Hung Temple
Đền Hùng
Hung Temple
Đền Hùng
An ancient temple complex dedicated to the founders of the Vietnamese state and the legendary kings of the Hung dynasty.
Phu Tho
Temple
History & Culture
The Hung Kings Temple Complex is a sacred site considered the cradle of the Vietnamese nation. Located on Nghia Linh Mountain, the complex is dedicated to the 18 Hung kings who founded the ancient state of Van Lang. In 2012, the worship of these rulers was officially recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
- Visit duration
3–4 hours
- Average budget
from $25
- Admission
Check on site
- Local language
Vietnamese, English
- Best months
Feb – Apr
- Location
Phú Thọ Province
What you need to know
The complex covers an area of over 845 hectares and includes four main temples:
- Lower Temple (Đền Hạ): The place where, according to legend, the Vietnamese people originated. This is also where President Ho Chi Minh delivered a historic speech in 1954.
- Middle Temple (Đền Trung): Associated with the legend of the 6th king and the creation of traditional Bánh chưng and Bánh giầy cakes.
- Upper Temple (Đền Thượng): Located at an altitude of 175 meters. This is the most important ritual center where the kings worshipped heaven and earth.
- Well Temple (Đền Giếng): Dedicated to the daughters of the 18th Hung King, who taught the people agriculture.
In addition to the temples, the grounds house the mausoleum of the 6th king, the Hung Vuong Museum featuring ancient artifacts, and the Thien Quang Pagoda. The climb to the summit through the 1917 gate takes 30–40 minutes via picturesque stone staircases surrounded by primeval forest.
The ideal time to visit coincides with the spring Hung Kings Commemoration Festival (the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month). During these days, solemn processions and rituals take place within the complex.
On site
- How to get there
Bus to Viet Tri city, then taxi
- Transport
Taxi/Grab from Hanoi (1.5–2 hours)
- Cash
Essential for payments
- Connectivity
4G, Wi-Fi
- With kids
Possible, but many stairs