Beyond admiring the temple’s ancient architecture, tourists are drawn to the gentle melodies of the đàn bầu, đàn nhị, and sáo mèo-folk instruments played by Thim himself as he recounts the temple’s long history and the victories of the Trần dynasty over the Mongol invaders.

Born and raised in Van Lam village, now part of Nam Hoa Lu ward in Ninh Binh, Thim has served as temple keeper for nearly 30 years.

He has used music as a language to share the legacy of the Trần kings and the cultural richness of Hoa Lu with both Vietnamese and international visitors.

“I never studied music formally,” he said. “When I was young, I learned by watching elders perform at village festivals. Later, I joined local troupes, playing traditional instruments and the Chinese horn. Over time, I became familiar with these sounds and made them my life’s passion.”

Driven by love for traditional instruments, Thim began crafting his own monochord and bamboo flutes.

As temple keeper, he eagerly welcomes visitors, teaching them how to play and appreciate these folk instruments.

His talent and warmth have become a signature feature of Thai Vi Temple, making it a must-visit destination in Ninh Binh.

“Many foreign visitors come to the temple after their tours at Van Long Lagoon, just to hear me play,” Thim shared. “Some groups returned multiple times before leaving Vietnam. I’ve also been invited to perform at cultural events promoting Vietnamese folk music.”

Visitors not only admire his musical skill but also his friendliness and ability to converse in basic French and English, which makes interactions even more endearing.

Many consider him a true cultural ambassador, bringing Vietnamese heritage closer to global audiences.

For Thim, the greatest joy lies in seeing younger generations develop a passion for folk music.

He fondly recalls his early days as an amateur guide, standing along the Ngo Dong River with a loudspeaker to introduce visitors to the temple and nearby sites such as Bich Dong Pagoda.

“My love for traditional instruments has been with me since my youth,” he said. “Folk music may sound simple, but it’s much harder to play than modern music because each instrument has its own rhythm and soul.”

A British visitor remarked, “Our group gathered around him, mesmerized by the sounds he created from such humble instruments. It was an unforgettable experience.”

In recognition of his lifelong dedication, UNESCO awarded Thim a certificate of appreciation for preserving heritage at Thai Vi Temple and teaching folk music through community classes.

He has also been honored as one of Vietnam’s exemplary temple guardians and has received multiple certificates of merit for his contributions to cultural preservation.

With his flowing white hair and beard, Thim’s gentle presence has even made its way to the screen.

He has portrayed characters such as an old scholar, a temple caretaker, and a village healer in films like Dinh Tien Hoang De and The Boat of Fate.

Thai Vi Temple itself was built in the 13th century on the former site of Vu Lam Palace, a strategic base during the Trần dynasty’s second war against the Mongols.

Today, both the temple and its devoted guardian continue to breathe life into Vietnam’s centuries-old heritage, resonating through the sound of the đàn bầu and the soft echo of bamboo flutes.