Tam Dao Mountain – Tay Thien Pagoda Day Trip

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1 Day - Private Tour
Private Tour
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Overview

Tour Map
Route: Hanoi - Tay Thien Pagoda - Tam Dao Town - Hanoi
Duration: 1 Day - Private Tour
Tour schedule: Upon Request
Tour guide in: English

Trip Highlights

Overview of Tay Thien Pagoda – Tam Dao Mountain Day Trip

Tam Dao national park is a famous tourist attraction among local Vietnamese travellers but still lesser known to foreign visitors. Just 75 km far from Hanoi, Tam Dao mountain is located in Vinh Phuc province and an ideal place for nature lovers who would love to do hiking to conquer the summit while enjoying the beautiful mountainscapes, cool & fresh climate, and getting to know more about Vietnamese belief & their culture.

Tay Thien Pagoda – Tam Dao Mountain Day Trip is specially designed for travellers who love escaping from the city’s daily bustles & hustles, and immensing themselves in pristine beauty of tropical forests & mountains in Tam Dao

In this day trip, you will visit Tay Thien temples, a unique historical-cultural complex admist the majestic mountains, where you will do a scenic hike of 5 km on trails & steps along the villages, the forest & the stream to visit different temples on mountainside of Thach Ban summit. It could be a lovely experience for the one who is interested in hiking. If some of you are not good at hiking, there is a good option with cable car & you can easy conquer top temples in just 15 minutes.

After exploring Tay Thien temples, this day trip will take you for a visit to Tam Dao town at 1000 metters high compared to the sea level, where you can feel the French vestiges of Stone Church & enjoy drinks at Quan Gio cafe‘ to admire the sunset & clouds….

Really, Tam Dao Mountain- Tay Thien Pagoda will be a day trip full of exciting activities & memorable experiences for your family 

Special Highlights of Tay Thien Temples -Tam Dao Mountain Day Excursion

  • Visit Tay Thien pagoda, the land of Buddha and Mother of Nation in Vietnam to enrich yourselves about Vietnamese belief & cultures
  • Take part in scenic & healthy hike to visit local temple around Thach Ban summit, the second highest peak in Tam Dao mountain range.
  • Stroll around Tam Dao town to sightsee some highlights such as French Church & Quan Gio Cafe to admire Tam Dao’s castle & scenic mountain view

 

Itinerary

07:00 AM : Our driver & tour guide will pick your group up from your hotel in Hanoi city & depart to Tay Thien Pagoda complex. En route, you have chances to view Vietnamese rural villages with paddy fields, rivers and mountains.

09:30 AM : Arrive in Tay Thien pagoda complex, you will start a scenic hike (5 km – in 3 hour hike) on trails & steps along local villages & forest to reach the main temple : Tay Thien temple, located in Thach Ban peak – the second highest point at 1,388 metter among Tam Dao mountain range. During the hike, you can stop to visit Thong templeCo templeCau templeTay Thien temple & pagoda as well as Fairy Chess board – chances to get sense of Vietnamese’s belief & religions. The hike also brings you a wonderful journey to admire magnificient landscapes of mountains, tropical forest, streams & waterfalls.

Tay Thien cable car - Tam Dao

Tay Thien cable car – Tam Dao

13:30 PM. Take the cable car down – which offers you opportunities to captivate parnoramic view of the region & save your time to continue the journey to Tam Dao town.

14:00 PM. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant

15:00 PM. Drive up to Tam Dao, known as another Sapa in Northern Vietnam with pleasant climate around the year

16:00 PM. Visit French Stone Church, which was built by French in early 20th century when they developed Tam Dao as a famous resort in Northern Vietnam.

16:30 PM. Check-in Quan Gio cafe with drinks (on your own account) for the view of beautiful Tam Dao castle & enjoy the sunset moment in Tam Dao

Tam Dao castle

17:30 PM. Say good bye with Tam Dao & get transferred back to Hanoi city.

