﻿ Bac Ninh: Imperial tomb and temple of Kinh Duong Vuong - Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
Bac Ninh: Imperial tomb and temple of Kinh Duong Vuong
Update: Jul 26, 2016
Kinh Duong Vuong, a Vietnamese historical legendary figure is considered the forefather of the Vietnamese nation who established the first state in 2879 BC. According to historical books, Kinh Duong Vuong helped unite the tribes some time before the reign of the Hung kings, who set up Van Lang state in the 7th century BC.

Through the long history of more than 4000 years, the complex of the tomb and temple of Kinh Duong Vuong has still been well preserved in Bac Ninh Province, around 40km from Ha Noi Capital. To reach the site, from Bac Ninh City, visitors travel about 12km along National Road 38 to Ho Bridge. At a crossroad called Song Ho, about 500m from Ho Bridge, visitors turn right and go along the dyke of the Duong River for about 5km to A Lu Village of Dai Dong Thanh Commune, Thuan Thanh District of Bac Ninh Province. Then, the tomb and the temple are on the either sides of the river’s dyke, forming the tourism complex that attracts a lot of historical-cultural visitors.

The tomb of Kinh Duong Vuong is located about 500m from the dyke, facing the river. Built in ancient architecture, the tomb is covered in the green color of old trees, casting a solemn atmosphere over the whole area. Sitting on an area of about 4,200sq.m, the tomb has eight double-roofs, three alter-platforms and the tomb.

The temple of King Duong Vuong, is also for worshipping Lac Long Quan and Au Co (Kinh Duong Vuong’s son and daughter-in-law, the two other legendary figures who are believed to give birth to the Vietnamese people in a sack of 100 eggs). The temple is on the other  side of the dyke, just some hundred meters from his tomb. Kinh Duong Vuong was previously worshipped at the communal hall of A Lu Village. However, in 1949, the French troops burned down the hall. In 1959, the people of A Lu Village erected the temple for Kinh Duong Vuong and the other two in the present area of around 2,347sq.m.

For its historical and cultural values, on February 2 1993, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued Decision No.74/VH-QD recognizing the complex as a national historical relic.

Visitors are advised to read about King Duong Vuong, Lac Long Quan and Au Co (legendary figures of Viet Nam) before visiting the site. Besides, there are also a number of ancient pagodas nearby such as But Thap, Dau, Phat Tich pagodas that visitors can combine with the trip. These are places highly recommended for those who like to study culture and history of Viet Nam.