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“First comes Kinh Ky,
Second stands Pho Hien.”
This is a Vietnamese folk saying to the two most bustling cities of the North in the past: the first is Hanoi (Kinh Ky), and the second is Pho Hien. It was once a thriving river port along Red River. Join Asia King Travel in rediscovering the timeless beauty of this ancient town through our Vietnam travel guide.
No longer as bustling as it once was, Pho Hien today carries a peaceful charm
Pho Hien is a complex of historical relics scattered across Pho Hien Ward, Hung Yen Province, located right on the northern bank of the Red River. The complex lies to the south of Hanoi, about 60 kilometers from the capital.
Pho Hien first began to see dense settlement around the 10th century. By the 17th century, the town had grown into a political and economic hub with extensive international connections. Many merchants from Japan, China, and the West came here to trade.
A rare photograph of old Pho Hien
However, by the 19th century, due to the sedimentation of the Red River, Pho Hien gradually moved farther away from the river, leading to a decline in trade. Along with this, historical upheavals caused the town to lose its once-important role in commerce (quite similar to Hoi An Ancient Town). In 1831, Hung Yen Province was established, and its former provincial capital was built right on the grounds of Pho Hien. Pho Hien was recognized as a Special National Site.
From Hanoi, you can take two routes to reach Hung Yen:
-Take Giai Phong Street to National Highway 1A heading south. When you reach Dong Van Ward (Ninh Binh Province), turn left onto National Highway 38. Then cross the bridge via Hoa Mac Bypass, continue along the road, and you will arrive at Pho Hien.
-Cross Long Bien via Vinh Tuy Bridge or Thanh Tri Bridge, then turn right onto National Highway 5 (cars can also take Hanoi–Hai Phong Expressway). After that, turn right onto National Highway 38 at the intersection. Continue straight and then turn onto National Highway 39, which will lead you to the destination.
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Since most activities take place outdoors, the best time to visit Pho Hien is on cool days with mild weather, when it’s not too hot. You can choose to go in spring to enjoy the fresh air at the start of the new year, or in autumn around September, when the gentle breezes will refresh your soul.
At the beginning of the year, Pho Hien hosts many traditional folk festivals
Pho Hien currently preserves 16 historical structures.
Similar to the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Xich Dang Temple of Literature is dedicated to Confucius, teacher Chu Van An, and Confucian scholars. It is regarded as a place that embodies the wisdom and intellectual heritage of the people of Hung Yen. Today, the temple still houses nine steles inscribed with the names of 161 successful candidates from this region during the feudal era.
Entrance gate to Xich Dang Temple of Literature
Chuong Pagoda features the typical architectural style of Northern Vietnamese temples: two central worship halls with two long corridors running along each side. Inside, the pagoda houses many Buddha statues intricately and skillfully carved. Known for its serene and beautiful landscape, Chuong Pagoda is honored as the “Number One Scenic Spot of Pho Hien.”
Chuong Pagoda has the most beautiful scenery in Pho Hien
Mau Temple is dedicated to Yang Guifei of China’s Song Dynasty, who sacrificed herself to demonstrate loyalty to the imperial court. Visiting the temple, you can admire its ancient beauty, marvel at three over-700-year-old sacred trees (banyan, ficus, and si) in the courtyard, and soak in the tranquil, peaceful atmosphere.
Procession of the palanquin to Mau Temple
May Temple is dedicated to Pham Bach Ho, a renowned general of the Ngo Dynasty, who supported Ngo Quyen to defeat the Southern Han army and secure independence for the Vietnamese people. Together with Chuong Pagoda, May Temple is famous for preserving the distinct and authentic style of traditional Vietnamese architecture.
General Pham Bach Ho is honored in many places across the Red River Delta
Kim Dang Temple is dedicated to General Dinh Dien and his wife, Phan Thi Moi Nuong. The temple holds great historical value with its collection of ceremonial weapons, imperial insignias, and wooden artifacts decorated with red lacquer and gold leaf, all showcasing the artistic style of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Dong Do Quang Hoi was a meeting and trading hall for foreign merchants, primarily the Chinese. The hall combines both Chinese and Vietnamese architectural styles. All the building materials were shipped by sea from Guangdong, Guangxi, and Fujian aboard merchant vessels. The hall also venerates three deities who were believed to aid people in medicine, handicrafts, and agriculture.
A once bustling assembly hall now lives only in memory
An Vu Communal House is dedicated to Great General Cao Son who helped the Hung Kings resist the Thuc invaders. Today, it still preserves many valuable worship objects and ancient artifacts such as bronze urns, bronze bells, a statue of Great General Cao Son and five imperial decrees from the Nguyen Dynasty.
An Vu Communal House is situated on spacious land
Within a small area, you can easily rent a bicycle to visit each historical site in Pho Hien. The fresh air with little traffic dust, along with the warm and friendly locals, will surely give you a wonderful memory. Contact Asia King Travel today to explore the traditional values of Vietnam.
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