Explore the historical site of Côn Sơn – Kiếp Bạc

Located in Chí Linh district, Hải Dương province, Côn Sơn – Kiếp Bạc is not only an ancient architectural complex with beautiful natural landscapes but also two famous historical relics closely associated with the life and career of the national hero Hưng Đạo Đại Vương Trần Quốc Tuấn and the world-renowned cultural figure Nguyễn Trãi.

The relic complex of Côn Sơn – Kiếp Bạc is a nationally significant special monument, boasting majestic landscapes that attract tourists for annual visits. The site includes historical relics linked to the glorious victories over the Mongol invasions by the Tran Dynasty in the 13th century and the 10-year resistance against the Ming invaders by the Lam Son rebels in the 15th century.

Overview of the Côn Sơn historical site (Photo: Collection)

Scenic historical site Côn Sơn

Côn Sơn historical site lies between the Phượng Hoàng and Kỳ Lân mountain ranges, surrounded by hills, pagodas, pine forests, streams, and famous landmarks associated with the lives of many historical figures.

Côn Sơn Pagoda

Côn Sơn Pagoda (commonly known as Hun Pagoda) is situated at the foot of Côn Sơn mountain, named Thiên Tư Phúc Tự, meaning the temple blessed by heaven. Built in the early 14th century, it was one of the three centers of the Trúc Lâm Zen sect alongside Yên Tử Pagoda and Quỳnh Lâm Pagoda (Quảng Ninh). Over the course of history, Côn Sơn Pagoda has been reduced in size compared to its architecture during the Lê dynasty, including structures like the Three Gates, Front Courtyard, Incense Burner, and Upper Shrine.

Côn Sơn Pagoda (Photo: Collection)

Corridor of 18 Arhats statues (Photo: Collection)

Stone tablet of Thanh Hư in Côn Sơn Pagoda, inscribed by King Trần Duệ Tông, recognized as a 'National Treasure' (Photo: Collection)

Visit the scenic Côn Sơn Pagoda, where, in addition to remarkable architectural structures, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the Ngọc Well. Ngọc Well is located at the foot of the Kỳ Lân mountain, on the way to Bàn Cờ Tiên, behind the Đăng Minh tower – the place where Huyền Quang venerable resides. Positioned higher than the tiled roof of Côn Sơn Pagoda, Ngọc Well is always full of water regardless of the season. The ancients believed that Ngọc Well is the lifeblood of Côn Sơn mountain and is the eye of the Kỳ Lân. It is not only a precious water source for the site but also a spiritual destination. From Ngọc Well, follow the stone steps to the summit of Côn Sơn where Bàn Cờ Tiên is placed – the spot where Nguyễn Trãi and other predecessors stopped to play chess. From the summit of Côn Sơn, a vast and majestic mountainous area unfolds before the eyes of the traveler.

Ngọc Well in Côn Sơn Pagoda (Photo: Collection)

In 1330, the Third Saintly Ancestor Huyền Quang expanded the temple, establishing the Nine-story Lotus Tower. In 2017, this architectural masterpiece was successfully restored, creating a focal point of tranquility and spirituality in the Côn Sơn landscape. The Nine-story Lotus Tower consists of a 9-story Lotus Stem and a Lotus House. The Lotus House is entirely constructed from ironwood, core gold wood, Thanh Hóa green stone, intricately crafted ceramic tiles, and thousands of Bát Tràng bricks. With a 3-tier, 12-roof structure, the entire structure resembles an elegant lotus flower in full bloom. Meanwhile, the Nine-story Lotus Tower, with its octagonal shape and 9 stories, stands 10.3 meters tall, adorned with exquisite carvings and sculptures. Together, they create a uniquely innovative artistic work of Buddhism found only in Vietnam.

