Pho Hien, a historical site in Hung Yen Province, was a famous merchant port in Vietnam and a small historic town on the banks of the Red River.

There are also many famous relic sites in Pho Hien such as Hien pagoda, Chuong pagoda, and Mau Temple. Let’s visit Hung Yen province to explore more about the beauty of Pho Hien. 

Pho Hien is a historical site in Hung Yen Province, about 70 kilometers southeast of Hanoi.  

In the 16th to 18th centuries it was a famous merchant port in Vietnam and a small historic town on the banks of the Red River. 

The prosperous time of Pho Hien was associated with the golden time of trade between Vietnam, China and Japan. 

Mr Vu Van Thuan, Deputy Chairman of Huang Yen provincial People's Committee said, “Over the years, all relic sites needed to be restored and reinstated. These relics are all associated with one or another period of development of Pho Hien. The relic sites are also the highlights of architectural value of Pho Hien, which contributes to the development of the location in the past as well as Hung Yen city today.”

Pho Hien is famous for its unique architectural style, well-blended among Western, Chinese and Vietnamese architecture.   

Pho Hien area covers five square kilometers running from Dang Chau Hamlet in Lam Son Ward to Ne Chau Hamlet in Hong Chau Ward. Some famous relics in Pho Hien include Chuong pagodas, and Mau Temple. 

Other popular sites are Kim Chung, Huong Lang, Thai Lac, Ne Chau pagodas, Chu Dong Tu, Phuong Hoang, Dau An, and Da Hoa temples.

Xich Dang Literature Temple is located on a 6,000 – square – metre – land area in Xich Dang village, Lam Son ward, Hung Yen city. Van Mieu was built in the 20th year of King Minh Mang (1839). 

The Literature Temple is a symbol of the studious spirit and civilization of Hung Yen province. 

Mrs Nguyen Thi Hoa, Head of the presenter section said, “Xich Dang Literature Temple is the symbol of the studious spirit of Hung Yen province which attracts a great number of visitors all year around, especially on the occasion of the New Year. Many visitors are students who come here to pray for good health and good academic results. The most valuable items on display in Van Mieu are the stone stale inscribed with the names of distinguished scholars of Hung Yen, who had gained high positions at national examinations.”

Together with Xich Dang Literature Temple, Chuong Pagoda is one of the must-see places in the northern province of Hung Yen. 

Chuong (Bell) Pagoda, located in Nhan Duc Hamlet, Hien Nam Ward, Hung Yen Township, has another name of Kim Chung Tu. Built in the Le Dynasty (15th-17th century), this ancient temple is known as one of the top three destinations of Pho Hien. 

Mrs Nguyen Thi Lien, a presenter at the relic said, “Visitors to Chuong Pagoda are taught to live a good life, and not to do bad things. Chuong pagoda is endowed with poetic scenery and boasts a stone bridge spanning a lotus pond and statues of Arhats.”

Some pictures of remaining relics in Pho Hien:

VOV5/Zing