About Lam Kinh Historical Site
Lam Kinh Historical Site is a Special National Relic in Xuan Lam Commune, Tho Xuan District, Thanh Hoa Province, about 50 km west of Thanh Hoa City. Built in 1428 by Emperor Le Loi as the secondary capital and ancestral land of the Later Le dynasty, it preserves royal tombs, temples, and restored palace foundations set among pine hills and the Ngoc River. The complex honors the Le kings and reflects 15th-century Vietnamese architecture and court rituals.
Visitors guide
Visitors can explore a large forested complex with restored royal palace foundations, temples dedicated to Le Loi and the Le kings, the Vinh Lang royal tomb area, Ngoc Well, ancient stone steles, and pine-covered hills along the Ngoc River. The site includes exhibition halls, worship halls, landscaped courtyards, and walking paths. Guided tours explain the architecture and history, and visitors can observe traditional rituals and annual festival activities.
Key highlights
- 01
Vinh Lang Mausoleum - tomb of Emperor Le Loi with ancient stone stele carried by stone turtle
- 02
Temple of Le Loi and temples of Le kings with traditional wooden architecture
- 03
Ngoc Well - ancient well in front of the main palace area
- 04
Restored foundations of Lam Kinh Palace and Thai Mieu (ancestral temple)
- 05
Pine forest and Ngoc River landscape surrounding the complex
- 06
Annual Lam Kinh Festival held on the 21st-22nd day of the 8th lunar month
History of Lam Kinh Historical Site
Built in 1428 by Emperor Le Loi, founder of the Later Le dynasty (1428-1789), as the secondary capital Lam Kinh and ancestral homeland of the Le family. The site served as a royal retreat, ancestral worship center, and burial place for Le kings. It contains the Vinh Lang tomb of Le Loi and tombs of other Le emperors, with original 15th-century stone sculptures, steles, and palace foundations. Recognized as a Special National Relic of Vietnam in 2013.
Culture & Context
The site is a major center for ancestor worship of Emperor Le Loi, a national hero who led the Lam Son uprising against Ming occupation. It preserves traditions of Vietnamese royal architecture, court rituals, and folk festivals. The annual Lam Kinh Festival honors Le Loi and the Le dynasty with processions, offerings, and traditional performances, reflecting local community identity and respect for the dynasty's legacy.