Thay Pagoda in Hanoi: A Sacred Buddhist Site with Stunning Mountain Scenery

Just 25 km southwest of Hanoi, Thay Pagoda (Chùa Thầy) is one of Vietnam’s most revered Buddhist temples. Nestled at the foot of Sai Son Mountain in Quoc Oai District, this thousand-year-old pagoda is not only a place of worship but also a destination of natural beauty, history, and cultural significance.

For travelers seeking a peaceful escape from the bustling city, Thay Pagoda offers a perfect blend of spirituality and stunning landscapes.

1. Where is Thay Pagoda?

Address: Sai Son Commune, Quoc Oai District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry fee: Around 20,000 VND per person
Best for: Culture lovers, history enthusiasts, photographers, and pilgrims

Located at the base of Sai Son Mountain, Thay Pagoda is about 45 minutes by car from Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Visitors can combine a trip to the pagoda with nearby attractions like Tay Phuong Pagoda or Thay Mountain hiking trails.

2. The History of Thay Pagoda

Thay Pagoda was originally built in the 11th century during the reign of King Ly Nhan Tong. It is closely associated with Zen Master Tu Dao Hanh, a highly respected monk, magician, and healer who is said to have lived and taught here.

Over the centuries, the pagoda has undergone renovations, yet it has preserved its ancient charm and spiritual importance. Today, it remains a major pilgrimage site, especially during festivals.

3. What Makes Thay Pagoda Special?

3.1 Unique Architecture

The pagoda consists of three main parts: Ha Pagoda (Lower Pagoda) for daily worship, Trung Pagoda (Middle Pagoda) for ceremonies, and Thuong Pagoda (Upper Pagoda) for ancestor worship. The wooden architecture, curved roofs, and ancient stone carvings showcase traditional Vietnamese design.

Inside the complex, visitors will also find a rich collection of Buddha statues, guardian deities, and historical relics dating back to the Ly Dynasty. The main hall features intricately carved altars and lacquered statues, including a statue of Zen Master Tu Dao Hanh, the monk most closely associated with the pagoda’s history.

Another highlight is the lotus pond in front of the pagoda, surrounded by the elegant Nhat Tien and Nguyet Tien bridges. These bridges not only connect to small island temples but also enhance the harmony of the landscape, reflecting the balance between spirituality and nature in Vietnamese Buddhist architecture.

The overall layout of Thay Pagoda reflects the principle of feng shui, with the mountain at its back and water in the front, symbolizing prosperity, peace, and protection for the community.

3.2 Scenic Setting

Surrounded by limestone mountains, lotus ponds, and ancient bridges, Thay Pagoda is renowned for its tranquil scenery. The Sun and Moon Bridges (Nhat Tien and Nguyet Tien) are iconic stone pathways leading to small temples on islets in the lotus pond, creating a picture-perfect reflection in the water. In spring and summer, the pond comes alive with blooming lotuses, adding vibrant colors and a soothing fragrance to the sacred atmosphere.

Beyond the pagoda grounds, winding trails lead up Sai Son Mountain, where visitors can explore hidden caves, meditation spots, and the Upper Pagoda (Thuong Pagoda) perched on the hillside. From here, panoramic views stretch across the Red River Delta, rice fields, and peaceful villages, offering a serene contrast to the bustle of Hanoi. This harmonious blend of architecture and nature makes Thay Pagoda not only a spiritual destination but also one of the most scenic landscapes near the capital.

3.3 Cultural Significance

Thay Pagoda is widely recognized as the birthplace of Vietnamese water puppetry, an art form believed to have been created by Zen Master Tu Dao Hanh. Originally performed in rice paddies to celebrate harvests and village life, water puppetry has since become one of Vietnam’s most distinctive cultural traditions. At Thay Pagoda, this heritage is honored during festivals, where visitors can enjoy lively performances featuring wooden puppets dancing, fishing, or re-enacting folk tales on the water’s surface.

Beyond water puppetry, the pagoda also plays a vital role in the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people. The Thay Pagoda Festival, held annually in the third lunar month, attracts thousands of pilgrims who come to offer incense, watch traditional performances, and participate in rituals honoring Zen Master Tu Dao Hanh. This event not only reinforces the pagoda’s religious importance but also highlights its enduring role as a center of community gatherings, cultural preservation, and folk traditions in northern Vietnam.

4. Thay Pagoda Festival: A perfect occasion to explore Vietnamese traditions

You are blessed if you happen to visit Thay Pagoda in Hanoi during the festive season. The festival of Thay Pagoda is held in Quoc Oai District from the 1st day of the lunar calendar to the end of the third lunar month.

To promote the cultural values of the Thay Pagoda festival, Quoc Oai District has been focusing on restoring the original rituals according to historical records and folk customs. In addition, the authority is also restoring traditional recreational activities, some of which are the local intangible cultural heritage, such as Do singing, Ham Rong singing, water puppetry, Cheo singing, Tuong singing, etc.

Visiting Thay Pagoda during the days of the festival is certainly a great chance for travelers to enjoy the authentic local experiences.

5. Essential travel tips for your first trip to Thay Pagoda

For you to have a pleasant and memorable experience, below are some helpful tips for your visit to Thay Pagoda:

5.1 Best time to visit the pagoda

The best time to visit Thay Pagoda Hanoi is after the Lunar New Year, when the weather is cool and pleasant. It is the perfect time for spring trips and festival celebrations. Alternatively, you can choose to visit Thay Pagoda around September or October, when the weather is also mild and comfortable in early autumn.

Moreover, if you want to experience the unique cultural features of the Thay Pagoda festival, it is recommended to visit from the 5th to the 7th day of the third lunar month. However, during this time, the pagoda welcomes hundreds of visitors, so you should consider carefully if you are not fond of crowded and noisy places.

5.2 Things to Do at Thay Pagoda

• Explore the Ancient Pagoda Complex – Admire the wooden architecture and sacred statues inside the three main halls.

• Cross the Iconic Bridges – Walk across Nhat Tien and Nguyet Tien bridges for scenic views of the lotus pond.

• Climb to Upper Pagoda – Hike up the mountain path to enjoy panoramic views of the countryside.

• Learn About Water Puppetry – Discover the origins of this traditional art form, unique to northern Vietnam.

• Join Local Festivals – The Thay Pagoda Festival, held in the 3rd lunar month, attracts pilgrims and features water puppet shows, folk games, and rituals.

5.3 Tips for Visiting Thay Pagoda

• Dress modestly when entering sacred areas.

• Wear comfortable shoes if planning to hike up Sai Son Mountain.

• Bring cash for entrance fees and small donations.

• Respect local customs and avoid loud behavior inside temple halls.

• Combine with nearby attractions like Tay Phuong Pagoda or countryside bike tours.

With its thousand-year history, sacred atmosphere, and breathtaking natural scenery, Thay Pagoda is one of the most rewarding day trips from Hanoi. Whether you come to pray, learn about Vietnamese Buddhism, or simply enjoy the peaceful mountain setting, a visit to Thay Pagoda offers a memorable cultural and spiritual experience.

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