Con Temple: Your Best 2025 Spiritual Travel Guide
Con Temple: Your Best 2025 Spiritual Travel Guide
Journey with Wigo Tourist to one of Nghe An’s most sacred spiritual sites: the historic Con Temple. Visitors are drawn to this destination not only for its fascinating legends but also for the intricate carvings and vibrant festivals that bring its history to life.
This guide provides everything you need for your visit, as the site is tied to sacred local figures. A trip here is a profound dive into Vietnam’s spiritual heritage. Understanding the significance of this temple enriches any cultural tour of the region. As one of the four most sacred spiritual sites in the province, a visit is an essential experience for any traveler exploring Nghe An. Let’s explore the stories and architecture that make this destination so special.
1. Location & How to Get There
The site is actually a complex of two temples: Inner Con (the more famous one) and Outer Con. Inner Con is located in Phuong Can Village, Quynh Mai Ward, by the scenic Hoang Mai River.
To get there from the center of Hoang Mai Town (about 6 km away), travel south on National Road 1A, turn left onto Tran Anh Tong Road, and follow it to Provincial Road 537A. After crossing the river, turn left onto Doan Nhu Hai Road, then follow signs to the main temple grounds. The trip takes about 20 minutes by motorbike.
2. The History and Legends Behind the Temple
The Legends
According to local records, the story begins in 1279 after the Song Dynasty fell. Queen Mother Duong Nguyet Qua, two princesses, and their nanny drowned themselves at sea. Their bodies drifted to the Con Estuary, where locals discovered, buried, and built a shrine to worship them. Fishermen believed their prayers to these figures kept them safe, and the shrine’s spiritual significance grew.
The History
The temple’s history dates back to the Tran Dynasty. In 1312, King Tran Anh Tong, on a successful military campaign, dreamed of a sea deity who aided him. In gratitude, the king ordered the construction of a temple, which became Inner Con Temple. Later, in 1470, King Le Thanh Tong built the larger Outer Con Temple nearby. The complex was designated a National Historical and Cultural Site in 1993.
3. Architectural Highlights and Artifacts
Inner Con Temple
Sitting on Diec Hill, this temple is dedicated to the four legendary ladies and two sacred objects symbolizing local life: a piece of driftwood and a rice husk shell. The complex features a ceremonial gate, multiple halls, and a performance house decorated with motifs of the four sacred animals. It houses 142 valuable artifacts, including royal decrees, a bronze bell from 1752, and many wooden statues from the Le Dynasty.
Outer Con Temple
Located about 1 kilometer away on Than Lan mountain, this structure preserves an impressive collection of ancient stone sculptures. Highlights include a pair of dragons on the steps, stone mandarins, guardian dogs, elephants, and tigers, all positioned around the ceremonial gate.
4. The Annual Temple Festival
While you can visit the complex any time of year, the best time is during its annual festival from the 19th to the 21st of the 1st lunar month.
- Day 1: Features communal sports like tug of war.
- Day 2: The most vibrant day, with official ceremonies, folk shows, lion dances, and rituals.
- Day 3: The festival concludes with grand processions and exciting boat races on the river.
The “Chay Oi” Ritual in the Fish-Praying Ceremony – a unique performance at the annual Con Temple Festival.
Boat Races
5. Essential Visitor Tips
To ensure a respectful and enjoyable visit, please keep the following in mind:
- Offerings: If you wish to make an offering, appropriate items include incense, flowers, fruits, and traditional cakes.
- Dress Code: Wear modest, respectful clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
- Photography: Only take photos in designated areas.
- Conduct: Keep noise to a minimum to maintain the serene atmosphere. Remove your shoes before entering temple buildings and refrain from smoking on the grounds.
A visit to Con Temple offers a meaningful way to experience the cultural soul of Nghe An. From its time-worn wooden structures to the legends passed down through generations, every detail reflects the depth of the region’s history.
When your travels take you through this historic province, consider staying at a hotel or resort in a nearby coastal town for convenient access to the region’s many treasures. Let Wigo Tourist help you craft a memorable journey into Vietnam’s rich culture and history!
