Hang Pagoda (Kim Son Tu)

Hang Pagoda (Kim Son Tu) - Ancient Buddha Cave in Thai Nguyen Hang Pagoda (Kim Son Tu), also known as "Tien Lu Buddha Cave," is located approximately 3km north of Thai Nguyen city center. According to legend, the pagoda was established by King Ly Thanh Tong in the 11th century following a dream in which he was led by Buddha to the sacred land of Dong Hy. The construction within the mountain cave was directly overseen by Queen Mother Y Lan. On February 26, 1999, Hang Pagoda was recognized as a National Historical-Cultural Relic and Scenic Site. The site features a unique landscape of three independent limestone mountains connected by a saddle-shaped ridge: the sturdy Huyen Vu mountain in the center, flanked by Thanh Long and Bach Ho mountains. The cave preserves numerous stone inscriptions dating from the Early Le to the Late Nguyen dynasties, recording poems by renowned scholars such as Cao Ba Quat and Vu Quynh. The complex is currently planned over an area of 8.2 hectares, including a cave and limestone mountain conservation area, a spiritual architectural axis with the Tam Bao main hall, stupas, bell and drum towers, as well as a meditation center and festival grounds. With its magnificent cave and limestone landscape and its verified Ly dynasty legendary background, this location is suitable for historical period dramas, mythological/fantasy films inspired by "fairy caves," and documentaries on Vietnamese Buddhist culture. Information compiled by: PTIT Photo source: Chon Thieng, Internet