Ngoc Son Temple

You are now standing at the entrance to Ngoc Son Temple, right where visitors buy tickets to cross over to Jade Island. Before you go in, take a moment to look around. This temple isn’t just a place of worship — it brings together many symbols of Vietnam’s history and culture. Its name, Ngoc Son, means “Jade Mountain,” and it was extensively redesigned in the nineteenth century by the scholar Nguyen Van Sieu, who designed it as a journey of learning and reflection. Inside, you’ll see different traditions coming together: the temple honors Van Xuong, the god of literature and learning. Tran Hung Dao, a national hero who repelled the Mongol invasions in the thirteenth century, and the Buddha Amitabha. You’ll also notice a special link to Hoan Kiem Lake: giant turtles, mythical figures tied to the founding legend of Hanoi and the sacred sword returned to the gods. Today, Ngoc Son Temple continues to welcome people who come to pray, honor past heroes, or simply enjoy a quiet moment.