Spiritual tourist destinations in Nghe An attract visitors at the beginning of spring.

InCờn TempleIn Quynh Phuong ward (Hoang Mai town), during the first days of the new year, the crowds flocking to the temple grow larger and larger. Many families come in large groups, bringing solemn offerings to present to the deities, hoping for a peaceful and prosperous new year.

Ms. Nguyen Hoai Ngan (Vinh City) shared: "Every year, on the morning of the first day of Tet, my whole family goes to the Corn Temple. This is not only a traditional custom but also a way for us to express our reverence and pray for health, peace, and prosperity for the whole year."

Built during the Tran Dynasty, expanded during the Le Dynasty, and undergoing numerous renovations under the Nguyen Dynasty, Cờn Temple is renowned not only for its sacredness but also for its distinctive architecture, harmoniously blending the artistic styles of the late Le and early Nguyen Dynasties. The complex includes Cờn Inner Temple and Cờn Outer Temple, each possessing a unique, ancient, and majestic beauty. In 1993, Cờn Temple was recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Monument; in 2016, the Cờn Temple Festival was included in the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Along the entrance to the temple, hundreds of stalls selling souvenirs, fruits, and votive offerings bustled with buyers and sellers. The vendors happily reported that the number of visitors to the temple this year had increased compared to last year, making the business atmosphere even more vibrant. "At the beginning of the year, people usually don't haggle, and we also sell at the stated price, without forcing prices or overcharging, to ensure good fortune and prosperous business throughout the year," one vendor shared.

To ensure security and order, the management board of Cờn Temple has closely coordinated with relevant authorities, deployed personnel to guide visitors, installed security cameras, and arranged parking areas efficiently to avoid congestion. In particular, the Hoang Mai Town Police have planned traffic flow management and fire prevention measures, helping people feel safe during the Spring Festival and preparing for the Cờn Temple festival, which will take place from the 19th to the 21st of the first lunar month.

InOng Hoang Muoi TempleIn Hung Thinh commune, Hung Nguyen district, the atmosphere at the beginning of the year is equally bustling. Groups of visitors from all over the provinces and cities, especially from the North, flock to offer incense and worship. Among the crowds, Mr. Le Huu Trung (Hanoi) happily shared: "Every year, at the beginning of the year, I bring my family to Nghe An to visit the Ong Hoang Muoi Temple to pray for a prosperous new year, smooth career progress, and abundant wealth."

During this Lunar New Year season, the temple grounds are lavishly decorated, with miniature scenes depicting traditional Tet celebrations attracting many visitors who come to admire and take photos. Activities such as fortune-telling and writing prayers for good luck are also popular, with many people hoping for a peaceful and prosperous year.

According to representatives from the Ong Hoang Muoi Temple Management Board, thanks to favorable weather, thousands of people came to offer incense from New Year's Eve and the morning of the first day of Tet. The organization was meticulous, with guides stationed throughout the temple, making it easy for visitors to explore without overcrowding or congestion.

At the Quang Trung Emperor Temple on Dung Quyet Mountain (Trung Do Ward, Vinh City), on the third day of Tet (Lunar New Year), a long line of people went up to the temple to admire the scenery and light incense to commemorate the national hero.

Mr. Vu Hong Duc, Deputy Director of the Vinh City Center for Culture, Information and Communication and Head of the Management Board of the Quang Trung Emperor Temple, said: "We have made thorough preparations to welcome visitors starting from the 30th day of the Lunar New Year. In particular, a ceremony will take place on the 5th day of the Lunar New Year."Commemorating the Victory of Ngoc Hoi - Dong Da"This is one of the most important events at the temple, attracting thousands of attendees."

Visiting spiritual sites at the beginning of the year to pray for health, peace, and happiness for family and community is not only a long-standing cultural tradition but also an opportunity for each person to embrace noble spiritual values, promote goodness, and create optimism and enthusiasm from the first day of the new year.