About Bac Le Temple
Nestled beneath the lush old-growth forest canopy of Tân Thành Commune, Hữu Lũng District, Bắc Lệ Temple is a sacred destination that attracts thousands of visitors annually. Situated atop a high hill amidst pristine and tranquil nature, the temple is not only a place for spiritual faith but also a cultural heritage rich in Vietnamese identity.
Built in the late 19th century, the temple is dedicated to Chúa Thượng Ngàn — a holy mother figure in the Vietnamese Tam Phủ belief system. Featuring traditional wooden architecture, gracefully curved tiled roofs, and intricate dragon and phoenix carvings, Bắc Lệ Temple exudes solemnity and antiquity. From the temple gate to the main sanctuary, winding green stone steps carved into the hillside evoke a sacred atmosphere from the very first step.
Bac Le Communal Temple – Returning to the Spiritual Roots of the Vietnamese People
"As the saying goes, anyone who undergoes the spirit medium ritual must, at least once, perform the Hau Dong ceremony at Bac Le Temple."
Located in Bac Le Village, Tan Thanh Commune, Huu Lung District, Lang Son Province, Bac Le Temple is one of the three largest temples dedicated to the Mother Goddess of the Forest (Mau Thuong Ngan) in northern Vietnam. It is also the main temple for worshiping Chau Be Bac Le, a revered spirit in the Four Palaces (Tu Phu) belief system of Vietnam’s Mother Goddess worship. Bac Le Temple is a sacred site in the mountainous borderlands of Lang Son and holds an important place in the spiritual life of the local people.
History of Bac Le Temple
According to historical records, Bac Le Temple dates back to the 16th or 17th century. In the hearts of the people of Lang Son, the temple honors Mau Thuong Ngan, the Second Mother in the Three Palaces, who governs the realms of forests and mountains. Legend has it that she was the daughter of Saint Tan Vien and My Nuong. During the Le Loi resistance against foreign invaders at Chi Lang Pass, she appeared in the form of a torch to guide Vietnamese troops to safety. After the victory, King Le Loi built Bac Le Temple to commemorate her divine assistance.
Architecture of Bac Le Temple
Originally, the temple was a small shrine. After a fire destroyed it, the locals rebuilt it into a traditional three-room structure with three main altars: the First Altar, the Second Altar, and the Sacred Third Altar. The temple architecture carries influences from traditional Chinese wood carving styles.
Despite several renovations, the temple has retained its traditional appearance. Today, in addition to the main hall, there are several auxiliary worship areas. A small, 10-square-meter room in front of the temple is dedicated to Chau Be Bac Le. To the front left of the temple’s main entrance, there is an outdoor altar to the Five Tiger Gods.
Although many original relics have been lost, the temple still preserves some ancient artifacts and has received new offerings from devotees. Currently, the temple houses 19 wooden statues, brightly colored ceremonial curtains, two stone steles, and many horizontal lacquered boards with inscriptions.
The Mother Goddess Worship at Bac Le Temple
Like other temples dedicated to the Mother Goddess, Bac Le Temple worships the Council of Deities, the Four Palaces, and all the divine spirits associated with the four realms of the universe. However, the temple places special emphasis on deities connected with the local region, such as Mau Thuong Ngan, Chau Be, and Co Be—spirits believed to grant wealth and vitality from the mountains. According to local belief, Chau Be, who is believed to have lived in Bac Le, now serves as a representative of the Mother Goddess carrying out her divine missions.
Main Festival of Bac Le Temple
The main annual festival takes place in the ninth lunar month, featuring traditional rituals such as the throne bathing ceremony, the main feast offering, and the deity procession. During the festival, people collect water from a spring to ritually cleanse the statue of Mau De Nhat Thuong Ngan and the throne of the Jade Emperor.
The festival is an occasion for locals and visitors to pray for prosperity, good fortune, and peace for their families and crops. Among the various ceremonies, the Hau Dong ritual (spirit mediumship) is especially captivating and attracts many devotees and curious visitors.
Tourist Attractions Around Bac Le Temple
From Bac Le Temple, visitors can also explore other spiritual and historical sites in Huu Lung District, such as Suoi Ngang Temple (Pho Vi Commune), Co Be Voi Xo Temple (Hoa Thang Commune), Quan Giam Sat Temple (Hoa Lac Commune), Chau Nam Temple (Chi Lang Town), and Dong Dang Temple (Lang Son City).
