Co Thach Pagoda - Architecture harmoniously integrated with nature.

After 30 years of being recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Monument, Co Thach Pagoda (Hang Pagoda) in Binh Thanh commune, Tuy Phong district, has become increasingly famous and a pilgrimage and tourist destination not only for the Buddhist community but also attracting a large number of visitors from afar.

Located 100 km north of Phan Thiet city center, Co Thach Pagoda sits atop a cluster of rocky hills about 60 meters high, and therefore boasts many unique caves. With its distinctive architecture, combined with the majestic shapes of large rocks, Co Thach Pagoda is surrounded by forests, mountains, and the sea, creating a cool and refreshing atmosphere. Visitors to the pagoda always feel peaceful and relaxed.

Co Thach Pagoda - a place with ancient Eastern architecture, situated on a cluster of high rocky hills.

The temple gate is covered with eye-catching ceramic tiles, making it a perfect spot for taking photos to commemorate your visit.

Last weekend, my family and I had the opportunity to visit the temple again after many years since my last visit. Everything remained as ancient as ever; the trees had grown larger and more lush, and many structures had been restored, renovated, repaired, and repainted, so the temple's atmosphere still retained its artistic charm, despite its nearly 200-year history. From the main hall, following the small caves or climbing the stairs, visitors can explore the temple grounds, which cover more than 1,200 square meters and are filled with many shady trees. In particular, many fruit trees are planted here, including the abundant gum arabic trees, creating a refreshing and pleasant landscape. Furthermore, surrounding the temple are giant rocks stacked on top of each other, leaning against each other, forming beautiful shapes.

The main hall of Co Thach Pagoda is nestled amidst a cluster of pristine rocky mountains, surrounded by meditation halls, ancestral halls, bell towers, and drum towers, creating a majestic and unique beauty.

The carvings on the roof create an ancient and dignified beauty.

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Due to its mountainous terrain, each path leading to the temple has gently sloping steps. Each cave in Co Thach Temple houses a statue of a Buddha, Bodhisattva, or a deceased monk. Here, there is a cave dedicated to the founding master – the person who established the temple. Inside, besides the statue of the founding master, there are also memorial tablets for those who contributed to the temple's construction. The 25th day of the 5th lunar month each year is the anniversary of the founding master of Co Thach Temple. This is the day when monks, nuns, and Buddhists here remember the great contributions of Zen Master Bao Tang – who played a significant role in the temple's construction.

Each cave in Co Thach Pagoda houses a shrine dedicated to a Buddha, Bodhisattva, or a deceased monk.

Around the temple, there are also huge blocks of stone stacked on top of each other, leaning against one another.

The temple is impressive due to its extremely sacred location, nestled against the mountain and facing the water.

The higher you climb, the more expansive the ocean becomes in the open space, creating a picturesque landscape. This place is not only famous for its temple situated in a unique location and its sacred architectural complex, but also for the captivating beauty of Co Thach beach and the one-of-a-kind seven-colored rock formation. During holidays and festivals, millions of visitors come to visit, admire the temple, and pray for good fortune. Each person brings offerings with a kind heart, turning towards Buddha and hoping for good things and luck in life. Furthermore, after visiting the temple, Co Thach beach and the seven-colored rock formation are also worth a visit.