Huong Nghiem Pagoda (Cave Pagoda)

Tuyên Quang(Chùa Hương Nghiêm (Chùa Hang))

Overview & history

Huong Nghiem Pagoda, popularly the Cave Pagoda (Chua Hang), lies inside a natural cave at the foot of Huong Nghiem mountain in Phuc Loc hamlet, An Khang commune, Tuyen Quang city — an area rich in relics such as the Bau family citadel and Binh Ca wharf.

History

The pagoda was built in 1537, the 8th year of the Dai Chinh era under Mac Thai Tong (Mac Dang Doanh), at the initiative of the two surveillance officials Ngo Tho Khe and Vu Trach Xuyen. Its stele, carved on the 27th day of the second month that year and composed by the doctoral laureate Ngo Hoang Trinh, records the founding — a precious source on 16th-century Tuyen Quang.

Setting

The cave has twin vaulted ceilings hung with stalactites of many shapes, including one resembling an ancient tree. It once held a well 8–9 m deep and an underground stream flowing to the Lo river; outside, the undulating mountain ridge is likened to a dragon's body with Huong Nghiem mountain as its head.

Photos

📷 Contribute photos

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.