Unveiling the Timeless Legacy of Lam Kinh: A Journey Through History

Unveiling Lam Kinh: Vietnam’s Imperial Legacy

Nestled in Tho Xuan district, Thanh Hoa, Lam Kinh stands as the second imperial city of the Later Le Dynasty, a special national relic shrouded in the mystique of Vietnam’s most prosperous feudal era.

Originally known as Lam Son, this sacred ground was the birthplace of national hero Le Loi (1385-1433). From here, he ignited the Lam Son uprising, successfully repelling the Chinese Ming invaders (1418-1428). Ascending the throne in 1428 as Le Thai To, he founded the Later Le Dynasty. In 1430, he renamed Lam Son to Lam Kinh (also known as Tay Kinh), establishing it as a royal necropolis with temples and tombs dedicated to his lineage. Each year, Le Dynasty kings embarked on a pilgrimage from Thang Long citadel to Lam Kinh, paying homage to their ancestors.

Lam Kinh houses the tombs of Later Le Dynasty monarchs, each a unique architectural masterpiece with distinct flanking statues. Notably, the tomb of Queen Ngo Thi Ngoc Giao, mother of King Le Thanh Tong, is guarded by female statues, a rare deviation from the traditional male figures. Other prominent tombs include Huu Lang (King Le Thai Tong), Lang Khon Nguyen (Queen Ngo Thi Ngoc Giao), Chieu Lang (King Le Thanh Tong), Du Lang (King Le Hien Tong), and Kinh Lang (King Le Tuc Tong).

Explore the site effortlessly on electric vehicles.

A historic well, once the lifeblood of Lam Kinh, still boasts crystal-clear water year-round.

An ancient banyan tree stands sentinel within the relic complex.

Visitors enter the central sanctum through the imposing southern gate.

Numerous steles grace the site, with Vinh Lang stele standing out as the most remarkable.

Two majestic stone dragons guard the entrance to the central sanctum.

Valuable wooden pillars showcase the site’s architectural grandeur.

Lam Kinh meticulously preserves the architectural essence of the Later Le Dynasty.

Lam Kinh, originally Lam Son, witnessed the birth of the Lam Son uprising led by Le Loi against the Ming Dynasty.

The site exemplifies the exquisite beauty of traditional Vietnamese architecture.

Paying respects at the tomb of King Le Thai To.

Lam Kinh serves as a sacred space honoring Le Loi, national hero Le Lai, and other Le Dynasty monarchs.

Offering incense to King Le Thai To, a timeless tradition.

The enigmatic “laughing” guava tree adds to the site’s mystique.

A Lam Son uprising flag proudly flies, symbolizing Vietnam’s enduring spirit.

Lam Kinh stands as a testament to Vietnam’s rich history and cultural heritage.