Ap Lang Temple Festival

Ap Lang Temple Festival in Ninh Binh Time: January 6 of the lunar calendar  Ap Lang Temple Festival is one of the unique traditional festivals of Ninh Binh people, well known to tourists from all over. This is a quite famous festival of Ninh Binh province, attracting a large number of tourists regularly. This festival takes place on the 6th day of the first lunar month every year in Yen Pham village - Yen Lam commune - Yen Mo district. Ap Lang Chan Nhan Temple is the most important relic in the Than Phu estuary area because the object of worship in the temple is Ap Lang Chan Nhan, the god who calms the stormy waves of this estuary. The temple is located in Yen Pham village, Yen Lam commune. This is an ancient temple with simple architecture, like an ancient house. Than Phu gate was originally a dangerous sea gate located on the southern march route of the Vietnamese people, so it is associated with many thrilling legends in folklore and history books. Than Phu Cua today has been deposited by alluvium and has become a land located more than 10 km from the coast. Previously this area belonged to Ninh Binh province, under the Nguyen dynasty, a part was separated into Thanh Hoa province. Than Phu seaport is currently located on the Nha Le river, on the boundary between the two communes of Yen Lam, Yen Mo, Ninh Binh and Nga Dien, Nga Son, Thanh Hoa. The Than Phu area now belongs to the Can River basin, the river along with the Tam Diep mountain range is the boundary between Central and Northern Vietnam. According to Nam Ong Mong Luc, it is recorded that King Ly Thai Tong led his army to the South to attack Champa, but as soon as he reached Than Phu seaport, he encountered strong winds and fierce waves. The king stopped the storm and was fortunately helped by a magic priest, so this big wind was calmed. However, it was later reported that this Taoist passed away along the way. King Ly Thai Tong built a temple at the estuary and gave this Taoist the title "Ap Lang Chan Nhan".  When attending the Ap Lang temple festival, tourists from all over will have the opportunity to visit Tran Phu estuary, a sea estuary with important importance. Coming to see the festival, visitors will not only be able to admire the traditional rituals of the festival here, but also have the opportunity to enjoy photos of the mountains and blue waters of a land that has left a deep mark on its history. In addition, visitors can also enjoy traditional cultural and artistic programs of the people here.