Thach Long Pagoda – The Sacred Temple In The Heart Of The Rocky Mountains Of Bac Kan.

Hidden among the mountains of Cao Kỳ commune, Chợ Mới district, Bắc Kạn province, Thạch Long Pagoda has long become one of the famous spiritual tourist destinations of the Việt Bắc region. Not only does it possess a mysterious beauty amidst the wild nature, but it is also associated with many special historical and cultural stories of the ethnic people.

The locals often refer to this place as the “Stone Dragon Pagoda” because the pagoda is entirely located inside a large cave, with the cave entrance resembling the mouth of a dragon wide open among the mountains. This is how the name Thạch Long – meaning “Stone Dragon” – was born and has been associated with the pagoda for hundreds of years.

Unique architecture in a natural cave

The special feature that makes Thạch Long Pagoda different from many other pagodas in Vietnam is its location deep inside a natural cave.

Stepping through the large cave entrance, visitors will feel the cool, quiet, and sacred atmosphere. The natural stone blocks combined with the worship system create a beauty that is both mysterious and solemn. The cave is spacious, high, and almost retains the pristine features of nature.

Inside the pagoda, there are two main areas: Thiên Pagoda and Âm Pagoda. Thiên Pagoda is located at a higher position, connected by stone steps leading up from the foot of the mountain. Meanwhile, Âm Pagoda is located deeper inside the cave, providing a quiet and mystical feeling characteristic of the spiritual space in the rocky mountains.

Historical imprint during the resistance period

Not only a spiritual destination, Thạch Long Pagoda is also an important historical relic of Bắc Kạn.

During the resistance against French colonialism, this place was once used as a secret weapons storage and a transit station for the Điện Biên Phủ campaign in 1954. Thanks to its location deep inside the cave, this area became a safe storage place for military supplies amidst the forests of Việt Bắc.

Notably, President Hồ Chí Minh visited Thạch Long Pagoda three times during the resistance period. This further enhances the historical value and special significance of the pagoda to the local people.

Legendary stories about the Stone Dragon Pagoda

In addition to its historical significance, Thạch Long Pagoda is also associated with many folk legends passed down through generations.

According to a story recounted by the locals, there was once a group of people transporting a statue of Buddha by boat through the Cao Kỳ area. When they reached this place, the boat unexpectedly turned around and could not continue moving. The locals believed this was a sacred sign, so they decided to build a pagoda here to worship Buddha.

These legendary stories have contributed to creating a mysterious charm and unique attraction for Thạch Long Pagoda in the hearts of visitors.

A famous spiritual destination of Bắc Kạn

Today, Thạch Long Pagoda is a familiar pilgrimage site for people from both within and outside Bắc Kạn province.

Every early spring or Buddhist holidays, many visitors and Buddhists come here to offer incense, pray for peace, wealth, and good luck for their families. The quiet space amidst the mountains along with the sacred beauty of the cave creates a special sense of tranquility for those who visit.

In addition to the worship activities, visitors can also combine sightseeing of the surrounding natural landscapes and enjoy the fresh atmosphere of the Northeast mountainous region.

Highlight in the exploration journey of Chợ Mới

Thanks to its location near National Highway 3 and not too far from Bắc Kạn city, Thạch Long Pagoda is often chosen as a stopover in exploration journeys of Chợ Mới district.

From this cave pagoda, visitors can continue to experience other tourist spots in Bắc Kạn such as Ba Bể Lake, Năng River, Puông Cave, or community tourism villages rich in the cultural identity of the Tày and Nùng ethnic groups.

Cultural and spiritual symbol of Bắc Kạn

Over the centuries, Thạch Long Pagoda has not only been a sacred worship place but also a distinctive cultural, historical, and spiritual symbol of Bắc Kạn.

Amidst the vast green wilderness, the pagoda nestled in the rocky mountains quietly exists as a witness of time, preserving stories about the nation's history, folk beliefs, and the cultural beauty of the Việt Bắc region.

Visiting Thạch Long Pagoda, visitors not only admire a unique spiritual structure but also have the opportunity to feel the special harmony between nature, history, and the cultural life of the Bắc Kạn land.