1. General introduction to the Temple of Le Van Huu
The Temple of Le Van Huu is located in Thieu Trung commune, Thanh Hoa province, a land rich in the tradition of studiousness and ancient civilization. This is the hometown of historian Le Van Huu (1230 – 1322), who compiled the Dai Viet Su Ky – the first national history of the Vietnamese people under the Tran Dynasty.
Temple of the talented historian Le Van Huu. (Source: Collection)
In 1990, the temple dedicated to Le Van Huu was recognized by the Ministry of Culture and Information as a National Historical Relic. From 2018 to 2022, Thanh Hoa province implemented a project to repair and restore the historical relic of the temple dedicated to Le Van Huu, with a total investment of over 29 billion VND, and it was inaugurated in April 2022, contributing to the preservation and promotion of the value of this historically significant work.
2. Spiritual significance and experience at the temple dedicated to Le Van Huu
The temple dedicated to Le Van Huu is not only a place to commemorate a cultural celebrity but also a sacred spiritual space where people and visitors come to express gratitude to the historian who dedicated his life to the country. Amidst the peaceful rural scenery, the temple brings a sense of tranquility, helping everyone who comes here to better feel the value of knowledge, righteousness, and loyalty that he left for posterity.
Visitors coming to the temple dedicated to Le Van Huu can offer incense in remembrance, pay homage to the ancient stone stele recording his merits, and visit the grounds harmoniously planned with gardens, a lake, and lush ancient trees. On every festival, Tet holiday, or the historian's death anniversary, local people organize solemn incense-offering ceremonies, demonstrating the principle of "when drinking water, remember its source" and pride in their homeland's traditions. Not only possessing spiritual value, this place is also an educational destination for history and culture, helping younger generations better understand the patriotic spirit, loyalty, and the great contributions of Le Van Huu.
3. Festival of the temple dedicated to Le Van Huu
The festival takes place from the 22nd to the 24th day of the 3rd lunar month, with the 23rd being the death anniversary of historian Le Van Huu, chosen as the main ceremony day. This is an occasion for people and visitors from all directions to remember and express gratitude for the great contributions of the nation's first historian, while also spreading the spirit of studiousness and patriotism that he left for posterity.
The ceremonial part is solemnly organized with traditional rituals such as the temple opening ceremony, the purification ritual, the palanquin procession, and the offering of tributes by descendants of the Le family and the local people. On the main ceremony day, visitors can attend the incense offering ceremony, the reading of the eulogy, the opening of the festival, and a theatrical performance reenacting the life and career of Le Van Huu, creating an atmosphere that is solemn yet familiar, rich in the cultural identity of Thanh Hoa.
The festive part is a space for community cultural connection, organized vibrantly with many rich activities such as exhibitions of traditional craft village products, OCOP products, along with valuable documents on the history of education and examinations during the Tran dynasty. Visitors can also participate in quizzes about the celebrity Le Van Huu, enjoy folk art performances, participate in sports competitions and many traditional games such as tug-of-war, swing, and Chinese chess.
Commemoration ceremony for the 700th death anniversary of historian Le Van Huu. (Source: VOV)
4. Important notes when visiting Le Van Huu Temple
When visiting Le Van Huu Temple, visitors should choose neat, polite attire, suitable for the sacred space of the relic. Avoid wearing clothes that are too short, expose shoulders, or are offensive. During the visit, maintain a solemn attitude, speak softly, do not push or make noise when others are performing rituals. Additionally, visitors should maintain general hygiene, do not litter within the temple grounds, and absolutely do not touch the worship items, statues, or ancient stone steles to protect the relic. Adhering to the code of conduct not only shows respect for the spiritual space but also contributes to preserving traditional cultural values for future generations.
Dress politely and maintain a solemn attitude when visiting the Temple of Le Van Huu. (Source: Collected)
The ideal time to visit the Temple of Le Van Huu is in spring, especially during the festival season from the 22nd to the 24th of the 3rd lunar month, when the festival atmosphere is bustling, flags and flowers are vibrant, and cultural activities take place lively. Morning from 7 AM to 9 AM and afternoon from 4 PM to 5 PM are the “golden hours” for photography, when the soft light enhances the ancient beauty of the temple and the cool green surroundings.
Some beautiful check-in spots loved by many tourists include the Tam Quan gate, the temple courtyard shaded by ancient trees, and the stone stele area inscribing the biography of Le Van Huu. With thorough preparation and a respectful attitude, the temple visit will be a meaningful experience, helping you feel more deeply about the history, culture, and spirit of learning of the Thanh Hoa land.
5. Suggested Combined Tours Near the Temple of Le Van Huu
After visiting the Temple of Le Van Huu, tourists can combine visits to many other famous tourist destinations in Thanh Hoa to make the journey richer and more meaningful. The Lam Kinh National Special Relic Site is the origin of the glorious Lam Son Uprising, associated with the Le Dynasty. This place is notable for its ancient lim forests, the tomb of King Le Thai To, the dragon courtyard, the jade well, and structures bearing strong imprints of ancient architecture, creating a sacred, majestic space yet full of the breath of nature.
Combine sightseeing and worship at the Lam Kinh National Historical Site. (Source: Collected)
Not far from the center of Thanh Hoa, Truc Lam Ham Rong Zen Monastery is a prominent spiritual destination, located on Ham Rong mountain, by the poetic Ma River. From here, visitors can gaze at the panoramic view of Thanh Hoa and the Ham Rong Bridge, a symbol of the heroic history of Thanh Hoa. Besides its spiritual value, the monastery is also an ideal place to find inner peace and balance.
Additionally, the journey can be extended to Huyen Tich Am Tien, a spiritual tourism project being invested in the semi-mountainous region of Thanh Hoa. This place is harmoniously planned between Buddhist architecture and natural landscapes, promising to become a large-scale cultural and spiritual tourist destination in the future. Combining these destinations not only helps visitors admire the diverse beauty of Thanh Hoa but also offers a meaningful journey, where culture, history, and spirituality blend in a space full of Thanh Hoa's essence.
Huyen Tich Am Tien promises to become an impressive spiritual destination in Thanh Hoa in the future. (Source: Collected)
The Temple of Le Van Huu is not only a place to commemorate an outstanding figure of the nation but also a sacred destination to pray for peace, health, and luck. Amidst the peaceful Thanh countryside, the temple holds deep historical, cultural, and spiritual values, reminding us of the tradition of studiousness and patriotism of our ancestors. A visit to The Temple of Le Van Huu allows visitors not only to pay homage and learn about the first historian of Vietnam but also to immerse themselves in the serene atmosphere, listen to the breath of the past, and feel the sacred beauty imbued with the national spirit. This is certainly a must-visit stop on your journey to explore the land of spiritual significance and heroic figures, Thanh Hoa.
