Hung King Festival: A celebration honoring Vietnam’s founders and their enduring legacy. Discover its history, traditions, and significance.
Step into Vietnam’s rich tapestry of history and tradition, where ancient legends still shape the nation’s identity today. At the heart of Vietnamese culture lies the Hung King Festival, one of the country’s most revered and sacred celebrations. In this article, join us at Asia Legend Travel we’ll take you through this extraordinary festival, sharing its fascinating history, time-honored traditions, and insider tips to help you experience it to the fullest.
Overview of the Hung King Festival
Dating back roughly 5,000 years, the Hung King Festival represents a cornerstone of Vietnamese heritage. It not only marks the dawn of Vietnamese civilization but also serves as a living testament to traditions passed down through countless generations.
The Hung Kings and Their Mythological Era
To begin with, let’s take a closer look at the fascinating origins of the Hùng Kings.
The story of Vietnam dates back to around 2879 BC with the rise of the Hùng Kings as rulers of Văn Lang, the first Vietnamese kingdom. Their story begins with an extraordinary love story between two mythical beings: Lạc Long Quân, a powerful dragon lord from the depths of the sea, and Âu Cơ, a graceful mountain fairy who lived among the misty peaks.
From their magical bond came a miracle – one hundred eggs that hatched into one hundred children. These children would become the ancestors of all Vietnamese people. The eldest one offspring ascended as the first Hùng King, beginning a sacred dynasty that would span eighteen generations and lay the foundation for modern Vietnam. This beautiful legend, where the sea meets the mountains and dragons unite with fairies, perfectly captures the very soul of Vietnam – a land where different worlds unite as one.
Today, the Hùng Kings are honored as more than mere rulers; they are the spiritual guardians of Vietnam’s heritage. As the Vietnamese proverb goes, “Uống nước nhớ nguồn” – remember your roots, honor your source.
The Significance of Hung Kings Temple Festival
Today, the Hung Kings hold a revered status in modern Vietnamese culture, with temples dedicated to them spread across the country. Their cultural significance runs so deep that UNESCO designated their worship as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2012.
The annual Hung King Festival in Vietnam has evolved into a major national holiday that brings Vietnamese people together to celebrate their shared heritage. Every year, the festival grounds come alive as thousands of people – from local families to curious travelers – gather to honor Vietnam’s legendary founders.
Imagine the enchanting atmosphere: fragrant incense wafting through ancient temples, the rhythmic beat of traditional drums, and the joyful sounds of people celebrating. From serene ceremonies to lively games and performances, it’s like stepping into a living, breathing celebration of Vietnam’s soul – and trust me, there’s nothing quite like it anywhere else in the world.
When and Where to Experience the Hung King Festival?
Now, let’s move onto the timing and locations where you can experience this sacred celebration across Vietnam.
When?
Hung King Festival Date: The festival falls on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month, which will be April 7, 2025
Every year on the 10th day of the third lunar month, Vietnam celebrates a national holiday dedicated to the Hung Kings. During this time, many Vietnamese people embark on pilgrimages to the Hung Kings’ Temple, while others celebrate the occasion by honoring their ancestors at home. This cherished tradition brings the nation together in paying homage to Vietnam’s founding fathers.
Where?
Main Location
Hung Kings Festival Location: Hung Temple on Nghia Linh Mountain, Phong Chau District, Phu Tho Province.
Located in Northern Vietnam, Phu Tho Province stands as the cradle of Vietnamese civilization and the sacred ancestral home of the Hung Kings. At its center lies the renowned Hung Kings’ Temple, a magnificent memorial complex dedicated to Vietnam’s founding fathers and other historical figures.
The site consists of four distinct temples: the Lower Temple (Đền Hạ), the Central Temple (Đền Trung), the Upper Temple (Đền Thượng), and the Well Temple (Đền Giếng). Every year, this sacred ground draws countless Vietnamese people who come to pay their respects through traditional offerings and ceremonies, maintaining a centuries-old connection to their roots.