Nine-story Lotus Tower (Photo: Collection)

Nguyễn Trãi Temple

A highlight within the Côn Sơn scenic historical site is the temple dedicated to the national hero and world cultural figure Nguyễn Trãi, known as the 'Memorial Temple of Exemplary Talent.' Situated at the foot of Ngũ Nhạc, Kỳ Lân Mountain, leaning against Tổ Mountain, it forms the 'left blue dragon, right white tiger' configuration. The temple includes structures such as the Main Temple, Left and Right Pavilions, Internal and External Gateways, Thấu Ngọc Bridge, Giải Oan Shrine, and more, featuring architectural styles from the late Lê period. Surrounding the temple is the Côn Sơn stream, flowing ceaselessly like the melodious sound of a musical instrument echoing through the lush green mountains and forests, immortalized in poetry and historical records.

'Côn Sơn stream flows ceaselessly,
Like the sound of a musical instrument in my ears...'

Notably, in the Inner Court of the Main Temple stands a bronze statue of Nguyễn Trãi, measuring 1.4m in height, weighing 600kg, alongside a statue of his parents. The Nguyễn Trãi Temple is the sacred place preserving the soul, character, and immense talents of this world-renowned cultural figure.

The Three Gates of the Memorial Temple dedicated to the national hero and world cultural figure Nguyễn Trãi (Photo: Collection)

Côn Sơn Temple (Photo: Collection)

Thấu Ngọc Bridge (Photo: Collection)

Kiếp Bạc Temple

Kiếp Bạc Temple is situated approximately 5km from the Côn Sơn historical site and is a place of worship dedicated to the national hero Hưng Đạo Đại Vương Trần Quốc Tuấn. The name 'Kiếp Bạc' originates from the temple being located in a valley between two villages, Vạn Yên (Kiếp village) and Dược Sơn (Bạc village). Kiếp Bạc Temple boasts a strategic location overlooking the Thương River, with the majestic Rồng Mountain behind, Bắc Đẩu Mountain to the left, and Nam Tào Mountain to the right—significant places for gathering spiritual energy to build a prosperous life. The temple includes structures such as the Three Gates, Ngọc Well, halls dedicated to Hưng Đạo Vương, Phạm Ngũ Lão, Princess Thiên Thành—Hưng Đạo Vương's consort, and his two daughters. The temple currently preserves 7 bronze statues with great cultural and spiritual value.

The Three-Gate Entrance of Kiếp Bạc Temple resembles a majestic 'double dragon guarding the moon' scroll (Photo: Collection)

Kiếp Bạc Temple (Photo: Collection)

Côn Sơn – Kiếp Bạc Festival

Annually, the Côn Sơn – Kiếp Bạc Festival is celebrated twice, in spring and autumn, featuring numerous folk religious activities deeply rooted in the rich traditional culture, attracting many international visitors to participate and admire the scenery.

Spring Festival at Côn Sơn – Kiếp Bạc

The Spring Festival takes place from the 16th to the 23rd day of the first lunar month each year to commemorate the Nirvana Day of the Third Saint Ancestor Huyền Quang. During the festival, various ritual ceremonies and traditional performances are organized, including Mông Sơn reality testing ceremony, worship of heaven and earth, water procession, boat racing on Lục Đầu River, fireworks, human chess, cockfighting, and more.

The vibrant scene of the Spring Festival at Côn Sơn – Kiếp Bạc historical site (Photo: Collection)

Autumn Festival at Côn Sơn – Kiếp Bạc

Autumn Festival at Côn Sơn – Kiếp Bạc takes place from the 15th to the 20th day of the eighth lunar month each year to commemorate the passing of the Great General Trần Quốc Tuấn and the National Hero, World Cultural Celebrity Nguyễn Trãi. The festival features ceremonies such as the procession of offerings to the Saint, military parade on Lục Đầu River, prayer rituals, bestowing the seal by the Saint Trần, lantern festival, and various traditional games that attract the participation of both locals and tourists.

Autumn Festival at Côn Sơn – Kiếp Bạc (Photo: Collection)

The historical and cultural values of the sacred land of Côn Sơn – Kiếp Bạc will endure forever alongside the rivers and mountains of Vietnam.