The stone pagoda on Co Thach hill

Co Thach Pagoda (Binh Thanh, Tuy Phong) was built from massive natural rock formations combined with human creativity and craftsmanship, covering an area of over 4 hectares. The rocks have many strange shapes, creating mysterious caves. Therefore, the locals affectionately call Co Thach Pagoda (ancient stone pagoda) by the very colloquial name "Cave Pagoda".

image44(1).jpg — Co Thach Pagoda viewed from above.

Despite visiting Co Thach Pagoda many times, I still haven't fully experienced and explored all its sacred and mysterious aspects. In the tranquil space, only the distant sound of waves can be heard; occasionally, the lingering ringing of the pagoda bells can be heard. People come to the pagoda not only for religious reasons, to light incense and pray for peace, or to ask Buddha for blessings, but also to admire the breathtaking natural scenery. Mr. Nguyen Long, a tourist from Buon Ma Thuot city, Dak Lak province, who came to the pagoda to light incense and worship Buddha on a weekend in September, shared: “The pagoda is not only beautiful in its architecture and exquisite carvings, but what fascinates visitors is the precious artifacts with rich historical and cultural value, such as couplets and inscriptions from many eras carved in mother-of-pearl, and the large bronze bell… It is the natural, ancient beauty of the pagoda that attracts many tourists to visit, admire, and worship Buddha…”

Through the ups and downs of history and time, Co Thach Pagoda has been restored, repaired, upgraded, and expanded, yet it still retains its solemn, ancient, and sacred character. Valuable historical, cultural, and artistic heritage from ancient times has been preserved and passed down. The main grounds of Co Thach Pagoda are designed in the ancient architectural style, from the Tam Quan gate to the Ngo Mon gate, with a bell tower and drum tower, and the main hall dedicated to the Buddha... all are exquisitely carved and sculpted. Shrines, temples, and toad statues are nestled within the rock caves to worship bodhisattvas and deceased monks. In recent years, many more structures have been built within the pagoda grounds, such as statues of "Goddess of Mercy" scattered along the coastline. Behind the pagoda are many caves, extending deep into the foothills; some are so deep that locals believe they are the path to the "underworld."

image52(1).jpg — Standing at the highest point of Co Thach hill – where the magnificent temple stands – one can look down upon the long stretch of Ca Duoc rock formations.

Standing at the highest point of Co Thach hill – where the magnificent pagoda stands – one can look down upon the long stretch of Ca Duoc rock beach (also known as the seven-colored rock beach). Not far away is the large Binh Thanh rock beach with its diverse shapes, covered in green moss, resembling a "paradise." Midway up the hill, many rocks are piled on top of each other as if arranged by someone. Some rocks have truly bizarre shapes, resembling elephants, ostriches, dolphins, and seals intertwined, forming numerous pristine and mysterious caves. All of this creates a picturesque landscape at Co Thach. Since the Stone Pagoda was recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Monument, more and more tourist tours have been organized to Tuy Phong, and visitors cannot miss the sacred Stone Pagoda on Co Thach hill.

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