Vietnam PagodasDictionary of Vietnamese pagodas & temples

Chùa Hang (Định Hóa) Pagoda

Thái Nguyên(Chùa Hang (Định Hóa))

Overview & history

Chùa Hang is located in Núi residential group, Định Hóa commune, Thái Nguyên province, Vietnam.

This is a complex consisting of: Upper Cave (Hang Trên), Mẫu Shrine (miếu Mẫu – a shrine dedicated to the Mother Goddess), Tam Quan Gatehouse (nhà Tam quan – a traditional three-entrance gate), and Lower Cave (Hang Dưới). Inside the cave, there are many stalactites of various shapes. A unique feature of the cave is that inside, there are many spots where water has flowed for a long time, creating 'fairy fields' (ruộng cô tiên), a Buddha altar, an ancient stele from the Nguyễn dynasty, and an old bell. The Chùa Hang site is also associated with a historical event, as it was a place where Hồ Chí Minh once lived and worked during the resistance war against the French colonialists. Every year, the Chùa Hang festival is held on the 14th and 15th days of the first lunar month, attracting visitors who come to offer incense, visit, and enjoy the scenery of the pagoda.

Photos

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Visiting tips

Dress modestly; remove hats and keep quiet inside the main hall.
Incense, flowers and offerings are usually sold right outside the gate; light an odd number of sticks (1 or 3).
Most pagodas open from early morning to evening and are free to enter (some major sites charge a small scenic fee).
Full-moon days, the 1st of the lunar month and Tet are very crowded; visit on weekday mornings for a quiet experience.
Ask permission before photographing inside shrines; do not touch statues or altar objects.

Read more & references

Useful links to learn more before your visit:

Location

Coordinates: 21.62422, 105.84367

🧭 Directions on Google Maps

References

Other pagodas in Thái Nguyên

Chùa Hang (Kim Sơn Tự)

Chùa Hang (Kim Sơn Tự)

Chùa Hang (Kim Sơn Tự) Pagoda is located in Linh Sơn ward, Thái Nguyên province, Vietnam. The scenic site of Chùa Hang (Kim Sơn Tự) Pagoda is situated 3 km north of the centre of Phan Đình Phùng ward, on the left side of National Highway 1B, in the direction from Thái Nguyên to Lạng Sơn. The pagoda possesses many distinctive features of the mountainous region, and was therefore selected for inclusion in the collection of 100 exemplary Vietnamese pagodas, first published in 2011. According to legend, this is an ancient pagoda dating back to the 11th century and was designated a National Scenic Site in 1999.

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