About Phu Day Complex
Phu Day Complex is a major religious and historical complex in Kim Thai Commune, Vu Ban District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. Dedicated to Princess Lieu Hanh, one of Vietnam's Four Immortals, it comprises around 20 monuments including Phu Tien Huong, Phu Van Cat and Lang Kim Thai. Recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Relic in 1975, it is the principal centre of Mother Goddess worship (Dao Mau) and is famous for its annual spring festival.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a sprawling complex of temples, shrines, pagodas and mausoleums set in a rural village landscape in Kim Thai. The main structures include Phu Tien Huong, Phu Van Cat and Lang Kim Thai, featuring traditional Vietnamese temple architecture with curved roofs, wooden pillars, lacquered altars and statues of Princess Lieu Hanh and the Mother Goddesses. Courtyards, gates and lotus ponds connect the sites. Visitors can observe worship activities, incense offerings, votive rituals and explore decorated halls and historical steles.
Key highlights
- 01
Phu Tien Huong - the main temple dedicated to Princess Lieu Hanh
- 02
Phu Van Cat - important temple within the complex with historic architecture
- 03
Lang Kim Thai - mausoleum and memorial area associated with Princess Lieu Hanh
- 04
Centre of Mother Goddess worship (Dao Mau) recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
- 05
Annual Phu Day Festival held in the 3rd lunar month with processions and folk performances
- 06
Traditional Vietnamese temple architecture with wood carvings, altars and ancient steles
History of Phu Day Complex
The complex is dedicated to Princess Lieu Hanh (1557-1577), one of the Four Immortals in Vietnamese folk belief. Initial construction is associated with the Le Dynasty and the complex was expanded and restored through the Nguyen Dynasty. It was designated a National Historical and Cultural Relic in 1975 and preserves numerous historical steles, altars and architectural elements reflecting several centuries of development.
Culture & Context
Phu Day is the most important centre of Mother Goddess worship (Dao Mau - Tho Mau Lieu Hanh), a belief system recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is a major pilgrimage destination for followers of Dao Mau and hosts the Phu Day Festival in the 3rd lunar month, featuring processions, chau van singing, folk games and rituals honoring Princess Lieu Hanh.