Hiding in the mountains and forests of Cao Ky commune, Cho Moi district, Bac Kan province, Thach Long pagoda used to be a peaceful place of worship hidden in nature, little known to the people.
This place was originally a natural grotto, with the outside resembling a dragon head opening its mouth. The space in the cave is divided into two parts: Thien Pagoda and Am Pagoda.
The Thien Pagoda is located at the highest position, placing a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni and a portrait of President Ho Chi Minh on the altar.
Thien Pagoda has many coves deep into the rocks, creating a mysterious and sacred feeling. Am Pagoda is located lower, to get there, you have to go around the mountainside.
The cave of Am Pagoda is narrower but has many natural stone jars with magical shapes, bringing the majestic beauty of creation.
Not only a place for spiritual activities, Thach Long Pagoda also left its mark in the history of the resistance war.
During the resistance war against French colonialism and American imperialism, this place was once used as an arsenal for our army.
During the anti-French period, the pagoda was a transit station and a secret weapons storage location, visited by Uncle Ho three times.
The Thach Long Pagoda Festival is held on the 7th of January every year, attracting many visitors from all over the world, who come to offer incense to pray for luck and happiness for their families and relatives.
In recent months, the pagoda has become known not only for its history and scenery, but also for the livestreams on TikTok by Mr. Thich Khai Quang.
In videos recorded right inside the simple, rustic pagoda room, Mr. Quang chatted intimately with viewers, introducing specialties such as dried vermicelli, shiitake mushrooms...
The monk's witty, humorous and equally youthful exchange made the online community excited.
Many videos have reached millions of views, and the number of followers has increased rapidly. There are livestream sessions with too many orders, forcing him to tell everyone to "temporarily stop placing orders to package in time".
Mr. Quang said that in addition to selling goods to contribute to increasing the pagoda's revenue, serving daily life and repairing facilities, he also takes advantage of going to the lake in the afternoon with a fee of 150,000 VND per session.
livestreaming is not only a way to make a living but also a way to connect and spread the image of the ancient stone pagoda and local culture in a simple and approachable way.
On May 30, speaking with reporters, Mr. Dong Phuc Toan - Chairman of the People's Committee of Cao Ky commune (Cho Moi) confirmed that the person appearing in the videos circulating on social networks is Mr. Luu Van Quynh (born in 1988, from Quang Ninh), currently managing Thach Long pagoda in the locality.
According to the local leader, Mr. Quynh has the legal name of Thich Khai Quang and has been practicing and looking after Thach Long Pagoda for about 8 years.
Thach Long Pagoda is not only a place to preserve cultural values and spiritual destinations, but also became a new symbol when a young monk diligently preserved and promoted the tradition of an ancient pagoda in the heart of Bac Kan grotto.
Some recorded images:
