High in the mountains of Thanh Hoa province, Vietnam, a centuries‑old pagoda has revealed a remarkable treasure: a Buddha carved directly into stone, hidden for generations beneath dense forest.
The Am Pagoda, perched atop Mount Cac at 600 metres, is part of a wider complex of shrines and sanctuaries. Reaching it requires a long climb through winding paths and streams, a journey that once took three to four hours. For visitors, the discovery of the stone Buddha relief near the temple grounds is often a moment of quiet awe.
Monk Thich Nguyen Dai, the abbot, recalls that the site was once wild and overgrown, with only faint traces of earlier structures. Since 2014, restoration efforts have gradually revived the complex, uncovering relics from different eras of Vietnamese history. Archaeological surveys between 2018 and 2023 suggest the pagoda dates back to the early Dai Viet period, with artefacts spanning the Tran dynasty and the Later Le restoration.
The Buddha relief itself is striking. Etched into a broad, flat rock beneath ancient trees, it depicts a seated figure in meditation on a lotus pedestal, framed by a halo. Though weathered by time, the serene expression remains clear. Artisans used the natural contours of the stone to create lifelike lines, with robe details and lotus carvings showing remarkable skill. The figure’s hand gesture — a teaching mudra — symbolises the transmission of wisdom and the cycle of enlightenment.
Other discoveries include ancient kilns, shrines and stone gongs, adding to the site’s cultural depth. Recognised as a provincial heritage site in 2013, Am Cac now encompasses lower, middle and upper pagodas, the Ngoc Son shrine and related structures.
With its streams, lakes and unique microclimate, the mountain complex is seen not only as a spiritual retreat but also as a potential hub for ecological tourism. For locals and visitors alike, the rediscovered Buddha relief has become a powerful reminder of Vietnam’s layered history and the enduring resonance of its spiritual traditions.
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