like xiangqi (Chinese chess), martial arts performances, cockfighting, traditional music performances, and other folk games.

Have a taste of the local culture at the Voi Phuc Temple Festival (Source: Collected)

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5. Important notes for visiting Voi Phuc Temple in Hanoi

The temple is open from 8 AM to 5 PM every day. On specific days, the opening hours can vary:

• Lunar New Year’s Eve: 8 AM – 12 AM
• The 1st and 15th day of a lunar month: 6 AM – 10 PM

Similar to other worshiping places in the country, Voi Phuc Temple has a set of rules that all visitors need to abide by:

• Dress modestly: Choose polite clothing and avoid skimpy outfits.
• Keep quiet: Refrain from making too much noise.
• Do not litter.
• Do not touch the objects in the temple.
• Do not walk in front of other visitors while they are praying.

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Voi Phuc Temple is an evidence of Hanoi’s heritage, acting as a time capsule filled with traditional architectural aspects and long-standing legends. On top of that, it hosts one of the most significant festivals in the city, allowing visitors to get a glimpse into the culture of Hanoi. So, the next time you are in the city, take your time to visit the temple for a deeper understanding of Vietnamese spirituality.

After exploring Hanoi temples, it is time to have some fun. You can venture to the east of the city, where Ocean City awaits with a myriad of recreational offerings. Here, you can splash around at VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park, go on a dining and shopping spree at Grand World, and end the day with a retreat to the homestay complex of StaynFun.

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Book tickets of Grand World for the best deal

Book StaynFun homestay for a comfortable trip