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Nestled deep within the limestone mountains of Bac Kan Province, Thach Long Pagoda is a hidden gem surrounded by unspoiled nature. Unlike most pagodas you’ll encounter, this one is built inside a natural cave, embraced by lush greenery and towering cliffs, much like the famous Pak Ou Caves of Laos. With all that in mind, let’s dive right in and explore what this site of cultural significance has to offer!
An outdoor area of Thach Long Pagoda
Dating back to the 18th century, this site is not only a historical relic of Bac Kan but also a place deeply rooted in rich folklore and ancient legends. The pagoda is dedicated to a variety of deities, Buddhas, and historical figures - the heroes who contributed to building and defending the nation.
The upper level houses altars to Shakyamuni Buddha, Mahakasyapa Buddha, Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva (Goddess of Mercy), and President Ho Chi Minh. The middle level is dedicated to historical figures such as Duong Tu Minh, Huu Hung Hieu, Duc Quan Thuong, Duc Quan Thuong To, and the Five Snake Gods. The lower level honors Mother Heaven, Mother Earth, Mother Water, and the Four Palaces.
A worship site inside Thach Long Pagoda
Thach Long Pagoda is also known for a mysterious legend passed down through generations. The story goes that a group of villagers from Vi Huong commune were transporting a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and Buddhist scriptures downstream to Hoa Son Pagoda in Vi Huong (Bach Thong district). They traveled on bamboo rafts, and when night fell, they stopped at a riverside area in Cao Ky commune.
The next morning, they discovered that the Buddha statue had vanished. After searching the area, they found the statue had somehow appeared inside Thach Long Pagoda. They tried to carry it back to the boat, but no matter how hard they tried, it wouldn’t budge. The group decided to first take the Avalokiteshvara statue and return later with local officials to retrieve the missing statue. However, when they came back, the local villagers insisted on keeping it, believing that the Buddha had chosen to remain in Cao Ky.
From that day on, the statue has stayed at Thach Long Pagoda, where it continues to attract visitors from all over who come to worship and enjoy the natural beauty of the site.
Thach Long Pagoda is located in Cao Ky Commune, Cho Moi District, Bac Kan Province, about 150 km north of Hanoi. To get there, you can take an intercity bus from My Dinh Bus Station (Hanoi) to Cho Moi or Bac Kan City. There are several bus operators on the Hanoi - Bac Kan or Hanoi - Cao Bang routes, and these buses often pass by popular tourist spots like Ba Be Lake.
If you prefer a more comfortable and flexible journey, especially if you’d like to explore Bac Kan’s other attractions at your own pace, hiring a private driver is a great option. There are two main routes from Hanoi: the old National Highway 3 (about 3 hours, suitable for cars and motorbikes) or the new Hanoi - Thai Nguyen Expressway connecting to the old National Highway 3 (about 2 hours, cars only).
Visiting Thach Long Pagoda is a budget-friendly experience, as the site has no entrance fee. However, visitors are welcome to leave a small donation to help with the pagoda’s upkeep, which is entirely voluntary.
There aren’t many ATMs or places that accept QR code payments in Bac Kan, so visitors are advised to bring cash.
Suggested for you: Ba Be Lake Tour Full-day: Boat trip on Ba Be Lake
Bac Kan enjoys a mild climate year-round, but the months from May to July are especially pleasant, with cool, comfortable weather and the surrounding nature at its most vibrant. Visitors can also experience the contrast between the cool air inside the cave and the outdoor atmosphere, adding a unique touch to their visit to the pagoda.
Spring is an ideal time to attend the Thach Long Pagoda Festival. During this season, you’ll also have the chance to experience a variety of traditional celebrations, as the pagoda hosts Buddhist ceremonies and welcomes devotees who come to offer incense and prayers. Keep in mind that this is a popular time for pilgrims and visitors from all over, so the site can get quite crowded.
Thach Long Pagoda's worship sites are usually not overcrowded
The most striking feature of Thach Long Pagoda is its setting, as most of the temple is built inside a natural cave, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere. The combination of raw natural beauty and sacred space makes this a truly memorable experience for visitors.
The pagoda showcases traditional Northern Vietnamese architecture, and its interior is divided into two main sections.The first, known as Chua Thien (the Heavenly Pagoda), is located at the highest point of the cave. Here you'll find a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, surrounded by local legends. A portrait of President Ho Chi Minh is also honored on the main altar. The temple's deeper chambers extend into the cave’s recesses, enhancing the sense of mystery and reverence.
The second section, Chua Am (the Yin Pagoda), is reached by following a path around the mountainside. Though smaller than Chua Thien, this part of the cave reveals stunning stalactites formed by nature over centuries, adding a majestic and spiritual quality to the space.Alternatively, you can explore the pagoda by following its three-tiered layout: the Upper Level dedicated to the Buddha, the Middle Level honoring military generals, and the Lower Level devoted to the Mother Goddess, each space offering its own distinct atmosphere of worship.
Around the pagoda and in the nearby area, you’ll find stalls selling local agricultural products, which is a great opportunity to sample the region’s flavors or pick up a few gifts for family and friends while supporting local farmers. Stopping by these small vendors also gives you the chance to chat with residents and add a more personal and human touch to your visit.
This traditional treat of the Tay people, which is also popular in the neighboring province of Tuyen Quang, is a cone-shaped sticky rice cake that resembles a cow’s horn. It’s made year-round and commonly sold at local markets. The cake is crafted from a mix of glutinous rice and black beans or mung beans, then wrapped in banana leaves and tied with bamboo string.
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Home-made cooc mo rice cake
Though more popular in Lang Son, ngai rice cake is also considered a local specialty in Bac Kan. These small green cakes resemble giay rice cake (banh giay) in appearance and preparation, but are uniquely infused with fragrant mugwort leaves. The result is a pleasantly chewy, subtly sweet treat with a delicate herbal aroma. Made from premium upland sticky rice, ngai rice cakes are available in both sweet and savory versions.
Banh ngai rice cake is a traditional snack of the Tay and Nung ethnic groups in Vietnam
Dam deng sticky rice is made from high-quality upland sticky rice and naturally colored using local plants and herbs to create its vibrant hues. The grains are glossy and beautiful, yet not sticky or wet. When cooled, the rice remains soft, pleasantly chewy, and fragrant. Locals often enjoy dam deng sticky rice with a simple side of salted sesame (muoi vung) or pork floss (ruoc), which enhances its subtle flavors. This regional specialty offers a true taste of the rich culinary traditions of Vietnam’s mountainous forests.
The colorful dam deng sticky rice of Bac Kan
In terms of non-vegetarian food, Bac Kan also has lots to offer. As a beloved dish among the Tay and Nung people of Bac Kan, khau nhuc features layers of pork belly and purple taro. Rich, tender pork pairs beautifully with creamy taro and a savory sauce, making it a prominent dish at celebrations like Tet, weddings, or housewarming parties, and, of course, a hearty lunch option as well.
Braised meat of the Vietnamese Tay ethnic
If you’re seeking a unique spiritual destination away from the usual tourist trails, Thach Long Pagoda is well worth a visit. The only catch? This hidden gem isn’t yet on the radar for most foreign travelers, so you won’t find many ready-made tours that include it. But that’s where we come in, with our tailor-made tour services, you can easily craft a personalized journey to explore Thach Long Pagoda and more.
So why not add this off-the-beaten-path wonder to your Vietnam itinerary? Let Asia King Travel be your guide to discovering one of Northern Vietnam’s best-kept secrets on your next vacation!
Suggested for you: Cao Bang Bac Kan Tour 3 days: Nature Adventure
