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Hang Pagoda in Do Son – The First Footprint of Buddhism in Vietnam
Nestled on the slope of Van Tac Mountain facing the sea, Hang Pagoda—also known as Coc Tu—is a rare sanctuary shaped entirely by nature. Hidden deep inside a rocky cave, the pagoda stands where sea breeze meets mountain air, creating a sacred and serene atmosphere unlike anywhere else.
- A thousand-year Buddhist legacy
According to legend, more than two thousand years ago, an Indian monk named Master Ban travelled by sea and arrived at Do Son. He chose this cave to spread Buddhist teachings, established the pagoda, and later passed away right inside it—leaving behind what is believed to be the earliest footprint of Buddhism on Vietnamese soil.
Many researchers identify ancient Ne Le, mentioned in historical records, with present-day Do Son—suggesting this was the first place where Buddhism entered Vietnam before spreading to Luy Lau and even to China. Hang Pagoda is therefore not just a temple, but a gateway that ushered the light of compassion into the Vietnamese land.
- A sacred space between mountains and sea
Located about 22 km from Hai Phong city center, Hang Pagoda sits in Zone I of Do Son. Stepping into the cave feels like stepping back in time:
- Soft light falls onto the ancient green-stone statue of the First Master.
- The gentle echo of water from the old well said to have been used by Master Ban.
- The cool, tranquil air that seems to preserve the silence of centuries.
Outside the cave, traditional structures such as the Ancestors’ Hall and Mother Goddess Hall honor figures connected with this land: Master Ban, Chu Dong Tu, Master Pham Ngoc, the Tran Dynasty deities, forming a unique spiritual complex.
- Legends of the coastal land
Local fishermen still recount the tale of Chu Dong Tu’s magical staff saving a villager in Coc Lien. This story forms a cultural link between ancient marine communities and the earliest Buddhist traces of Ne Le.
Through such legends, Hang Pagoda becomes not only a place of worship but also a living archive of the cultural memory of Vietnam’s northeastern coast.
- A must-visit destination
Today, Hang Pagoda has been restored with a three-level layout surrounded by lush greenery. Buddhist statues, the image of Avalokitesvara, and numerous scenic photo spots make it a peaceful and inspiring destination for visitors to Do Son.
In 2010, Hang Pagoda was officially recognized as a municipal historical and cultural site, a well-deserved acknowledgment of its thousand-year heritage.
Tuan Chau Pearl Isle
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