Nestled along the mountainside in Zone 1, Van Son Ward, Do Son District (Hai Phong City), Hang Pagoda, also known by its ancient name Coc Tu, is one of Vietnam’s oldest and most sacred Buddhist relics. More than just an ancient temple, Hang Pagoda is a spiritual landmark closely associated with the earliest recorded efforts to spread Buddhism in Vietnam—a living testament to the cultural exchange between Vietnam and India over two thousand years ago.
Traces of Ancient Buddhism
According to local legends and ancient records, around the 2nd century BCE, a monk named Ban from the land of Thien Truc (present-day India) journeyed by sea to Vietnam to spread the teachings of the Buddha. He chose a cave on the slopes of Do Son Mountain as his retreat for meditation and teaching. Over time, this cave was revered by local people, who established a temple there, naming it Hang Pagoda.
Alongside Hang Pagoda, the Thi Da Shrine in Coc Lien, Kien Thuy District—where Chu Dong Tu, one of Vietnam’s Four Immortals, is worshipped—serves as further evidence of Buddhism’s very early presence in the region. These sites suggest that Buddhism may have entered Vietnam centuries before the more commonly known Ly–Tran dynastic periods.
Unique Architecture Amidst Majestic Nature
The original Hang Pagoda was set within a large cave located on a mountain about 35 meters high. The cave mouth was approximately 7 meters wide, extending inward up to 25 meters. Its trapezoidal structure gradually narrows and lowers as one moves deeper inside, evoking a sense of mystery and sanctity. At its deepest point, the cave is only 1.2 meters in height and just over 1 meter wide—creating a secluded, ideal space for meditation in ancient times.
What makes Hang Pagoda particularly remarkable is its location: “back against the mountain, facing the sea.” From a distance, the complex of main shrine, ancestral house, and towers blends harmoniously with the natural surroundings, resembling a picturesque landscape painting of mountains and water.
Over millennia, due to natural wear and environmental effects, the original structure of Hang Pagoda experienced significant deterioration. To preserve its spiritual value and accommodate increasing numbers of worshippers and tourists, the local authorities and community relocated the pagoda about 100 meters from its original site—retaining the same name while introducing more modern structural elements.
Hang Pagoda Today – A Harmonious Combination of Tradition and Modernity
The newly constructed Hang Pagoda features a grand three-tiered architecture. The first floor is designated for daily operations and kitchen activities. The second floor houses the Tam Bao Hall, where Shakyamuni Buddha, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, Saint Anna, and Saint Ong are worshipped. The top floor is the Tay Phuong Hall, dedicated to Amitabha Buddha.
A highlight of the temple grounds is the towering statue of Avalokitesvara (Guanyin) Bodhisattva standing solemnly on a mountain rock, facing the East Sea with open arms as if welcoming visitors from afar. Adjacent to the statue is a sacred seven-tiered tower, symbolizing the seven patriarchal monks who are believed to have attained enlightenment at this site. In addition, numerous stone statues of Arhats in various poses and expressions, alongside representations of the Four Sacred Beasts—Dragon, Qilin, Turtle, and Phoenix—are artfully arranged among the rock faces, enhancing the spiritual and majestic ambiance of the pagoda.
Beyond being a sanctuary for monks and devotees, Hang Pagoda is also a captivating destination for tourists, drawn by its poetic scenery. In the early morning mist, as the scent of incense mingles with the sound of temple bells and chanting, visitors are immersed in a peaceful, contemplative atmosphere that is both serene and uplifting.
Hang Pagoda Festival – A Spiritual and Cultural Heritage
Every year, from the 1st to the 6th day of the Lunar New Year, Hang Pagoda hosts a traditional festival that attracts countless pilgrims and tourists. The festival comprises two parts: the ceremonial segment, featuring incense offerings, Buddha worship, and memorials for national heroes and martyrs; and the festive segment, which includes traditional folk games such as cockfighting, tug-of-war, and duck catching—reflecting the rich cultural identity of the Vietnamese people.
This is not only a time for locals and visitors to pray for a prosperous and peaceful new year, but also an occasion to strengthen community bonds and preserve the spiritual and cultural heritage of the nation.
A Spiritual Landmark and Cultural Destination
Today, Hang Pagoda is not only a revered spiritual address but also a major cultural and tourist attraction of Hai Phong City. It marks a historical milestone in the dissemination of Buddhism in Vietnam and offers visitors a unique experience—from reverent worship and Buddhist philosophy study to the enjoyment of breathtaking coastal landscapes in Do Son.
With its profound historical, spiritual, and scenic value, Hang Pagoda in Do Son rightfully stands as one of the cultural-religious symbols of Northern Vietnam, a source of pride for the people of Hai Phong, and a must-visit destination on the spiritual tourism map of Vietnam.