19:00 PM. Arrive in Hanoi. The guide & driver will drop you back the doorsteps of your hotel. The finish of your day trip to Tay Thien Pagoda & Tam Dao mountain. Thank you & see you in other trips to visit Vietnam again !

The Trip’s Inclusions : 

  • Private car with driver following the journey
  • Tourguide of English speaking during the tour
  • Entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places
  • Lunch of local Vietnamese dishes
  • One- way cable car ticket 

The Trip’s Exclusions :

  • Drinks & beverages during the trip
  • Tips to tourguide & driver 
  • Electrical car fees from the cable station to the bus station
  • Travel insurances
  • Personal expences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tam Dao is uniquely famous for its alpine-like microclimate where visitors can experience the distinct feel of all four seasons within 24 hours. The morning brings the crisp, refreshing air of spring; by noon, it warms to a mild summer; the afternoon transitions into a dreamy, misty autumn; and the evening settles into a chilly, wintry cold. This makes it an ideal year-round escape for those looking to experience “cloud hunting” near Hanoi.

Yes, the complex is highly accessible thanks to the modern cable car system that connects the base at Thong Temple to the Upper Temple (Den Thuong) near the peak. Travelers can choose between a 2,480-meter scenic cable car ride—which offers views of the Silver Waterfall from above—or a 6km forest trek. For those with limited mobility, the cable car allows them to enjoy the spiritual atmosphere and mountain views without the physical strain of the climb.

Tay Thien is a rare site where Buddhism and Mother Goddess worship (Dao Mau) coexist. Key highlights include the Great Mandala Stupa, a stunning structure modeled after Indian Buddhist architecture, and Truc Lam Tay Thien Zen Monastery, one of Vietnam’s largest training centers for monks. Visitors should also see the Thong Temple, home to a sacred nine-rooted banyan tree that is centuries old.

Because of the shifting temperatures, we recommend layering your clothing. Even if it is hot in Hanoi, bring a light jacket for the cool mountain air. If you plan to visit the temples, wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Essential items include comfortable walking or trekking shoes with good grip, a hat, and a light raincoat, especially during the “cloud hunting” months from May to August.

Absolutely. As a licensed tour operator, we specialize in tailor-made day trips. We can combine a morning of spiritual exploration at Tay Thien with an afternoon of “check-in” photography at Tam Dao Central Square, the Stone Church, and Quan Gio (Wind Cafe). Our tours include a local lunch featuring Tam Dao specialties, such as su su (chayote) greens and hill chicken, providing a complete cultural and culinary experience.

Good to Know

Before travelling to Vietnam, please ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and has at least two blank pages for immigration stamps and visa purposes.

Citizens from several countries, including France, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain, can currently enter Vietnam visa-free for stays of up to 45 days. Visa policies may change from time to time depending on nationality and travel regulations.

If you intend to stay longer than the visa exemption period, or if your nationality is not included in the visa-free list, you can apply for an e-visa online.You are also welcome to contact our team for updated visa information and travel assistance before your trip to Vietnam.

Travel insurance is not included in our tour package; however, valid travel insurance is mandatory for all participants joining the tour. Your policy should provide adequate coverage for:

  • Emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation
  • Trip cancellation, delays, or interruptions
  • All activities included in your itinerary, including outdoor and adventure excursions

We also recommend checking whether your credit card offers travel insurance coverage and purchasing additional protection if needed to ensure comprehensive coverage throughout your journey.

The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). While some hotels and tourist-oriented businesses may accept US dollars or euros, payments are generally preferred in local currency.

Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted at most hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and larger establishments, especially in major cities and tourist destinations. However, cash is still widely used for local markets, small shops, and rural areas.

ATMs are easy to find throughout Vietnam, particularly in cities and popular travel destinations. Currency exchange services are available at international airports, banks, hotels, and licensed exchange counters.

Also, please make sure your banknotes are clean and undamaged, as torn, heavily worn, or marked foreign bills may not be accepted for exchange or payment in Vietnam.

