Giám Temple

About

Giám Temple is associated with the Zen master and renowned physician Tuệ Tĩnh and is a notable monument of the historic eastern region, xứ Đông. Its outstanding feature is a wooden Nine Grades of Lotus tower, a national treasure demonstrating traditional Buddhist craftsmanship and art.

Visitor information

Founded

Monument records trace its origins to the Lý period; the temple was expanded during the Later Lê period.

Visiting hours

Visiting hours may vary with the temple's daily religious schedule. Please contact the temple before your visit.

Fees

No fee has been confirmed by the temple. Please check the information posted on arrival; outside services may be charged separately.

Address

Thôn 2, xã Cẩm Giang, thành phố Hải Phòng; thuộc địa bàn Cẩm Giàng, tỉnh Hải Dương trước đây.

Highlights

• ✓The Nine Grades of Lotus tower was recognised as a national treasure in 2015.
• ✓A monument associated with Zen master and physician Tuệ Tĩnh.
• ✓Part of the special national monument complex of Đền Xưa – Giám Temple – Đền Bia.

History and origins

Local materials state that the temple once stood outside the dyke beside the Thái Bình River, underwent major restoration in the 17th century and was moved to its present location in the 1970s. Giám Temple, Đền Xưa and Đền Bia were jointly designated a special national monument in 2017. Recent restoration began in late 2023 and included conservation of the Nine Grades of Lotus tower.

Architecture & surroundings

The temple follows a layout with an inner arrangement resembling the character 工 and an outer enclosure resembling 國, incorporating a three-entrance gate, worship halls, corridors and the lotus-tower hall. The wooden Nine Grades of Lotus tower has nine tiers and a hexagonal plan, decorated with lotus petals, Buddha statues and many carved details. Its axial mechanism is a technical feature, but visitors must not interfere with it or attempt to rotate the treasure. Some load-bearing parts were replaced during recent conservation.

Cultural value

The temple commemorates Tuệ Tĩnh and is associated with Vietnamese traditional medicine and service to the community. Recognised as a national treasure in 2015, the Nine Grades of Lotus tower has exceptional artistic and Buddhist historical value.

Events & festivals

Giám Temple's traditional festival in 2026 opened on 1/4, with commemorative rites, incense offerings and cultural activities honouring Zen master Tuệ Tĩnh. Future years' dates should be checked with the monument management body's announcements before visiting.