lunar month.

A delegate of managers and researchers from the Department of Culture inspected the site on Monday and determined that the Huong Nghiem was built without permission, according to Truong Minh Tien, vice director of the department.

The Huong Nghiem building replaced old houses that date back to 1970, said Thich Minh Hien, chief monk of the Huong Pagoda Complex.

"The building also comprises guest rooms, a dormitory and refectory," he said. "The building was completed and used in the past two years. It helps serve tourists, especially during the festival when a million pilgrims and tourists flock to the site every year."

Monk Hien explained that he submitted a report to the My Duc District authorities to notify them that the building will be opened and that it was approved.

HuongNghiem building is located on a protected area, which stipulates it should be preserved in its original condition, according to the national Law on Cultural Heritage.

"As Huong Pagoda Complex was recognised as a National Relic Site in 1962, the construction of any structures in protected areas needs to be determined by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, not the local government," vice director Tien said.

Dang Van Bai, vice chairman of the National Cultural Heritage Council, said if the construction is necessary, the site's management board should ask for permission and find a solution to ensure the new building is harmonious with the heritage space and existing structures.

Researcher Tran Lam Bien, a member of the heritage council, agreed.

"Huong Nghiem is a bulky three-storey building, covering 400sq.m. We don't