The land of Ninh Binh makes its mark with Trang An - a tourist scenic complex including many destinations such as Tam Coc - Bich Dong, Hang Mua, Hoa Lu ancient capital,etc. In particular, there is a wonderful and beautiful destination but few people know about it. That is Am Tien pagoda. With special features in its structure along with historical values, Am Tien pagoda will surely be a real eye-opener for tourists.
Am Tien pagoda is located inside Am Tien cave, about 10km from Ninh Binh city, it is located between the ancient Trang An and Hoa Lu ancient capital. In the past, the only way to get inside was to climb the mountain as it was surrounded by high limestone karst mountains, and in the middle is a lake of green, clear water, the scenery looks mysterious, imposing and mesmerizing.
The pagoda plays an important role in Vietnamese history. According to Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Van Nhat (former Director of the Institute of History),This was the location where King Dinh Tien Hoang (who reigned from 968 to 979) raised tigers and built execution grounds. This is also the place where King Le Dai Hanh imprisoned prisoners of war such as Quach Quan Bien and Trieu Phung Huan of the Tong dynasty that invaded Dai Co Viet in 981.
Dowager Empress Duong Van Nga chose the pagoda as a place to lead a religious life after she had helped the Dinh and Le kings fight against Chinese invaders.
With its mysterious and wild landscape, Am Tiên Cave is one of the slices of heaven on earth with which Ninh Bình Province has been endowed. Many have visited the cave not only to immerse themselves in nature and to worship Buddha, but more importantly to seek peace of mind.