To tap the potential of its cultural heritage and develop distinctive tourism products, the Hai Phong Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has officially introduced three new experiential tours under the theme “Discovering the Con Son–Kiep Bac World Heritage,” promising visitors memorable journeys rich in culture and historical depth.
This practical activity aims to promote the value of the Yen Tu–Vinh Nghiem–Con Son–Kiep Bac Monument and Scenic Landscape Complex, recently recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site, while helping realize the goal of making tourism a leading economic sector of the city.
1. “One Journey – Five World Heritage Destinations” tour (two days, one night)
Passing through five outstanding heritage sites—Kiep Bac Temple, Con Son Pagoda, Thanh Mai Pagoda, Kinh Chu Cave and Nham Duong Pagoda—this tour is ideal for anyone wishing to explore the historical, cultural and natural values of Hai Phong’s sacred land.
Visitors can tour and offer incense at sites associated with national hero Tran Hung Dao, celebrated scholar Nguyen Trai and the patriarchs of the Truc Lam tradition. They can make Van Yen pottery, print woodblocks, practice calligraphy, taste Kiep Bac lotus tea, and join folk activities such as painting conical hats and wearing traditional costumes for photographs. Local specialties include mung-bean cakes, arrowroot powder, boong cakes and bac dau cakes.
In particular, the tour takes visitors into the primeval Phong forest at Thanh Mai Pagoda, a tranquil meditative space amid nature that offers relaxation and a connection with the roots of Vietnamese Buddhist culture.
2. “Following the Footsteps of the Three Truc Lam Patriarchs” tour (one day)
Designed for visitors interested in Truc Lam Buddhism and the path of the First Patriarch Tran Nhan Tong, this tour visits three pagodas associated with the Zen tradition: Sung Nghiem, Thanh Mai and Con Son.
Visitors hear an overview of the relics and of the First Patriarch Tran Nhan Tong’s activities at Sung Nghiem Pagoda. They can print woodblocks, drink herbal tea, make traditional cakes and immerse themselves in a quiet meditative setting. They also explore architecture, antiques, archaeology and traditional festivals at the heritage pagodas.
This journey is rich in spiritual, cultural and historical elements, making it suitable for domestic and international visitors seeking a deeper understanding of Vietnamese Buddhist culture.
3. “Discovering the Con Son–Kiep Bac Heritage” tour (two days, one night)
Focusing on two prominent destinations in the World Heritage complex, this tour offers a complete experience of the cultural, historical, archaeological and spiritual values of the Con Son–Kiep Bac land.
Visitors can conquer Ban Co Tien, meditate at Bach Van Hermitage, and immerse themselves in nature and mysterious legends.
They can explore Ngu Nhac Linh Tu; visit and hear presentations about Ngu Nhac Mountain and the architectural works of Tay Nhac Temple, Bac Nhac Temple, Dong Nhac Temple and Nam Nhac Temple; learn about rituals honoring heaven and earth at Trung Nhac Temple, Thach Ban, the foundation of Nguyen Trai’s house and Thanh Hu Pagoda; enjoy chrysanthemum tea at the Wind-Viewing Pavilion. Evening cultural exchanges and campfires create a community space rich in traditional character. Traditional handicrafts such as painting lotus hats, drinking chrysanthemum tea and wearing traditional costumes are combined with exploration of ancient architecture, stone steles and festivals.
Launching these new tours not only diversifies Hai Phong’s tourism products, but is also a strategic step toward turning heritage values into an advantage for sustainable development, in line with modern experiential, cultural and spiritual tourism trends.
The tours are flexibly designed for individual travelers, organizations, pupils and students, and international visitors. In the coming period, the city will continue expanding routes connecting sites in the World Heritage system, creating a distinctive interregional tourism network./.
Source: Hai Phong City Electronic Information Portal