With sincere gratitude for the merits of our ancestors.

Traditionally, at the beginning of spring, religious and spiritual festivals take place vibrantly throughout the country. Spring excursions and sightseeing are not only about enjoying the beautiful scenery and wishing for a peaceful and prosperous new year, but also an opportunity for people to express their gratitude to their ancestors who contributed to building and protecting the lives of the people.

Tourists visit and admire the scenery at Cua Ong Temple (Cam Pha City).

During a spring trip to the Northeast region of Vietnam, everyone surely knows about Cua Ong Temple (Cam Pha City). The temple is located on a low mountain in Cua Ong ward, overlooking Bai Tu Long Bay, with picturesque scenery. Since 2017, Cua Ong - Cap Tien Temple has been classified as a Special National Monument by the Prime Minister .

The structure of the Cua Ong - Cap Tien National Special Monument includes: the Upper Temple, the Middle Temple, the Lower Temple, and the Cap Tien Temple. The Upper Temple is dedicated to National Hero Tran Quoc Tang, who made glorious contributions to the history of Vietnam's resistance against foreign invaders.

With its unique historical, cultural, and spiritual values, Cua Ong Temple is increasingly attracting tourists from all over. From the very first days of the Lunar New Year 2025, many people and tourists came to offer incense, visit, and admire the scenery. Besides praying for peace, enjoying the beautiful scenery, and admiring the unique architecture, people come to Cua Ong Temple to offer incense in remembrance of Hung Nhượng Đại Vương Tran Quoc Tang and other revered figures. Ms. Nguyen Thu Ha (Cao Xanh Ward, Ha Long City) said: "Every Tet holiday, my family comes to Cua Ong Temple to visit and pray for peace. This is not only a spiritual place we choose to pray for peace in the new year, but also an opportunity to educate our children about and remember the heroes of the past."

Locals and tourists visit Tran Hung Dao Temple and Queen Mother's Shrine (Quang Yen Town).

Besides Cua Ong Temple and Tran Hung Dao Temple, the Queen Mother's Shrine (Quang Yen town) is also a historical site that attracts a large number of locals and tourists during the first days of the new year. From New Year's Eve, many people and tourists come to worship and pray for peace and good fortune.

Mr. Pham Chien Thang, Head of the Management Board of the Bach Dang National Special Historical Relic Site, said: "The Management Board has made very thorough preparations for welcoming visitors to worship and sightsee during the Lunar New Year of the Snake 2025. From cleaning the altars and arranging rituals at spiritual points, the grounds have been decorated to create focal points for people to take pictures. The weather is beautiful in the early days of spring, and a large number of people, tourists, and Buddhists from all over have come here to respectfully pay tribute to their ancestors, to Saint Tran, and to the Queen Mother."

Tourists experience the Vietnamese Tet (Lunar New Year) atmosphere at Nuong Village, Yen Tu National Special Historical Site (Uong Bi City). *Photo: Hoang Quynh.*

The Yen Tu National Special Historical Site (Uong Bi City) is also a popular destination during the New Year. Besides its majestic and beautiful natural scenery, it also holds significant historical and cultural value for the Truc Lam Buddhist sect, closely associated with the extraordinary achievements of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong. After leading the Dai Viet army and people to victory twice against the Yuan-Mongol invaders (in 1285 and 1288), he abdicated the throne to his son, abandoning his palace and retreating to this desolate place to practice asceticism and attain Buddhist enlightenment. It is reported that during the five days of the Lunar New Year (from January 28th to February 1st), the Yen Tu National Special Historical Site welcomed 63,239 visitors. The number of visitors is expected to continue to increase sharply after the opening of the Yen Tu festival.

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