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The scenic and archaeological site of Tam Chuc
complex and the historical and architectural relic of Co
Le pagoda in Ninh Binh have just been recognized as
special national relics.
Located in Tam Chuc ward,
Ninh Binh province, Tam Chuc
scenic and archaeological site is considered as "Ha Long
Bay on land", with immense lake landscape, majestic
limestone mountains and diverse ecosystem. This is not
only the largest cultural and spiritual work in the
country but also contains many archaeological values,
reflecting traces of human habitation and activities in
the past. The discovery of relics and archaeological
traces here further clarifies the rich cultural history
of Ha Nam land, which is the intersection of many
civilizations in the delta plain.
Tam Chuc Pagoda Complex with a large scale of over 5,000
hectares, including outstanding works such as Tam The
Palace, Phap Chu Palace, Quan Am Palace, Ngoc Tower, is
not only a destination for domestic Buddhists but also
reaches international level when it hosted the United
Nations Vesak Festival in 2019. The massive architecture
combined with the vast natural landscape has made Tam
Chuc a major spiritual and ecological tourism center in
the North.
At the Tam Chuc scenic complex, archaeologists have
discovered many important traces, including human
remains and three burials (including double burials and
reburials) dating back about 10,000 years - clear
evidence of early human habitation. In addition, many
cultural artifacts were found such as Dong Son-era
pottery pieces, small stone tools of the Hoa Binh
culture, and sea mollusk shells and stream snails -
showing that this area was once a place where ancient
residents lived, exploited and used natural resources.
Being ranked as a special national monument further
affirms that Tam Chuc is not only a present-day pagoda
but also a "cultural-archaeological treasure",
preserving long-lasting historical evidence.
Co Le Pagoda - a mark of nearly 1,000 years of
Vietnamese Buddhism
If Tam Chuc impresses with its scale and modern beauty,
the historical relic and architectural art of Co Le
Pagoda, Co Le Commune, Ninh Binh Province is a vivid
proof of the long-standing Buddhist tradition of the
nation. Co Le Pagoda, named "Than Quang Tu", is a
Buddhist cultural and architectural work built in the
12th century, during the reign of King Ly Than Ton, to
worship Buddha and Saint Nguyen Minh Khong.
The highlight of Co Le Pagoda is the 32-meter-high
Nine-Piece Lotus Tower, a rare architectural symbol in
Vietnam, demonstrating the harmony between traditional
construction art and Buddhist philosophy. Not only is it
a place of religious pilgrimage, the pagoda is also
associated with the Co Le festival held in the 9th lunar
month every year, attracting tens of thousands of
visitors from all over the world. The festival with its
Buddha procession rituals, peace-praying ceremonies, and
folk cultural activities has become an indispensable
part of the spiritual life of the people of Ninh Binh
and the Northern Delta region.
The recognition of Tam Chuc and Co Le as special
national monuments is a worthy recognition of two
typical works of Vietnamese Buddhism. One side is a
spiritual and archaeological complex of international
stature, the other side is an ancient pagoda that has
existed for centuries. Both together create a
multifaceted picture of Vietnamese culture: both modern
and integrated, and ancient and profound.
The title of special national relic not only honors the
value of the past but also sets the responsibility for
localities and communities in preserving, conserving and
promoting heritage. This is also an opportunity for Ninh
Binh to promote cultural and spiritual tourism, linking
heritage with socio -economic development, and at the
same time promoting the image of Vietnam to the world.
The two heritages honored today will continue to spread
their values, contributing to strengthening the national
cultural identity in the integration period.
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