Temple Hunting in North Vietnam with a Local

Hosted by

Pham Bao

01 Jul 23 → 05 Jul 23

Guided trip

5 days

5 stops

4 Mates

Vietnam

What's special?

Local pilgrimage route

Thousand-year-old pagodas/temples

See mummies

Vietnam’s rich cultural history spans centuries, mixing influences from China, Indochina, and Europe (particularly France). Visiting some of these pagodas, temples and ancient buildings scattered across North Vietnam will give you a unique insight into the traditions and culture of our country. Let explore it together!

I'm Huyen. I'm an avid traveller (backpacked to 30 countries across Asia and Europe). Everywhere I go I avoid I will be looking for local treasure, and try to avoid tourist traps. I'm passionate about Vietnamese history and traditions. Being a wanna-be Buddhist, I believe that the purpose of each trip is to find peace and joy from within. All the thousand-year-old off-the-beaten-track temples and pagodas in the North Vietnam are the perfect place to slow down and relax, experience local life, understand Vietnamese people's mindset and get an introduction into our local belief system, understanding the Four Buddhist noble truths and Three universal truths. I would be very glad to guide you through that.

Details about the accommodation: The accommodations arranged will be mostly hotels. There won't be hostels or shared places, as this type of accommodation is not common in this part of the country. Hotels will be arranged in some locations closest to the chosen temples/pagodas (within walking distance). Guests will have private rooms and private space. If you have any questions, please reach out in the Q&A section!

What's included?

Transportation between stops

Entrance fee

Tasting local snacks

All meals

Accommodation (Shared rooms)

Your Booking includes free protection from Trip cancellations.
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Gallery

Vietnam - Hanoi - Temple Hunting in North Vietnam with a Local - 1

Vietnam - Hanoi - Temple Hunting in North Vietnam with a Local - 2

Vietnam - Huong Pagoda - Temple Hunting in North Vietnam with a Local - 1

Pham Bao

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Polyglot, bookworm, world wanderer (30 countries travelled and counting). I lived Spain, Belgium, and now I'm back to Vietnam.

You can chat with Pham Bao once you reserve your spot.

Hanoi

Day 1-2

We will be visiting the most remarkable temples in Hanoi, including the 1000-year-old Chua Tran Quoc, and Chua Ha (to pray for love) in Hanoi city center. In the afternoon, we will visit Chua Thay (located 20 km from Hanoi) nestled in a mountain overlooking a calm lake, where you can do a small hike to get to the top and get an incredible view.

Huong Pagoda

Day 2-3

Perfume Pagoda (Chua Huong) is one of the famous spiritual destinations that attracts thousand of domestic Buddhist pilgrims and even foreign tourists, especially during the festive season of the year. Coming to Perfume Pagoda, you not only come to the sacred land of Buddha but also to famous landmarks and majestic nature.

Ba Vàng Pagoda

Day 3-4

On the 3rd day, we will visit two pagodas in Quang Ninh: Loi Am pagoda and Ba Vang Pagoda. Loi Am Pagoda: Being more than 700 years, Loi Am Pagoda is one of the oldest temples in Vietnam. We will have to hike the narrow dirt road through Loi Am mountain, but the scenery will make you feel worth the effort. You will pass through 5 gentle hills and 2 steep hills with unspoiled scenery on both sides of the road with countless lush trees contributing to a fresh and peaceful atmosphere. Loi Am pagoda complex encompasses caves, various pagodas and stops. Ba Vang Pagoda, the temple being one of the largest Buddhist centers in the North with thousands of Buddhists coming to stay each year, is located halfway up a mountain. The pagoda is located on a very beautiful location at an altitude of 340 m, the front is a long river, the back is leaning against the mountain and the two sides are pine forests stretching green. Visiting Ba Vang pagoda at night when all the lights are on is a wonderful experience.

Côn Sơn-Kiếp Bạc

Day 4-5

Located in Hai Duong province, Con Son-Kiep Bac is not only an ancient architectural complex with beautiful natural landscapes but also two famous historical sites associated with the life and career of two of the most significant Vietnamese national heroes: Tran Quoc Tuan (general) and Nguyen Trai. (poet). Visiting Con Son-Kiep Bac, you will be retracing the steps of these two heroes, learn about their rather "tragic" lives, have an opportunity to play Chinese chess... and so much more.

Duong Lam

Day 5

More than 50 km from the center of Hanoi, this is a rare place that still retains the intact structure and living habits of an ancient Vietnamese village of more than 300 years old. Visiting Duong Lam, we can witness many valuable historical and cultural relics: Phung Hung communal house, Ngo Quyen temple, Giang Van Minh flower temple… while having a relaxing stroll through the village. After visiting this village, we will return to Hanoi.