Ngoc Than Communal House worship the first king of Vietnam

The Ngoc Than Communal House takes its name from Ngoc Than Village, now part of Ngoc My Commune in Quoc Oai District, Hanoi.

Situated near Quoc Oai Town, the village lies about 20 kilometers west of central Hanoi.

Constructed in the 18th century with elements dating back to the 17th century, the communal house features a traditional Nhi (二) design, consisting of the Tien te (front hall) and Dai dinh (main hall) positioned parallel to each other. The site includes a well, a courtyard, stone steles on both sides and ancient trees.

The communal house is dedicated to Ly Bi and Pham Tu, whose stories are preserved in the sacred texts housed there.

Ly Bi, a revered national hero, led a victorious uprising against the Liang dynasty's domination. He ascended the throne in 544, adopting Thien Duc and naming the nation Van Xuan (thousands of spring).

Pham Tu, a prominent general under Ly Bi, rallied the villagers of Ngoc Than for battle, earning recognition for his significant contributions and the title of Thai su (Grand Chancellor). During the annual traditional festival, held from the 6th to the 8th day of the second lunar month, villagers reenact the legends of troop recruitment, provision preparation, feasting, combat, and the victory celebration. The festival also features activities such as wrestling, tug-of-war, cheo performances, and traditional music.

During the French resistance, the communal house served as a vital meeting point for senior revolutionary leaders and as a base for planning the assault on the Quoc Oai district headquarters.

Today, the Ngoc Than Communal House is an important heritage site that preserves the village's historical, artistic, and cultural traditions.

In 1982, it was recognized as a historical, architectural, and artistic relic.

Ngoc Than Communal House where worships Ly Bi, the first king of Vietnam. File photo

Local representatives gather for worshiping rituals at the communal house. Photos: Quoc Oai District

Local women prepare worship items on a special occasion.

Honorable men prepare for the worshiping rituals.

Local officials prepare for worshiping ceremony.

Local dignitaries attend the worshiping rituals.

Honorable men make the rituals.