Visiting Lang Son province to attend the Ky Cung - Ta Phu festival

Visiting Lang Son in spring, skipping the Ky Cung - Ta Phu festival is like not having touched the cultural “heart” of this northern gateway region. The festival takes place annually from the 22^nd to the 27^th of the first lunar month, associated with Ky Cung and Ta Phu Temples - two sites dedicated to Quan Lon Tuan Tranh and Ta Do Doc Han Quan Cong Than Cong Tai, figures revered by the people for their great contributions to border defense in the late 17^th and early 18^th centuries.

According to legends and historical documents, Tuan Tranh was a high-ranking official of the Tran Dynasty who served as a governor in Ninh Giang district, Hai Duong province. Later, he was appointed to Lang Son to pacify the people and suppress the invaders from the North. During his time in Lang Son, Quan Tuan Tranh commanded troops against the enemy but unfortunately suffered a defeat, with many soldiers killed. He himself was falsely accused and committed suicide by jumping into the Ky Cung River. Later, when Than Cong Tai held the position of Left Commander-in-Chief and Duke of Han in Lang Son province, he investigated the matter thoroughly and cleared Quan Tuan Tranh’s name.

Both men were instrumental in suppressing the enemy, preserving peace for the people, expanding Ky Lua market street, contributing to improving and enhancing the lives of the ethnic people of Lang, so they were worshiped by the people and held solemn festivals to express their gratitude. Among them, the imprint of Left Admiral of Han and Duke Than Cong Tai is deeper and clearer, when he proactively opened the door to trade, creating conditions for Vietnamese and Chinese traders to come to Lang Son province to establish business and exchange goods. Thanks to open policies, cross-border trade between residents on both sides has become bustling. Lang Son has gradually risen to become a vibrant commercial hub, playing an important role as a gateway for trade in the Northeast region. People in Lang Son province and many other localities built the Ta Phu Temple to worship Han Quan Cong Than Cong Tai, viewing him as a benevolent deity who always brings peace and prosperity to the people of the border region. Quan Lon Tuan Tranh is worshipped at the Ky Cung Temple.

The highlight of the festival is the sacred procession from Ky Cung Temple to Ta Phu Temple to express gratitude to Than Cong Tai for clearing Tuan Tranh’s name and for his great contributions to the people of this region. The sacred palanquin was carried amidst the resounding sounds of drums and gongs, with colorful flags fluttering in the air. A long line of people followed the procession, their silk robes, turbans, and traditional clothing of the Tay, Nung and Kinh ethnic groups interwoven, creating a scene that was both solemn and vibrant. Visitors from all over come here not only to offer incense to express gratitude for the contributions of their ancestors, but also to watch lion and dragon dances, listen to traditional folk songs, participate in folk games, and enjoy roasted duck, braised pork, mugwort cake and herbal wine - famous culinary delights of Lang Son province.

In the past, festivals were mainly confined to the village, on a small scale. Roads were difficult and most attendees were locals. The rituals retained their traditional characteristics but lacked the conditions for systematic organization. Nowadays, with improved transportation infrastructure and the Hanoi - Lang Son expressway shortening the journey to just a few hours, the number of visitors has increased significantly, reaching tens of thousands in some years. In order to attract tourists, the festival is organized more professionally, with traffic management, security, environmental hygiene, and neatly arranged service areas to limit crowding and spontaneous trading. More importantly, the local authorities focus on preserving the original elements. The ceremonial part remains strictly observed, adhering to traditional rituals; the festive part expands to include cultural and sports activities, tourism promotion, and the display of OCOP products and local specialties. In other words, the festival not only commemorates the contributions of our ancestors but also becomes a driving force for economic and tourism development and promotes the image of Lang Son province.

In Spring 2026, if you’re looking for a destination that's both historically significant and festive, yet close enough for a short trip, Lang Son province is a worthwhile option, such as: In the morning, offering incense at Ky Cung temple; Enjoying delicious food at Dong Kinh market at noon; celebrating the Ta Phu Temple festival in the afternoon; and strolling through Ky Lua street in the evening, sipping a hot cup of tea in the cold borderland weather - this is a simple yet memorable itinerary.

The drums of the Ky Cung - Ta Phu festival resound like an invitation to you to set off, join the spring crowds, and discover how poetic and rich in tradition Lang Son province truly is.../.