History and significance

Originally called Tuong Nhi (Elephant Ear Island), the site was renamed Ngoc Tuong by King Ly Thai To when he moved the capital to Thang Long in what is now Hanoi in 1010.

The entrance to the Ngoc Son Temple at one end of The Huc Bridge across the Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi.

During the Tran Dynasty (1226-1400), it became Ngoc Son, meaning "Jade Mountain." An early temple was built to honor heroes who resisted the Mongol invasions, but it later fell into ruin.

In the Le Dynasty (1735-1739), Lord Trinh Giang erected Thuy Khanh Palace, along with two earthen mounds named Dao Tai and Ngoc Boi.

The palace was later destroyed, and philanthropist Tin Trai built Ngoc Son Pagoda on the site. In 1843, under King Thieu Tri, a charitable group rebuilt the temple, and renamed it Ngoc Son Temple.

The temple underwent major renovations in 1865, led by renowned scholar Nguyen Van Sieu. He added iconic features such as the stone embankments, Tran Ba Pavilion, and The Huc Bridge, which connects the shore to the temple.

Today, Ngoc Son Temple honors revered figures including Tran Hung Dao, a Vietnamese royal prince and the military commander of the Vietnamese armies that repelled two major Mongol invasions in the late 13th century, and Wenchang Wang, a Taoist deity in Chinese mythology, known as the God of Culture and Literature.

Architecture and features

Ngoc Son Temple is surrounded by notable structures that highlight its cultural and spiritual significance:

- Thap But (Pen Tower): This 9-meter-tall stone tower symbolizes a calligraphy brush.

- Dai Nghien: Positioned beneath Pen Tower, this stone ink slab rests on three frog-shaped supports and features philosophical inscriptions by Vietnamese poet Nguyen Van Sieu, emphasizing the value of education.

People dressed in traditional Vietnamese garments performing the New Year's incense offering ritual at Ngoc Son Temple.

- The Huc Bridge: This bright red wooden bridge, known for its graceful curve. It connects the temple to the lake's shore.

The temple consists of interconnected structures, including the outer hall, central hall, and rear shrine, which house statues of Tran Hung Dao, Van Xuong, and other deities. It also displays two preserved specimens of Hoan Kiem Lake turtles, connecting visitors to the lake's folklore and historical significance.

Location and accessibility

Ngoc Son Temple is situated on Jade Island in the northeastern part of Hoan Kiem Lake. The entrance is on Dinh Tien Hoang Street in Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District.

Getting there:

- Walking: Easily accessible on foot from Hanoi's Old Quarter.

- Taxi or ride-hailing services: Widely available for convenient drop-offs near Hoan Kiem Lake.

- Public transport: Bus routes 08, 14, 31, and 36 stop near the temple.

On weekends, Hoan Kiem Lake is a pedestrian-only zone, so plan your commute accordingly.

Opening hours and admission fees

The temple welcomes visitors daily, operating from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and extending to 9:00 p.m. on weekends.

Admission is free for children under 16, while adults are charged VND50,000 (US$2) per person.

Tickets are required beyond The Huc Bridge but not for accessing the bridge itself.

Visitor guidelines

To ensure a respectful visit, visitors should follow these guidelines:

- Wear modest and appropriate clothing for a sacred site.

- Maintain a quiet atmosphere and avoid littering.

- Do not touch artifacts or displays.

- Remove hats and refrain from smoking inside the temple.

Ngoc Son Temple, with its architectural beauty and historical importance, provides a tranquil place to reflect on Vietnam's culture and traditions. It is especially popular during the Lunar New Year when visitors pray for health, success, and good fortune.