Additional Celebration Locations
While the main temple complex in Phu Tho Province remains the most historically significant, several other Hung Kings temples across Vietnam allow locals to pay their respects closer to home. Some notable locations include:
- Hung Kings’ Temple in Da Lat: Highway 20, at the foot of Prenn Pass, Lam Dong Province
- Hung Kings’ Temple in Can Tho: Area 7, Binh Thuy ward, Binh Thuy district, Can Tho city
- Hung Kings’ Temple in Ho Chi Minh City: 2 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Hung Kings’ Temple in Ca Mau: Giao Khau hamlet, Tan Phu commune, Thoi Binh district, Ca Mau
How is the Hung King Festival Celebrated?
Hung King Festival Vietnam is devided into two main parts: ceremony and festivities.
Ceremony
The ceremony of Hung King Festival begins at dawn with the powerful echoes of bronze drums and gongs, creating a solemn atmosphere for prayers and incense offerings. The atmosphere comes alive as traditional Vietnamese lion and dragon dancers take center stage, their dynamic performances officially launching the ceremony.
Following these Vietnamese lion dance performances comes the grand Palanquin Procession, known as “Lễ Rước Kiệu.” Entire villages come together in a grand parade, with everyone from government officials to local families dressed in their finest traditional clothes. They move in perfect sync to ancient ceremonial music, carrying their most precious offerings in what becomes an absolutely mesmerizing display of Vietnamese culture and tradition.
Once the procession reaches the highest temple, another round of bronze drums signals the most sacred moment – the incense offering ritual, or “Lễ Dâng Hương.” In this solemn moment, elders, pilgrims, and state leaders gather to offer incense to the Hùng Kings and to Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ, the legendary ancestral parents of the Vietnamese people.
The ceremony reaches its peak with state officials delivering a tribute to the Hung Kings and officially declaring the start of the festivities.
For offerings, the local community prepares an impressive array of traditional dishes as offerings to the Hùng Kings, including:
- 18 pieces of Banh giay (crushed sticky rice pudding representing heaven) and 18 pieces of Banh chung (sticky rice cake symbolizing earth). There’s actually a beautiful story behind these – Prince Lang Lieu, whose father was Hung King VII, created these simple but meaningful dishes when challenged to make the perfect offering. Using just local rice, he showed that the most touching gifts don’t need to be fancy – they just need to come from the heart.
- Alongside these special cakes, the offering table is completed with a gorgeous spread of fresh fruits, aromatic incense, vibrant flowers, betel leaves, areca nuts, and other traditional Vietnamese delicacies.
Festivities
After the solemn ceremonies wrap up, the Hung Kings Temple Festival transforms into a lively celebration that is sure to make you want to join right in! The air fills with the sound of traditional music, including the hauntingly beautiful Xoan singing – a UNESCO-recognized art form that captures the essence of Vietnamese cultural heritage.
The festivities reach their peak as everyone joins in the traditional games. You’ll see young people laughing as they compete in blind-man’s buff, crowds cheering during intense tug-of-war matches, locals competing in banh chung and banh giay making contests, and perhaps the most entertaining of all – people splashing around trying to catch ducks and eels in the water. The whole atmosphere is filled with laughter and friendly competition!
Of course, no Vietnamese festival would be complete without amazing food. Local vendors line the pathways with stalls selling mouth-watering Vietnamese delicacies that’ll keep your energy up as you immerse yourself in all the festivities during the Hung Kings Temple Festival. Between the mouthwatering food, exciting games, and captivating performances, every moment is worth savoring.
Traveler’s Story: Mark from New Zealand called the eel-catching competition his highlight. “The festival’s spirit and joy surpassed any event I’ve experienced,” he shared. “I felt truly part of something special.”
