The journey to the roots exploring Den Hung and the beauty of Viet Tri city.
When mentioning Phu Tho, one cannot help but mention the Den Hung – the symbol of national pride, marking the origin of Vietnam’s history. Born and raised from this land, Khanh always feels a deep pride every time he steps into this historical relic site, where each stone, each wall contains stories about the Hung Kings – those who have contributed to the nation’s founding and defense.
The Den Hung is not only a spiritual destination but also an attractive tourist spot for anyone wanting to learn about the nation’s origins. And the city of Viet Tri, lying beside the poetic Lo River, is not only the administrative center of the province but also an ideal stopover to explore this region. From cozy hotels, restaurants rich with local specialties, to unique coffee shops, each place has its own distinct character, a story to tell.
In this article, Khanh wants to share not only the necessary information about the Den Hung, from its glorious history, unique architecture, to how to prepare and participate in the annual festival, but also a detailed guide for you to fully experience the beauty of the city of Viet Tri. Let’s join Khanh on a journey to the roots, exploring the Den Hung and the beauty of the city where he has been attached since childhood, and discover why this place has captivated so many people, just like Khanh.
Introducing Den Hung and the city of Viet Tri
Let me guide you to Den Hung, a sacred place that marks the history and profound culture of Vietnam. Den Hung is located on Nghia Linh mountain, 175 meters high, in Co Tich village, Hy Cuong commune, Viet Tri city, Phu Tho province, where the Hung Kings – the founding fathers and protectors of the land – are worshipped. Den Hung is not only the center of the annual Hung Kings’ Festival but also a symbol of the nation’s origins.
Historically, Den Hung was built during the reign of King Dinh Tien Hoang and was completed in the Later Le dynasty, in the 15th century. The complex includes the Lower Temple, Middle Temple, Upper Temple, and Well Temple, each containing legends and historical stories that have shaped the national identity.
The city of Viet Tri, located in the east of Phu Tho province, on the left bank of the Red River, 70 kilometers northwest of the capital Hanoi, was once the capital of Van Lang, the central land of the Hung Kings, and is now the political, administrative, and economic center of Phu Tho province.
History, Architecture, and Significance of Den Hung
Den Hung is not only the center of the annual Hung Kings’ Festival but also a symbol of the nation’s origins. Located on Nghia Linh mountain, Den Hung is a complex of temples dedicated to the worship of the Hung Kings and the royal lineage, intertwined with the glorious pages of Vietnamese history.
History of Den Hung:
The architectural foundation of Den Hung began during the reign of King Dinh Tien Hoang and was completed in the Later Le dynasty (15th century) to its current scale. Den Hung is a place of worship for the Hung Kings who founded the nation, and over thousands of years, it has become a spiritual pillar for the Vietnamese people.
Architecture and Structure of Den Hung:
The Den Hung complex includes Den Ha, Den Trung, Den Thuong, and Den Gieng, each with its own spiritual and historical significance:
- Den Ha: Legend has it that this is where the goddess Au Co gave birth to a sac of a hundred eggs, symbolizing the fertility and development of the nation.
- Den Trung: The place where the Hung Kings held councils with the Lac lords and generals, representing the management and organization of the state.
- Den Thuong: The tomb of the sixth Hung King, considered the ancestral grave, where ancestors are commemorated and honored.
- Den Gieng: The site of a clear well, associated with the legend of the princesses Tien Dung and Ngoc Hoa, daughters of the eighteenth Hung King.
Spiritual and Cultural Significance of Den Hung
Den Hung is not just a place of worship for the Hung Kings but also a convergence point for the spirit of great unity among the Vietnamese ethnic communities. It is a place where every Vietnamese person, whether in the country or abroad, turns to with respect and gratitude for the ancestral merits. Den Hung and the Hung Kings’ Festival have become symbols of spiritual culture and belief, embodying the moral tradition of “When drinking water, think of its source.” The worship of the Hung Kings affirms that the Vietnamese people have a unique origin, creating a strong spiritual belief, fostering family affection, and community and national solidarity.
Den Hung marks the spiritual cultural values of the nation, serving as a spiritual support, a source of spiritual strength, and a gathering point for the spirit of great unity among the Vietnamese ethnic communities. This heroic spirit has provided the strength for the Vietnamese nation to overcome all hardships and challenges throughout the process of nation-building and defense.
Den Hung Festival – When Tradition Blends with Modernity
The Hung Temple Festival, also known as the Hung Kings’ Commemoration, is one of the largest and most significant festivals of the Vietnamese nation. It is not only an occasion to remember and express gratitude for the nation-building efforts of the Hung Kings but also an opportunity for people from all over the country to converge in Phu Tho, demonstrating the spirit of unity and national pride.
