Hung Kings Memorial Temple

Who were the Hung Kings and why do the Vietnamese revere them so much? You might ask yourself this question as we stand before the Hung Kings Memorial Temple. This temple, nestled within the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, is dedicated to the Hung Kings, the legendary rulers of the Hong Bang Dynasty, considered the first dynasty of Vietnam. The story of the Hung Kings is shrouded in myth and legend, their reign dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. They are revered as the founders of the Vietnamese nation and the progenitors of Vietnamese culture. While the temple we see today was inaugurated in 1929, its purpose has transformed over time. Originally named the Temple du Souvenir Annamite, it was built to honor Vietnamese soldiers who fought and died for France during World War I. The temple’s architecture is a fascinating blend of styles, reflecting the turbulent periods it has witnessed. Designed by French architect Auguste Delaval, it features elements of Nguyen Dynasty mausoleums, with intricate dragons and phoenixes adorning its roof. Inside, you’ll find a model of the main Hung Kings Temple in Phu Tho province, a reminder of the dynasty’s origins in northern Vietnam. Every year, on the 10th day of the third lunar month, this very temple becomes the heart of the Hung Kings’ Festival, a vibrant celebration of Vietnamese heritage and national identity. It’s a time when the Vietnamese community in Ho Chi Minh City comes together to pay homage to their legendary ancestors.