Located on the slopes of the Bảo Đài mountain range in An Sinh Ward, Ngọa Vân has long been regarded as a special “sacred land” of the Trúc Lâm Zen Sect. It is now pursuing a distinctive approach to tourism, steering clear of rampant commercialisation and the overdevelopment of its landscape, while placing tranquillity and the depth of its heritage at the heart of its tourism model.
The sacred land of Ngoa Van bears witness to the austere spiritual journey and the moment when the First Patriarch, Buddha Emperor Tran Nhan Tong, entered Nirvana in 1308. The site comprises a system of relics arranged across three levels, with 15 relics at the foot of the mountain, Ngoa Van Trung Pagoda on the second level, and Ngoa Van Thượng Pagoda, Ngoa Van Hermitage, the Buddha Emperor’s Stupa, Đoan Nghiem Stupa and the Mountain Deity Hermitage on the third level.
For many years, journeys to Ngọa Vân have mainly centred on visiting relics, making pilgrimages and exploring the landscape. However, as people’s travel needs change, a journey is no longer simply about “going somewhere” but increasingly about “experiencing a state of being”. It is here that Ngọa Vân’s spiritual heritage and meditation tourism come together.
As green tourism, wellness tourism and cultural tourism attract growing interest, Ngọa Vân has favourable conditions for developing these forms of tourism based on its existing values, rather than creating an entirely new tourism product. The Ngọa Vân complex of hermitages, pagodas and stupas not only preserves valuable heritage but is now embarking on a new journey. At its heart is the creation of a Zen Village model, connecting this heritage with modern life through wellness tourism and local cultural experiences.
Ngọa Vân also offers many pristine, open spaces where families can strengthen their bonds, young people can find a place to restore their mental balance, and businesspeople can seek moments of tranquillity away from the pressures of work. Experiences such as watching the sunrise, witnessing the sunset from the mountain summit and taking short wellness retreats allow visitors to admire the scenery while also finding a sense of peace amid nature.
More than a retreat, the tourism model at Ngọa Vân Zen Village also creates jobs for local residents through logistics, tour guiding and the supply of clean agricultural produce, while raising awareness of forest protection and heritage conservation. At Ngọa Vân, sustainable tourism development is inseparable from the local community. Residents participate by providing local dishes, handicrafts and regional specialities, as well as guiding visitors through nature and cultural experiences. Simple meals made with local ingredients and prepared in a healthy way, opportunities to learn about traditional crafts, and walks to explore the surrounding landscape all form part of the experience.
Against the backdrop of the Yên Tử – Vĩnh Nghiêm – Côn Sơn, Kiếp Bạc Complex of Monuments and Landscapes being recognised as a World Heritage Site, the sustainable tourism development of Ngọa Vân Zen Village, rooted in its historical heritage, not only awakens a precious gem amid the vast forests and mountains but also affirms the enduring vitality of the Trúc Lâm spirit in contemporary society.
By Pham Hoc
