Well hidden inside the mountains, the Thai Vi Temple is located just a short walk away from Tam Coc, Ninh Binh Province. Unlike Tam Coc which is mostly full of tourists, you will find an oasis of tranquility here. When we visited it, we were basically the only ones in the area. Surrounded by beautiful mountains and rice fields it is hard no to feel at peace and relaxed.
Is Ninh Binh worth visiting? Read more about it here.
If you have more than one day in the Ninh Binh Province I would totally recommend visiting the Thai Vi Temple not only for the temple itself but also for the beautiful nature surrounding it. Among other Ninh Binh must see attractions are Bich Dong Pagoda and Trang An boat tour.
The road to Thai Vi Temple
The road starts near the Tam Coc Lake and in only about 100 meters you will feel like you have stepped into another world. You will see a big valley full of rice fields, with just a few scattered houses. There is a good reason why Ninh Binh is also called the dry Halong Bay.
A few more steps and you will be welcomed by the bridge with the most beautiful view in Ninh Binh. Standing on it, you can admire the Tam Coc River making its way through the mountains. Also, don’t be surprised if you see Vietnamese people rowing boats with their feet. Don’t forget to also take a Tam Coc boat tour!
When you will get closer to the Thai Vi Temple, the quiet can be overwhelming. The mountains make a good job in isolating all the sounds from the city. I absolutely loved this place – the only sounds I heard were the birds singing.
About Thai Vi Temple
The Thai Vi Temple was built by King Tran Thai Tong in 1258 after his victory of the invading Chinese forces. The temple has gained popularity due to its cultural value but also because of the stone carving art of Ninh Binh’s sculptors. The main parts of the temple are built from stone, as well as the altar and worshiping items.
If you happen to visit the temple during 14th – 17th of March, you can also enjoy the Thai Vi Temple Festival. The purpose of the festival is to commemorate the kings of Tran Dynasty. When the festival takes place, the number of tourists visiting the temple doubles. They are mostly attracted by the festival activities such as: dragon dance, human chess, rowing and wrestling.
To read about more Ninh Binh must see attractions click here.
Where to stay in Ninh Binh
I’ve been searching for the best accommodation in Ninh Binh. Below are the best hotels, for every budget:
- Budget – Tam Coc Craft Homestay – great location, big & comfortable rooms, very clean
- Mid-budget – Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort – amazing pool with a view, good location, spacious rooms, breakfast included
- Luxury – Aravinda Resort – amazing location near the limestone mountains, luxurious rooms, super-friendly staff, excellent breakfast
How to get to Thai Vi Temple
Walk
The Thai Vi Temple is situated just 1.5 kilometer away from Tam Coc. Therefore, the easiest way to get there is by walking. This way, you will also have the chance to admire the views and take a deep breath of fresh air.
By bike or motorbike
The road is easily accessible by both bike and motorbike. For renting, ask at your accommodation or hotels nearby.
By organized tour
There are many tour companies which organize daily tours in the Ninh Binh area and include the Thai Vi Temple in their itinerary. Below are a few examples:
I absolutely loved the area around the Thai Vi Temple even though I wasn’t really impressed with the temple itself. However, I believe that the temple is worth visiting, especially if you are spending more than one day in the Ninh Binh Province.
May the travel bug bite you!
More about nearby attractions:
- Ninh Binh must see attractions – click here
- Hang Mua Peak – a view to remember in Ninh Binh – click here
- Tam Coc boat tour – a relaxing ride in Ninh Binh – click here
- Bich Dong Pagoda – a Ninh Binh must see – click here
- Trang An boat tour – Ninh Binh – click here
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Aurelia Teslaru is a professional travel blogger and the writer behind Daily Travel Pill. With a 4-year experience as a travel writer and photographer, Aurelia only shares travel guides about destinations that she visited.
She has been to more than 40 countries during the past 10 years and aims to explore 50 countries before turning 30 years old. Aurelia is a digital nomad who transformed her passion for travel into a lifestyle. Read more about her here.
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