Discover Hanoi's new night tour at Ngoc Son Temple, where ancient architecture meets modern light displays to tell Vietnam's historical and cultural legends.
Hanoi's iconic Ngoc Son Temple, located on Jade Island in Sword Lake, has introduced an enchanting night tour, titled "Mysterious Night at Ngoc Son Temple." This unique experience, combining historical storytelling and modern technology, aims to offer visitors an immersive journey through one of Vietnam’s most culturally significant landmarks.

Under the glow of multicolored lights, the temple's structures, such as Pen Tower and the The Huc Bridge, take on a magical appearance, quite distinct from their usual daytime charm. This night tour, organized by the Hanoi Management Board for Heritage Sites and Scenic Landscapes, highlights the architectural beauty and legends associated with Ngoc Son Temple.

A Historical and Cultural Journey

Ngoc Son Temple, built in the 19th century, is dedicated to two revered figures: Van Xuong De Quan, a Taoist deity symbolizing dignity and happiness, and General Tran Hung Dao (1228-1300), the legendary military leader who defended Vietnam against Mongol invasions in the 13th century. The temple also carries historical significance due to renovations led by Confucian scholar Nguyen Sieu in 1865, who inscribed the characters for Happiness and Prosperity at its entrance.

The night tour not only brings visitors closer to this history but also immerses them in the legendary story of King Le Loi. As legend goes, King Le Loi defeated Chinese invaders with a sacred sword gifted by the gods. After securing victory, he returned the sword to a mystical turtle in Sword Lake, marking the lake as a symbol of peace and national independence.

An Innovative Cultural Experience
The night tour is divided into five thematic experiences, each aligned with different areas of the Ngoc Son Temple complex:

- Ceremony of Giving Holy Words at the Pen Tower area.
- Ritual of Welcoming the Spirit of Heaven and Earth on The Huc Bridge.
- Reviving the Legend of King Le Loi's Return of the Sword at Tran Ba Pavilion.
- Prayer Ceremony in the Main Temple area.
- Visit to the Gallery of the World’s Sea Turtle Specimens.
By incorporating modern sound, light, and projection technology, the program presents Vietnam's rich folklore and cultural heritage in an engaging way. Visitors are invited to witness traditional rituals and customs as they might have been practiced by their ancestors at this very site.

A New Dimension to Hanoi's Nightlife
Director Le Quy Duong, who helped conceptualize the program, emphasized the spiritual and historical depth of Ngoc Son Temple. He stated that the temple is not just a picturesque location but also a relic of deep cultural and political significance for Hanoi and the nation. The night tour, he added, aims to reveal the "mysterious beauty" embedded within the temple's ancient architecture.

According to Nguyen Doan Van, Director of Hanoi's Management Board for Heritage Sites and Scenic Landscapes, the night tour is designed to appeal particularly to younger visitors and foreign tourists. By turning Ngoc Son Temple into a night tourism product, Hanoi hopes to offer a cultural experience that goes beyond simple sightseeing.

Practical Details
The Mysterious Night at Ngoc Son Temple tour operates from Monday to Thursday evenings, with each tour lasting approximately 60 minutes. Each session accommodates between 60 and 70 visitors, allowing for an intimate, immersive experience. This pilot program is expected to enrich Hanoi’s cultural tourism offerings and position Ngoc Son Temple as a must-visit attraction in the capital.