The Over 700-Year-Old Cua Ong Temple Complex in Quang Ninh

1 Overview of Cua Ong Temple

Cua Ong Temple is a special national heritage site located in Cua Ong Ward, Cam Pha City, Quang Ninh Province. It is dedicated to Hung Nhuong Dai Vuong Tran Quoc Tang (the third son of Tran Hung Dao), who played a major role in defending the northeastern region. The temple also honors many celebrated figures from the Tran dynasty, including Tran Quoc Tuan, Tran Anh Tong, Tran Khanh Du, Pham Ngu Lao, and Yet Kieu, and hosts the annual Cua Ong Temple Festival.

- Address: Cua Ong Ward (formerly Cam Pha City), Quang Ninh Province

- Festival: 3rd day of the second lunar month

- Established: Tran dynasty

Before it became a place of worship for Hung Nhuong Vuong, the temple was known as Hoang Tiet Che Shrine and was dedicated to Hoang Can, a local figure who distinguished himself in fighting bandits and was granted the title “Imperial Commissioner and Commander of the Eastern Route” by the kings of several dynasties.

See also: Tuan Chau Island - Discover the brilliant jewel of Ha Long Bay

2 How to get to the temple

Cua Ong Temple is situated on a hill in Area 9A, Cua Ong Ward, Cam Pha City, Quang Ninh Province. From Ha Long City, follow National Highway 18 northeast for about 30km, then turn right and continue for approximately 300 meters to reach the temple. It is also one of the three most famous temples in Quang Ninh Province. Here, mountains, ancient forests, and the sea “meet” in a location blessed by nature.

If you are traveling from Hanoi, you have the following two options:

- Coach: Take a coach from Hanoi to Cam Pha, with fares ranging from 80.000 - 300.000 VND per trip. Once in Cam Pha, you can continue to Cua Ong Temple by motorbike taxi or regular taxi.

- Private car or motorbike (total distance approximately 200km): From the city center, travel along Nguyen Khoai Street and join National Highway 1A at Linh Nam. Continue onto National Highway 5B/Expressway 04, then follow National Highway 10 and National Highway 18. Once you reach Ly Thuong Kiet Street in Cam Pha City, go straight to the temple.

3 Explore Cua Ong Temple

3.1 A history spanning more than 700 years

Historical records indicate that Cua Ong Temple in Quang Ninh was built over 700 years ago and has undergone several major restorations before taking on its present-day appearance. When first built, it was merely a small hermitage made of thatch, bamboo, and reeds. The temple was renovated between 1907 and 1916. In 1916, the complex was expanded with the construction of Thuong Temple, Trung Temple, Ha Temple, and a pagoda.

In the years that followed, the temple continued to be repaired and restored. In 2014, the master plan for the complex was approved, covering an area of 18,125ha. Trung Temple was subsequently built and completed in 2017.

3.2 The layout of the Cua Ong Temple complex

Originally, the temple was dedicated solely to Duc Ong Tran Quoc Tang. However, as additional temple and pagoda buildings were constructed, more notable figures came to be worshipped here. These include:

- Ha Temple: Comprises Mau Temple and Trung Thien Long Mau Temple.

- Trung Temple: Dedicated to Kham Sai Dong Dao Tiet Che Hoang Can, as well as the Mountain and Water Deities.

- Thuong Temple: Comprises Thuong Temple, Quan Chanh Temple, Quan Chau Temple, a pagoda, and the tomb of Tran Quoc Tang.

- Cap Tien Temple: Dedicated to a young lady, the daughter of Tran Quoc Tang (also known as “Co Be Cua Suot”), the Chief Mandarin, deified historical figures, the Buddha, the Jade Emperor, Nam Tao, Bac Dau, and Tien Thien Thanh Mau.

4 Highlights of Cua Ong Temple

4.1 A sacred 700-year history

Cua Ong Temple in Quang Ninh is deeply trusted and well known among local residents, many of whom visit regularly to worship. It is dedicated to Hung Nhuong Dai Vuong Tran Quoc Tang, who helped defeat the Mongol invaders in the 13th century. Although centuries have passed, the temple’s sacred and heroic legends continue to be passed down to future generations.

