Temple of Prince Nung Tri Cao – home of the Soc Giang Spring Festival and a 300-year-old tree
In the peaceful hamlet of Coc Vuong in the remote borderlands of Ha Quang, a small temple sits beneath the broad canopy of an ancient tree. For generations, the people of Soc Ha have burned incense here to honor Prince Nung Tri Cao, an 11th-century Tay leader. Every year on the ninth day of the first lunar month, people from across the region flock here for the Soc Giang Festival, praying for favorable weather and a bountiful harvest.
Where is the temple?
Nung Tri Cao Temple is in Coc Vuong Hamlet, in the former Soc Ha Commune (Ha Quang District). In July 2025, Soc Ha Commune was merged with Xuan Hoa Town, Quy Quan Commune and Truong Ha Commune to form the new Truong Ha Commune.
The temple is part of a sightseeing route through northern Cao Bang. After visiting the heritage sites in Hoa An and the Keo Yen Valley, travelers can stop at Nung Tri Cao Temple in Coc Vuong. It is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and admission is free.
Nung Tri Cao – a hero in the hearts of the Tay and Nung people
Nung Tri Cao (1025–1055) was a Tay leader and a historical figure associated with the former Quang Nguyen region during the reign of Ly Thai Tong. According to Dai Viet Su Ky Toan Thu (Complete Annals of Dai Viet), he was the son of Nung Ton Phuc, leader of Thang Do District, and Lady A Nung.
His life was shaped by the upheavals that swept the borderlands in the 11th century. The Ly dynasty appointed him local chief of Quang Nguyen, later elevating him to the rank of Thai Bao and granting him the seal of Do Tuong to govern a vast area along Dai Viet’s frontier.
After his death, King Ly mourned him and ordered the people to build a temple in his honor, bestowing on him the title of Great King Khau Sam. Later dynasties added further honorific titles, praising him as a great king who served the people, brought peace and defended the realm.
Temples dedicated to Nung Tri Cao were built in several parts of Cao Bang, including Hoa An, Ha Quang, Thong Nong and Quang Uyen. The people honor him not only as a hero but also as a deified agricultural guardian who protects their crops.
The temple’s history
According to Cao Bang Newspaper, Nung Tri Cao Temple in Coc Vuong Hamlet was built in 1889. It originally stood on Yen Ngua Mountain (Phja Tang), about 500 meters east of its current location.
The temple visitors see today is the result of several rounds of restoration and renovation:
- 2001: Residents of Soc Ha Commune restored and rebuilt the temple.
- 2010: Local authorities, agencies and benefactors funded construction of the rear sanctuary.
- 2011: The provincial People’s Committee recognized the temple as a provincial-level historical and cultural site (Decision No. 2821/QD-UBND-VX, dated December 26, 2011).
- 2014: Further investment funded the main worship hall and several other structures within the grounds.
A 300-year-old tree – a witness to history
One of the temple’s most distinctive features is an ancient tree estimated to be around 300 years old, recognized as a Vietnam Heritage Tree. A living witness to history, it has stood through the ages and seen the many changes that have shaped Ha Quang.
Standing beneath its old canopy and looking at the small temple through the incense smoke, you can sense the enduring bond between the local people, their homeland and the great king they revere.
The Soc Giang Festival – ninth day of the first lunar month
Nung Tri Cao’s death anniversary falls on the ninth day of the first lunar month, the same day as the Soc Giang Festival. Each year, residents and visitors from near and far come to celebrate the spring, join the festivities and pray for good fortune, prosperity and peace.
Rituals: On the morning of the ninth day, local officials and residents offer incense at the temple, praying for favorable weather and a bountiful harvest.
Festivities: Cultural performances celebrate the homeland, alongside folk games and sports such as con ball throwing, tug-of-war, Chinese chess and volleyball.
If you visit Ha Quang in early spring, this is a wonderful chance to experience the rich Tay and Nung festival traditions.
Following in the Footsteps of Nung Tri Cao in Cao Bang
- Ky Sam Temple (Ban Ngan, Nung Tri Cao Ward): the largest temple dedicated to Nung Tri Cao in Cao Bang, a nationally recognized historic site, with its festival held on the 10th day of the first lunar month.
- Ba Hoang Temple (Na Can): dedicated to A Nung, Nung Tri Cao’s mother.
- Nung Tri Cao Temple (Quang Uyen Commune): associated with the festival featuring a contest to grab the firecracker head, a nationally recognized intangible cultural heritage.
Explore More Around Truong Ha
- Km 0 milestone on the Ho Chi Minh Road.
- Kim Dong Historic Site in Na Ma Village.
- Keo Yen Valley and the “hanging valley” area of Soc Giang.
Visiting the Temple
- Dress respectfully and help preserve the temple’s solemn atmosphere.
- Do not climb or break branches, or carve into the heritage crocodile tree.
- The festival draws large crowds, so arrive early and park in designated areas.
- Ask the temple caretaker before photographing the altar.
Conclusion
Coc Vuong Temple, dedicated to Nung Tri Cao, is modest in size, yet carries nearly a thousand years of reverence among the Tay and Nung people for the great lord of the ancient Quang Nguyen region. Stand beneath the 300-year-old crocodile tree and listen to the festival gongs in Soc Giang, and you’ll see that history lives not only in books but also in the daily life of people in this remote borderland.
