Bat Canh Son - A Natural Masterpiece in the Heart of Ha Nam

Bat Canh Son - the hidden gem in the heart of Ha Nam, was once the site of eight sacred pagodas, nestled within a magnificent natural landscape. Over time, six of the eight pagodas no longer exist, leaving only their foundations and ancient remnants, like unfinished golden pages of history.

I. Where is Bat Canh Son?

Nestled on the left bank of the picturesque Day River, with the majestic Nam Cong arc as its backdrop, Bat Canh Son emerges as a stunning watercolor painting, captivating visitors with its pristine and awe-inspiring natural beauty.

From the bustling city of Phu Ly, travelers only need to drive 13 kilometers along Highway 22 or Highway 60 from Dong Van to reach this paradise on earth. Bat Canh Son is blessed by nature with diverse terrain and rich tourism potential. The towering limestone mountains embrace the gentle Day River, creating a harmonious and poetic landscape.

Bat Canh Son attracts tourists not only because of its natural beauty but also because of its rich cultural and historical value. This place was once a favored destination of royal dynasties and houses many valuable historical and cultural relics.

Visitors to Bat Canh Son can explore ancient, sacred pagodas, immerse themselves in the serene and peaceful atmosphere, or take on challenging trekking paths, simply losing themselves in the magnificent and poetic natural scenery.

Bat Canh Son is an ideal destination for those seeking peace and relaxation after stressful working days. Come and enjoy the wonderful moments at this "little scenic spot" to fully experience the beauty of Ha Nam's nature.

II. The History of Bat Canh Son

Since ancient times, the Bat Canh Son range (the eight-winged mountain) has been regarded as a precious gem in the heart of Son Nam province, attracting visitors with its magnificent natural beauty and rich cultural and historical value.

According to records in "Lich Trieu Hien Chuong Loai Chi" by Phan Huy Chu, in the 16th century, Trinh Doanh, the founding king of the Trinh dynasty, was enchanted by the fairyland-like beauty of Bat Canh Son. He compared it to Tieu Tuong, a famous scenic spot in China, and built a palace here for regular rest and enjoyment.

Bat Canh Son is not only renowned for its natural landscapes but also for its system of eight ancient pagodas and a temple dedicated to local deities, arranged according to the principles of the Eight Trigrams and Five Elements. Many believe that these eight pagodas contributed to the name "Bat Canh Son."

Despite the ravages of war, some landscapes of Bat Canh Son have been destroyed, but the place still holds a strong attraction for tourists from all over. Every year, visitors to Huong Pagoda and tourists frequently visit Bat Canh Son in large numbers.

III. Must-visit Spots in Bat Canh Son?

1. Tien Ong Temple

Perched proudly halfway up Tuong Linh Mountain, about 200 meters high, Tien Ong Temple (also known as Ong Temple) stands as a spiritual symbol of the Bat Canh Son region. Built during the reign of King Tran Nhan Tong, the temple is associated with the legend of the illustrious Tien Ong, who brought peace and blessings to the local people.

From Highway 22, visitors follow a winding path through lush green trees to reach the temple area. After passing through five guest houses and three ancestral houses, visitors ascend 108 stone steps leading to the temple. The temple's architecture bears the marks of time, with three main sections: a five-compartment front hall, a three-compartment middle hall, and a one-compartment back hall. The temple has undergone numerous restorations, giving it the majestic appearance it has today.

The front hall features eight curved roofs, with the corners gracefully bending like dragon heads, covered with meticulously laid southern tiles. The middle hall is built in the style of three-bracket wings, and the back hall has a vaulted roof. Inside the temple are many valuable artifacts such as genealogies, royal decrees, horizontal lacquered boards, couplets, stone, and bronze incense burners. Notably, two imposing wooden and bronze statues in the back hall always attract visitors' attention.

Tien Ong Temple worships the Great Deity of the Southern Heavens, the Holy Patriarch, the Celestial King Bodhisattva, a figure highly revered by the local people. According to legend, Tien Ong's father was a high-ranking official of the Tran dynasty, but despite having 23 wives, he had no male heir. It was only with his 24th wife, in Thinh Dai commune (now Dai Cuong commune), Kim Bang district, that Tien Ong was born. Born with extraordinary features, he grew up devoted to Buddhism. After traveling extensively to learn the dharma, he settled in Quang Thua (now Tuong Linh commune) and established a temple at the foot of Tam Giao Cave to worship Buddha and his ancestors, known as Tam Giao Pagoda.

In life, Tien Ong was known for his compassion, always helping the poor and healing the sick. Upon achieving enlightenment, he transformed into the "Dai Nai" tree, instructing the villagers to carve statues from its wood for worship. In gratitude, the people built a temple and carved wooden and bronze statues as instructed.

The sacredness of Tien Ong Temple is reflected in many mysterious stories. The statues at the temple are considered extremely sacred, surviving various historical upheavals, even when the temple was ravaged by war. It is said that kings such as Le Thai To, Le Du Tong, Trinh Doanh, Trinh Tung, Trinh Sam, and Mac Phuc Hai visited the temple, praying for peace and good fortune.

Every year, on the full moon of the sixth lunar month, Thinh Dai and Quang Thua villages hold a traditional festival at Tien Ong Temple, attracting numerous visitors from afar. The festival features vibrant activities such as processions, rituals, traditional singing, and folk games, providing locals an opportunity to express their reverence for Tien Ong and pray for good fortune.

