Dinh Temple, Ninh Binh, Vietnam: Photos, Best Things to Do, Tours

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Dinh Temple, Northern Vietnam

Coming to Ninh Binh Province, tourists will have many opportunities to discover the vast land of mountains and beautiful nature

One of the most famous destinations here is Dinh Temple which is outstanding with the majesty and antiquity.

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This temple, in a way, exists as a witness of history in the land of the ancient capital (Hoa Lu).

According to the legend, the temple is built in Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam

Lying amidst old trees, orchards and bonsai, Dinh Temple becomes more majestic and monumental.

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Nearby, tourists can visit the Tomb of King Dinh Tien Hoang, which is located on Ma Yen Mountain, in front of this temple. To reach here, travelers have to pass 150 stone steps.

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Dinh Temple overview

Ninh Binh, with its vast land of mountains and beautiful nature, as well as the former capital with pride, transports us back to the early stages of Vietnam’s development. And, one of the most popular attractions here is Dinh Temple, which stands out for its majesty and antiquity. In some ways, this temple stands as a historical witness in the ancient capital’s land (Hoa Lu).

Dinh Temple is situated on a 5-hectare campus within the Hoa Lu relic complex in Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province. It was built in the 17th century and features one-of-a-kind wood and stone carvings. It was built by the Hoa Lu people to honor and remember King Dinh Tien Hoang, who established Vietnam’s first feudal state.

Dinh Temple’s History

According to legend, the temple was built in Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s former capital. This is prime land surrounded by the Sao Khe River, Ma Yen Mountain in the foreground, and the Long Trieu Mountain Range in the background. Dinh Temple is made up of three main buildings: the worshiping area, the incense burning room, and the most important one, where King Dinh Tien Hoang and his three sons are worshiped. This is the typical architecture normally seen in the temples of Vietnam.

The worshipping place, on the other hand, is the structure with the most prominent features. The sculpture has reached a high level of virtuosity in this region. Folk artists have combined embossing and intaglio, which is the most effective method of sculpturing. Now there are 12 ironwood pillars with a diameter of about 0.5m that is set on massive stones. This is also the location where items commemorating King Dinh Tien Hoang’s contributions are displayed.

The second is a place to worship Dinh Dynasty mandarins, and the third is a place to worship the statue of King Dinh Tien Hoang and his sons. The planks with intricately carved dragon motifs are the standout feature here. Artists’ excellent carving technique gives the impression that dragons are flying in the clouds. It is not an exaggeration to say that this structure resembles a miniature palace.

Tourists can visit the Tomb of King Dinh Tien Hoang, which is located in front of this temple on Ma Yen Mountain. Travelers must ascend 150 stone steps to get here.

Dinh Temple’s architecture

The temple becomes more majestic and monumental when set among old trees, orchards, and bonsai. It is an outstanding work of art because of its unique architecture, particularly the art of wood carving by Vietnamese folk artists. Valuable antiquities are preserved here, such as the bricks used to construct the palace and the Buddhist scripture pillar engraved in Sanskrit… Dinh Temple is an important relic belonging to the special protection area of Hoa Lu’s former capital complex in terms of national culture. This temple is also the only place where King Dinh Tien Hoang’s family and Dinh Dynasty mandarins can be worshiped at the same time.

Along with Dinh Temple, it is one of the “Top 100 Famous Hundred-Year Structures in Vietnam.” Furthermore, it, like other relics in Hoa Lu, is part of Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Complex designated in 2014. Dinh Temple has undoubtedly made a significant contribution to Ninh Binh’s tourism potential. By setting foot here, visitors can not only learn more about Vietnam’s history but also enjoy the typical architecture of previous centuries. Have a wonderful time on your trip!

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