Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda

About this location

Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda - A Buddhist architectural and cultural heritage of the Northern Delta region Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda is located in Hanh Thien village, Xuan Hong commune, Ninh Binh province. The complex comprises the Inner Keo Pagoda (Than Quang Tu) and Outer Keo Pagoda (Dinh Lan Tu), designated as a Special National Monument in 2016. The pagoda is associated with the worship of Buddha and Zen Master Duong Khong Lo, revered by the local community as the Holy Patriarch. History of the Inner Keo Pagoda dates back to the 11th century, featuring traditional architectural styles with an "interior-outer structure" layout (noi cong ngoai quoc). Key highlights include the two-tiered, eight-roof stacked bell tower, alongside a system of worship statues, stelae, bells, gongs, and intricate carving details. The Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda Festival was inscribed on the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2019, reflecting the customs and religious life of Northern rural communities. Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda is suitable for historical-cultural documentaries, films about Buddhism, folk beliefs, and feature films exploring Northern rural spaces. Camera angles can focus on the pagoda architecture, bell tower, courtyard, and festival activities. Filming must be coordinated with the monument management unit to ensure solemnity and avoid disrupting religious practices. Information source compiled by: PTIT Photo source: PTIT

Location rules

• Strictly prohibited content: disclosing state secrets, propagating against the State, distorting history, infringing upon sovereignty, undermining national unity, and offending national celebrities and heroes. (Article 9, Cinema Law)
• For international film crews, it is mandatory to use film production services provided by Vietnamese film establishments.
• Permission before filming: Film crews must contact and obtain approval from the Monument Management Board prior to recording. Shooting scope, schedule, personnel count, equipment, and on-site organization plans must be agreed upon in advance.
• Protecting architecture and artifacts: Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda is a Special National Monument featuring wooden architecture, statues, altars, and ancient carved structural components. Do not arbitrarily move or touch artifacts, place equipment on architectural elements, drive nails, paste materials, or use smoke, fire, and effects that risk damaging the heritage.
• Respecting religious spaces: When filming in Buddha worship areas, the Saint shrine, and altars, crews must maintain a solemn attitude, polite attire, and keep noise to a minimum. Avoid staging offensive scenes, disrespectful behaviors, or disrupting local religious rituals.
• Avoiding disruption to daily life and festivals: Prioritize scheduling shoots during times when the monument is less crowded. During spring and autumn festivals, crews must coordinate with the Management Board to avoid interfering with traditional rituals, religious activities, and community life.
• Complying with heritage preservation requirements: Do not arbitrarily set up scenes, alter landscapes, interfere with architecture, or organize activities that may impact the original values of the monument. All installation, decoration, or renovation activities for filming must be reviewed, approved, and carried out in accordance with heritage protection regulations.

Infrastructure