Vietnam is a year-round destination, offering diverse weather patterns across its different regions. In general, spring (February to April) and autumn (September to December) are considered the most comfortable times to visit, thanks to pleasant temperatures, lower humidity, and less rainfall.

As Vietnam stretches over 1,600 km from north to south, the climate can vary greatly depending on where you travel:

  • Northern Vietnam: Experiences four distinct seasons, with cool and sometimes chilly winters (December to February) and hot, humid summers (May to August).
  • Central Vietnam: Usually enjoys warm weather, though the rainy season typically occurs between September and November.
  • Southern Vietnam: Has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year, alongside occasional tropical showers during the rainy season from May to October.

We recommend packing light, comfortable clothing as well as seasonal items suited to the regions included in your itinerary.

International flights are not included in our tour prices, giving you the flexibility to choose the airline and flight schedule that best suit your travel plans and budget. If needed, our travel consultants are happy to assist you in finding the most convenient and competitive flight options.

For international departures, we highly recommend arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight to allow enough time for check-in, immigration procedures, and any unexpected delays or issues that may arise.

If your itinerary includes domestic flights within Vietnam, all flight schedules, airline information, and booking details will be included in your final travel documents before departure.

For a smooth journey, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours prior to your flight. Please make sure to carry your passport along with your e-ticket or booking reference.

Baggage Allowance: Checked baggage allowance typically ranges from 20kg to 23kg depending on the airline and ticket class, while cabin baggage is generally limited to 7kg per passenger.

Important Notice: Extra baggage fees may apply for your overweight or oversized luggage. We strongly recommend reviewing the baggage policies of your airline in advance, such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, or Bamboo Airways.

Please note that domestic flight schedules may occasionally change due to airline operations or weather conditions. Should there be any updates, our team will inform you as soon as possible.

If your journey includes a connecting domestic flight within Vietnam, please keep the following information in mind upon arrival:

  • Collect your checked luggage after landing.
  • Complete immigration and customs procedures.
  • Proceed to the domestic terminal for your onward flight. At some airports, this may involve a short walk or shuttle transfer between terminals.
  • Airport staff are usually available to assist passengers, so feel free to ask for directions or support if needed.

Recommended connection time: at least 2 hours 30 minutes

This allows enough time for immigration clearance, baggage collection, customs procedures, terminal transfers, and possible flight delays.

Practical Tip: At major airports such as Noi Bai International Airport and Tan Son Nhat International Airport, international and domestic terminals may be located in separate buildings. Please follow airport signage carefully and allow sufficient transfer time.

There are currently no compulsory vaccinations required for travelers entering Vietnam. However, depending on the length of your stay and the areas you plan to visit, several vaccinations are commonly recommended by health professionals, particularly for rural or remote travel.

Recommended vaccinations may include:

  • Hepatitis A & B
  • Typhoid
  • Tetanus, diphtheria & pertussis (booster shots advised)
  • Rabies (recommended for extended stays or frequent contact with animals)

If you take regular medication, we strongly advise bringing an adequate supply to cover your entire trip, as certain medicines may not be easily available locally.

Please also carry your medical prescription, ideally translated into English, to assist with customs procedures or in case medical attention is needed during your stay.

Upon your arrival in Vietnam, our driver will be waiting for you at the airport arrival exit according to your flight number and landing time. The driver will be holding a welcome sign displaying: “Golden Holiday Travel – [Your Name]”

Please take a moment to carefully look for your name among the signs at the arrival area. In case you cannot locate our driver immediately, kindly stay near the meeting point and contact our 24/7 support team for quick assistance:

Hotline / WhatsApp: +84 988 451 530

Useful Tip: We recommend activating international roaming or ensuring internet access on your phone upon arrival so we can easily communicate if necessary.

Important Note:At busy airports, many drivers may be waiting in the same area. If you do not see our representative right away, please do not leave the arrival hall – simply contact us and our team will assist you promptly.

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