The Mysterious Temple of Nine Stone Buffalo Statues in the Deep Forests of Thanh Land

Amid the vast western forests of Thanh Land, the Nine – Bay Temple emerges with a sacred and ancient aura, standing as a cultural symbol of the Thai ethnic community living in the southern Thanh region and northern Nghe region. The temple attracts visitors not only because of its unique architecture but also due to the special Buffalo Offering Festival to Heaven, which draws thousands of pilgrims and tourists each spring.

Located on Pom Hill in Thanh Quan Commune of Thanh Hoa Province, the Nine – Bay Temple is considered an important spiritual and cultural landmark of the Thai people inhabiting the upper reaches of the Chu River. The temple is not merely a place of worship; it preserves distinctive traditional values closely tied to the history of establishing villages and settlements by local communities.

A Sacred Temple Amid Mountains and Rivers

The Nine-Bay Temple lies beside the poetic Chu River, surrounded by majestic mountains and dense forests. Its tranquil setting creates a mystical and peaceful atmosphere that seems detached from the noise of modern life. The temple’s architecture reflects the traditional style of the Thai ethnic group, consisting of nine wooden stilt-house compartments raised on a high foundation. The roof is covered with yin-yang tiles, giving the structure an ancient yet harmonious appearance within the wild and grand mountainous landscape.

From the temple’s vantage point, terraced fields and small villages appear faintly through drifting clouds, creating a serene scene reminiscent of a fairyland hidden deep within the great forest. Visitors who reach this place often feel a rare sense of calmness, as if time slows down among the whispering winds and the echoes of nature. The harmonious blending of architecture, terrain, and spiritual symbolism enhances the temple’s unique charm and makes it stand out among other cultural heritage sites in the region.

Beyond its scenic beauty, the temple holds immense spiritual significance. It is a venue for many important rituals of the Thai people, most notably the Xan Khan Festival, a ceremony of gratitude to Heaven and Earth, praying for favorable weather, abundant harvests, and peace for villages.

The Nine – Bay Temple, Nhu Xuan, Thanh Hoa Province

The Vibrant Festival of Offering Buffalo to Heaven

Every festival season, visitors can immerse themselves in a lively cultural atmosphere filled with traditional dances such as bamboo dance and circle dance, accompanied by the resounding rhythms of gongs and the echoing sounds of traditional horns across the mountains. The festival typically gathers thousands of local residents and pilgrims who come to pay homage and participate in rich cultural activities.

The highlight of the celebration is the Buffalo Offering Ritual to Heaven, solemnly organized over two days. According to local tradition, this ceremony commemorates deities and pioneers who contributed to land reclamation and village formation. A distinctive feature of the ritual is that villagers only lead the buffalo to the temple for symbolic offerings and then take them back home; the animals are not slaughtered, demonstrating a profound humanistic spirit and respect for life.

The festival consists of two main parts: the ceremonial section and the festive section. The ceremonial part includes sacred rites such as purification, formal announcements to deities, buffalo bathing ritual, procession, and grand sacrifice ceremony. Meanwhile, the festive section is vibrant with traditional folk games like throwing the sacred ball, tug-of-war, crossbow shooting, and competitions for wrapping square sticky rice cakes. These activities are accompanied by traditional performances that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Thai ethnic community.

The temple of heaven of Thai people

The Symbolic Nine Stone Buffalo Statues

In front of the temple stand nine stone buffalo statues placed solemnly, symbolizing prosperity, strength, and devotion to Heaven. The number nine carries special meaning in Thai spiritual belief, representing completeness, eternity, and harmony between heaven, earth, and human life. These statues, arranged in front of the sacred space, contribute significantly to the temple’s mysterious and solemn aura, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.

The architectural design of nine compartments also symbolizes the nine traditional “muang” (regions) of the Thai people, reflecting a deep connection between spatial layout and ethnic cosmology. This symbolism further reinforces the temple’s role as a spiritual center that unites communities and preserves ancient beliefs passed down through generations.

The unique symbol with 9 stone buffaloes 

Historical Origins and Spiritual Deities

According to local cultural officials, the Nine-Bay Temple was built in the 14th century to worship Heaven God, the Heavenly Maiden, and Tao Lo Yi, a figure credited with founding villages and opening new lands for the Thai people. The temple’s name, “Nine-Bay,” originates from its nine-compartment structure, representing the nine ancient muang settlements of the Thai ethnic group.

Over centuries, the temple has become a sacred destination where generations express gratitude to their ancestors and deities who protected and guided them. Rituals conducted here emphasize harmony between humans and nature, reflecting a worldview in which mountains, rivers, and forests are imbued with spiritual life. Such beliefs form an essential part of the intangible cultural heritage of the Thai community in the western Thanh region.

Cultural Preservation and Tourism Potential

Today, local authorities are collaborating with cultural agencies to prepare scientific documentation to submit to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for recognition of the Buffalo Offering Festival at Nine-Bay Temple as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. This effort aims not only to preserve the unique cultural identity of the Thai ethnic people but also to transform the temple into an attractive destination on the spiritual tourism map of western Thanh Land.

With its ancient architecture, sacred rituals, and harmonious natural setting, the Nine-Bay Temple embodies the soul of mountain culture in northern central Vietnam. It is both a spiritual sanctuary and a living museum of indigenous traditions, where myths, history, and community life intertwine.

A Mystical Destination in the Great Forest

Standing quietly amid the vast forests, the temple seems to hold countless untold legends. The winding path leading up the hill, the drifting mist, and the silent stone buffalo statues together create an atmosphere of mystery that fascinates every visitor. Each spring, when the festival season arrives, the place becomes lively yet still retains its solemn dignity, blending festive joy with deep spirituality.

The Nine-Bay Temple is therefore not merely an architectural structure but a symbol of belief, cultural continuity, and communal identity. It reflects the enduring relationship between humans and nature and demonstrates how traditional rituals continue to shape social cohesion in mountainous regions.

In the heart of the great forest of Thanh Land, this mysterious temple with nine stone buffalo statues remains a sacred landmark, inviting travelers to explore both the beauty of nature and the profound cultural heritage of the Thai ethnic people.