To introduce the unique cultural value of Vietnam’s Mother Goddess Worship to both domestic and international visitors, and to add a new cultural tourism product for Hanoi, many international tour operators recently joined a special fam trip on September 9 to Phu Tien Huong (Tien Huong Palace) in Phu Cat Commune, Hanoi.
Tien Huong Palace – A vibrant spiritual and cultural space
Tien Huong Palace was built by artisan and Doctor Nguyen Duc Hien, a scholar and practitioner of Mother Goddess Worship, starting in 2013 and completed after three years. The palace is dedicated to the deities of the Four Palaces pantheon, with Mother Lieu Hanh as the central figure. Inspired by the traditional “Dinh”-shaped architectural layout, Dr. Hien designed a sacred yet welcoming space, consisting of the main temple and two side houses dedicated to deities, village tutelary gods, and ancestors.
.png "Visitors and representatives of travel companies explored the spiritual space of Tien Huong Palace in Hanoi.")
Visitors and representatives of travel companies explored the spiritual space of Tien Huong Palace in Hanoi.
The main hall has two levels: the ground floor serves as both a reception area and a display space for spiritual artifacts, while the upper floor houses the five altars decorated with traditional carved panels, parallel sentences, and intricate “cua vong” (carved ritual archways). In January 2024, the Vietnam Record Organization recognized Tien Huong Palace as the Mother Goddess worship site with the most unique system of “cua vong” decorated with motifs of celestial beings, deities, and saints. Earlier, in October 2023, the palace was acknowledged by the Vietnam Federation of UNESCO Associations as a Spiritual Cultural Heritage Site.
During the fam trip, participants not only admired the beautiful architecture but also experienced a live hau dong ritual (spirit mediumship) with two sessions featuring both male and female deities, performed by Dr. Nguyen Duc Hien himself. He also gave bilingual (Vietnamese-English) presentations about the history, significance, and artistic beauty of Mother Goddess Worship, helping visitors gain a deeper understanding of chau van music – the soul of the ritual – and its cultural and social value.
Bringing the heritage closer to international visitors
According to Dr. Nguyen Duc Hien, since the Practice of the Worship of the Mother Goddesses of the Three Realms was inscribed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, international interest in this tradition has grown significantly. He hopes that Tien Huong Palace will not only be a place of worship but also a cultural space for students, researchers, and international travelers to learn and experience this unique Vietnamese heritage. For him, Mother Goddess Worship is not only a spiritual practice but also a way to educate people about gratitude, compassion, and the aspiration for goodness.
Potential to become a unique tourism product
Mr. Nguyen Duc Hanh, CEO of All Asia Vacation, noted that more and more international visitors are eager to explore the deeper cultural roots of Vietnam, and Tien Huong Palace is the perfect choice. Its convenient location, just about an hour’s drive from downtown Hanoi, and Dr. Hien’s deep knowledge and fluency in foreign languages make it easy to design half-day or full-day tours that offer meaningful, immersive experiences.
.png "Artisan Nguyen Duc Hien introduced the exhibition space on the first floor of Tien Huong Palace.")
Artisan Nguyen Duc Hien introduced the exhibition space on the first floor of Tien Huong Palace.
Ms. Nguyen Van Anh, Director of Ho Dong Duong Travel, agreed, adding that many repeat visitors to Vietnam are looking for experiences that highlight local cultural identity. Tien Huong Palace, with its proximity to Hanoi, can be an ideal stop that enriches Hanoi city tours or can be combined with visits to other landmarks to create a well-rounded travel experience.
.png "As a spirit medium and artisan, Nguyen Duc Hien presented the traditional costumes used in hau dong rituals.")
As a spirit medium and artisan, Nguyen Duc Hien presented the traditional costumes used in hau dong rituals.
One of the most inspiring examples of this heritage’s appeal is the story of German traveler Isabel Weitschies. After witnessing a hau dong ritual for the first time, she was captivated by its sacred yet joyful atmosphere. The more she learned, the more passionate she became, eventually completing her Master’s program on Vietnam’s Mother Goddess Worship and now continuing her Ph.D. research on the subject.
Spreading heritage - Connecting past and present
The visit to Tien Huong Palace demonstrates that Mother Goddess Worship is not only an important part of Vietnamese spiritual life but also has great potential to become a unique cultural tourism product that helps promote Vietnam’s image worldwide. It is also an ideal place to educate the younger generation about gratitude, filial piety, and moral values - essential elements in preserving and promoting Vietnam’s cultural identity.
Suggested combination with Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort
After immersing yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of Tien Huong Palace, continue your journey to Mai Chau to enjoy the serene beauty of the Northwestern mountains. Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort, nestled on the shores of Hoa Binh Lake, is a perfect retreat to unwind after a day of cultural exploration.
Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort
Here, you can relax in lake-view bungalows, savor authentic local cuisine, and take part in activities such as cycling through ethnic villages, kayaking on the lake, or watching the sunset over the water. This combination of cultural discovery and nature-based relaxation promises a truly complete and unforgettable travel experience.
