Phú Thọ: Birthplace of the Vietnamese Nation — Hùng Kings Temple & Xoan Singing Heritage

Where Vietnam Began

According to Vietnamese legend, the nation was born here. The Hùng Kings (Vua Hùng) founded the first Vietnamese state — Văn Lang — in Phú Thọ province around 2879 BC. Whether historical fact or founding myth, this origin story is central to Vietnamese identity. Every year on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month, millions of Vietnamese make a pilgrimage to the Đền Hùng (Hùng Kings Temple) to honor their ancestral founders.

Hùng Kings Temple Complex

Set atop Nghĩa Lĩnh Mountain, this UNESCO-inscribed temple complex comprises four temples at ascending elevations, each more sacred than the last. The climb through ancient forest to the uppermost temple — where incense smoke curls into the canopy and pilgrims leave offerings of sticky rice cakes (bánh chưng) and fruit — is one of Vietnam’s most spiritually moving experiences.

Hát Xoan (Xoan Singing) — UNESCO Intangible Heritage

Hát Xoan is one of Vietnam’s oldest performing arts, dating back to the Hùng Kings era. This ritual singing, performed during spring festivals, combines song, dance, and poetry in praise of nature, agriculture, and love. In 2011, UNESCO recognized Hát Xoan as Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. Visitors to Phú Thọ can witness Xoan performances at the Kim Đức and An Thái communal houses during festival season (January–March, lunar calendar).

Giỗ Tổ Hùng Vương Festival

The annual Hùng Kings Commemoration Festival (Giỗ Tổ Hùng Vương) is the only national ancestor worship festival in the world. Held over a week in the third lunar month, it features solemn ceremonies, traditional games (crossbow shooting, rice cooking competitions), Xoan singing performances, and a colorful procession of offerings up the mountain. The 10th day is a national holiday.