In Quynh Phu District, national monuments and time-honoured festival traditions are often found side by side, offering different ways to get to know the area. At Đền Lộng Khê, for example, the history of the temple can be distinguished from the history of its festival: the building was recognised as a national historical-cultural monument in 1990, while the traditional festival was added to the national list of intangible cultural heritage in 2016. At Đền Đồng Bằng, too, protected heritage and a living festival tradition form part of the same cultural picture.

Monuments with Different Stories

A survey published in 2025 lists 187 historical-cultural monuments in the district: 77 pagodas, 20 temples, 53 communal houses, 16 shrines and 21 ancestral houses. Of these, 18 are classified as historical-cultural monuments at the national level and 98 at the provincial level. The variety is also evident at individual sites: Đình An Bài was recognised as a national historical monument in 2020. It houses a wooden parallel couplet from the Nguyễn dynasty, with raised, gilded lettering.

Miếu Hòe Thị in Đồng Tiến is among the district’s earliest monuments and has national status; according to local tradition, its history dates back to the Trần dynasty. Miếu Hoàng Bà in Quỳnh Hoa offers a different perspective: it is a national architectural and artistic monument. These varied classifications—historic site, architectural monument or traditional place of worship—make clear that the cultural heritage is not limited to a single type of attraction.

The historical classification of Đền Đồng Bằng is also clearly defined: it was recognised as a national historical monument in 1986 and added to a national tourism route in August 2003. The route is a historical distinction, not information about a current timetable. The temple’s traditional festival has been on the national list of intangible cultural heritage since 16 September 2016.

Festivals and Their Own Rhythms

The traditional festival period at Đền Lộng Khê usually runs from the 23rd through the 25th day of the third lunar month; the corresponding Gregorian dates change from year to year. A special custom takes place on the evening of the 24th day: the Đình-Liệu tree is burned as it is carried through the village in a torchlight procession. The procession follows the traditional direction of “exit east, enter west”. Check the current dates and arrangements locally before travelling.

The Đền Đồng Bằng festival combines religious ceremonies and Văn singing with traditional boat races. Its traditional programme also includes chess, volleyball, freestyle wrestling, tug-of-war and cockfighting; the specific arrangements may vary from year to year. Annual processions and offerings at Miếu Hoàng Bà are described for the second and third days of the third lunar month, as well as the fourth and fifth days of the twelfth lunar month. Here, too, it is helpful to check the current dates in advance. The A-Sào Festival in An Thái has also been added to the national list of intangible cultural heritage.

Rivers and Rural Experiences

Rivers and canals add another, geographical dimension to the area. The Quynh Coi Canal, also called the Yen Long River or Ben Hiep River, runs through part of the district towards Đông Hưng and is about 15 kilometres long. It begins at the Ben-Hiep outlet and connects with the Tiên Hưng River in Liên Giang Commune. The He River connects the Hoa River with the Diêm Hộ River, is 12 kilometres long and passes through several communes in the district. The Đại Nam River runs for 16 kilometres through Quỳnh Phụ, begins at the Đại-Nam outlet and connects with the Diêm Hộ River.

Lotus ponds in An Vũ and An Dục communes, sunflowers in An Khê and lychee trees in Quỳnh Minh are promoted as experience and photo spots. These scenic and agricultural attractions complement the temples and festivals without promising the same kind of visitor experience. Flowering and harvest attractions are seasonal, so check in advance whether they are a good fit for your travel dates.

For the broader travel overview: Nam Định.