What the Den Hung Festival Offers
The Den Hung Festival begins a week before the 10th day of the third lunar month and lasts with many traditional rituals and folk cultural activities. The most prominent is the king’s palanquin procession, a parade with a myriad of colorful flags, flowers, banners, palanquins, and traditional costumes, starting from the foot of the mountain and passing through the temples to reach the Upper Temple, where the incense offering ceremony is held. The procession is like a dragon winding its way up the stone steps, under the canopy of trees to the sacred mountain peak.
The incense offering is an important ritual that reflects the needs of spiritual life, with each person lighting a few sticks of incense upon arrival at the ancestral land, letting the fragrant smoke convey their heartfelt wishes to the ancestors. In addition, the festival features many unique folk games such as Xoan singing, wrestling competitions, tug-of-war, swimming races, and contests related to Chung cake and Day cake.
Personal Feelings About the Festival Atmosphere
The atmosphere of the Den Hung Festival is festive and vibrant with the sounds of traditional musical instruments and the bright colors of flags, flowers, banners, palanquins, and traditional costumes. Under the cool shade of ancient trees and the deep resonance of bronze drums, the festival space becomes lively and solemn. Visitors from all over cannot help but feel proud to see the worship site being increasingly honored and built magnificently, befitting its status as a special national historical relic.
The Den Hung Festival is not only a place to remember the origins but also an occasion for everyone to pray together for a year of favorable weather and peace. Here, visitors can feel the joy, forget the fatigue of the long journey, and grow more affectionate and proud of the country, of the ancestral land.
Directions to Den Hung
Den Hung, located on Nghia Linh mountain in Co Tich village, Hy Cuong commune, Viet Tri city, Phu Tho province, is a sacred destination that many wish to visit at least once in their lifetime. To reach Den Hung, visitors can use various means of transportation depending on their starting point.
Transportation to Den Hung
Visitors can reach Den Hung by several means:
Personal Car:
- Take National Highway 32 to Van Lang Bridge to reach Viet Tri city, then continue towards Den Hung.
- Alternatively, you can take the Noi Bai – Lao Cai expressway, exit at IC7 Viet Tri City, and continue your journey towards Den Hung.
Motorbike:
- A flexible option suitable for those who enjoy exploring on the way.
Bus:
- There are bus routes from Hanoi and neighboring provinces to Phu Tho, from where you can continue to Den Hung.
Train:
- The Hanoi – Lao Cai railway line is also an option; you can alight at Viet Tri station and continue the journey by bus or taxi.
Limousine:
- You can also choose the high-quality Limousine service from Nam Cuong Bus, priced at only 150,000 VND per trip. For more information and ticket booking, you can refer to the online bus ticket app that Khanh has detailed in his article.
Detailed Route from the Center of Viet Tri City to Den Hung
From the center of Viet Tri city, you can head north for about 7km to reach Den Hung. Here is the detailed route:
- Start from the center of Viet Tri city, follow Hung Vuong street.
- Continue on Hung Vuong street until you reach the intersection with Nguyen Tat Thanh street.
- At this intersection, turn left onto Nguyen Tat Thanh street and go straight.
- Follow the signs and move according to the instructions to reach the central parking area of the Den Hung historical relic site or the parking area on the route to the Memorial of the Martyrs.
If you are coming from Hanoi or other provinces, pay attention to the traffic diversion plans organized during the Hung Kings’ Commemoration – Den Hung Festival to choose the most suitable and convenient route.
Guidance on Preparing Offerings and Conducting Ceremonies at Den Hung
When performing ceremonies at Den Hung, preparing offerings and prayers is crucial to show sincerity and respect for the Hung Kings. Below is detailed guidance on how to prepare and conduct ceremonies at Den Hung.
Full Preparation of Offerings
- Offerings: The offerings typically include Chung cake, Day cake, incense, flowers, water, betel leaf, areca nut, wine, and five fruits. Chung cake and Day cake are traditional cakes essential in every festival, symbolizing heaven and earth, remembrance of the origins, and gratitude to the ancestors.
- Prayers: Prayers are an indispensable part of the offerings, helping to convey the wishes and sincerity of the person making the offering. You can prepare prayers in advance or refer to sample prayers at Den Hung to read.
- Conducting the Ceremony: When visiting Den Hung, you should perform the rituals in order from the Lower Temple, Middle Temple, Upper Temple, and finally the Well Temple. At each temple, place the offerings on the altar, light incense, and read the prayers. After the ceremony, take time to admire the architecture and the sacred space of Den Hung.
Preparing Offerings at the Well Temple
- Offerings: In addition to the basic offerings mentioned above, at the Well Temple, you can also prepare sticky rice, savory or vegetarian ceremonial chicken depending on customs and personal preferences.
- Conducting the Ceremony: At the Well Temple, after placing the offerings and lighting incense, you may draw well water to wash your face or drink as a ritual for good luck and health. This part of the ceremony has profound meaning, representing the connection between humans, nature, and the universe.
