Located just 4 kilometers from the center of Kiến Thụy District (Hải Phòng), right along a national highway, Mo Temple stands as a revered historical and cultural relic of the coastal city. It is not only a sacred spiritual destination but also a living witness to the history, traditions, and enduring faith of the local people across generations.
The Princess who chose a spiritual path
Mo Temple is dedicated to Princess Quỳnh Trân, daughter of King Trần Thánh Tông. She was a noblewoman of great virtue who made significant contributions to her homeland and the nation. According to the ancient record Ngọc phả chép về vị thượng đẳng thần triều Trần (Genealogy of the High Deity of the Trần Dynasty), in 1279, after abdicating the throne in favor of his son, King Trần Nhân Tông, the former king intended to arrange a marriage for his daughter. However, Princess Quỳnh Trân refused the royal life and chose instead to follow a spiritual path as a Buddhist nun.
In her search for a place to practice Buddhism, she arrived in Nghi Dương (now Ngũ Phúc Commune, Kiến Thụy District). Captivated by the land’s majestic landscape—mountains and rivers forming the shape of a bird in flight—she decided to build a small hermitage in 1284. There, she worshipped Buddha and later expanded the temple, cast bells, carved statues, and developed farmland to support the local community. Thanks to her efforts, Nghi Dương became a prosperous village.
To manage her growing estate and numerous servants, Princess Quỳnh Trân devised a unique system using wooden gongs (mõ) as signals. A temple drum signaled mealtime, while a gong from a nearby hall indicated tasks or emergencies. Even in times of danger, villagers would gather according to the sound of the gong. This practical innovation led locals to refer to the temple as "Chùa Mõ" (Mõ Pagoda) and the adjacent hall as "Quán Mõ" (Mõ Hall). After her passing, a temple was built beside the hermitage to honor her memory, and the name Mo Temple was born.
The Princess passed away in November of the year Mậu Thân (1288). Her body was returned to the capital for burial at Tư Phúc Pagoda. Emperor Trần Anh Tông issued a royal decree posthumously honoring her as “Trần Triều A Nương Thiên Thụy Quỳnh Trân Công chúa” and granted funds to establish a shrine in Nghi Dương. From then on, Mo Temple became a site of worship and remembrance.
Ancient architecture amidst tranquil nature
Mo Temple and the adjacent Gong Pagoda form a harmonious religious complex spanning over 12,700 square meters. The entrance features a serene pathway leading through a Tam Quan (Three-Entrance Gate), creating an atmosphere of sacred solemnity. Beside the temple stands a 700-year-old kapok tree, believed to have been planted by the princess herself, offering generous shade and spiritual significance.
The temple’s architecture consists of three main structures laid out in the traditional “Tiền nhất – Hậu đinh” (front rectangular hall – rear T-shaped layout). Visitors first enter the Five-bay Front Hall, followed by the Five-bay Central Worship Hall, and finally the Two-bay Rear Sanctuary, shaped like a pestle head. The buildings are interlinked and constructed with enduring materials like stone foundations, wooden columns, and clay roof tiles. The central section of the Front Hall is fitted with sturdy ironwood doors in a classic style, adding to the temple’s dignified and graceful appearance.
At the heart of the Rear Sanctuary rests a statue of Princess Quỳnh Trân, housed within a sacred altar. More than seven centuries have passed, yet the temple complex remains preserved in its original spirit, maintained by the faithful devotion of the local community.
Mo Temple Festival – A living cultural heritage
The Mo Temple Festival is held annually on the 12th day of the second lunar month, lasting three days. The event begins with an offering ceremony, during which locals recount the virtuous deeds and spiritual contributions of Princess Quỳnh Trân. This is followed by a large gathering of pilgrims and worshippers who come to pay their respects and participate in the festivities.
The festival includes a wide range of traditional activities: a ceremonial procession, village wrestling matches, human chess, cockfighting, and Tổ Tôm Điếm (a traditional Vietnamese card game). These lively events attract visitors from near and far, bringing vibrancy and cultural richness to the peaceful temple grounds.
Beyond entertainment, the festival serves as a cultural and spiritual bridge, preserving intangible cultural heritage while reinforcing the values of gratitude, patriotism, and community. It reflects the Vietnamese people's creativity, aesthetic sensibilities, and collective memory.
A place of reflection and cultural pride
Over generations, Mo Temple Festival has been preserved and passed down by the local community. It is not only a sacred ritual but also a vital form of communal cultural expression. Through it, villagers and visitors alike connect with their roots, rediscover spiritual values, and find inner peace.
The festival contributes meaningfully to the spiritual life of the people, offering both solemn ceremonies and joyful gatherings. It plays an essential role in honoring national heroes, cultural figures, and ancestors who helped shape and protect the nation.
Whether you are a believer, a history enthusiast, or a traveler seeking peace of mind, Mo Temple in Kiến Thụy is a must-visit destination. With its legendary past, architectural beauty, and warm community spirit, it offers an unforgettable experience for those who wish to explore Vietnam’s deep-rooted cultural and spiritual heritage.
When visiting Hải Phòng, take time to explore Mo Temple—a tranquil, sacred space where history, faith, and culture converge—bringing calm to the soul and connecting hearts with the legacy of a noble princess.