(VOVWORLD) - Dong Trieu city in Quang Ninh province is rich in the historical and cultural legacy of the Tran Dynasty, that ruled from 1225 to 1400. Home to cultural and religious relics still preserved, the city draws both buddhists and visitors who come to honor and pay tribute to the contributions of the feudal kings.
 An Sinh Temple, the first stop on the journey to explore 14 National Special National Relic Sites of the Tran Dynasty in Dong Trieu city, Quang Ninh province. (Photo: Vu Mien/VOV) |
Located at the western gateway of Quang Ninh, the Tran Dynasty National Special Historical Complex encompasses 25 relics. These include seven tombs of Tran kings, two temples dedicated to previous kings, and five other sites associated with Buddhism.
An Sinh temple was an important religious venue during the feudal period. In the temple yard stand eight cycads, tropical palmlike plants that symbolize the longevity of the eight Tran kings honored here.
Nguyen Thi My Linh, a tour guide with the Tran Dynasty National Historical Relic Management Board, says numerous archaeological programs have been conducted to explore this relic site. “The outdoor exhibit at An Sinh temple features 100 artifacts, including pillars and foundations, that indicate the temple has been restored multiple times. Other discovered items include walls and stone steps,” Linh said.
 Ngoa Van religious complex (Photo: Vu Mien/VOV) |
Thai Mieu temple is the central structure of the complex, where the Tran kings worshipped their ancestors. The harmoniously designed temple symbolizes the connection between heaven and earth.
Pham Xuan Hoan, Head of the Tran Dynasty Relic Management Board, said, “Thai Mieu was constructed in Dong Trieu, distinguishing it from other important Tran sites in Nam Dinh and Thai Binh province. It was built in the original homeland of the Tran Dynasty to honor their ancestors and kings. Surrounding Thai Mieu are numerous temples, pagodas, and tombs dedicated to the Tran kings.”
King Tran Nhan Tong, the 3rd king of the Tran Dynasty, came to Yen Tu to practice and establish the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect with its doctrine of connecting religion with life. This is the great spiritual legacy that King Tran Nhan Tong left behind and it was widely preached at Ngoa Van mountain. The large Buddhist complex consists of many construction sites on Ngoa Van mountain, including temples, shrines, pagodas, and the Buddhist King tower, where the remains of Buddha King Tran Nhan Tong are kept.
 Brown ceramic pot decorated with eight dragon motifs of the Tran Dynasty in the 13th century (Photo: Vu Mien/VOV) |
Venerable Thich Dao Hien, Deputy Head of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Quang Ninh province, said: “In Vietnam, Ngoa Van is regarded as the most sacred site among the Tran Dynasty relics. It is home to well-preserved towers and temples from the Tran regime. Recently, a golden lotus box was discovered on the way to Ngoa Van pagoda, and has since been recognized as a national treasure.”
In spring, Dong Trieu welcomes visitors who contemplate its cultural and historical values and learn about a golden age in history.
Nguyen Van Cong, Secretary of Dong Trieu city’s Party Committee, said preservation efforts are underway. “Since 2020 Dong Trieu has raised 12 million USD for the restoration of relics, particularly relics from the Tran Dynasty. We will continue to restore improve these sites while connecting them with nearby attractions, such as UNESCO-recognized natural heritage sites, to ensure that Dong Trieu becomes an essential part of Quang Ninh’s tourism route.”