Lang Suong Temple: Explore A - Z the Beauty of the Shrine of Saint Tan

Lang Suong Temple: Explore A - Z the Beauty of the Shrine of Saint Tan

Lang Suong Temple is located in Phu Tho province and is part of the Tan Vien deity worship system, preserving many historical and cultural values of the Vietnamese people. According to legend, this is also the land where the saint Tan was born, associated with the era of nation-building and defense of the Hung kings. Follow NVK Travel to explore this fascinating spiritual destination through the article below.

Overview of general information about Lang Suong Temple

Lang Suong Temple is the only temple that worships the entire family of the saint Tan Vien - the deity at the top of the "Four Immortals" in the worship beliefs in Vietnam and has been revered and worshipped by the people for hundreds of years. The temple is located in Lang Suong hamlet, Trung Nghia commune in Phu Tho province, an area in the mountainous region on the left bank of the Da River, in the midland plain of Northern Vietnam.

The Da River flowing through the temple creates a picturesque landscape, about 1km away on the right bank of the river is the majestic Tan Vien mountain, famous in folklore.

Lang Suong Temple has existed for hundreds of years in Phu Tho

Lang Suong Temple has existed for hundreds of years in Phu Tho

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According to legend, Lang Suong Cave is the birthplace of Mother Au Co, where she met Lac Long Quan and became husband and wife, along with the temple, according to local people, is the place where Saint Tan was born. These legends have created a sacredness for this land, helping it become a famous spiritual destination, attracting many visitors from afar.

According to legend, Lang Suong Temple is the birthplace of Saint Tan Vien

According to legend, Lang Suong Temple is the birthplace of Saint Tan Vien

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Explore the architecture of Lang Suong Temple

Saint Tan Vien, also known as Son Tinh, is the son-in-law of the 18th Hung king, who is credited with controlling floods, teaching people how to grow wet rice, and cultivating the land. Therefore, Lang Suong Temple was built to honor and commemorate the contributions of Saint Tan Vien, associated with the tradition of worshipping deities in Vietnamese folk beliefs.

History of Lang Suong Temple

Many documents show that the temple was built during the Thuc Phan An Duong Vuong era, and was continuously repaired through the Le and Nguyen dynasties. By 1991, after enduring the fierce bombings of war, the temple had suffered significant damage, and the local government along with the people decided to restore the temple on a site of 3,000 square meters. The structures of Lang Suong Temple include the temple gate, Thien Thanh well, Hai Co shrine, stele house, swing house, right and left wings, and the shrine of the Holy Mother.

The temple is large in scale and has been renovated many times through different dynasties

The temple is large in scale and has been renovated many times through different eras

As soon as visitors arrive at the temple gate, they will admire the famous couplets:

Heavenly descended saint pacifies northern invaders

Earth retains the divine legacy for the southern land

(translated: Heaven gives birth to the saint who drives away the northern invaders

Earth retains the divine legacy for the southern land).

Lang Suong has the essence of spiritual jade

The dragon descends to the earthly realm

(translated: Lang Suong is a bright jade, the essence of spirit

The dragon descends to the earthly realm).

Through the gate is the Hai Co shrine worshipping the goddess of the land Bach Tinh and two attendants of Saint Tan, Dao Hoa and Que Hoa. Next to the shrine is the Thien Thanh well, which, according to legend, always has clear water year-round and is also the place where the Holy Mother gave birth to Saint Tan Vien after 14 months of pregnancy. Lang Suong Temple also has a stele house built in the four-roof architectural style, which includes a stele recording the merits of those who contributed to the temple's restoration during King Tu Duc's reign in 1848.

Famous couplets are inscribed on the two gate columns of the temple

Famous couplets are inscribed on the two columns of the temple gate

Who does Lang Suong Temple worship?

The main hall of the temple is built in the "chuc cong" (I) style with 3 main worship halls, a middle hall, and finally 3 rear halls. In the main hall, there is an altar for the statues of Cao Son and Quy Minh, two loyal generals of Saint Tan. The rear hall worships the family of the Holy Saint, including his mother, Tan Vien, his father, his foster mother, and Princess Ngoc Hoa - the wife of Saint Tan. About 50 meters to the northeast of the temple is where the local people believe there is the tomb of the Holy Mother, which is currently built into a mausoleum.

