Vinh Nghiem pagoda was founded in the 11th century. It was a learning center for Buddhists of the Bamboo Forest (Truc Lam) Zen tradition of Vietnam. It is located in Bac Giang, a rural community about an hour by car from Hanoi. All statues in this temple are wooden and handcarved by local artists centuries ago. Outside the temple is a small cemetery with stupas containing the remaining of passing monks (as seen in the last photo).