Truc Lam Zen Buddhism – The Core of Vietnam’s Ninth World Heritage

The Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac complex, with Truc Lam Zen Buddhism at its spiritual and cultural core, was founded in the 8th century by the Tran Dynasty, particularly under the influence of King Tran Nhan Tong who later became a revered Buddhist monk.

Originating from the sacred Yen Tu mountain range, Truc Lam Zen Buddhism represents a philosophical and spiritual system of tolerance and compassion.

This system is manifested through sacred temples, meditation retreats, pilgrimage routes, stone steles, woodblocks, and meticulously preserved historical relics scattered across a vast area from Yen Tu to Vinh Nghiem, and on to Con Son – Kiep Bac.

The heritage complex reflects the full development stages of Truc Lam Buddhism: from its founding and institutionalization to its renaissance and ongoing transmission of humanistic and creative values.

The recognition by UNESCO stands as a testament to the unique fusion of state, religion, and people in shaping the Vietnamese national identity.

Of special note, the spiritual landscape of this complex has been shaped through constant and close interaction with nature, along with a moral framework rooted in peace-loving, self-cultivation, tolerance, compassion, and harmony between humans and nature.

The frequent holding of rituals, festivals, Dharma propagation, and pilgrimages – both within Vietnam and among international Truc Lam Buddhist organizations – further proves the global relevance of its humanistic philosophy, life values, community spirit, and environmental harmony.

Vietnam’s Commitment to Preserve and Revitalize the Heritage

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hanh, Vice Chairwoman of Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee, affirmed that Quang Ninh will continue to develop and implement projects for the preservation, restoration, and promotion of the heritage’s values, ensuring its sustainability and the broad dissemination of its noble cultural significance.

This moment of inscription is not only a great source of pride for the governments and people of Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, and Hai Phong, but also a matter of national pride for all Vietnamese.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu – Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO – stated that this recognition is not only an honor for the three provinces, but also a shared joy for the entire country.

However, this honor also comes with responsibilities, requiring local authorities to raise awareness and implement practical, synchronized, and effective conservation measures in line with the World Heritage Convention, integrated with sustainable development principles.

The Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac complex includes a system of relics that are already recognized as special national monuments by the Prime Minister of Vietnam. Specifically: the Yen Tu historical and scenic complex, the Tran Dynasty relics in Dong Trieu, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, Bo Da Pagoda, the Con Son – Kiep Bac site, and the An Phu – Kinh Chu – Nham Duong landscape and historical relics. Other nationally ranked relics (such as Thanh Mai Pagoda), along with artifacts, national treasures, intangible cultural heritages, traditional festivals, and the natural and cultural landscape of the Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac area will be preserved, safeguarded, and promoted according to Vietnam’s Cultural Heritage Law and the 1972 UNESCO Convention for the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage. This complex is also a key destination featured in many Northern Vietnam tour packages offered by Visit Indochina.

On this auspicious occasion, Visit Indochina warmly invites travelers to book a tour and witness these invaluable treasures of humanity in the heart of Vietnam.