Pac Ta Temple

Pac Ta Temple in Tuyen Quang Province, Vietnam, is an important historical relic marking the second resistance war against the Yuan-Mongol invaders in 1285. Nestled in the middle of vast mountains and forests, this temple is famous for its majestic and ancient beauty, attracting many tourists every year.

Pac Ta Temple (Source: Vinpearl)

The history of Pac Ta Temple

Pac Ta Temple worships the fiancee of Tran Nhat Duat, also known as General Chieu Van Vuong. Legend has it that in 1285, during the second resistance war against the Yuan-Mongol, General Tran Nhat Duat, who was then the governor of Tuyen Quang, fell in love with the daughter of a local chieftain. 

This temple worships the fiancee of General Tran Nhat Duat (Source: Vinpearl)

After defeating the invaders, the royal held a wedding ceremony for them. However, on the way to the capital, the boat encountered a strong tornado, causing the boat to capsize and the entire group to sink into the river. Although several days have passed, the bride has not been found.

The court ordered the people on both banks of the Gam River to search for her body and to give a big reward to the person who found it. After many days of searching, a member of the Ma family recovered her body. To commemorate the wife of General Tran Nhat Duat, local people built a temple at the place where she was found.

Pac Ta Temple’s Entrance faces the Gam River (Source: BDATrip)

The original temple was very simple, made of natural materials such as bamboo, reeds, and leaves. Over time, it was severely damaged and had to be completely rebuilt in 2008. In 2009, Pac Ta Temple was recognized as a National Relic.

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Architecture of Pac Ta Temple

The temple is shaped as ‘Yi’ (一), with the door facing the Gam River, consisting of traditional structure ‘3 gian 2 chai’ (three rooms and two lean-tos), six rows of columns, wooden walls, and thatched roofs. The ground is 1 meter higher than the yard. 

The structures inside are made entirely of wood, with a roof covered with dragon-scale tiles and a pair of dragons decorated on the roof. The four corners of the roof have curved dragon-shaped eaves, while the four eaves are decorated with the image of Nghe - a myth creature in Eastern culture.  

The exterior structure of Pac Ta Temple (Source: The gioi Di san)

The interior architecture is meticulously carved. The middle room has a mezzanine and a large plaque written "Pac Ta Sacred Temple" above the worship area. There are solemnly designed altars worshiping the King Father, the Mother Goddess of the Three Palaces, and Tran Hung Dao. 

The sanctuary of Pac Ta Temple has a life-sized wooden statue of the Mother Goddess, sitting solemnly, wearing a long robe, with her hands on her knees. On the left is the altar of the mountain palace and Tu Phu Quan Hoang (Four palaces of Saint Hoang).

Illustration of Tran Hung Dao (Source: Artist Le Dinh Nghien)

Pac Ta Temple Festival

Pac Ta Temple is where many big festivals take place every year. At the beginning of the year, a prayer ceremony is held with the hope of a new year with favorable weather and bountiful crops. 

The end of the year is the time for thanksgiving ceremonies to thank the gods for blessing everyone with a peaceful and prosperous year. On festival days, local people and many tourists flock to the temple. They offer incense and pray together, creating a solemn atmosphere.

Tourists go to Pac Ta Temple by boat (Source: Bao Phu Nu)

Nearby attractions

Coming to Pac Ta Temple, visitors can combine visiting the following places to have a complete journey of discovery:

• Na Hang Lake: About 2.2km from the temple. This place is considered a "green fairy in the middle of the forest" due to its charming landscape and poetic beauty. Besides sightseeing, visitors can also enjoy many specialties of the Thai ethnic group, such as wild bamboo shoots, bamboo rice with sesame salt, bitter vegetable soup, etc.

Beautiful scene in Na Hang Lake (Source: Vinpearl)

• Mo Waterfall: About 9.4km from the temple. Its average height is about 700m above sea level. Visitors can bathe in the cool water, listen to the sound of the waterfall, and breathe the fresh air of the vast green forest. 
• Pac Hau Waterfall: About 19km from Pac Ta Temple. The water here originates from the primeval forest of Tat Ke - Ban Bung Conservation Area. Pac Hau Waterfall is majestic and beautiful, with silver water flowing over large rocks, creating white foam.

How to get there

From Hanoi, tourists can follow the CT05 Highway or DCT07 Highway to Tuyen Quang. Pac Ta Temple is located at the foot of Pac Ta Mountain, quite far from Tuyen Quang. Visitors must take a boat from Thuy wharf and cross Na Hang ecological lake, where the Tuyen Quang Hydroelectric Plant is located. Travel about 1km along the lake to get to Pac Ta Temple.

Travel tips

• Dressing properly: Do not wear improper clothes like short skirts, tank tops, shorts, etc.  
• Respect local culture: Always respect the culture and customs of local people. Attending ceremonies with an open spirit.
• Good health: Prepare a good physical strength to explore all the destinations nearby.

Conclusion

With its unique architecture and sacred atmosphere, Pac Ta Temple contributes significantly to the preservation of the traditional cultural heritage while developing tourism in Tuyen Quang. Contact Asia King Travel now to explore this sacred temple and other interesting destinations in Vietnam!

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