(VOVworld) – Vietnam’s northeastern coastal region boasts huge potential to develop spiritual tourism thanks to its diverse historical, cultural, architectural, and religious relics that are closely associated with the Tran feudal dynasty, stretching from Con Son – Kiep Bac to Yen Tu – Ha Long – Van Don. A new spiritual tourism route in the northeastern coastal region has just been launched as part of Vietnam’s efforts to boost the domestic tourism while encouraging Vietnamese people to better learn about their country’s history and culture.

The first stop in the new spiritual tourism route is Kiep Bac temple which is in dedication to General Tran Quoc Tuan, the national hero of the Tran dynasty who led the Dai Viet armies to repel the mighty Mongol invaders in the 13^th century. The highlight of the route is Yen Tu historical site. Nestled in the magnificent landscape, Yen Tu Mountain is famous for the Bronze pagoda, which sits 1,068 m above sea level. This tourist complex comprises pagodas, temples, towers and perennial forest. Yen Tu pagoda is closely associated with Truc Lam Zen. In the 14^th century, King Tran Nhan Tong, the 3^rd King of the Tran Dynasty, gave the throne to his son Anh Tong. He moved to Yen Tu, where he founded the current Truc Lam Zen sect, a Buddhist sect that is purely Vietnamese. Ta Thi Tu Yen is a visitor from Ho Chi Minh City: "I find the landscape here wonderful. It’s an interesting experience to have a sightseeing tour around the Bronze Pagoda while listening to zen music. I think it would be great if we have a place to practice zen here where they can leave all life burdens for a while".

Con Son- Kiep Bac relic site

Tran Nhuan Minh is a poet and researcher on culture and history: "Yen Tu in Dong Trieu, Quang Ninh, is a highlight in this spiritual tourism route as this is where famous Kings, culture researchers and generals of the Tran dynasty who defeated the Mongol invaders, rested in peace. Yen Tu is where several Venerable monks of the Ly and Tran dynasties including Hien Quang, Dao Van and the Most Venerable Tran Nhan Tong and Tran Thanh Tong, practiced Buddhism. Being at this place purifies our souls, enables us to better value our good characteristics, and promote our patriotism".

Nguyen Van Tan is General Director of JTB-TNT tourism company: "Quang Ninh province is home to many famous historical figures whose glorious activities are imprinted in the history and this is its advantages to develop spiritual tourism. If we can exploit them well, we’ll help preserve and promote our culture and history in addition to economic and tourism achievements".

Bronze Pagoda on Yen Tu mountain

Further training for young tour guides is a must for a better quality of this new tourism route, according to Bui Dinh Tuan, President of Tung Tam company which is offering a lot of tours on this new route: "Besides tours before and during the festival season in spring, we are organizing summer tours for young people who would love to visit Yen Tu to both relax and learn more about zen, national history, and culture".