Explore Co Le Pagoda in Ninh Binh: A Centuries-Old Ancient Pagoda and Its Historical Value

Co Le Pagoda is one of the famous ancient pagodas in the Northern Delta region, boasting over 800 years of history and closely associated with the name of National Master Nguyen Minh Khong. According to historical records, the pagoda was founded in the 12th century during the reign of King Ly Than Tong. It was originally a traditional wooden pagoda located at the entrance of Co Le village, beside the gentle Red River. Experiencing many vicissitudes of time, especially the great flood in 1611 that buried the pagoda, local people came together to rebuild it in the shape of the Chinese character "Công" (工), preserving a precious spiritual heritage for future generations.

Entering the early 20th century, under the abbacy of Most Venerable Pham Quang Tuyen, Co Le Pagoda underwent a major renovation on a grand scale in the unique architectural style of "Nhat Thoc Lau Dai", harmoniously combining traditional Eastern architecture with Western antique features. Outstanding structures such as the Cuu Pham Lien Hoa Tower (1927), the Great Bell (Dai Hong Chung, 1936), or the Kim Chung Bao Cac bell tower (1997) contributed to creating a grand and majestic appearance for the pagoda, while reflecting the continuous development of the monument across various historical periods.

Not only a serene Buddhist sanctuary, Co Le Pagoda also marks heroic pages of the nation's history. During the period 1947–1981, this place witnessed 35 monks and nuns taking vows to "shed their robes and put on military uniforms" to defend the Fatherland, with many heroically sacrificing their lives for the nation's independence and freedom. The pagoda was also an important revolutionary base, hiding cadres and hosting many secret meetings during the resistance war. With special historical, cultural, and architectural values, Co Le Pagoda was recognized as a National Historical-Cultural Monument in 1988 and further designated as a Special National Monument in 2025, becoming a pride of the people and a meaningful spiritual destination for visitors from all over.

One of the most prominent features of Co Le Pagoda in Ninh Binh is its unique Buddhist architecture, harmoniously blending East Asian traditions with Western influences. The pagoda has the appearance of a Western cathedral with arched doorways and high pillars, yet retains the ancient charm of Vietnamese temples.

Cuu Pham Lien Hoa Tower 

This is the largest architectural highlight, standing 32 meters high with 8 sides, built in 1927.

• Meaning: The tower consists of 9 interconnected lotus tiers, symbolizing "cuu trung" – the 9 levels of heaven in Buddhist beliefs.
• Special feature: The entire tower structure is firmly set on the back of a giant stone turtle, with its head facing the main hall, symbolizing sustainability and longevity. Inside the tower is a spiral staircase with 98 steps leading to the top.

The main hall of the pagoda stands out with a sturdy vaulted roof structure, bearing traces of a Western church. However, upon stepping inside, the pagoda still maintains its classical vault, worshiping space, and layout deeply rooted in Vietnamese temple culture.

Other architectural structures

• Cuon Bridge (Chu Tich Lake): A three-span arched bridge paved with red bricks, connecting the main path to the Chua Trinh area (Buddhist Assembly Hall), creating an ancient highlight reflected on the quiet lake surface.
• Dai Hong Chung (Great Bell): A bell weighing 9 tons, 4.2m high, and 2.2m in diameter, cast in 1936. It was one of the largest bells in Vietnam at that time. To prevent destruction during the war of resistance, the bell was hidden underwater and later salvaged, fixedly placed in the middle of the lake in front of the main hall, becoming a sacred treasure and historical symbol of the pagoda.
• Kim Chung Bao Cac Bell Tower: Built in 1997, standing 13.4 meters high with a traditional 3-tier, 4-sided architecture, housing a bronze bell weighing 9,000 kg.

Co Le Pagoda is a rare architectural masterpiece blending East and West, a solemn and serene spiritual space where thousands of years of ancient beauty harmonize with the eternal symbol of the Cuu Pham Lien Hoa Tower and the echoing sound of the Great Bell in the heart of the lake.

Co Le Pagoda is not only a spiritual sanctuary but also an important revolutionary monument.

• Patriotic spirit: On February 27, 1947, a touching vow ceremony took place at the pagoda, where 27 monks "shed their robes and put on battle uniforms to go to the front line" to defend the Fatherland, with 12 of them heroically sacrificing their lives.
• Revolutionary base: During the two resistance wars against the French and the Americans, the pagoda served as a meeting place and direction center for the revolutionary movement of the (former) province, as well as a base to shelter cadres and guerrillas.

Every year, the main festival of Co Le Pagoda takes place from the 13th to the 16th day of the 9th lunar month to commemorate the grand birthday anniversary of Saint Master Nguyen Minh Khong.

• Highlights: The festival bears a strong mark of Northern folk culture with many traditional activities such as boat racing on the lake in front of the pagoda, wrestling, palanquin processions, and other folk games, attracting a large number of locals and tourists.
• Title: Co Le Pagoda Festival was listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2023.

With typical values in history, architecture, and culture, Co Le Pagoda is not only a spiritual and worship destination but also a place for everyone to feel the breath of history and admire the unique harmony of Eastern and Western cultures in a serene and solemn space amid a prosperous countryside.

To have a smooth and fulfilling visit to Co Le Pagoda, visitors should check information in advance regarding directions, ideal times, and highlighted activities here.

How to get to Co Le Pagoda

The pagoda is located in Co Le Commune, about 20km from Ninh Binh city center, convenient for various means of transportation:

• Motorbike or private car: From Hanoi, follow National Highway 1A south, turn into the center of Ninh Binh, and continue following the signs to Co Le Commune. Travel time is about 2–3 hours.
• Bus: Visitors can take buses or coaches from Hanoi to Ninh Binh City, then continue by taxi or motorbike taxi to the pagoda.

The best time to visit is spring (January–March) or autumn (September–November), when the weather is pleasant and often coincides with the festival season.

Must-try activities

At Co Le Pagoda, visitors can experience many characteristic cultural and spiritual activities:

• Architecture sightseeing: Stroll around the complex to admire the bell tower, lake, Cuu Pham tower, and structures featuring a unique architectural blend.
• Join the Co Le Pagoda Festival: If visiting at the right time, you can immerse yourself in folk games, traditional rituals, and enjoy local cuisine.
• Praying and meditation: The tranquil space of the pagoda is ideal for finding balance and peace.
• Taking commemorative photos: The lake area and tall architectural structures are always favorite photo spots for visitors.

With a valuable cultural and spiritual space, Co Le Pagoda is an ideal destination for those wishing to combine architectural exploration, learning history, and enjoying peace on their trip to Ninh Binh.

Co Le Pagoda is not only a thousand-year-old ancient pagoda but also a living museum, testifying to cultural exchange and national spirit. From historical footprints associated with Saint Master Nguyen Minh Khong, the unique "Nhat Thoc Lau Dai" architecture blending Buddhism and Gothic style, to sacred revolutionary values and the traditional boat racing festival, everything shapes an invaluable heritage. Coming to Co Le, visitors not only admire the majestic beauty of Cuu Pham Lien Hoa Tower or listen to the echo of the Great Bell from the lake, but also immerse themselves in a peaceful space, deeply feeling the breath of history and pride in a Special National Monument. Co Le Pagoda will forever remain a symbol of sustainability, a convergence point of spirituality, culture, and immortal patriotism in the southern land.