Visitors to Tien Ong Temple can not only admire the unique architecture and learn about its cultural and historical value but also immerse themselves in the serene spiritual atmosphere, praying for peace and blessings for themselves and their families.

2. Ong Pagoda

Hidden in front of the sacred Tien Ong Temple, a large crescent-shaped lake embraces the northern slope of Tuong Linh Mountain like a soft ribbon. Known as "Ong Pagoda Lake," this place holds a mysterious legend about the ancient pagoda of the same name, swept away by floods in 1901.

With an area of 320 acres, Ong Pagoda Lake boasts clear blue water year-round and an average depth of 4 to 5 meters. It is likened to a precious gem in the heart of Bat Canh Son, attracting visitors with its pristine beauty and peaceful ambiance.

According to local residents, an ancient pagoda named "Ong Pagoda" once stood in the middle of the lake. This pagoda was considered a sacred place, drawing many Buddhist devotees seeking peace of mind. However, in 1901, a devastating flood swept the pagoda away, leaving behind a legacy of nostalgia.

Though the pagoda no longer exists, Ong Pagoda remains in the hearts of locals as a cultural and spiritual symbol. The lake today retains its wild, poetic beauty with clear blue waters and shady trees. Visitors can engage in various activities such as boating, fishing, or simply strolling along the lake to enjoy the fresh air and natural beauty.

Ong Pagoda Lake is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility and peace of mind. Come and experience the mysterious charm of this place, while reminiscing about the ancient pagoda submerged beneath the water.

3. Tam Giao Pagoda

Located about 1 kilometer along the mountain slope from Tien Ong Temple, Tam Giao Pagoda emerges as a serene haven amidst Bat Canh Son. Once a grand Buddhist architectural complex with hundreds of rooms and magnificent Buddha statues, it attracted numerous visitors and Buddhist devotees.

According to legend, during the pagoda's construction, many workers were involved. Miraculously, Tien Ong had only one pot of rice and a jar of sesame salt, but the food was always abundant and never depleted.

Additionally, at the foot of the pagoda was a mysterious stream, believed to provide two bowls of rice and two coins daily, sufficient for the monks. However, human greed destroyed the stream, cutting off the supply of rice and coins.

Throughout history, Tam Giao Pagoda played a significant role in the resistance against the French. It served as a base for Central and provincial leaders, a supply depot for the Lien Khu III arms factory, and the headquarters for the Lien Khu Party Committee and Resistance Committee from 1947 to 1950.

Due to natural and human exploitation, many beautiful caves along the route from Tien Ong Temple to Tam Giao Pagoda have been destroyed.

Today, Tam Giao Pagoda has been restored with a new appearance. The pagoda, shaped like a letter "Dinh," consists of five main worship halls and a back hall. The main hall features eight curved roofs, covered with southern tiles, creating a solemn and elegant look.

4. Kieu Pagoda, Ba Pagoda, Dau Pagoda, Ca Pagoda, Bong Pagoda, Van Mong Pagoda

Bat Canh Son, a precious gem hidden in Ha Nam, was once home to eight sacred pagodas, nestled in the magnificent natural scenery. Over time, six of the eight pagodas no longer exist, leaving only their foundations and ancient remnants as unfinished golden pages of history.

About 150 meters from Tam Giao Pagoda towards the mountain peak, Kieu Pagoda now only retains its foundation and a small 10-square-meter cave. Along the path to the pagoda, three stone steles are engraved on the cliff, whispering the tales of time. Beside the cave is a square rock with the Chinese character "Nhat Nguyet Truong Quang," reminding us of nature's eternity and the timelessness of spirituality. Legend has it that the cave houses a rare yellow-breasted snake that only appears at night and has never harmed anyone.

About 300 meters from the east side of Tuong Linh Mountain, Ba Pagoda holds a sacred space. Although only its foundation remains, the pagoda has an extraordinary story. Locals believe that when Buddha's statue in the pagoda did not fit the temple's foundation, the builders tied it with a sacred thread and carried it. Miraculously, the Buddha statue fit perfectly when carried to the temple.

Dau Pagoda, located 500 meters from Ba Pagoda, retains only its foundation and a small cave. Legend has it that the cave was so dark that even a candle's flame would go out. The cave was often covered in white mist, making it difficult to see clearly.

Located 2 kilometers from the mountain's base, Ca Pagoda was once a magnificent Buddhist architectural complex. According to local tales, the pagoda's precious bronze bell had a miraculous ability. When struck, the bell's sound could be heard throughout the land. However, during wartime, the pagoda was destroyed, leaving only its foundation as a relic of its glorious past.

Bong Pagoda, located at the foot of the mountain, holds an unfinished story. According to legend, Bong Pagoda was built to worship a deity who could bring rain and wind to the people. However, during the pagoda's construction, a devastating flood swept it away, leaving only its foundation and an ancient tree as silent witnesses of history.

Van Mong Pagoda, located at the mountain's base, only retains its foundation and a few ancient remnants. According to legend, Van Mong Pagoda was the place where a local deity named Van Mong was worshiped. This deity was believed to bring peace and prosperity to the people.

Despite the passage of time and the ravages of war, these pagodas still retain their sacredness and cultural significance, attracting visitors from far and wide.

Bat Canh Son is not only a natural masterpiece but also a cultural and spiritual treasure of Ha Nam. With its rich history and cultural significance, this place continues to attract tourists, offering a serene and tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.