Thai Vi temple is situated in Van Lam hamlet, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province, near the Tam Coc - Bich Dong tourist area. This place worships the kings and generals of the Tran Dynasty, one of the powerful and properous feudal dynasties in Vietnamese history in the 13th century. The Tran Dynasty has made considerable progress over its 175 years of existence and development, but its three epic victories over the Yuan-Mongol army stand out above all.
Once the Tran monarchs who built the Vu Lam Palace passed away, the residents of Van Lam hamlet erected a Thai Vi temple there called "Thai Vi Tu" in their honor. Due to the fact that the Emperor of the Tran Dynasty practiced Buddhism there, it is known as Thai Vi.
Located in a picturesque natural setting, Thai Vi Temple was constructed according to the shape of Mandarin letters “Nội công ngoại quốc”. All of the temple's pillars, both inside and out, are formed of monolithic green stone, and the outside has been intricately carved with patterns that are no less detailed than those seen in wood. In front of the temple is a jade well also built of green stone and showcases its color all the time. Behind the temple is magnificent Ban Son mountain ranges. There are numerous valuable statues, stelae, and old bells inside the temple. The stelae serve as a reminder of the accomplishments of those who encouraged temple construction.
As soon as you step foot inside the temple, you will notice a sizable, 40m2 wide dragon yard that is covered in green stones. The main road and the dragon yard are all paved with green stones. There are two rows of Vong houses on either side, where the old people discuss the rituals. Furthermore, there are five great doors with extremely impressive carved architecture in Thai Vi temple. Mandarin calligraphy surrounded by dragons and the moon relief pattern are engraved on the stone columns outside the temple. From the dragon yard, follow the stone steps with a height of 1.2m to (5 large doors), there are 6 rows of parallel round stone columns all carved into the front.
The Thai Vi temple festival is now known as the Village Festival, and it takes place from March 14 to March 17 of the lunar calendar. According to Tam Coc locals, March 15 is the day when the emperor returned to Thien Truong in Nam Dinh to worship his ancestors and celebrate the victory after winning the Mongolian war.
As a result, this festival commemorates both the king's victory and the heroic sacrifice of the soldiers who gave their lives for the nation.
Thai Vi Temple is a general village festival. On the afternoon of March 14, Van Lam villagers held a ceremony to open the temple and transport the holy incense bowl to the Các Communal House. People believe that in the past, this was where officials reported before entering Vu Lam's palace, as well as where offerings to Tran kings were made. On the morning of March 15, the villages of the ancient general Vu Lam will bring the holy palanquin representing their villages to the Các Communal House to perform the rituals.
Coming to the Thai Vi temple festival allows us to visit the scenic spots here, watch the immense mountains and clouds, escape from the hustle bustle of life, find our roots, and commemorate the Tran kings' merits.
Ladies and gentlemen, the establishment of the Tran dynasty, specifically in two aspects of military and literature, elevated the dynasty to a new level in Vietnamese history. It is a spiritual and cultural heritage, a shining example for a thousand generations. And today in the era of industrialization, modernization, and international integration, the value of the Tran Dynasty still shines brightly on the path to the 21st century.