Thai Vi Temple is located in Van Lam village, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. This is a historical and cultural relic and a destination in the Tam Coc - Bich Dong cultural and ecological tourism route. Thai Vi Temple was built by the people around the 13th century, this is the place to worship the kings of the Tran dynasty, the generals of the Tran dynasty and Queen Thuan Thien. The temple was built on the foundation of Vu Lam palace, a base in the second resistance war against the Yuan-Mongol invaders of the Tran dynasty.
Built in the 13th century, Thai Vi Temple is a famous historical tourist destination in Vietnam. Unlike other grand temples, Thai Vi Temple has a simpler and gentler appearance. It is known as the place where King Tran Thai Tong retired and began his spiritual practice after years of ruling the country.
Thai Vi Temple marks one of the prosperous periods of Buddhism in Vietnam under the Tran Dynasty, especially during the reign of King Tran Thai Tong. In addition to this king, many other kings of the Tran Dynasty also practiced spirituality at this temple.
Thai Vi Temple features an architectural style that blends Eastern and Western elements. All the pillars inside and outside the temple are made of solid green stones, intricately carved with elegant and graceful floral patterns.
Upon entering the temple, visitors are immediately greeted by a large courtyard, measuring approximately 40 square meters. The main walkway and courtyard are both paved with green stones, adding to the temple's distinctiveness.
One of the most notable features of the temple is the Five Great Gates, which are intricately carved with traditional Chinese letters. These letters are displayed prominently on the stone columns outside the gates and on the wooden beams of the gate's roof.
Exploring the surroundings of Thai Vi Temple by bike is an excellent way to experience the peaceful and beautiful landscape of Ninh Binh. The area surrounding the temple is filled with limestone mountains, green fields, and peaceful rivers, making it a perfect destination for a bike ride.
Cycling around the nearby villages will give you a glimpse into the daily life of the locals, where you can observe how they live, work, and interact with each other. The serene beauty of the countryside and the hospitality of the people will make your trip even more memorable.
Every year, Thai Vi Temple holds a festival for three days on the 14th, 15th, and 16th of the third lunar month. The festival is organized to celebrate the king's victory and to express gratitude to the brave soldiers who sacrificed themselves for the nation during the Mongol invasions.