Thach Sanh Mountain Temple
Tien Son Pagoda / Thach Dong
Thach Sanh Mountain Temple
Tien Son Pagoda / Thach Dong
An ancient pagoda inside a limestone cave, shrouded in Vietnamese legends and geological wonders.
Kien Giang
Temple
Cave Tourism
Thien Son Pagoda is located inside the impressive Thach Dong limestone mountain in Ha Tien. This place combines 18th-century spiritual architecture, 250-million-year-old geological formations, and the atmosphere of Vietnamese folklore. The cave is famous as the setting for the legend of the hero Thach Sanh, who rescued the princess here.
- Duration
30–40 minutes
- Admission
5,000 ₫
- Best months
All year round
- Local language
Vietnamese
What you need to know
The pagoda was built in 1790 in honor of Gautama Buddha and the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. Safe walkways made of polished stone with handrails are laid out inside the cave, making exploration comfortable.
Main attractions:
- Legendary paths: The "Road to Paradise" in the eastern part and the "Road to the Underworld" — a deep crevasse associated with the legend of Thach Sanh.
- Geology: Bizarre stalactite formations resembling an eagle's wing, bird heads, or women's faces.
- Fauna: Colonies of pigeons inhabit the walls.
It is worth noting that in 1960 the upper opening of the cave was sealed, so today visitors can only see the inner chambers and well-like walls. During the war years, the cave was used as a strategic defense facility and later became a filming location for famous Vietnamese movies.
The cave is always open. It is recommended to take into account the rainy season and dry period typical for Kien Giang province.
On-site
- How to get there
4 km from Ha Tien center
- Cash
Required for admission payment
- Safety
Equipped trails and handrails