Chua Nan, or Truc Lam Zen Monastery, is situated in the culturally rich and historically significant Ban Bu area of Van Hoa ward, Ngoc Lac town, Thanh Hoa province. This revered site not only honors Buddha but also pays tribute to the valiant leaders and soldiers of the Lam Son uprising.

Chua Nan is part of the Ban Bu heritage complex and has a long history. Before 1420, the temple was destroyed during the Ming invasion, leading residents to seek refuge in Ban Bu cave, where they created altars for the Water God and Buddha.

Ban Bu cave later became crucial as a meeting point and a manufacturing hub for weapons for the Lam Son insurgents. The Ban Bu stream acted as a vital defensive line, helping the Lam Son forces achieve multiple victories against the Ming army, especially during the pivotal battle in November 1420. This win established a robust defensive strategy that advanced the uprising towards final success.

After the Ming forces were defeated, the community took it upon themselves to reconstruct Chua Nan as a center for spiritual and cultural gatherings.

In 2005, the Thanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee officially designated Ban Bu cave as a historical, cultural, and scenic heritage site. It was incorporated into a broader conservation and enhancement plan aimed at preserving its historical and cultural importance.

The Ban Bu complex features mountains, caves, streams, Chua Nan, and temples dedicated to prominent figures such as Mother Goddess Thoai, Le Lai, Le Loi, Nguyen Trai, and other heroes of the Lam Son insurgency.

One of the standout attractions is Chua Nan – Truc Lam Zen Monastery, positioned at the base of the mountain. The temple was completely restored in 2016, showcasing an elegant and serene architectural design that now draws many pilgrims and visitors.

Recognizing its cultural and historical importance, the site was acknowledged in 2019 as a provincial-level historical and scenic heritage site by the local authorities.

Each year, on the 19th and 20th days of the first lunar month, Ngoc Lac district organizes the Ban Bu Cultural and Tourism Festival. This celebration honors national figures like Le Thai To, the Le kings, and the Lam Son resistance fighters, while instilling national pride and educating the youth about the significance of preserving historical narratives.