Two of northern Vietnam's most important temple complexes, visited together on a half- or full-day circuit west of the city. Thay Pagoda sits below Sai Son limestone hill with a covered water-puppet stage on its lake, while Tay Phuong Pagoda stands at the top of about 240 laterite steps and holds a celebrated set of 18th-century jackfruit-wood arhat statues.
Thay Pagoda and Tay Phuong Pagoda are two of northern Vietnam's most important temple complexes, sitting in Quoc Oai and Thach That districts about 30 km west of central Hanoi. They are usually visited together on a half- or full-day circuit, with roughly 8 km between them. The road journey takes 1 to 1.5 hours each way. Options include a private car or motorbike via Thang Long Avenue, or bus 73 from My Dinh bus station to Thay Pagoda. Small entrance fees of about 10,000 to 20,000 VND apply at each site.
Thay Pagoda, at the foot of Sai Son limestone hill, is associated with the monk Tu Dao Hanh of the 11th century. Its lakeside covered stage is used for water puppet performances, particularly during the festival, and the complex is divided into a lower pagoda, a middle pagoda and an upper pagoda reached by a short climb, with caves and shrines set into the hillside. Tay Phuong Pagoda stands at the top of about 240 laterite steps on a hill shaped like a buffalo, and houses an outstanding collection of 18th-century jackfruit-wood arhat statues, among the finest in Vietnamese Buddhist art. Three main halls hold the statues, each with distinct expressions and poses.
A suggested day begins with a departure from Hanoi at 8:00 am to reach Thay Pagoda by 9:30, followed by a walk around the lake and the upper temple. After a lunch of simple local dishes such as rice, grilled meats or noodle soup in Quoc Oai, the afternoon continues to Tay Phuong Pagoda for the stairway climb and the arhat statues, with a return to Hanoi by about 4:30 pm. Many tours add Van Phuc silk village or Duong Lam as a third stop.
October to April is the most comfortable period. The Thay Pagoda festival falls in the third lunar month, usually April, and includes water puppet shows and processions, but crowds are heavy. Summer heat makes the Tay Phuong steps tiring. Visitors should dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, and remove shoes when entering halls. Small stalls at both sites sell water, drinks and snacks.
| Distance | About 30 km / 19 miles from central Hanoi to Thay Pagoda; a further 8 km between the two pagodas |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 1-1.5 hours each way by road |
| Getting there | Private car or motorbike via Thang Long Avenue; bus 73 from My Dinh bus station serves Thay Pagoda, and small entrance fees of around 10,000-20,000 VND / 0.38-0.77 USD apply at each site |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Thay Pagoda, Sai Son Commune, Quoc Oai District, Hanoi, Vietnam |
How to get there
- Private car with driver, public bus 73, motorbike, guided cultural day tour combining both pagodas with Van Phuc silk village
Location
Thay Pagoda, Sai Son Commune, Quoc Oai District, Hanoi, Vietnam
21.0173, 105.6495 View on map
Highlights
- See the lakeside water puppet stage at Thay Pagoda below Sai Son hill
- Climb about 240 laterite steps to Tay Phuong Pagoda
- View the celebrated 18th-century jackfruit-wood arhat statues
- Explore cave shrines set into the hillside at Thay Pagoda
- Combine both temples with Van Phuc silk village in one circuit
Tips for visiting
- Hire a car or motorbike to connect the two sites, since public transport between them is limited.
- Dress modestly and remove shoes where indicated when entering temple halls.
- Visit Tay Phuong in the morning to climb the steps before the day heats up.
- Carry small notes for entrance fees of 10,000 to 20,000 VND and for offerings.
- Check the lunar calendar if planning around the April festival, as crowds and prices rise.
When to visit
October to April for comfortable temperatures; the April festival is lively but crowded. Morning visits avoid the heat on the steps.
Accessibility
Both sites involve steps, and Tay Phuong requires a climb of about 240 laterite steps with no alternative route, so wheelchair access is very limited. The lakeside area at Thay Pagoda is flatter.
Frequently asked questions
How far apart are the two pagodas?
About 8 km, or roughly 15 to 20 minutes by road. Both lie about 30 km from central Hanoi.
Can both be visited in one day?
Yes. Most visitors see both in half a day, and a full day allows a third stop such as Van Phuc silk village or Duong Lam.
When is the Thay Pagoda festival?
In the third lunar month, usually April, with water puppet performances and processions.
What are the arhat statues?
Tay Phuong holds about 70 painted jackfruit-wood statues of Buddhist arhats dating from the 18th century, admired for their expressive faces.