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Cua Ong Temple is a famous spiritual complex, located in Cua Ong Ward, Cam Pha City, Quang Ninh Province. The temple attracts many pilgrims and visitors because of its myth and serene, ancient atmosphere. Let’s explore this ideal destination with Asia King Travel!
Cua Ong Temple overview (Source: Laodong)
Cua Ong Temple, with a local name “Dong Hai Linh Tu”, is located in Cua Ong Ward, Cam Pha City, Quang Ninh. With hundreds of years of history, Cua Ong Temple is deeply ingrained in the locals' spiritual and cultural lives.
This ancient temple honors the legends such as Hung Dao King, general of the Tran Dynasty who contributed to defending the Northeastern border and fighting against the Mongol invaders in the 13 century.
Cua Ong overview on the right side (Source: Vietgoing)
Originally, it was a humble structure made of bamboo, thatch, and palm leaves. Over time, the temple has undergone renovations and expansions to achieve its current scale:
1907 – 1916: The temple underwent restoration.
1916: Building additional structures, including the Upper Temple (Den Thuong), Middle Temple (Den Trung), Lower Temple (Den Ha), and a pagoda.
1946: Renovations and enhancements were made to the Lower and Upper Temples.
2014: The overall master plan for the Cua Ong Temple Complex, covering an area of 18.125 hectares, was approved.
2016 – 2017: The Middle Temple was constructed and completed.
Besides its historical significance, Duc Ong Temple is also renowned for its sacredness. The temple welcomes many locals and pilgrims who come to pray for luck, peace, and prosperity.
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Departing from Hanoi, you can reach Cua Ong Temple using the following transportation:
Motorbike or private car: Depart from Hanoi's city center, head toward Thanh Tri Bridge, and continue along National Highway 18 to reach Ha Long. Once you reach Bai Chay Bridge, turn toward Cam Pha. Instead, you can take the Hanoi – Hai Phong – Quang Ninh expressway or the older Route 5 in Uong Bi and Ha Long.
The bus in Quang Ninh (Source: Limonow)
Bus: You can choose from buses or limousines running the Hanoi – Cam Pha route. Another option is to book a bus heading to Ha Long or Quang Ninh, which offers pick-up and drop-off at Cua Ong.
The temple is open year-round, but bustling with pilgrims and visitors during the early Spring, from February to April and around September (the lunar month).
The weather tends to be slightly cool at the start of the year (Source: Vietnamplus)
Otherwise, you can visit Duc Ong Temple on regular days to enjoy a quieter vibe, allowing for a more relaxed experience and freely taking photos in peace.
For foreign visitors: A lunar month lasts about 29.5 days, representing the time it takes for the moon to complete a full cycle. It is commonly used in many cultures, especially in Asia, for festivals, spiritual events, and traditional holidays.
Cua Ong Temple reflects the principle of Vietnamese feng shui offering the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam and harmonizes seamlessly with nature.
The tripod-shaped architectural layout in Cua Ong Temple (Source: Mia)
The complex is divided into three main areas: the Lower Temple (Den Ha), the Middle Temple (Den Trung), and the Upper Temple (Den Thuong) in an ascending layout, forming a tripod-shaped architectural layout and overlooking the poetic and majestic Bai Tu Long Bay.
The traditional tiled roof structure of Cua Ong Temple (Source: dulich3mien)
The temple was constructed using a variety of materials, including cast stone, Bat Trang bricks, mortar mixed with molasses, terracotta floor tiles, and terracotta roof tiles.
The worship statues inside the temple (Source: Baotintuc)
Inside the temple, durable and rare woods such as ironwood, lim, rosewood, and mahogany were used. Beyond its stunning architecture, Cua Ong Temple attracts visitors with its serene vibe, refreshing air, and tranquil surroundings. Situated on a gentle hill, the temple is surrounded by ancient trees, small landscapes, and flower gardens. In front of the temple is Bai Tu Long Bay, dotted with many large and small islands, making it a masterpiece of Vietnamese feng shui.
It was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016, held every year at Cua Ong Temple on the 3rd and 4th days of the second and eighth lunar months. This important event honors the contributions of Hung Nhuong Kings - Tran Quoc Tang, the third son of the Grand Commander, Hung Dao King - Tran Quoc Tuan.
The locals wear traditional costumes while participating in the palanquin procession (Source: Vinwonder)
The Cua Ong Temple festival also shows the spirit of unity, patriotism, and the Vietnamese tradition of gratitude. Additionally, the festival plays an important role in promoting sustainable tourism and preserving the cultural heritage of this region.
After more than 700 years of existence and numerous renovations, Cua Ong Temple is now regarded as one of the most expansive and beautifully designed temples in Vietnam.
Today, people often visit Cua Ong Temple at the beginning of the year to pray for prosperity, peace, and blessings for their families. During important exam seasons, families, teachers, and students frequently come to the temple to seek luck and success in their academic endeavors.
The palanquin procession festival is attended by a large number of locals (Source: Wikimedia)
The most important part of the Cua Ong Temple Festival, the procession of Duc Ong's palanquin, attracts thousands of participants and joins activities such as dragon dancing, fruit tray arranging, and offering ceremonies to Duc Ong take place.
The ceremony in traditional Vietnamese costume - Ao Dai (Source: huongtram)
Additionally, traditional folk games like co boi (a type of chess), hitting the hanging clay pots, tug-of-war, and pole pushing add to the lively atmosphere.
Remember these tips to show respect and have a smooth, enjoyable visit:
Cua Ong Temple is a historical site with cultural value. It is also a popular place to visit because of its unique architecture and beautiful natural scenery. Contact Asia King Travel to grab your opportunity to learn about the Tran Dynasty, and witness one of the most famous spiritual tourist destinations in Vietnam.
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