Built in the 10th century, Duyen Ninh Pagoda, also known as Thu Pagoda, is a small ancient temple affectionately called the “love prayer pagoda.” It stands quietly at the foot of a limestone mountain within the Trang An World Heritage complex in Chi Phong hamlet, Tay Hoa Lu ward, Ninh Binh.

Located to the west of the ancient Hoa Lu capital and facing northeast, the pagoda complex includes the main hall, ancestral house, guest quarters, dining hall and towers.

Legend has it that Duyen Ninh Pagoda was once frequented by princesses of the Dinh and Early Le dynasties. It was here that Princess Le Thi Phat Ngan, daughter of King Le Dai Hanh, and Ly Cong Uan pledged their love before giving birth to Ly Phat Ma in 1000, who later became King Ly Thai Tong. After suppressing the rebellion of Khai Quoc Vuong, King Ly Thai Tong renamed the temple Duyen Ninh.

In her later years, Queen Phat Ngan, the first empress of the Ly dynasty, returned to the pagoda to practice Buddhism and tend to the tomb of her father, King Le Dai Hanh. Folklore holds that she helped unite many couples, and from then on Duyen Ninh became known as the pagoda for love prayers in the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.

In addition to worshipping Buddha, the pagoda honors deities such as Ong To and Ba Nguyet, Kim Hoa Thanh Mau - the folk goddess overseeing childbirth - as well as renowned 10th-century monks including Phap Thuan, Khuong Viet and Van Hanh.

Over the years, the pagoda has attracted large numbers of visitors and Buddhists, earning its reputation as one of Vietnam’s most famous temples for praying for love.

After a millennium, most of its original architecture has faded. Situated between two well-known tourist sites, Trang An and Bai Dinh Pagoda, Duyen Ninh is widely recognized, especially among young people seeking good fortune in romance.

According to VietNamNet reporters, in the early days of the Binh Ngo Lunar New Year 2026, many young visitors and Buddhists came to Duyen Ninh Pagoda to offer incense, pray for love and wish for children.

Nguyen Van T., a resident of Ninh Binh visiting with his girlfriend, shared: “I heard that Duyen Ninh Pagoda is famous for love blessings, so we came here during our spring outing to pray that our relationship will grow stronger.”