Situated in Cao Ky commune, Cho Moi district, Bac Kan province, Thach Long Pagoda (meaning Stone Dragon) derives its name from the two smaller shrines housed inside a cave whose entrance resembles a dragon’s open mouth.

Previously, the pagoda saw little foot traffic due to its secluded location high up in the forested mountains. However, over recent months, it has gained recognition not just for its scenic and historical value, but also due to livestreams on the TikTok channel of monk Thich Khai Quang.

In his broadcasts, Thich Khai Quang shares casual, humorous, and heartfelt conversations while also selling local agricultural products like shiitake mushrooms and glass noodles to raise funds for the pagoda’s maintenance and daily needs. He often introduces the temple and surrounding local culture in his content.

His storytelling, both down-to-earth and engaging, has helped the temple attract more visitors, many of whom now travel long distances to visit, worship, and explore the sacred site.

According to local authorities in Cao Ky commune, the monk featured in the viral videos is Lu Van Quynh, born in 1988 in Quang Ninh. His Buddhist name is Thich Khai Quang, and he has been living and managing the temple for approximately eight years.

According to the Bac Kan Provincial Portal, Thach Long Pagoda is often referred to as the “sacred cave temple,” steeped in legends and mystical tales. The temple is perched at nearly 300 meters above sea level, just 400 meters from National Highway 3.

The temple complex includes two main areas: the Upper Pagoda (Chua Thuong or Chua Thien) and the Mother Temple (Chua Mau). The Upper Pagoda is situated higher on the mountainside and is accessible via a stone staircase that winds up from the base of the mountain.

The Upper Pagoda features multiple alcoves carved deep into the mountain, offering a sense of sacred seclusion. Its highest chamber enshrines a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, while the middle chamber features a portrait of President Ho Chi Minh placed on a high altar.

The Mother Temple lies at a lower elevation, accessible via a path that circles around the mountain slope. Its entrance is narrower, and its inner chamber is smaller, but it boasts striking natural stalactites shaped by time, offering a majestic view of nature’s artistry.

Beyond its spiritual role, Thach Long Pagoda is also a significant historical site. During the wars against the French and American forces, the cave was used by the Vietnamese military to store weapons.

Specifically, during the anti-French resistance, the pagoda served as a secret storage and transfer station for arms.

Nguyen Quyet Son from Long An, who visited the pagoda on June 9, was deeply impressed by its peaceful, lush surroundings.

“I found out about the pagoda from Thich Khai Quang’s videos and decided to add it to my Bac Kan travel itinerary,” Son said. “When I arrived at the cave entrance, I immediately felt the cool breeze from inside. It’s well-lit, and you can see water dripping from the stalactites above.”

During his visit, Son had a chance to meet the monk in person, help him pack orders, and received a handmade bracelet as a gift.

Son noted that reaching the temple is easy - visitors can drive cars or motorbikes directly to the site.

Those planning to visit should dress respectfully and speak quietly to maintain the serene, sacred atmosphere.

He also recommends exploring other local attractions in Cho Moi district, such as Tham Temple, Tham Lan Cave, Ban Lu Stream, and trying regional delicacies like “cooc mo” sticky rice cakes, “gio” ash cakes, bamboo-tube rice, and grilled stream fish.

Thao Trinh

Photos: Son Nguyen