Hidden in the green forests of Thanh Hoa, Lam Kinh relic site is not only a golden testament to the Le Dynasty – but also a place where the sacred spirit of the mountains and rivers and the spirit of the time of nation building intersect. There, history is not in books, but exists on every stone, tree shade, and even in the way Thanh Hoa people quietly preserve what their ancestors left behind.
Journey to the second ancient capital of Vietnam
About 50km northwest of Thanh Hoa city, Lam Kinh relic site is located in Xuan Lam commune, Tho Xuan district – a land rich in tradition, associated with the resounding Lam Son uprising of Le Loi, who later became King Le Thai To, founding the Later Le dynasty that lasted nearly 400 years.
Lam Kinh was not the first ancient capital, but it was considered the “ancestral land” of the Le dynasty, the burial place of many kings, queens and royal relatives, and also a sacred land – the place Le Loi chose as the rear base for his resistance against the Ming invaders.
Sacred space in the middle of the ancient forest
The first thing that impresses visitors when coming to Lam Kinh is not the temple – but the silence of nature. The hundreds of years old trees provide cool shade, the old laterite road leads deep into the central area – where Lam Kinh Palace, Le Thai To Tomb and many other structures are restored based on archaeological remains.
The space is arranged according to the feng shui principle of “mountain-water orientation”, behind is Dau mountain, in front is Chu river – creating a solid land, rich in sacred energy. Pagodas, temples, shrines, mausoleums… each have their own nuances but all retain the ancient look, the harmony between architecture and nature.
Meeting Le Loi again – not just a street name
The image of Le Loi in history books is familiar: the hero of the “magic sword uprising”, a talented and benevolent leader. But when coming to Lam Kinh, people no longer see him as a monument – but as a real person: with a starting point, an ideal, people following him and a land that believes in him.
The Vinh Lang stele compiled and engraved by Nguyen Trai in 1433, placed next to the tomb of King Le Thai To, remains intact, like an immortal declaration of the ideals of independence, justice and patriotism.
Not just a relic – but a vibrant space
Lam Kinh today is not as dry as many people mistakenly think when referring to “relic sites”. Every year on the 21st of the 8th lunar month, Lam Kinh festival is solemnly held to commemorate King Le Thai To, attracting thousands of locals and tourists to attend. The festival atmosphere is bustling with palanquin processions, lion dances, classical opera performances and folk games – making Lam Kinh a vibrant space in the heart of the epic.
How to get to Lam Kinh?
From Thanh Hoa city, you can take a motorbike or car along National Highway 47 to Tho Xuan district, cross Van Ha bridge and then turn onto Provincial Road 506 to Xuan Lam commune. The relic site is over 200 hectares wide, with a parking lot, a navigation system and an exhibition area to serve visitors.
If you go in the fall (around September–November), you will have the opportunity to admire the beautiful scenery when yellow leaves fall all over the stone path, creating a very unique nostalgic quality of Lam Kinh.
In Lam Kinh, time does not pass… but stands still
The ancients called this land “a land of talented people” – this saying is not only true in the past, but also very true in the present. Because despite going through many changes, Lam Kinh still stands there, not noisy, not fighting, just quietly recounting the best chapters of Vietnamese history, in a language that does not need words.
And you – whoever you are – when you come to Lam Kinh, will bring something back: a lesson in loyalty, a low note to live slowly, or simply, pride in being Vietnamese.
