Tam Xa Temple

Tam Xa Temple, located in Sài Khê Hamlet, Quốc Oai Commune, Hà Nội, is a special name for the shrine to Đỗ Tướng Công - Đỗ Cảnh Thạc, a general who controlled and managed the Đỗ Động Giang - Quốc Oai area during the period of the Twelve Warlords. The shrine's unique name comes from the fact that the three hamlets of Đa Phúc, Sài Khê, and Thụy Khuê, formerly the three communes of Đa Phúc, Sài Khê, and Thụy Khuê (in An Sơn District), all worship General Đỗ Cảnh Thạc as their tutelary deity.

From the city center to the relic site is about 20 km by two routes: one via Hà Đông, or via Thăng Long Avenue, both very convenient. The relic site is close to the inter-district road, near the Chùa Thầy relic and scenic complex in Sài Sơn Commune.

Thetempleworships General Đỗ Cảnh Thạc (912–968), an illustrious general, loyal and righteous in serving three Ngô kings (Ngô Quyền, Ngô Xương Văn, Ngô Xương Ngập). He was a brave and strategic general in the Bạch Đằng victory of 938, a loyal close minister of the Ngô King in the cause of building and defending an independent government. After the Ngô dynasty disintegrated, General Đỗ Cảnh Thạc led one of the warlords during the Twelve Warlords period. He established his base and helped the people grow rice and develop the economy, culture, and society in the Quốc Oai and Thanh Oai areas, so today many places still worship and honor him as the village tutelary deity.

Tam Xa Temple is located on a flat, open plot of about 900 m2, including the following structures: the three-entrance gate, the main worship hall, and the rear sanctuary.

The three-entrance gate has soft curved roofs in the distinctive style of northern Vietnamese communal houses and temples. The roof is engraved with intricate motifs of dragons facing the sun and curling clouds. On both sides of the gate are stone guardian sacred animal statues, giving the relic site an imposing and sacred appearance.

Passing through the gate is a spacious courtyard. The main worship hall is built in traditional wooden architecture with a sturdy system of columns, rafters, and trusses. The altars, ceremonial curtains, and incense tables are all elaborately carved with stylized dragons, phoenixes, and flowers and leaves, strongly bearing traditional artistic style. Beyond the main worship hall is the rear sanctuary.