Despite the changes of history, Bac Le Temple remains a tranquil and sacred place where visitors can find peace and spiritual connection. If you visit Lang Son, be sure to visit and experience the sacred atmosphere of Bac Le Communal Temple nestled in the mountains.
For more information about offerings, remote prayer requests, registering for Hau Dong ceremonies, or special rituals, please visit our website: denbacle.com or contact us directly via phone at: 034.909.0000
Visitor Guide
📍 Address & Map
Location: Bac Le Temple of the Holy Council, Tan Thanh Commune, Huu Lung District, Lang Son Province, Vietnam.
Directions from Hanoi:
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By coach: Depart from My Dinh or Gia Lam bus station to Lang Son. Get off at Huu Lung Town, then take a motorbike taxi or regular taxi to the temple.
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By private car: Take the Hanoi – Lang Son Expressway (National Route 1A), exit at Huu Lung → follow the road to Tan Thanh Commune → Bac Le Temple.
Note: The road leading to the temple includes steep slopes. Please ensure your vehicle is in good condition before traveling.
🕰️ Opening Hours
Hours: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Peak Days:
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Full Moon days and the 1st day of each lunar month
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The main festival takes place in the 9th lunar month, lasting several days and attracting large numbers of pilgrims from all over.
📌 Temple Etiquette
Dress Code:
Dress respectfully and modestly. Avoid shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless tops.
Behavior Guidelines:
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No smoking, foul language, or loud behavior.
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Do not touch or tamper with sacred objects.
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Refrain from filming or taking photos in restricted areas.
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Only burn incense at designated locations.
Prayers & Rituals
- Offerings guide: Suggested offerings for love, fortune, and good health.
- Prayer texts: Traditional prayers to Mẫu Thượng Ngàn and for peace and blessings.
- Ritual practices: Order of offerings and incense rituals.
News & Events
Photos & Videos
Visitor Reflections & Experiences
“The moment I stepped through the temple gate, I felt a pure and tranquil energy. It calmed my soul and brought an unusual sense of peace.”
“Cong Dong Bac Le Temple features traditional architecture with moss-covered tiled roofs and intricately carved wooden pillars. I felt as if I had been transported back to a sacred time in the past.”
“I was fortunate to visit on the day of a Mother Goddess ceremony. The solemn atmosphere, accompanied by deep, majestic ceremonial music, moved me to tears.”
“I was kindly guided by the locals on how to pray and arrange offerings properly. Everyone was warm, hospitable, and sincerely shared their spiritual knowledge.”
Offering Preparation & Spirit Medium Services
Offering preparation services:
- Tailored offerings for love, prosperity, and health.
- Standard and premium offering sets.
- Pre-ordering options to save time.
Spirit medium (hầu đồng) services:
- Rituals conducted at Bac Le Temple.
- Assistance in selecting auspicious dates and organizing the ceremony.
- Connections with experienced spirit mediums and ceremonial musicians.
Contact for booking services:
- Hotline: 034.909.0000
- Zalo/Viber: 034.909.0000
- On-site booking location at the temple.
Contact & Contributions
Contact details for the temple management board.
- Address: Bac Le Village, Tan Thanh Commune, Huu Lung District, Lang Son Province, Vietnam
- Hotline: 034.909.0000
- Email: [email protected]
Instructions on making merit donations and supporting temple restoration.
Step 1: Research and verify information
Check the exact location, purpose of the restoration, and the organization leading the call (such as the temple management board, religious council, etc.). Give priority to transparent and official information sources (announcement boards, official websites, verified fan pages, etc.).
Step 2: Contribute through money, goods, or labor
You may donate directly at the temple, via bank transfer, or by offering materials or labor. Always clearly state your full name and purpose of the donation (for bank transfers, use the format: “Offering + Full Name”).
Step 3: Record and spread the merit
Keep receipts, photos, or bank statements as proof of contribution. Dedicate the merit to your family and share your good deeds to inspire and spread blessings.
Please enter your contact information. The temple management board will respond promptly. Thank you very much!