QUANG NINH: Nestled on Bao Dai Mountain in Dong Trieu district, the Ngoa Van Pagoda relic complex in Quang Ninh province stands as a significant pilgrimage destination, drawing visitors throughout the year. This site holds historical and spiritual importance as the place where Buddha-Emperor Tran Nhan Tong, a key figure from 1258 to 1308, established the Truc Lam Zen Monastery, a Vietnamese-infused Buddhist meditation tradition, and achieved Nirvana.
According to Vietnam News Agency, Ngoa Van Pagoda is recognized as the sacred land of the Tran Dynasty and the Truc Lam Zen Monastery. The complex’s cultural and religious significance continues to attract tourists who seek to explore and pay homage to its revered history. The site remains a critical part of Vietnam’s religious heritage, offering insight into the blend of Buddhism and Vietnamese cultural practices initiated by Tran Nhan Tong centuries ago.