4.2 One of the most beautifully designed temples in Quang Ninh

Cua Ong Temple is often hailed as the most beautifully designed temple in Quang Ninh. Its architecture is both distinctive and mysterious, and brings together the four feng shui guardians: the Azure Dragon to the left, the White Tiger to the right, the Vermilion Bird in front, and the Black Tortoise behind. The temple was built using materials such as cast stone, Bat Trang bricks, traditional curved roof tiles, and mortar mixed with honey. Its architecture is primarily adorned with motifs from the Four Sacred Animals: the Dragon, Qilin, Tortoise, and Phoenix. Inside, the temple features durable hardwoods such as ironwood, trắc, and gụ. The structural beams are decorated with bas-reliefs, parallel couplets, and elaborate red lacquer and gold leaf.

4.3 A cultural and spiritual destination for local residents

With a history spanning hundreds of years, Cua Ong Temple preserves many cultural and historical values and makes a significant contribution to safeguarding and promoting the nation’s cultural identity, strengthening community bonds, and nurturing spiritual culture. It has long been a place for community cultural activities and local spiritual life. Alongside Yen Tu Pagoda, Trinh Pagoda, and Ho Thien Pagoda in Dong Trieu, Cua Ong Temple is one of Quang Ninh’s most appealing tourist attractions.

4.4 Venue for major annual festivals

Since the 19th century, the Cua Ong Temple Festival has been known as a large-scale celebration. Visit the temple during the first three months of the lunar year to experience a series of exciting events, including:

- Main Cua Ong Temple Festival: Runs from the 2nd day of the first lunar month through the end of the third lunar month.

- Prayers for the deceased, the Temple Gate Petition Ceremony, and the incense offering and procession of Duc Ong: The main activities are the ritual ceremony and the procession of Tran Quoc Tang’s spirit tablet.

- Procession of Duc Ong back to the palace for his enshrinement: Continues until the end of the third lunar month. During this time, you can take part in traditional games such as blindfolded drumming, stick pushing, tug-of-war, tổ tôm card games, rice cooking, and betel-leaf preparation.

To explore the temple and make the most of your visit, choose your accommodation in advance and familiarize yourself with a few tips before setting out.

5 Things to keep in mind when visiting Cua Ong Temple

5.1 The best time to visit Cua Ong Temple

Cua Ong Temple in Quang Ninh welcomes local residents and visitors from both Vietnam and abroad to explore and worship. It remains open even on New Year’s Eve. However, the beginning of the new year is considered the best time to visit, as the weather is cool and pleasant, with little rain. It is also when the series of distinctive festivals mentioned above takes place.

5.2 Things to prepare

The Cua Ong Temple complex includes both temples and pagodas. If you plan to offer incense at all the altars, prepare vegetarian, cooked-meat, and raw offerings. Suggested offerings include vegetarian items (incense, flowers, cakes and sweets, fruit, and joss paper money—all in odd-numbered quantities); cooked offerings for the communal altar (chicken, pork, pork rolls, and similar dishes, cooked and carefully arranged); and raw offerings (salt, rice, raw eggs, and joss paper).

Worship is above all about sincerity. Since Cua Ong Temple receives quite a large number of visitors, please limit the burning of joss paper. Offerings do not need to be elaborate, so as to avoid waste. Rather than leaving small-denomination bills around the temple, place your donation in the merit box to help preserve the site’s appearance.

5.3 Etiquette when visiting a temple

- Dress respectfully and modestly, as befits a sacred place.

- Move quietly and avoid speaking loudly, so as not to disturb the solemn atmosphere.

- Do not touch things indiscriminately, as this could damage the heritage site.

Cua Ong Temple is undoubtedly one of the most peaceful places to visit, and a must-see for travelers—especially those visiting Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh.