A glimpse of Kinh Chu and An Phu

Not as popular as Con Son Tourist Site or Kiep Bac Temple, Kinh Chu Grotto and An Phu Tourist Site in the northern province of Hai Duong are luring more and more tourists with their charm and historical significance.
Located in An Sinh commune, Dong Kinh district, about 30 kilometers from the center of Hai Duong province, Cao An Phu Temple, or Cao Temple, is dedicated to the worship of An Sinh Vuong Tran Lieu, older brother of King Tran Thai Tong (1218-1277).
Nestled Imposingly at the top of An Phu Mountain at a height of 246 meters, the temple, surrounded by picturesque landscapes, is built, in elegant ancient architecture.
Halfway down the mountain are Tuong Van Pagoda and Thanh Mau Temple. The green of the moss on the seasoned trees makes the sanctuary more peaceful and secretive. Some of green trees have lived for centuries. Like the motifs of other ancient pagodas, the front of Tuong Van Pagoda is a well with clear and clean water year round.
From the top of An Phu Mountain, the Kinh Thay river appears as a gentle carpet winding around the foot of the mountain. At the foot of the mountain a narrow trail leads to Tran Hung Dao Statue. Made of green marble taken from Nhoi Mountain in Thanh Hoa province and standing about 13 meters tall, pilgrims can burn incense to commemorate national hero Tran Hung Dao, or Tran Quoc Tuan, leader of the anti-Yuan-Mongolian resistance wars under the Tran Dynasty.
There is also a 45 meter long bass relief depicting the war against Mongolia in the past.
The Kinh Chu Grottos in Pham Menh commune, Kinh Mon district, belong to the Duong Nham mountain range which is home to mysterious grottos such as Vang, Luong, Trau Cave and Tien Su Grotto.
With a local guide, we go to Kinh Chu Grotto to satisfy our curiosity about what we have heard. So secretive! We are surprised by the preserved artifacts and the mysterious atmosphere here. Kinh Chu Grotto, also called Duong Coc Grotto, has a number of temples in and outside of the cavern not only worshipping Buddha but also Minh Khong Tien Su, Ly Than Tong and Huyen Quang Ton Gia. There are 53 stone steles of Kings, Lords, Philosophers, Monks and Ancient Officials. We penetrate deep into the cave and surprise follows surprise. Rua (Turtle) and Luon grottos seem to challenge our compassion of discovering nature with their own primitive and fanciful scenery.
In 1962, the Kinh Chu Grottos were recognized as national relics along with Con Son-Kiep Bac Site.