Ngoc Son Temple, or “Jade Mountain Temple,” is a culturally significant site in Hanoi, renowned for its picturesque location on a small island (Jade Island) in the northern part of Hoàn Kiếm Lake. It offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city and is considered the spiritual core of the capital.
I. History & Culture
Foundation: The temple was originally built in the century and extensively rebuilt in the century.
Deities Honored: Ngoc Son is not dedicated to a single deity but honors several revered figures:
Trần Hưng Đạo: A -century military commander who famously repelled the Mongol invasions.
Văn Xương: The Taoist God of Literature and Scholars.
Lã Tổ: A revered Taoist physician and saint.
Symbolism of Education: The complex emphasizes literary and scholarly values, symbolized by the Pen Tower (Tháp Bút) at the entrance, which is carved with three Chinese characters meaning, “To write upon the blue sky is to express ambition.”
II. Key Attractions & Architecture
The Húc Bridge (Cầu Thê Húc): The most photographed feature, this striking, curved wooden bridge is painted a vibrant scarlet-red. Its name translates to the “Bridge of the Rising Sun,” and it is the only pathway connecting the temple to the lake shore.
Pen Tower (Tháp Bút) and Ink Slab (Đài Nghiên): Situated before the bridge, these structures signify the respect for knowledge and education in Vietnamese culture.
Dac Nguyet Lau (Moon Gazing Pavilion): The gate to the temple grounds where visitors purchase their tickets.
The Temple Itself: The main structure features intricate carvings, traditional tiled roofs, and houses altars for worship, allowing visitors to observe local religious practices.
The Turtle Specimen: Inside the temple, you can see a preserved specimen of one of the giant softshell turtles (known as Cụ Rùa) that historically lived in Hoàn Kiếm Lake, central to the lake’s famous legend.
III. Practical Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Đinh Tiên Hoàng Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi. (Northern end of Hoàn Kiếm Lake). |
| Entrance Fee (Adults) | VND 30,000 – 50,000 per person (Approx. US$1.3−$2). Note: Fees vary slightly by source, but VND 30,000 is the most commonly cited adult price. |
| Discounted Fee | Students (with ID) and children under 15 years old are often eligible for reduced or free entry. |
| Weekdays Opening Hours | 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Weekends Opening Hours | 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM (The extended evening hours allow for a beautiful view of the illuminated bridge and temple). |
| Phone | General city tourism inquiries are best handled via major Hanoi visitor centers. |
| Payment | Cash payment is required for the entrance fee. Credit cards are not accepted. |
IV. Dress Code & Travel Tips
Dress Code: As it is an active place of worship, visitors must dress respectfully. Avoid wearing short skirts, shorts, or tank tops/sleeveless shirts. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
Etiquette: Remove your shoes and hat before entering the main sanctuary (Dac Nguyet Lau). Maintain quiet inside the temple, and do not talk or laugh loudly.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning is ideal for a peaceful visit and to see local residents practicing Tai Chi around the lake. Visiting on a weekend evening allows you to enjoy the surrounding area when Dinh Tien Hoang Street is closed to traffic for the Hanoi Walking Street event.
Proximity: The temple is perfectly situated for walking. It is next to the Hanoi Old Quarter and a short distance from the Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre.
