The Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Quang Ninh Province, in collaboration with Ngoa Van Yen Tu Cultural Tourism Joint Stock Company, officially announces the rules for the 3rd "Buddhism in Life" artistic photography contest. With an attractive total prize value and a professional organizational scale, this is an unmissable contest for the photography community and those who love Buddhist culture. The contest is professionally sponsored by the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists.
Detailed Information about the 3rd Buddhism in Life Photography Contest
Looking towards the 767th anniversary of the Birth and the 717th anniversary of the attainment of Nirvana of Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong, the contest is an opportunity to honor the cultural and spiritual heritage values of the Truc Lam Zen Sect and celebrate the event of the Complex of Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac Monuments being recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.
The artwork "New Practitioner" - Author Bui Viet Duc (Vinh Phuc), First Prize winner of the 2nd Buddhism in Life photography contest
Participants & How to Enter:
- Participants: All Vietnamese citizens and foreigners (aged 18 and above), regardless of gender, religion, or profession.
- Submission period: From December 17, 2025, to the end of June 30, 2026.
Where to submit: Authors submit files directly at the official website: www.thianhphatgiao2025.com
Creative Themes
Authors can freely unleash their creativity with the following content:
- Scenic spots, historical relics, and Buddhist architecture.
- Ritual activities, worship, and moments of practice of Monks, Nuns, and Buddhists.
- Charitable and social welfare activities of Buddhism.
- Special: The Organizing Committee has a separate submission category for artworks taken at the scenic relic complex of Ngoa Van Hermitage - Pagoda.
Prize Structure
Besides the cash value, winning authors will also receive exclusive sightseeing vouchers at the Ngoa Van Hermitage - Pagoda relic site:
- 01 First Prize: 15,000,000 VND + 6 Vouchers.
- 02 Second Prizes: 8,000,000 VND/prize + 4 Vouchers.
- 03 Third Prizes: 5,000,000 VND/prize + 4 Vouchers.
- 10 Consolation Prizes: 2,000,000 VND/prize + 4 Vouchers.
- 10 Promising Prizes: 1,000,000 VND/prize + 4 Vouchers.
- Selected photos for exhibition: Exhibition royalty of 500,000 VND/artwork.
Ngoa Van Hermitage – The Inspiration for Photographers in This Contest
Sacred sanctuary – Where the King attained Buddhahood
If Yen Tu is where Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong began his religious practice, then Ngoa Van Hermitage (located on Bao Dai Mountain, in the Yen Tu range, Dong Trieu) is exactly where he practiced during his final years, entered Nirvana, and attained Buddhahood.
Returning to Ngoa Van is returning to the true "Sacred sanctuary" of the Truc Lam Zen Sect. This place still retains a tranquil and solemn beauty rarely found elsewhere. The ancient, moss-covered stupas sitting quietly under the canopy of centuries-old pine and bamboo trees are excellent materials for photographs with nostalgic and Zen-like tones.
The masterpiece "Pagoda on the clouds"
True to the name "Ngoa Van" (Reclining on the clouds), the pagoda is situated at an altitude of over 500m above sea level, leaning against Ngoa Van peak, with eyes looking out towards Dam Cam valley.
The scenery here transforms unpredictably throughout the day, creating "priceless" moments for the photographic lens:
Cloud hunting: On days with high humidity or in the early morning, the entire pagoda complex seems to float amidst a sea of white clouds. This is a "fairyland" scene that any landscape photographer longs to capture.
Sunset and Sunrise: The lighting at Ngoa Van is very special, as the sun's rays pierce through the foliage of the ancient forest or gild the curved roofs of the pagoda, creating impressive contrast and depth for the photograph.
The ancient beauty at Ngoa Van Hermitage - Pagoda
Suggested "winning" shooting angles at Ngoa Van
To have impressive artworks submitted for the contest, you can exploit camera angles at:
- Ngoa Van Hermitage: The place worshipping the statue of the Buddhist Emperor entering Nirvana – the heart of the relic complex.
- Thong Dan: A forest of ancient, rugged pine trees with bizarre shapes, testifying to a fierce vitality amidst the high mountains.
- Buddhist Emperor Tower: The place preserving the relics of the King - Buddhist Emperor, bearing a majestic and contemplative beauty.
- Additionally, at the foot of Ngoa Van Hermitage - Pagoda mountain, there are up to 15 relics interspersed in the ancient forest, such as: Am Tra Shrine, Da Chong field, Tan Long, Thong Dam... these relics link together to form a winding path running gradually to the top of the mountain.
The journey to Ngoa Van is now much more convenient thanks to a modern cable car system, helping tourists and photographers easily transport equipment to "hunt" for the most beautiful moments of heaven, earth, and the Buddha Dharma.
The majestic beauty at Ngoa Van Yen Tu
Contact information and support:
For any information supporting Registration or fieldwork activities, please contact:
- Support for registration and submission of contest photos: Mr. Mai Vinh – 0263.370.0292
- Support for compiling the list of participating photographers going to Ngoa Van Hermitage - Pagoda - Da Chong Mountain in the Hanoi area: Ms. Trang – 0983.792.712
- Support for direct photographic operations at the Ngoa Van Hermitage - Pagoda - Da Chong Mountain relic cluster at: Ms. Anh/ Ms. Binh – 0974.386.180 – Hotline: 032.919.1080 – 033.319.1080
- Rules and detailed information of the contest: www.thianhphatgiao2025.com