Ha Nam, Vietnam has risen to be a popular destination in the northern region of Vietnam for both domestic and foreign tourists. This owes much to its diverse collection of natural landscapes, religious and spiritual sites, local delicacies, and top-notch amenities. If you are not sure about what to be included in your itinerary, here is the ultimate travel guide for first-time visitors.

Famous spiritual and religious sites in Ha Nam, Vietnam

Offering visitors a wide range of ancient and enticing pagodas and temples, Ha Nam is a perfect destination for those longing to explore Vietnam’s well-established tradition and religion. Below is the list of some famous sites worth including in your itinerary:

Tam Chuc Complex: Widely known for being the largest pagoda in the world, Tam Chuc Complex takes pride in being the venue of the Vesak Festival of the United Nations that attracts thousands of worldwide Buddhist pilgrims every year. The complex is highlighted by the picturesque natural landscapes with emerald mountains and azure waters in the surroundings.

Ba Danh Pagoda: With an over 300-year history, Ba Danh is among the oldest pagodas in Ha Nam, Vietnam. It covers a 10-hectare area. When taking the first steps into this ancient temple, you will immediately be immersed into the tranquil atmosphere alongside the stunning beauty of its distinctive architecture and the poetic Day River.

Long Doi Son Pagoda: With much historical and archaeological value, the pagoda is regarded as a cultural icon of the past Son Nam Town and the present Ha Nam Province Vietnam. Long Doi Son has existed for nearly one millenium. It houses many precious antiques, the most remarkable of which is the nearly 900-year-old Sung Thien Dien Linh Stele situated in front of Tam Bao Tower. The tower is a relic of the heyday of Buddhism under the Ly Dynasty.

Truc Temple: This is a perfect destination for spiritual tourism and ecotourism. As the name suggests, the temple features two lines of lush bamboo standing along the trail that leads to the temple. If you happen to visit Truc Temple in the spring, remember to join the rumbustious Truc Temple Festival that is held from January 1st to February 10th of the lunar calendar.

Tien Ong Temple: Located in the Tuong Linh Mountain, standing 200 meters high, Tien Ong Temple is a famous destination with a long history that makes your spiritual journey in Ha Nam, Vietnam more memorable. The history of the temple can be traced back to the period of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong’s reign.

Kem Trong: Situated in Thanh Hai Ward, Kem Trong strikes most tourists with its serene atmosphere, dazzling river, and gorgeous mountains such as Bong Mountain, Vong Mountain and Rong Mountain lying on the right bank of Day River. The other side lies Rua Mountain, Co Dong Mountain, and especially Trinh Tiet Mountain which features an ancient pagoda. It is considered as the convergence of quintessence between the sky and the ground.

Ngu Dong Son: This consists of 5 captivating caves connecting with each other and running to the innermost part of the mountain. With the sublime blend of the lush forests, caves of exotic shapes and unspoilt nature, Ngu Dong Son is a perfect launch pad for incredible adventures.