The Ly Dynasty is widely regarded as a golden era in Vietnam’s history.

The Do Temple Festival remains one of the province’s most prominent intangible cultural heritage elements, held to honour the contributions of the Ly Dynasty.

From the Chieu doi do (Edict on the Transfer of the Capital), which laid out a strategic vision for country-building, to the poem Nam quoc son ha affirming national sovereignty, and from the victory at Nhu Nguyet to advances in Buddhism, law, education and architecture, the dynasty helped shape the foundations of Dai Viet civilisation.

Bac Ninh remains home to many of these legacies, with a dense network of sites tied to architecture, sculpture, antiquities, legends, poetry, prophecy, beliefs and festivals.

Alongside royal temples and mausoleum complexes - the resting places of Ly kings and their relatives, the province features an extensive system of pagodas and towers built on a grand, courtly scale.

Bac Ninh province is preserving a rich and diverse treasure trove of tangible and intangible heritage dating back to the Ly Dynasty. In the photo: The Ly Dynasty stone statue of Amitabha Buddha at Phat Tich Pagoda in Phat Tich commune.

These structures reflect the sophistication of Ly-era scientific knowledge and architectural mastery. Notable examples such as Dam Pagoda and Phat Tich Pagoda are preserving valuable artifacts, drawing visitors, scholars and researchers from Vietnam and abroad.

The dynasty’s prosperity over more than two centuries was also shaped by prominent historical figures, including Le Phung Hieu, Ly Thuong Kiet, Le Van Thinh, To Hien Thanh, Queen Mother Y Lan, and national masters such as Ly Van Hanh and Ly Khanh Van.

Many of these figures are commemorated in historical records and local worship practices. Researchers note that of more than 130 Ly-related heritage sites in Bac Ninh, nearly 90 are associated with such historical personalities.

According to Prof. Dr. Dang Canh Khanh, Chairman of the Scientific Council of the Vietnam Foundation for Cultural Heritage, the Ly Dynasty laid enduring foundations for the nation’s vitality.

From Ly Thai To to Ly Thai Tong, Ly Thanh Tong and Ly Nhan Tong, all were seen as wise and sagacious kings, skilled in both military and civil affairs, who created an era of "peace and prosperity".

Honouring Ly Dynasty heritage, he said, is not only a tribute to history but also a way to unleash cultural resources for sustainable growth.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Van Bai, former head of the Cultural Heritage Department under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, suggested Bac Ninh invest in a spiritual eco-tourism complex centred around Do Temple to preserve and promote the dynasty’s “cultural gene.”

The Ly Thuong Kiet Temple in Tam Giang commune attracts large numbers of visitors seeking to explore the site’s historical significance.

Such an approach could also create distinctive tourism products and enhance the province’s competitiveness.

Dr. Nguyen Van Dap, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said preserving and promoting the Ly Dynasty’s cultural heritage should go hand in hand with tourism development, based on research into unique offerings.

The department plans to organise in-depth seminars on Bac Ninh’s ties to the Ly Dynasty and study successful models at home and abroad that aim to turn heritage into sustainable economic assets, ensuring feasibility and long-term effectiveness.

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