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. Ninh Binh day trips

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.
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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.