Con Son – Kiep Bac Complex

Con Son – Kiep Bac Complex is a recognized special national relic in Chi Linh City, Hai Duong Province. It consists of Con Son Pagoda and Kiep Bac Temple as the main attractions, together with other related relics.

Altogether, the complex serves not only as a sightseeing spot, but also as a popular destination for spiritual tourism in Hai Duong Province, and in northern Vietnam in general.

Let’s get to know more about this relic with Asia King Travel.

General location of the Con Son – Kiep Bac Complex

Con Son – Kiep Bac Complex is at a distance of approximately 75 kilometers from Hanoi, and 40 kilometers from the center of Hai Duong City.

In detail, Con Son Pagoda is based in Cong Hoa Ward, at the bottom of Con Son Mountain. Meanwhile, Kiep Bac Temple is based in Duoc Son and Van Yen (Van Kiep) Hamlet in Hung Dao Commune – about 5 kilometers from the pagoda, as the crow flies. 

The way leading to Con Son Pagoda in the Con Son – Kiep Bac Complex (Source: Jundat Nguyen via Google Maps)

How to get to the Con Son – Kiep Bac Complex

By motorbike

From Hanoi, take Chuong Duong or Vinh Tuy Bridge to join National Highway No. 5, then continue to follow National Highway No. 18 and No. 37 to reach Chi Linh City. The drive would take 1 hour and 45 minutes, more or less.

It’s even easier if you start from Hai Duong City: you just need a 45-minute drive along National Highway No. 37.

By car/taxi/rental car

The route would be pretty much the same, with another faster choice of the Hanoi – Hai Phong Expressway (with toll). However, these expressways don't directly lead to Chi Linh City, so please keep in mind that you will still have to take the highway at some point of the trip.

An intersection in Hai Duong City (Source: Vietnam’s Government News)

What to do at Con Son – Kiep Bac Complex

Stop by Con Son Pagoda

Built in the early 14th century during the reign of the Tran Dynasty, Con Son Pagoda was one of the three centers of the Truc Lam Zen sect in Vietnam at that time.

The pagoda is a typical example of the royal architectural style with a grand entrance (tam quan) and a semicircle lake. It also boasts well-preserved historical documents, statues, and even ancient stone steles – one of which is the Thanh Hu Cave Stele, recognized as a national treasure in 2015.

Beyond the pagoda itself, the site offers further exploration. Visitors can 600 steps through a pine forest to reach the mountain's peak and the legendary Ban Co Tien (fairy’s chessboard). Other noteworthy features include the Gieng Ngoc (jade well) believed to be the mountain's "breath of life" and the scenic Con Son Spring flowing alongside the mountain.

A corner of Con Son Pagoda (Source: Dzung Luong Cao via Google Maps)

Visit Kiep Bac Temple

Again has a long history connected to the Tran Dynasty, Kiep Bac Temple honors the great military commander Tran Hung Dao (Tran Quoc Tuan).

Kiep Bac Temple is surrounded by small mountains and Luc Dau Giang – the confluence of 6 rivers. That’s the reason why Tran Hung Dao chose to set up a military base here during the 3 wars against the Yuan-Mongols in the 13th century.

After the wars, Tran Hung Dao retired in Van Kiep and passed away in 1300. The temple was built on the site of the base back then with a grand entrance (tam quan) leading to the main building, where the altars for Tran Hung Dao, his family members, and also his subordinates can be found. Next to the temple is Vien Lang, a small hill believed to be the burial site of the commander himself.

The back of the grand entrance to Kiep Bac Temple (Source: Thuong Truong Magazine)

Take a look at other attractions

Besides the 2 main destinations in the Con Son – Kiep Bac Complex, you can pay a visit to other attractions around, for example:

• Nguyen Trai Temple: Located in the area of Thanh Hu Cave, Nguyen Trai Temple is dedicated to the skilled politician and master strategist Nguyen Trai. Behind the temple is a yard believed to be the remains of his house.
• Tran Nguyen Dan Temple: On the left side and not far from Nguyen Trai Temple is Tran Nguyen Dan Temple, a place to honor Nguyen Trai’s grandfather Tran Nguyen Dan. He was an admirable scholar during the later period of the Tran Dynasty.
• Nam Tao and Bac Dau Temples-Pagodas: The temples are based at the bottom of the mountains of the same name, right near Kiep Bac Temple. They honor the two gods Nam Tao and Bac Dau, together with the Buddhas and the Mother Goddess.

Tran Nguyen Dan Temple (Source: Management Board of the Con Son – Kiep Bac Complex)

The best time to visit Con Son – Kiep Bac Complex

Con Son – Kiep Bac Complex is suitable to visit all year round. But if you want to better enjoy the festive atmosphere here, you can try paying a visit during the Spring and Autumn Festival.

The Spring Festival is held from the 14th to the 23rd day of the 1st lunar month. It commemorates the passing of Venerable Huyen Quang – one of the founders of the Truc Lam Zen sect. Meanwhile, the Autumn Festival lasts from the 10th to the 20th day of the 8th lunar month, mainly to pay tribute to the national heroes Tran Hung Dao and Nguyen Trai – whose lives are closely related to this land.

Read more: Full-day Trip to Halong Bay

Conclusion

Con Son – Kiep Bac Complex is a destination of long history, unique architecture, and tranquility among the forests, mountains, and rivers. Coming to the complex is not always just for sightseeing. It’s also to learn more about a period throughout Vietnam’s history, about the land, the people, and the culture itself. Is that enough for you to make a trip to Hai Duong yet?

Read more: Vietnam Tour 18 days: Reveal Vietnamese Rural Life