Thạch Long Pagoda

About

Thạch Long Pagoda occupies the interior of a rocky mountain in the former Bắc Kạn area. Its cave and different worship levels form a distinctive pilgrimage stop along National Highway 3, now within Thái Nguyên Province.

Visitor information

Founded

A site with longstanding traditional accounts; associated with a historical event on 23/3/1951.

Visiting hours

Please ask the temple about visiting hours and its daily practice schedule before coming.

Fees

Please follow the guidance and posted prices at the destination; services provided outside the temple may be charged separately.

Address

Xã Tân Kỳ, tỉnh Thái Nguyên; khu vực Cao Kỳ, Chợ Mới, Bắc Kạn cũ, gần Quốc lộ 3.

Highlights

• ✓Worship levels within the cave, commonly called Thiên Pagoda and the Mẫu worship area.
• ✓A natural setting associated with local religious life.
• ✓Historical traces from the resistance war against French colonial rule.

History and origins

Local accounts transmit stories of the temple from the Lý period; these are traditional narratives, not records establishing its construction year. During the resistance war, the cave was used to store weapons.

On 23/3/1951, President Hồ Chí Minh visited the unit stationed in this area, adding another layer of historical meaning to the site.

Architecture & surroundings

Altars occupy different cave chambers linked by paths and stone steps. Rock walls and the cave ceiling are the principal elements of the space, making protection of the floor and cave formations as important as care for the worship structures.

Cultural value

The temple reflects connections between religious life, mountain scenery and memories of resistance. Visitors can explore both Buddhist worship customs and the community’s story of preserving the site.

Events & festivals

Local sources describe the temple festival as taking place on the 6th–8th days of the first lunar month. Please ask for specific arrangements before travelling and follow crowd-routing guidance during busy periods.