Brian Jeffrey
Located in Gia Thanh Commune, Ninh Binh Province, Dich Long Cave is a remarkable combination of natural beauty and spiritual importance. It is often referred to as Dich Long Pagoda due to the Buddhist temple situated inside the cave.
In 1821, Emperor Minh Mang bestowed the title “Nam Thien De Tam Dong,” meaning “The third most beautiful cave in southern Vietnam,” during his visit to the cave.
Legend has it that in 1739, a woodcutter stumbled upon the cave and discovered stalactites resembling Buddha figures, leading to the creation of a shrine inside the cave.
By 1740, a path was constructed to the cave, and a pagoda called “Nham Son Cave Co Am Pagoda” was built nearby. This led to the recognition of Dich Long Cave and its structures as a national cultural and historical site in 1990.
Visitors need to climb 105 stone steps to reach the entrance of Dich Long Cave. The area in front of the cave features shrines dedicated to the Mountain Goddess and the Holy Mother.
Dich Long Cave is divided into two sections: the Light Cave and the Dark Cave. Both sections are adorned with various stalactites resembling Buddha, animals, and other shapes.
The cave comprises three interconnected caverns where visitors can experience the unique sound of wind whistling through the cave, earning it the nickname “Giant Stone Flute.”
Inside the cave, there are altars and a stone stele with Chinese inscriptions. Additionally, the cave served as a strategic location during the resistance against the French colonialists, being used for weapon storage and military equipment production.
Despite its historical and cultural significance, Dich Long Pagoda is not yet developed as a formal tourist spot, mainly attracting local visitors. Annually, a festival is held at Dich Long Pagoda for peace, prosperity, and good harvests.
