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Vietnam News
20-08-2025

Vietnam’s 9th UNESCO World Heritage Site: Yen Tu Complex – Is It Worth Visiting?

Jul 12, 2025 marks the day that the Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son – Kiep Bac Relics and Landscapes Complex officially inscribed on the World Heritage List. Not only is it Vietnam’s 9th World Heritage Site, but also the country’s second inter-provincial designation after the Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago. Spanning 12 component sites across Quang Binh, Bac Ninh and Hai Phong with a core area of 525.75 ha and a buffer zone of 4,380 ha, it also set the record for Vietnam’s first serial (chain-type) cultural heritage. 

So, what makes the Heritage Complex  win so many titles and is it worth visiting? Let’s explore with My Vietnam Tours. 

UNESCO World Heritage Committee conference with diverse international delegates in Vietnam.

The Vietnamese delegation at the session reviewed the nomination of the Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son – Kiep Bac Complex for inscription as a World Heritage Site. Photo: Quang Ninh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

What was the Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son – Kiep Bac Relics and Landscapes Complex Recognised for?

UNESCO inscribed the complex under Criteria (iii) and (vi):

  • Criterion (iii): The site embodies a unique cultural tradition and identity born of close collaboration among the state, religion, and communities, centred on the heritage of Truc Lam Zen Buddhism, founded by King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong in the 13th century.
  • Criterion (vi): It has tangible and direct links to Truc Lam philosophy, a tradition of peace, tolerance, harmony, and environmental ethics, which has influenced Vietnamese worldview and governance for centuries.

What are the 12 components of the Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son – Kiep Bac Relics and Landscapes Complex?

The 12 component sites bring together a blend of spiritual landscapes, historic relics, and architectural masterpieces, illustrating the full evolution of Truc Lam Buddhism through seven centuries.

First, Yen Tu Area (Quang Ninh). This is the birthplace of Truc Lam, including the sputa Hue Quang Tower, Hoa Yen, Lan Pagoda, Ngoa Van Pagoda, and parts of the ancient pilgrimage route where King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong renounced the throne and began monastic life.

Small mountain temple with offerings at sunset, Vietnam sacred site, Lua Viet Tours destination.

 

The second one, Ngoa Van Hermitage (Yen Tu, Quang Ninh). The place where King–Monk Tran Nhan Tong entered Nirvana, regarded as the most sacred sanctuary of the Truc Lam Zen sect.

Stunning aerial view of Thai Thuy Temple on lush green mountain in Vietnam, surrounded by dense forest.

 

Third one, Thai Mieu (Quang Ninh). Ancient meditation sites along the Yen Tu pilgrimage route, representing the practice of cultivation amidst sacred forests.

Colorful traditional Vietnamese flag flying near temple during festival in Nha Trang, Vietnam.

 

Fourth, Bach Dang Stake Yard (Yen Giang, Quang Ninh). A tangible historical relic, reflecting the philosophy of engagement with life and the spirit of defending peace and national independence.

Concrete foundation and construction site for a new building in rural Vietnam.

 

Fifth, Lan Pagoda (Long Dong, Quang Ninh). A center for preaching, monastic training, and Buddhist activities of the Truc Lam sect.

Aerial view of Lua Viet Tours complex surrounded by lush green mountains in Vietnam.

 

Sixth, Con Son Pagoda (Hai Phong). The place of practice of the Third Patriarch Huyen Quang, and a center for developing the Truc Lam Zen sect’s philosophy of engagement with life.

Ornate traditional Vietnamese temple with red tiled roof and lush greenery in Vietnam.

 

Seventh, Kiep Bac Temple (Hai Phong). Associated with Tran Hung Dao, symbolizing the combination of national defense, people’s welfare, and the spirit of Truc Lam Buddhism.

Ancient Vietnamese temple gate with traditional architecture, lush trees, and clear blue sky, representing cultural heritage.

 

Eighth, Thanh Mai Pagoda (Hai Phong).  Closely tied to the life and career of Zen Master Phap Loa, the second patriarch of the Truc Lam Zen sect, where he practiced, taught, and compiled Buddhist scriptures during his lifetime.

Ancient Vietnamese shrine surrounded by lush greenery and spiritual decorations.

 

Ninth, Kinh Chu Cave (Hai Phong). Known as “Nam thiên đệ lục động”, which means the Sixth Most Beautiful Cave under Heaven in Vietnamese.

Sacred cave temple with altar and religious statues in natural limestone cavern in Vietnam.

 

Tenth, Nham Duong Pagoda (Hai Phong). The place of practice of Venerable Thuy Nguyet, Dharma name Thong Giac Dao Nam, a Zen master.

Traditional Vietnamese Buddhist temple with intricate woodwork and scenic mountain backdrop.

 

Eleventh, Bo Da Pagoda (Bac Ninh).  A center for monastic practice and training, notable for its collection of ancient scriptures and its unique stupa garden.

Ancient Vietnamese pagodas and temples nestled in lush green forest mountains.

 

And last but not least, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda (Bac Ninh). Originally built in the Ly dynasty and restored under King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong. Home to over 3,050 wooden Buddhist scripture blocks, acknowledged in 2012 as UNESCO Memory of the World heritage for the Asia-Pacific region.

Lua Viet Tours traditional Vietnamese temple with lush greenery and historical architecture.

 

What to Do at  Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son – Kiep Bac Relics and Landscapes Complex?

For travellers who are interested in history, spirituality, architecture, or natural beauty, this heritage complex is a must-visit spot, offering a deep connection to Vietnam’s cultural soul. Of course it’s best to visit all 12 components. But if not, here are some highlights to note down on your bucket list.

  • Sunrise or meditation retreat on Yen Tu Mountain, ascending through mist-shrouded temples to the summit.
  • Exploring Vinh Nghiem Pagoda’s ancient woodblocks and architectural heritage.
  • Participating in Con Son – Kiep Bac festival rituals, paying respects to historic figures such as Nguyen Trai and Zen Master Huyen Quang.

Check Out My Vietnam Tours Yen Tu’s Slow Journey Tour Offers

(3 days 2 nights) From Cruise to Mountain: Halong Cruise – Legacy Yen Tu

Serene Vietnamese estate with lush gardens, traditional architecture, and a tranquil pond at sunset.

(3 days 2 nights) Slow Journey to Yen Tu Mountain 

Serene Yen Tu Mountain meditation retreat, luxurious spa, historic architecture, relaxing pool, traditional wooden interior, tranquil nature escape, Vietnam tours.

(4 days 3 nights) Relaxing Journey through Legacy Yen Tu – Halong Cruise – Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh

Luxurious Vietnamese resort nestled in lush green mountains with traditional architecture.

 

 

 

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