The incredible Tam Coc area in Ninh Binh is often called Halong Bay on land. It is here you will find Thai Vi Temple. The area bears more than a passing resemblance to Vietnam’s famous 600 square mile UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay. The same type of limestone karst formations tower above everything, only here the water is the river rather than miles and miles of sea.
Also here in Tam Coc that you will find many famous attractions of the area, in addition to the Thai Vi Temple, there is the incredibly beautiful Bich Dong Pagoda and the Mua Cave for example. Thai Vi Temple is to be found in Van Lam Hamlet, in a large valley; this is in the Ninh Hai Commune.
The temple was constructed in honour of Queen Thuan Thien and also four ancient kings from the Tran Dynasty. The architectural style is what is known as Noi Cong Ngoai Quoc, which means Internal attack with outside support. It contains three sections and all made of ironwood with huge blue stone pillars carved to a high standard.
Each year on the 14th day of the 3rd lunar moth, The Thai Vi Temple Festival takes place. Various activities are held including: a palanquin procession, human chess, a sacrifice ceremony, dragon dancing, boat races and wrestling.
