Ninh Binh’s unique Saint Tran procession

May 8, 2010

LookAtVietnam - Some 500 boats carried thousands of people to the Tran Temple in Ninh Binh on May 1 to attend the Saint Quy Minh Dai Vuong or Saint Tran Festival

The festival opened with a floating drum show.

500 boats carried palanquins, Saint Quy Minh Dai Vuong’s tablet plus thousands of visitors to the festival.

This is an annual event to commemorate Saint Quy Minh Dai Vuong, a legendary hero who drove out foreign invaders. The story reveals that Saint Quy Minh Dai Vuong was one of three brother-generals, later honored as saints for their contributions to defending the country under the eighteenth Hung Vuong king.

After nearly one hour on boats, the procession was divided into two groups. One continued the boat trip, the other climbed three mounts to reach Saint Tran temple.

They brought offerings, including steamed glutinous rice and roast pigs.

Saint Tran Temple is highly praised. It was built by King Dinh Tien Hoang in the 10th century. Ming Tran Thai Tong (13th century) became a monk there.

Saint Tran Temple is highly praised. It was built by King Dinh Tien Hoang in the 10th century. Ming Tran Thai Tong (13th century) became a monk there. The original wooden temple fell into ruin and the Tran dynasty rebuilt it. The stone pillars remain to this day.

The temple is located at a scenic spot in Trang An tourist site. On the way to the temple, visitors can see a “dry Ha Long Bay.”