Why the Hung King Festival is a Must-Experience Event
The Hung King Festival is truly something special – it beautifully weaves together Vietnam’s rich history, spiritual traditions, and festive energy into an unforgettable experience. If you’re looking to really understand Vietnamese culture, this is an event you won’t want to miss. From watching the mesmerizing incense ceremonies to joining in the fun of traditional games, every moment offers authentic insights into Vietnam’s cherished traditions and values.
Just ask Emma, who traveled from Canada to experience the festival firsthand. “I never expected to feel so welcomed,” she shared after joining a lively tug-of-war match. “One minute I was watching from the sidelines, the next I was right in the middle of the action, with locals cheering me on like family. It completely changed how I saw Vietnam and its people.”
So whether you’re a history buff, culture enthusiast, or simply someone who loves authentic travel experiences, the Hung King Festival offers something truly special. It’s your chance to witness Vietnam at its most genuine – a nation coming together to celebrate its roots in a way that’s both deeply moving and incredibly fun.
Essential Tips for Travelers
Planning to visit the Hung King Festival? Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your experience.
How to Get to Hung Kings Temple, Phu Tho Province
From Hanoi, the main gateway to Northern Vietnam, the Hung Kings Temple is easily accessible. Located about 80 kilometers from the capital, there are several convenient ways to reach the temple:
- By Bus: Regular buses depart from Hanoi’s Mỹ Đình Bus Station to Việt Trì City in Phú Thọ. Once there, you can take a local bus or motorbike taxi to the temple complex.
- By Train: While trains run from Hanoi Railway Station to Việt Trì City (2-3 hour journey), this option isn’t ideal as most services operate late at night. Local transport is available from the station to the temple.
- By Private Car or Taxi: For the most convenient option, hire a private car or taxi. The journey takes just 1.5 to 2 hours along National Highway 2.
Where to Stay during Hung Kings Temple Festival
Several accommodation options are available near the Hung Kings’ Temple, including upscale hotels such as the Mường Thanh Luxury Phú Thọ Hotel and Sai Gon Phú Thọ Hotel. For a more authentic experience, stay at one of the local homestays in nearby villages, where you can immerse yourself in traditional culture and enjoy delicious home-cooked Vietnamese cuisine.
Since Hanoi is just a short journey away, you can also base yourself there, where accommodation choices are plentiful, and make an early morning trip to the temple.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Best Times to Visit: The main festival activities occur on the 10th day of the third lunar month. Arriving a day or two earlier allows participation in preliminary events and better accommodation options.
- Dress Code: Opt for modest attire, covering shoulders and knees, especially during temple visits. Comfortable footwear is recommended due to the hilly terrain.
- Festival Etiquette: Maintain a respectful demeanor during ceremonies. Seek permission before photographing rituals or locals.
By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to experience the Hung Kings Temple Festival and the cultural richness of Vietnam. If you’re interested in other important traditions, don’t miss Tet Vietnamese New Year, the country’s most significant holiday filled with family gatherings, festive foods, and vibrant customs. For a broader look at national celebrations, explore the full list of Vietnam public holidays, each offering a unique glimpse into the country’s history and traditions.
The Hung King Festival represents the heart and soul of Vietnamese culture. It’s not just another holiday on the calendar – it’s a powerful celebration that honors Vietnam’s ancient origins while bringing people together in a remarkable display of national unity and tradition. For visitors lucky enough to experience it, the Hung Kings Temple Festival opens a unique window into Vietnamese’s soul, letting you dive deep into age-old customs and fascinating mythology that have shaped this nation for millennia.
Walking through the incense-filled temple grounds, you’ll be swept up in an atmosphere that’s truly magical. The sound of traditional songs fills the air, colorful ceremonies unfold before your eyes, and you can’t help but feel connected to Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.
So, if you’re thinking about a Vietnam tour, try to time your trip around this incredible festival. Step into history, embrace the spirit of the Vietnamese people, and be part of a tradition that continues to define a nation.
>> Best Offerings: Classic Vietnam – Starting from Hanoi – 10 Days 9 Nights!!
