Famous 'Buddha Cave' – The renowned historic site of Hang Ha Tien Temple

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1. Introduction to Hang Ha Tien Temple

2. Route to Hang Ha Tien Temple

3. Historical Background of the Temple

4. The Splendor of Ha Tien Kiên Giang Temple

5. Hotels near the temple

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Ha Tien is a scenic area of Kien Giang known not only for its picturesque landscapes but also for its legendary stories associated with historical relics. Located in the Hon Ba Tu tourist area, Hang Ha Temple is one of the must-visit pilgrimage sites in the prosperous land of Ha Tien, known as the famous 'Buddha Cave' nestled within the deep, mysterious mountain caves.

Ha Tien's Hang Temple (image courtesy of ST)

1. Introduction to Hang Ha Tien Temple

Located near the shore, Hang Ha Temple in Ha Tien, also known as Hai Son Pagoda, is surrounded by the perpetual crashing of waves, its cliffs rising like a maritime watchtower. Situated at the foot of Mount An Hai Son in An Binh commune, Kien Luong district, Kien Giang province, this temple is nestled amidst limestone cliffs eroded over thousands of years, with a spacious cave behind it leading to the sea, where Hon Phu Tu is situated.

Hang Temple worships Buddha inside the cave (image courtesy of ST)

Named Hang Temple due to its Buddha shrine inside the cave, this is a historical site within the Hon Phu Tu tourist area, approximately 18km from Ba Hon and a pilgrimage destination in Ha Tien, Kien Giang. Today, Hang Temple is part of the temple system managed by the Central Executive Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, with Venerable Thich Minh Nhan serving as the head monk.

Hang Temple is also known as Hai Son Pagoda (image courtesy of ST)

2. Route to Hang Ha Tien Temple

Hang Temple is approximately 70km from downtown Rach Gia and 38km from downtown Ha Tien.

From Ho Chi Minh City, travelers can head to Rach Gia, then take National Highway 80 for about 50km before turning left. Proceed for another 20km to reach the Hon Phu Tu tourist area.

Alternatively, travelers can also drive to Ha Tien and continue on National Highway 80, passing through Kien Luong, then further through Hon Chong Port until reaching the Hon Phu Tu tourist area.

Temple situated close to the seaside (image courtesy of ST)

3. Historical Background of the Temple

The cave above was explored in the 18th century by Thai monks and fishermen who sought refuge and prosperity here. They founded the temple, initially unnamed.

In 1771, during the Siamese invasion of Vietnam, the monks retreated with the troops. Upon their return in 1774, locals found the temple abandoned and invited Khmer monks to preside over it. Later, the Khmer monks built an additional hermitage nearby, naming it the Thai Temple.

In 1800, brothers Vo Thường Lễ and Vo Thường Nghĩa undertook the renovation of the old temple and named it Chua Hang. The subsequent abbot of Chua Hang was a Vietnamese monk known as Thien Tong.

Statue of laughing Buddha at Chua Hang (image courtesy of ST)

In 1920, Thien Tong passed away at Phat Ngu Cave. Thượng Tố succeeded as the abbot of the temple.

From 1939 to 1944, the abbot of Chua Hang was Hoa Thuong Chi

In 1953, locals invited a familiar nun known as Sister Six to oversee Buddhist affairs.

In 1975, Sister Six passed away. Thien Hoa continued as the abbot until his passing in 1999. During his 45-year tenure as abbot of Chua Hang, Thien Hoa oversaw several renovations, notably a major renovation in 1962, shaping the temple's current appearance.

From 1999 to 2002, the temple was led by Venerable Thich Minh Hai. Subsequently, Venerable Thich Minh Nhan has been the abbot to this day.

Cave entrance of the temple (image courtesy of ST)

4. The Splendor of Ha Tien Kiên Giang Temple

Chua Hang is essentially a limestone mountain eroded over 1000 years ago. Nature has crafted a unique cave, towering in height but lacking light due to its length, creating an atmosphere akin to nightfall within.

Entrance gate of Chua Hang (image courtesy of ST)

Externally, Chua Hang appears as a rugged mountain, but within lies a limestone cave extending northeast-southwest, over 50m long. Its narrowest points accommodate only 3-4 people, featuring peculiar shapes sculpted by water erosion, with a view of the sea from the cave's entrance.

Statue garden at Chua Hang (image courtesy of ST)

Deep within the cave lies a temple surrounded by mystery, nestled nearly 40m deep. In front of the temple courtyard stands a 22-ton statue of Laughing Buddha, carved from Non Nuoc stone brought from Da Nang.

Chua Hang situated within Hon Phu Tu tourist area (image courtesy of ST)

The main hall of Chua Hang is nestled within the mountain cave, featuring limestone formations of unknown age. These stalactites, resembling house pillars, produce bell-like sounds when struck, hence referred to as bell stones. Formed through limestone recrystallization, these columns are hollow inside.

The beauty of Hon Phu Tu (image courtesy of ST)

The cave also features Diamond Cave with its heavenly path and Sleeping Buddha Cave, where a stone Buddha statue lies, surrounded by hidden Buddha statues illuminated by beams of light, adding to its mystical ambiance.

As you approach the end of the cave, the path narrows (image courtesy of ST)

After about fifteen minutes along the winding cave path, you'll feel the refreshing sea breeze, and ahead, a glimpse of shimmering blue light awaits.

Travelers combine visits to Chua Hang and Hon Phu Tu (image courtesy of ST)

Every year, Chua Hang holds a grand festival from the 8th to the 15th of the 4th lunar month, attracting numerous visitors from afar. Unlike some other temples in Vietnam, Chua Hang doesn't feature elaborate offerings, fruit trays, lanterns, or vibrant decorations. Instead, it offers a tranquil, solemn, and humble space.

Path along Chua Hang (image courtesy of ST)

5. Hotels near the temple

If travelers spend a few days exploring Ha Tien, they can seek budget hotels and guesthouses near the temple for accommodation. Below are some hotel options in Ha Tien for reference: