THANH HOA – Dragon Eye Cave is located on the top of a dragon-shaped mountain, about 5 km from the city center, surrounded by many beautiful scenes.

Dragon Eye Cave, also known as Long Quang Cave, is located on the snout protruding from the south bank of the Ma River, close to the foot of Ham Rong Bridge (Ham Rong Ward). When standing in the Dragon Eye cave, visitors can observe the panoramic view of Thanh Hoa city and the Ma river.

According to legend, the whole Ham Rong mountain range is considered to be the embodiment of a nine-curved dragon in the lower Ma River. The dragon’s head is the location of Long Quang cave, the dragon’s back is consecutive mountain ranges such as C4 hill , Rada hill, Van Chi area, Con Cong hill, and the dragon’s tail is located at the end of Dong Son ancient village.

The cave is located halfway up the mountain, about 200 meters from the old National Highway 1A.

Dragon Eye Cave is about 30 m long, 5 m wide at its widest position, and over 10 m high. To reach the cave entrance, visitors have to cross a small forest with a winding road along the side of Dragon Mountain.

The name Dragon Eye cave comes from two deep and interconnected cave gates, which look like two eyes looking in two directions. The right eye is towards the southwest, formerly Hac Thanh, now Thanh Hoa city. The left eye is towards the northeast – the vast plains of the Qing country. Here the air is cool all year round. In the summer, this place often attracts a lot of people to visit, avoid the heat.

There is a narrow passage in the middle of the cave, just enough for two people to pass through.

Because it is located close to the river bank and has charming scenery, since ancient times, the cave has been a place to visit and enjoy many people such as Le Thanh Tong, Cao Ba Quat, Nguyen Trai, Pham Su Manh, Ngo Thi Sy , Phan Huy Ich…

According to the management board of the relic site, on the dome of the cave there are many steles carved directly on the cliffs in Chinese characters, the most prominent of which is the poem of Thien Nam Dong Chu – Le Thanh Tong. The stele was carved in 1478 praising the majestic and poetic natural scenery of Long Quang cave as well as the land of Ham Rong.

Next to it are two poems of King Le Hien Tong carved in 1501.

Due to the large cave that can accommodate hundreds of people at the same time, during the war against the US to save the country, Dragon Eye was chosen as the stationing place of the 3rd detachment of the Thanh Hoa Armed Police (now the Border Guard), as well as the army. It is a first aid place for wounded soldiers while on duty to protect Ham Rong bridge from US air raids.

In 1975, Long Quang cave was ranked as a revolutionary historical relic and a national scenic spot. Every year, this place attracts tens of thousands of tourists to visit and learn about culture and history. Dragon Eye Cave is associated with the victories and sacrifices of Thanh Hoa’s army and people in the battle to protect Ham Rong Bridge. There is also a sacred acupuncture point here, so many people often come to offer incense to pray for peace, especially on Tet holidays.

Photo: Internet