Discover the spiritual land of Vinh Loc

Tuong Van Pagoda attracts many tourists from inside and outside the province to visit and worship.

In late October, we had the opportunity to visit the spiritual land of Vinh Loc, the first stop was Tuong Van Pagoda (also known as Giang Pagoda). The pagoda was built in the 14th century - Tran Dynasty, located at the foot of Dun Mountain (Don Son) in Ward III, Vinh Loc Commune, leaning against the mountain, facing the Ma River. In the beginning, the pagoda was built with 4 compartments, over time, the pagoda was renovated and embellished many times but still retained its ancient features and original architecture. Behind Don Son is the mother house, this is the main area of the pagoda. The Buddhist temple was restored in the 14th year of Bao Dai, the architectural structure is in the shape of the letter Dinh, including the front hall with 5 compartments and the upper hall with 2 compartments.

With its beautiful location, unique architectural decoration, and sacredness, Tuong Van Pagoda is not only an attraction for many tourists inside and outside the province, but also a place for cultural and religious activities of Thanh people. In 2009, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism ranked Tuong Van Pagoda as a national historical and cultural relic.

On the journey to explore Vinh Loc land, tourists can also visit and worship Du Anh pagoda located at the foot of Xuan Dai mountain. Du Anh pagoda is associated with the story of Tran Nghe Tong bringing princess Du Anh to the pagoda to worship and recover from illness. The princess was cured by medicinal herbs in Ho Cong cave. King Tran donated to upgrade the pagoda, and princess Du Anh directly supervised the work. From then on, the pagoda was named Du Anh.

From Du Anh Pagoda, following the stone steps along the mountainside to the Southeast, we will reach Ho Cong Cave. The cave is shaped like a giant stone ball located halfway up Xuan Dai Mountain. In the cave, there are many stalactites hanging down, creating many beautiful shapes, with a variety of colors, creating a space that is both real and unreal. In 2009, Ho Cong Cave was recognized as a national scenic relic.

Currently, in Vinh Loc commune, there are 17 historical - cultural relics and scenic spots, of which 5 are ranked at the national level, such as: Tran Khat Chan Temple; Tuong Van Pagoda; Ho Cong Cave... In recent times, with the attention of the State, philanthropists and the people, many relics have been restored and embellished to become spacious, attracting a large number of tourists to visit and sightsee. According to statistics of the Department of Culture - Society , Vinh Loc Commune People's Committee, in the first 9 months of 2025, the relics in the commune welcomed more than 10,000 visitors to visit and sightsee at the relics.

Through practical research, it is known that in the period of 2021-2025, in Vinh Loc commune, there are 4 relics, including: Ho Nam communal house; Ky Ngai communal house, Ha Luong pagoda, communal house and temple relic cluster; Tuong Van pagoda, which were renovated, restored, embellished and prevented from deterioration with a total investment of nearly 17.6 billion VND. Currently, Vinh Loc commune has submitted a report proposing a list of preservation, renovation, restoration and promotion of the value of relics in the commune in the period of 2026-2030, requesting the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to propose to the People's Committee of Thanh Hoa province to support funding for the renovation and embellishment of relics, including: National historical relic of Tran Khat Chan temple; provincial historical relic of Ky Ngai communal house; provincial historical and cultural relic cluster of Ha Luong pagoda, communal house and temple; provincial historical and cultural relic of Cao Hien temple, Yen Lac communal house, Cong pagoda (Linh Quang).

Mr. Trinh Ngoc Tuan, Chairman of Vinh Loc Commune People's Committee, said: In the coming time, Vinh Loc commune will focus on developing spiritual tourism, attracting a large number of tourists to visit and worship at the relics. To do this, the commune focuses on building tours to Tuong Van Pagoda - Tran Khat Chan Temple - Nam Giao Altar - Du Anh Pagoda. Organizing festival activities rich in traditional cultural identity, such as Du Anh Pagoda festival, Tran Khat Chan Temple festival... to attract tourists. Planning the construction of service facilities, strictly managing all types of tourism services, building a safe and civilized tourism environment, attracting investors and tourists. Investing in building traffic infrastructure, renovating and embellishing historical and cultural relics associated with promoting traditional cultural values.

Article and photos: Xuan Cuong

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/kham-pha-vung-dat-nbsp-tam-linh-vinh-loc-267316.htm