9 famous and sacred temples and pagodas in Northern Vietnam for a spring trip.

Northern Vietnam boasts many famous temples and pagodas that are spiritual tourism destinations with harmonious natural landscapes, attracting large numbers of locals and tourists at the beginning of the year.

Dong Pagoda, a destination on the sacred Yen Tu mountain ( Quang Ninh province). Photo: Nguyen Hung

In early spring, spiritual tourism becomes a popular choice for many travelers, not only with the desire to pray for peace and good fortune, but many families also take advantage of this opportunity to explore and discover spaces rich in culture and history.

Ba Chua Kho Temple

Ba Chua Kho Temple ( Bac Ninh province) is a famous spiritual destination known for its custom of praying for wealth and prosperity at the beginning of the year. During the spring season, it attracts a large number of people and business owners who come to offer prayers and hope for a successful year. This is a characteristic folk belief of the ancient Kinh Bac region.

Hung Temple

Hung Temple (Phu Tho province) is a sacred symbol of the spirit of "drinking water, remembering the source." Although the main festival takes place in the third lunar month, many visitors still come to offer incense and commemorate the Hung Kings in early spring. The sacred space on Nghia Linh mountain at the beginning of the new year often evokes a feeling of solemnity and reverence.

Keo Pagoda

Keo Pagoda (formerly in Thai Binh province, now in Hung Yen province) is a typical ancient Buddhist architectural work of the Northern Delta region. Visiting Keo Pagoda at the beginning of the year is an opportunity for tourists to worship, learn about the cultural and architectural value, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Northern countryside.

Unique architecture with wooden elements at Keo Pagoda (Hung Yen province). Photo: Luong Ha

Tay Ho Palace

Tay Ho Temple (Hanoi) is a familiar spring destination for the people of the capital city. Located by West Lake, Tay Ho Temple is associated with the worship of the Mother Goddess, attracting visitors who come to pray for peace and good fortune. The sacred atmosphere of Tay Ho Temple in the heart of Hanoi creates a special attraction every spring.

Huong Pagoda

Huong Pagoda (Hanoi) is a famous spiritual destination in early spring, known for its scenic Huong Son mountain landscape. Visitors often enjoy the experience of riding a boat on the Yen stream, climbing the stone steps leading to Huong Tich cave, and feeling the harmony between nature and spirituality. The Huong Pagoda Tourism Festival in 2026 took place from February 18th to May 11th (corresponding to the 2nd day of the 1st lunar month to the 25th day of the 3rd lunar month of the Year of the Horse). This festival is deeply rooted in the traditional cultural activities of the Vietnamese people.

The 2026 Huong Pagoda Tourism Festival will add a hotline, offer free parking services, and promote the application of technology to serve tourists. Photo: Chi Long

Yen Tu

Yen Tu (Quang Ninh province) is associated with the Truc Lam Zen sect founded by Emperor Tran Nhan Tong. A pilgrimage to Yen Tu in early spring not only carries religious significance but is also a journey of contemplation, immersing oneself in the sacred mountain and forest environment.

Bai Dinh Pagoda

Bai Dinh Pagoda (Ninh Binh province) stands out with its large scale and magnificent Buddhist architecture, located within the Trang An heritage complex. In early spring, Bai Dinh Pagoda becomes a pilgrimage site for numerous Buddhists and tourists seeking peace and blessings. With its vast space and majestic mountain scenery, visitors can combine pilgrimage with sightseeing and ecotourism.

Tam Chuc Pagoda

Tam Chuc Pagoda (formerly in Ha Nam province, now part of Ninh Binh province) is a newly established spiritual complex situated amidst a vast lake and limestone mountains, creating a spacious and sacred landscape. A spring trip to Tam Chuc Pagoda is suitable for families who want a relaxing yet spiritually profound spring getaway near Hanoi.

Tran Temple

Tran Temple (formerly in Nam Dinh province, now in Ninh Binh province) is associated with the worship of the Tran kings – a prosperous dynasty in the nation's history. In early spring, many tourist groups visit Tran Temple to commemorate the merits of their ancestors and pray for national peace and prosperity. The traditional festive atmosphere creates a unique beauty for this destination.

Source: https://laodong.vn/du-lich/kham-pha/9-den-chua-noi-tieng-linh-thieng-o-mien-bac-cho-chuyen-du-xuan-1653969.html