Situated in the heart of Hanoi, Ngoc Son Temple is also known as the ‘Temple of the Jade Mountain’. It is located near the famous Hoan Kiem Lake which is known for its historical significance and scenic beauty. The construction of the temple took place under the reign of the Ly Dynasty in 1841. It is dedicated to Van Xuong De Quan, a Taoist deity, La To, a Buddhist saint and General Tran Hung Dao, the one who defeated the Mongols.
Ngoc Son Temple displays traditional Vietnamese architecture featuring vibrant colours, intricate detail works and ornate carvings. Inside the temple, you will get to see historical artefacts, statues and altars. There are ancient relics and calligraphies, showcasing Vietnamese culture and religious history. The highlight of the temple is the preserved remains of a giant turtle which is believed to be found from Hoan Kiem Lake.
Additionally, you can visit Hoan Kiem Lake which is considered as the symbol of the capital city, Hanoi. There is a beautiful bridge built on this lake named Huc Bridge which allows access to the Ngoc Son Temple. Locals as well as tourists visit this spot to soak in the calmness and serenity of the environment.
Highlights
• Explore the ancient Ngoc Son Temple and admire its traditional Vietnamese architecture.
• Meditate amidst the tranquil atmosphere of the temple for a soothing experience.
• Enjoy a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and hear interesting folk tales.
• Interact with the friendly locals and practice Tai Chi, a form of Chinese martial art.
• Visit nearby attractions such as the Old Quarter of Hanoi and St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
How To Reach
1.By Car: Ngoc Son Temple is located at a distance of around 3.5 km from the city centre of Hanoi. You can easily reach this destination in approximately 15 minutes via the P. Hai Bà Trưng route. You can either take a taxi, drive yourself or even rent a motorbike to reach it.
2.By Bus: You can also choose to travel to Ngoc Son Temple by bus. Several public buses pass by Hoan Kiem Lake such as bus no. 8,14,31 and 36. These are frequent buses that take around 30 minutes to reach your destination. Travelling by public transport is a convenient option that not only saves you money but also allows you to experience the local lifestyle.
Best Time To Visit
Ngoc Son Temple in Hanoi is a popular tourist destination that can be visited throughout the year.
1. Best Season: You can visit Ngoc Son Temple between February and April to experience pleasant weather conditions and mild temperatures.
2. Best Day of the Week: You can plan your visit to Ngoc Son Temple on weekdays to explore peacefully and avoid the crowds of the weekends.
3. Best Time of the Day: Visit Ngoc Son Temple during the early hours to see locals practising Tai Chi and to explore the temple with less crowd.
Other Essential Information
Visitor Tips:
1.Remember to wear modest clothes covering your knees and shoulders as it is a spiritual site.
2.Keep your shoes outside the temple while entering as per the temple’s regulations.
3.Refrain from flash photography inside the temple to avoid disturbing other devotees.
4.Avoid talking loudly or making any loud noises to maintain peace inside the temple.
5.Maintain the cleanliness of the environment by disposing of garbage in the dustbins.
6.Remember to remove your cap or hat while praying or lighting an incense stick as a gesture of reverence.
Admire the architecture
Ngoc Son Temple is a classical masterpiece of traditional Vietnamese architecture. It includes vibrant colours, intricate detail work and ornate carvings. There are several gates of the temple which are worth seeing such as the Dai Nghien Gate, Nghi Mon Gate, Dac Nguyet Lau Gate and Long Mon Ho Bang Gate. These gates were constructed in different years and represent a different meaning. Some gates have Chinese letters carved on them while some display figures such as tigers and dragons.