Lang Suong Temple worships the entire family of Saint Tan

Lang Suong Temple worships the entire family of Saint Tan

Summary of attractive destinations near Lang Suong Temple

When visiting Lang Suong Temple, in addition to worshipping and learning about the history of ancient Vietnamese people, visitors can also combine to explore other interesting destinations around this area. Below are the most attractive suggestions from NVK Travel.

Visit Hung Temple in Phu Tho

Hung Temple is a complex dedicated to the kings who contributed to the founding of the nation, built on Nghia Linh mountain. The area includes many other temples such as the temple of Mother Au Co, Father Lac Long Quan, and the Lower - Middle - Upper temples… Every year, on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month, the Hung Kings' Death Anniversary festival is held here, attracting millions of visitors.

Hung Temple is where the kings who contributed to the nation are worshipped

Hung Temple is where the kings who built the country are worshipped

Xuan Son National Park with beautiful natural scenery

With a total area of over 30,000 ha, it boasts a diverse ecosystem and flora and fauna with a coverage rate of up to 84%. This is an ideal place for those who love exploring nature, wish to breathe fresh air, and experience unique outdoor activities.

Visitors can participate in hiking trips through the forest, climbing mountains to admire the panoramic view of the national park from above, or learn about rare animal species and precious medicinal plants preserved here.

Xuan Son National Park has pleasant, cool weather all year round

Xuan Son National Park has pleasant, cool weather year-round

Tam Giang Temple and Dai Bi Pagoda near Lang Suong Temple

Tam Giang Temple, located not far from Lang Suong Temple, is one of the prominent historical and cultural relics in Phu Tho province, built in the traditional curved roof style of Northern Vietnam. The temple currently worships 3 deities, including Duc Thanh Ca, the deity of the land - who is credited with finding precious medicines to cure the people.

Next is Duc Thanh Ba Quach A Nuong - a talented female general of the Hai Ba Trung and Duc Thanh Hai, Chieu Van Vuong Tran Nhat Duat, who contributed to the Da Giang doctrine and built the defense line in Phu Tho.

Tam Giang Temple is a famous spiritual destination in Phu Tho

Tam Giang Temple is a famous spiritual destination in Phu Tho

Dai Bi Pagoda was built by Chieu Van Vuong Tran Nhat Duat and his niece, Princess Thien Thuy, and has existed for over 700 years. Along with Tam Giang Temple, Dai Bi Pagoda is where monks practice and also where the local people have gathered for many generations.

Detailed instructions on how to get to Lang Suong Temple

Lang Suong Temple has two main festival days on the 15th of the first lunar month and the 25th of the 10th lunar month, to commemorate the birthday of Saint Tan Vien and the day the Holy Mother ascended to heaven. Just about 70km from the center of Hanoi, you can choose the following means of transportation:

  • If you choose personal vehicles such as cars or motorbikes, you can follow Thang Long Boulevard to DT87A. Then cross Dong Quang Bridge and turn onto road 317, go straight for about 3 more kilometers, then turn right to the Trung Nghia commune People's Committee.
  • If you choose public transportation, you can take a bus to the foot of Ba Vi Mountain, then continue by taxi or motorbike taxi to get there.
Detailed directions to Lang Suong Temple for tourists

Detailed directions to Lang Suong Temple for tourists

Lang Suong Temple is located in a mountainous area, and there are not many stopping points along the way, so although the route is quite easy, you should travel in groups and prepare raincoats, drinking water... if traveling by motorbike. On festival days, the number of tourists flocking to the temple is very large, so you need to go early to avoid traffic jams.

You should go early on festival days at Lang Suong Temple

You should go early on festival days at Lang Suong Temple

Lang Suong Temple is a wonderful space where you can learn more about the origins and cultural history of the nation. Visit NVK Travel's website now to learn more about attractive Phu Tho tours.