Hung Kings’ Festival In Vietnam
The Hung Kings Festival (Giỗ Tổ Hùng Vương) is one of the most important national holidays in Vietnam. Celebrated on the 10th day of the third lunar month, the festival honors the Hùng Kings — the legendary founders of the first Vietnamese state, Văn Lang. More than a traditional ceremony, it is a powerful symbol of national unity and the Vietnamese spirit of remembering one’s roots.
Historical And Cultural Significance
According to Vietnamese legend, the Hùng Kings ruled thousands of years ago and established the foundation of the nation’s culture and identity. The festival reflects the deeply rooted value expressed in the saying: “When drinking water, remember its source.”
Every year, millions of people across the country commemorate this day by offering incense and paying tribute to their ancestors. The main state ceremony is broadcast nationwide, reinforcing the shared heritage of the Vietnamese people.
Hung Kings Temple Complex
The Hung Kings Temple complex is located on Nghĩa Lĩnh Mountain (175 meters high) in Phú Thọ Province, a sacred site regarded as the ancestral land of the Vietnamese people. The mountain, together with nearby peaks, is traditionally known as the “three sacred mountains” (tam sơn cấm địa).
Pilgrims begin their journey at the grand temple gate, decorated with traditional “double dragons facing the moon” motifs and the inscription Cao sơn cảnh hành (“High mountain, great path”).
The complex includes several important sites along a stone stairway pilgrimage route:
- Ha Temple (Lower Temple), associated with the legend of Mother Âu Cơ giving birth to 100 sons — a symbol of the origin of the Vietnamese people.
- Thien Quang Pagoda, an 18th–19th century Buddhist temple preserving ancient statues and a historic cycad tree linked to President Ho Chi Minh.
- Trung Temple (Middle Temple), where the Hùng Kings were said to discuss state affairs and where the legend of Banh Chung and Banh Giay originated.
- Thuong Temple (Upper Temple), located at the summit, where the most important incense ceremonies take place during Hung Kings’ Festival.
- Additional landmarks include the Oath Stone Pillar, Hung King’s Mausoleum, and Gieng Temple dedicated to the princesses Tiên Dung and Ngọc Hoa.
Together, these sites form a sacred spiritual landscape blending mythology, history, and national identity — making Hung Kings Temple not only a pilgrimage destination but also one of Vietnam’s most significant cultural heritage complexes.
Festival Activities
In addition to the official incense offering ceremony, the festival includes:
- Traditional music and folk performances
- Processions and ritual ceremonies
- Folk games and cultural exhibitions
- Community gatherings and local food stalls
The atmosphere is solemn yet festive, blending spirituality with vibrant cultural expression.
Public Holiday And Travel Tips
Hung Kings’ Festival is an official public holiday in Vietnam. Government offices, schools, and many businesses close for the day, and large crowds gather in Phú Thọ Province.
If you plan to visit:
- Arrive early to avoid peak crowds.
- Wear modest clothing suitable for temple visits.
- Prepare for a significant amount of walking and climbing steps.
Hung Kings’ Festival offers travelers a meaningful opportunity to understand Vietnam’s history, ancestral worship traditions, and enduring sense of national pride.