When performing ceremonies at Den Hung, the most important thing is not the material value of the offerings but the sincere heart and respect for the nation’s cultural traditions. Maintain a pure mindset and proper attire when participating in the ceremony to show the appropriate level of reverence.
Specialties to Buy at Den Hung
When visiting Den Hung, besides participating in ceremonies and immersing yourself in the spiritual atmosphere, visitors should not miss the opportunity to enjoy and bring home the famous specialties of Phu Tho. Here are some specialties you can buy as gifts:
- Banh Tai: A traditional cake that resembles an ear, usually made from glutinous rice flour, sugarcane molasses, and ginger. Banh Tai is not only tasty but also carries good meanings and is often bought as a gift.
- Thit chua Thanh Son: A distinctive dish from Phu Tho, Thit chua Thanh Son is made from pork marinated with spices and naturally fermented. It has a mild sour taste, is aromatic, and very appealing.
- Tram Den: This fruit is not only part of the local cuisine but also used in medicine. Tram Den can be processed into various dishes or used to make wine.
- Co Om: A traditional alcohol of the Muong ethnic people in Phu Tho, made from natural spring water and purple glutinous rice, with a unique flavor and moderate alcohol content.
- Banh Lang Dong: A rustic cake made from glutinous rice flour, mung bean filling, and banana leaves, commonly sold in Lang Dong village and surrounding areas.
- Banh San: Made from cassava, this cake has a natural sweetness and soft texture, making it a great snack or dessert.
When buying specialties at Den Hung, you should choose reputable stores to ensure product quality. Additionally, try tasting before buying to make sure you like the flavor of the product. Phu Tho’s specialties are not only meaningful gifts for friends and family but also a way to preserve the flavors of a memorable trip.
Viet Tri City – Where Modernity and Tradition Meet
Viet Tri City, the capital of Phu Tho province, is not only the political, administrative, and economic center of the province but also a tourist destination that connects visitors to the origins of the Vietnamese nation. Located in the southeast of Phu Tho province, bordering Lap Thach district (Vinh Phuc), Vinh Tuong district (Vinh Phuc), Ba Vi district (Hanoi), and Lam Thao and Phu Ninh districts (Phu Tho), Viet Tri serves as the gateway to the northwestern region of the country.
Geographical and Historical Position of Viet Tri
Viet Tri is situated on the Hai Phong – Hanoi – Kunming (China) economic corridor and is one of Vietnam’s first-class urban areas. The city is known as the first capital of the Vietnamese nation, home to the ancient capital of Van Lang and the ancestral land of the Hung Kings. Viet Tri’s history is intertwined with the nation’s glorious past, from the era of the Hung Kings’ nation-building to subsequent historical upheavals.
Attractions in Viet Tri
- Van Lang Park: A new symbol of the city, Van Lang Park spans 113 hectares, integrating tourism, sports, and historical and cultural areas. The park recreates the life of the Van Lang people during the Hung Kings’ era, with unique architectural structures and youth educational and recreational areas.
- Hung Vuong Square: Located in the city center, Hung Vuong Square hosts social events, cultural activities, and festivals. The square is not only an aesthetically pleasing welfare construction but also a multifunctional service center, contributing to the city’s socio-economic development.
- Hung Vuong Museum: The comprehensive museum of Phu Tho province, Hung Vuong Museum is designed in the style of a traditional Northern house, with a boat-shaped roof and round supporting columns. The museum exhibits valuable cultural and historical artifacts related to the nation’s origins and is considered one of the most beautiful and modern museums in the northern provinces.
Viet Tri City is not just a historical destination but also a place where modernity and tradition converge, creating a colorful tapestry of culture and development. I hope you have memorable experiences exploring this city.
Summary
As I leave Den Hung and Viet Tri City, I carry with me not only memories of a meaningful journey but also a profound sense of a sacred land where modernity and tradition intertwine. Den Hung is not just a spiritual destination but also a place for us to look back at our roots, honoring the cultural and historical values of our nation.
Viet Tri City, with its continuous development and distinctive cultural identity, has left an indelible impression on me. From historical relics to modern cafes, from gourmet restaurants to contemporary hotels, each place has its own story, and each experience is a part of the discovery journey.
For those about to visit Den Hung and Viet Tri City, I have a few small pieces of advice:
- Take the time to truly understand and feel the places you visit.
- Don’t forget to enjoy the specialties of Phu Tho and bring back local gifts for your loved ones and friends.
- Respect the rituals and customs at Den Hung, as they are not only a manifestation of reverence but also a way for you to immerse yourself in the cultural flow of this place.
- Finally, open your heart to new experiences and be ready to explore not only the famous destinations but also the quaint corners of Viet Tri.
I wish you a journey full of experiences and memorable moments at Den Hung and Viet Tri City – where the past meets the present, and tradition meets development.
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