Located in Van Lam village, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province, Thai Vi Temple is a significant historical and cultural site and a key stop along the Tam Coc – Bich Dong ecotourism route. Built in the 13th century, this temple is dedicated to the emperors of the Tran Dynasty, their generals, and Empress Thuan Thien. It stands on the former grounds of Vu Lam Palace, a strategic base during the second resistance war against the Mongol invasion under the Tran Dynasty.
Upon entering through Nghi Mon Gate, visitors will see a two-story bell tower on the right, featuring eight curved roofs, constructed entirely from ironwood. The roof tiles are shaped like traditional Vietnamese shoes, and the corners curve elegantly like phoenix tails. Hanging inside the tower is an ancient bronze bell cast in 1689. Directly across from the bell tower, along the main path, stands a stone stele tower with three large stone tablets, which record the renovation history of the temple and acknowledge donors who contributed to its restoration.
The temple's main pathway and Dragon Courtyard are paved with blue stone, with the courtyard measuring 40 square meters. Flanking the courtyard are two longhouses, historically used as waiting areas for officials before ceremonial rituals.
Ascending a 1.2-meter-high stone staircase, visitors arrive at the majestic Five-Gate Entrance (Ngu Dai Mon), where six intricately carved stone columns stand, adorned with images of dragons facing the main temple hall.
Inside the Bai Duong (Worship Hall), a grand red and gold lacquered horizontal plaque hangs with the Chinese characters "Long Duc Chinh Trung" (Loyalty and Virtue of the Dragon). This hall consists of six square stone pillars, while the Trung Duong (Middle Hall) features two rows of four cylindrical stone columns, each intricately carved with dragons, unicorns, turtles, phoenixes, and carp transforming into dragons. The Chinh Tam (Main Sanctuary) also houses eight round stone columns with engravings representing music, chess, poetry, and painting.
One of the most remarkable features of Thai Vi Temple is its entire structure made from solid blue stone, meticulously carved to resemble wooden craftsmanship, from the altar tables to incense burners. This gives the temple an imposing yet elegant appearance, exuding both grandeur and resilience.
The inner sanctuary enshrines statues of Emperors Tran Thai Tong, Tran Thanh Tong, Tran Nhan Tong, and Tran Anh Tong, along with Generals Tran Hung Dao and Tran Quang Khai, and Empress Thuan Thien. Additionally, within the temple complex lies a small meditation shrine, where Emperor Tran Thai Tong spent his final years in spiritual retreat.
Thai Vi Temple Festival is held annually from the 14th to the 17th of the third lunar month, the Thai Vi Temple Festival is a time for people from Ninh Binh and across Vietnam to honor the Tran Dynasty’s great contributions to the nation.
Recognized for its historical and cultural significance, Thai Vi Temple was designated as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 1994.
When exploring Ninh Binh, don’t miss the chance to visit the breathtaking Tam Coc – Bich Dong landscape and experience the spiritual beauty of Thai Vi Temple!