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When it comes to discovering a destination, most travelers think of exploring it by day. But now, a brand-new Hanoi night tour, “The Bell of Tran Vu”, offers a rare chance to experience the capital in a different light. Through immersive performances, this nighttime journey lets you connect with Hanoi’s spiritual heritage. Under the firm belief that cultural exploration is an essential part of any meaningful journey, let’s hop on and let Asia King Travel share this one-of-a-kind opportunity with you!
Launching day of "The Bell of Tran Vu"
This Hanoi night tour is the result of a collaborative effort between the Ba Dinh District People’s Committee, the Quan Thanh Temple’s Heritage Management Board (a National Special Heritage Site), cultural researchers, and travel experts. Other than preserving and celebrating heritage, the project also aims to boost Vietnam tours and support the local economy.
“The breeze sways the bamboo branches / The bell of Tran Vu rings through Tho Xuong’s hour of the rooster.” This line from a traditional Vietnamese folk verse represents the tranquility of old Hanoi. The sound of the Tran Vu bell has become a familiar and beloved daily presence for locals of Quan Thanh Temple area.
The iconic bell served as the inspiration for this Hanoi night tour’s name: “The Bell of Tran Vu”. This will be an experience that leads visitors through Hanoi’s spiritual heritage and timeless folklore under the cover of night.
“The Bell of Tran Vu” is poised to become a new highlight in the expanding lineup of Hanoi night tour experiences, an initiative designed to deepen visitor engagement, extend overnight stays, and increase tourist spending.
Reenactment of ceremonies in Quan Thanh Temple
Hanoi has already seen growing interest in similar evening experiences, including “Exploring the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long” and “Hoa Lo Prison at Night.”
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This unique cultural and spiritual experience, enhanced with live performances, takes place at Quan Thanh Temple, one of the legendary “Four Sacred Temples of Thang Long.” According to the Ba Dinh District People’s Committee (as of May 26), the 90-minute Hanoi night tour will be held weekly starting in August, welcoming around 100 visitors per session.
This marks the first time a Hanoi night tour experience has been held at the National Special Heritage Site of Quan Thanh Temple. Visitors will be immersed in the atmosphere of a traditional festival through theatrical reenactments of ceremonial processions, offering rituals, and dramatic performances praising the legendary feats of Huyen Thien Tran Vu.
The “Tran Vu Bell” experience involves two parts. In the first part, visitors will witness the rich history of Tran Vu Temple through live performances that recreate traditional processions, ceremonial offerings, and classical operas honoring the legacy of Duc Thanh (the Sacred Saint). The second part invites guests to uncover and decode the temple’s lingering mysteries, such as the twin bronze lanterns symbolizing rebirth and the ancient bronze gong known as the Tran Vu Quan Khanh.
This Hanoi night tour experience combines both outdoor and indoor activities, allowing guests to discover the stories of the temple and the surrounding West Lake area.
The launching ceremony of "The Bell of Tran Vu"
The site has a pair of bronze resurrection lanterns, a sacred bronze gong, and the National Treasure statue of Huyen Thien Tran Vu on display for all visitors to observe. This artifact represents the amazing craftsmanship of Ngu Xa bronze casting village and the Vietnamese bronze artistry in the 17th century.
Another unique feature is the temple’s seven horse mango trees, planted in the pattern of the Big Dipper constellation, believed to harness positive energy.
In addition to the carefully crafted setting and historically inspired costumes, such as giao linh robes from the Later Le dynasty and ngu than garments from the Nguyen dynasty featured in ceremonial dances, audiences will also be treated to captivating performances by artists from the Vietnam Tuong Theater.
You will also have the chance to witness skilled tuong artists taking on the role of narrators. Their fluid sword choreography and commanding vocals will vividly revive the heroic spirit of Huyen Thien Tran Vu, delivering a performance that is both dynamic and emotionally resonant. The original ritual of this performance was performed in order to awaken the spirit of the former imperial capital.
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The launching ceremony of "The Bell of Tran Vu"
Highlights of this Hanoi night tour include stories tied to Truc Bach silk village, where royal concubines of the Trinh Lords once wove brocade for the king, and Ngu Xa bronze-casting village, whose heritage lives on through cultural artifacts still preserved in the temple today.
Joining this Hanoi night tour, you can also explore themed spaces showcasing traditional tea culture, calligraphy, bronze works, and historical costumes. There will also be shops with unique souvenirs within the temple's site.
The temple is dedicated to Huyen Thien Tran Vu, a deity rooted in Chinese Taoist beliefs and known for his power to banish evil. Over time, as his legend blended with local Vietnamese culture, he also came to be seen as a protector of farming communities.
Quan Thanh Temple itself has a long and fascinating history. In 1010, King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long and commissioned the temple to honor Tran Vu, the guardian spirit of the North. The temple served both spiritual and political functions, as the ruling class used it to ward off evil and reinforce their divine authority in the eyes of the common people.
Activities at Quan Thanh Temple
More than a millennium later, Quan Thanh Temple still stands proudly at the corner of what was once Co Ngu Road (now Thanh Nien Street) and Quan Thanh Street, overlooking the peaceful waters of West Lake.
Vietnam is truly a feast for the senses, and when paired with a deeper understanding of its cultural roots, it becomes an unforgettable journey that every traveler should experience at least once. If you travel not just for the photos, but to learn, to feel, and to connect on a deeper level, then experiences like “The Bell of Tran Vu” night tour in Hanoi are made for you.
If that sounds like your kind of adventure, don’t wait! Reach out to Asia King Travel today and be part of this one-of-a-kind nocturnal cultural feast on your next trip to Vietnam!
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