Con Son – Kiep Bac Historical & Scenic Sanctuary

Category: Special National Historic Landmark | Location: Cong Hoa, Chi Linh City, Hai Duong (Red River Basin)

The Con Son – Kiep Bac Scenic Sanctuary, situated in the historic hills of Chi Linh within the broader Red River Delta cultural basin, honors two of the most illustrious figures in Vietnamese history: Supreme Commander Prince Tran Hung Dao, who masterminded the 13th-century defeats of the Mongol Empire's invading forces, and Nguyen Trai, the world-renowned 15th-century polymath, strategist, and poet. The Kiep Bac precinct commands the strategic Luc Dau (Six Rivers) confluence, where Prince Tran Hung Dao established the formidable Van Kiep military headquarters guarding the northern gateway to Thang Long Citadel. The grand Kiep Bac Temple is framed by Dragon Mountain and the historic naval shoreline. Nearby lies tranquil Con Son, immortalized for its pine-carpeted slopes, the melodious murmuring of Con Son stream praised in Nguyen Trai's timeless poetry, and ancient Hun Pagoda (Con Son Tu) connected to the Truc Lam Zen lineage. Visiting during the 8th lunar month Autumn Festival, travelers can witness solemn river water processions, dramatic historical fleet reenactments on the river, hike to the legendary Fairy Chessboard (Ban Co Tien) atop Con Son peak for sweeping delta views, and immerse themselves in the timeless pine-scented serenity of this sacred land.