Co Be Then Temple – A Sacred Ancient Shrine in the Phia Oac Mountains
Nestled amid the mountains and forests of Phia Oac – Phia Den, where mist drapes the moss-covered woodlands year-round, a small shrine sits quietly among the trees. Locals call it Co Be Then Temple. There are no grand signs or crowded festivals, but for local people and visitors who have stopped by, it is a sacred place to be preserved and respected.
Where Is the Temple?
Co Be Then Temple is in Thanh Cong Commune (the former Nguyen Binh District), in the Phia Oac – Phia Den mountain region. In July 2025, the new Thanh Cong Commune was formed from the former Quang Thanh and Thanh Cong communes.
The Ancient Shrine Remains Untouched
According to staff at the national park and local residents, this ancient shrine is considered highly sacred. It has been preserved in its original condition, without renovation or reconstruction. Its simplicity creates a quiet, contemplative atmosphere that blends with the surrounding mountains and forests.
Who Is Co Be Then?
In the Vietnamese Mother Goddess religion, “Co Be” refers to young female immortals who serve the Mother Goddesses. The Co Be Thuong Ngan, in particular, serve Mother Goddess Thuong Ngan and are worshipped at temples and shrines throughout the mountainous areas of northern Vietnam. They are often named after the places where they reside.
Locals say the shrine is dedicated to Co Then, the female saint who watches over these mountains and forests. Many people come to pray, believing they have received her blessings.
A Land of Fairy Legends
Phia Oac has long been associated with stories of fairies. People in the Phia Den area say that a stone table on the summit of Phia Oac is where a celestial being plays chess, while a clear stream at the foot of the mountain is where fairies descend to bathe. Nearby, Vong Tien Cung Temple, built in 1939, is also linked to images of fairies.
Co Be Then Temple adds another piece to this spiritual landscape, making the Phia Oac mountains not only beautiful but also steeped in mystery.
How to Visit the Temple Respectfully
- Show reverence: Dress modestly, speak quietly, and avoid joking around in the temple grounds.
- Leave everything as you found it: The temple is preserved in its original condition. Do not move or touch any offerings or worship objects.
- Clean up after your visit: Take all rubbish, leftover votive paper, and water bottles with you.
- Take care with fire: This is a protected forest area. After lighting incense, make sure no embers could start a fire, especially during the dry season.
- Go with others: This remote mountain forest is quiet and secluded, so go with someone you know or ask a local to guide you.
Explore Phia Oac – Phia Den on the Same Trip
- Phia Oac Summit (1,931 m): Watch the clouds roll by and admire winter frost.
- Vong Tien Cung Temple: An ancient shrine built in 1939, with Chinese couplets.
- Phia Den Red Villa: Ruins of a former French-era resort.
- Ban Phuong Bamboo Forest: A lush bamboo forest at an altitude of over 1,000 meters.
Final Thoughts
Co Be Then Temple is not a place for noisy photo check-ins. It is somewhere to pause, light a stick of incense, and listen to the stillness of the Phia Oac mountains. Visit with respect and leave no trace, so this ancient shrine can continue to be preserved as it has been for generations.
