Nguyễn Oanh

Tourists visiting the northern province of Lai Chau will be greeted with fresh air, beautiful natural scenery and the lively culture of 20 ethnic groups. For those who are interested in exploring historical sites, the Temple of Emperor Le Lợi is highly recommended.

The temple is located 110km southwest of Lai Chau City, in Le Lợi and Pu Đao communes in Nậm Nhìn District.

The temple was constructed in 2012 to pay tribute to the national hero – Le Lợi or Emperor Le Thai Tổ (1385-1433), who led the Lam Sơn uprising against the Ming invaders between 1418 to 1427. It is located on a high location from which visitors can admire the view in four directions. Inside the complex is a precious national relic, the Emperor Le Lợi stele.

The stele was carved from the Pu Huổi Chỏ Cliff on the north bank of the Đa River, as requested by the Emperor in December 1431. It records Le Lợi's command of his armies to quell the rebellion in the northwest region of the country, to preserve the national victory for eternity.

“The stele engraved with the inscription of Emperor Le Lợi remains to this day an extremely valuable cultural heritage of the people of Lai Chau,” said Vũ Phong Oanh, a member of the management board of the spiritual site.

When the Sơn La hydroelectric power plant was constructed in 2005, the inscription of the Emperor was relocated to avoid being flooded. In 2012, it was moved to within the complex, 500 metres from the former location.

The Le Lợi Emperor stele was recognised as a national historical relic in 1981 and national treasure at the end of 2016. The temple was also ranked as a national historical relic by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in early 2017.

According to historians, the stele is a unique artefact that is completely different from previously discovered items. It contains highly significant historical values and is also considered a cultural masterpiece of the national hero.

Tourist attraction

Today, the Temple of Emperor Le Lợi has become not only a place for Lai Chau people to remember the national hero but also a venue for local cultural and spiritual activities.

In the early days of the year, many tourists from all over the country visit the historical site to contemplate the national treasure, the Le Lợi stele, and to learn about the Emperor, who was a smart and talented military leader in Viet Nam’s history. Visitors also wish for good health and prosperity in the new year.

“I was deeply impressed with the masterpiece of the past and am also proud of the merits of our ancestors. The temple is surrounded by peaceful natural scenery and a spectacular view which took my breath away,” said Nguyễn Phương Hoa, a tourist from Ha Noi.

In recent years, local authorities have arranged tours to the historical complex and nearby villages to attract more visitors. Participants of the tours, after paying a visit to Emperor Le Lợi Complex, can explore the cultures of the local ethnic groups living by the hydropower reservoir.

The construction of the Lai Chau hydropower plant has brought people there a new source of living. Sailing from towards Chang Village, Le Lợi Commune, tourists can see villagers fishing with huge cages or harvesting nets full of fish.

Many traditional festivals have also been restored as the living standard has been improved, such as the swallowtail boat racing festival and the Temple of Emperor Le Lợi Festival at the beginning of the year.

Thai people in Chang Village still retain their cultural identity, which can be seen by the stilt houses with stone roofs, xòe dances and traditional cuisine that every tourist must try.

From Temple of Emperor Le Lợi, tourists can also visit another historical destination – ruins of King Đeo Văn Long's palace (1887-1975), governor of Lai Chau Province, who used to rule 12 Thai lands.

According to Mao Viet Hoa, chairman of the People's Committee of Le Lợi Commune, the preservation of the Thai traditional dances, games and dishes have been strongly promoted within the locality as unique treats for tourists from all over the country.

“The commune focuses on upholding cultural values associated with tourism development, connecting more community cultural tourist sites with the Temple of Emperor Le Lợi Complex, to create more attractive tours,” he added. — VNS