Con Son – Kiep Bac Complex was built to honor a famous general from the Tran Dynasty and one of the greatest generals in Vietnam history, Tran Hung Dao. The temple has three gates, three rooms, and a number of dieties. Surrounded by four mountains named after four holy creatures, it has been recognized for centuries as a very favorable place, a “sacred, prime locaion by feng shui standards.”

The four mountains surrounding the complex are named after holy creatures known in many Asian myths, especially in East Asian countries: Phuong Hoang (phoenix); Ky Lan (qilin – a mythical unicorn); Rua (turtle); and Tran Rong (dragon's forehead). The complex is also situated next to Luc Dau Giang or Six River Heads, where six rivers meet: Cau; Thuong; Luc Nam; Duong; Kinh Thay; and Thai Binh (main stream).

Because of its good location, the complex was a natural attraction to popular people in Vietnam history such as Nguyen Trai, a Confucian scholar, politican, strategist, and poet of the Le Dynasty; and Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam's first president. The complex was said to “evoke and inspire deep reflections” in them. The complex also served as a perfect location for a base for the forces of the feudal generals.

But it was during the Tran Dynasty between 1225-1400 that the complex “transcended” to a holy site with the building of the Con Son Pagoda. Standing on a 200-meter high mountain, it became one of the three centers of Truc Lam Yen Tu, a Vietnamese Zen Buddhism founded by King Tran Nhan Tong. The following dynasty Le renovated the pagoda into 83 rooms and 385 Buddha statues.

Through time, Con Son Pagoda went through a number of renovations. Time also removed some, if not most, of the holy place's old magnificence, except for a few structures and views that retain the pagoda's dignity and beauty to begin with. A three-meter high pagoda, a 600-year old adenium tree, a 14th-century stele with the writings of King Tran Due Tong, a house of statues, and a three-storied tower are some of the remnants of the pagoda.

The “fairy cheeseboard” is also something visitors will be interested in, a 600-stone step climb to a big, flat stone which legend says was used by fairies to play chess. A two-floor watch tower at the mountain top treats guests to beautiful ancient architectural style and a breathtaking sight of the complex. The “jade well” or Gieng Ngoc is a must-see area of the pagoda because it is believed to be the “breath of life,” the water said to remain pure and fresh the whole year. The Con Son Spring is anther tourist spot in the complex visitors should not miss.

Unlike other tourist attractions, Con Son – Kiep Bac Complex does not have much to offer when it comes to legendary and holy sites. But it has a great history unlike any other, and that's what sets it apart from all the other common tourist destinations. Moreover, it emanates silence and tranquility all over the place that makes one achieve an inner peace he or she has never experienced before, or ever will.