Nestled amid the sacred landscape of Thanh Hoa's mountains and forests, Truc Lam Ham Rong Monastery is not only a renowned spiritual destination but also home to Vietnam's only known double-sided bronze drum.

The monastery stands atop Hill C4 in Ham Rong Ward, Thanh Hoa Province. For generations, the Ham Rong area has been celebrated for its picturesque scenery, dramatic mountains and historical legends closely tied to Vietnam's past. Within the monastery's tranquil grounds, the imposing bronze drum stands as a striking centerpiece.

Many first-time visitors are astonished by its appearance, which differs completely from traditional Dong Son bronze drums that feature only a single drum face. This distinctive design has become a major attraction for monks, Buddhist followers and visitors from across the country.

According to Venerable Thich Truc Thong Tanh, abbot of Truc Lam Ham Rong Monastery, the double-sided bronze drum is currently displayed in a pavilion within the monastery complex.

The abbot said the drum was cast in 2012 by artisan Nguyen Ba Chau, born in 1962, from the renowned Tra Dong bronze-casting village in Thanh Hoa Province. The work has since been recognized as a Vietnamese record holder.

Unlike traditional Dong Son bronze drums - iconic symbols of the ancient Dong Son civilization that are hollow and feature a single drum face - this drum was handcrafted as a solid cast piece. Designed to be played horizontally from both sides, it weighs approximately 600 kilograms, features drum faces measuring one meter in diameter and has a body length of 1.4 meters.

The most remarkable feature of the artifact is its construction with enclosed drum faces at both the top and bottom. This design is exceptionally rare within Vietnam's traditional bronze drum heritage. Despite its unconventional structure, the drum maintains balanced proportions, intricate decorative patterns and a solemn, ancient appearance.

Some images of Vietnam's unique double-sided bronze drum:

Le Duong