Thay Pagoda – an interesting attraction to visit in Hanoi

Thay Pagoda: An Interesting Attraction Worth Your Visit in Hanoi

Last Sunday morning, I took a motorbike trip to Thay Pagoda. Overall, I love this pagoda because of the legends surrounding the famous monk Tu Dao Hanh and his real-life reincarnations, as well as the pagoda's beautiful scenery and ancient architecture.

Long Tri Lake & Nguyet Tien Bridge

The Myths and Legends of Famous Monk Tu Dao Hanh at Thay Pagoda

Tu Dao Hanh, born in 1072 during the Ly dynasty, spent his life closely associated with two famous pagodas in Hanoi: Lang Pagoda in his early life and Thay Pagoda during his religious pursuits and until his death. Every year on the 7th of March, according to the lunar calendar—marking Tu Dao Hanh's death anniversary—both pagodas hold large festivals to honor him:

"Mark the lunar date of March 7th.
Festivities are held at both Lang and Thay pagodas."

Tu Dao Hanh left a lasting impact on the local people's mind through tales about his kindness and miraculous powers. He travelled around the region, helping those in need without expectation of repayment. Later in life, to deepen his spiritual journey, Tu Dao Hanh established a small pagoda at Sai Son mountain, also known as Thay mountain. This site, originally named Huong Hai, was later renamed Thay Pagoda. He died there in 1116, the same year King Ly Than Tong was born, sparking legends that the king was Tu Dao Hanh's reincarnation. Visitors to Thay temple can view two significant statues: one of Tu Dao Hanh's mummified body and another depicting his supposed reincarnation, King Ly Than Tong.

Thay Pagoda's Exquisite Architectures and Serene Natural Scenery

Thay Pagoda is not only interesting by the myths, but also attracting for its ancient structures & natural beauty of mountains & caves.You will feel relaxed and be stunned by the perfect harmony of the surrounding landscapes and Vietnamese traditional architecture.

High Temple in Sai Son Mountain

Upon arrival, I obtained an entrance ticket for 10,000 VND, granting me the freedom to wander and absorb the pagoda's ambiance. Two main areas awaited exploration: the lower pagoda, nestled at the foot of Sai Son mountain, and the higher pagoda up to Sai Son mountain

The lower pagoda, dating back to the 12th century, boasts a complex of three temples interconnected by a roofing system. The outer temple serves as a space for offerings and ceremonies, while the middle temple is dedicated to the worship of Buddha, and the inner part venerates the monk Tu Dao Hanh. Remarkably, the latter houses not only a mummified body purportedly belonging to him but also a statue believed to represent his reincarnation as King Ly Than Tong.

Temple to worship gods

These exquisite wooden structures are said to resemble the head of a dragon. Across from them lies the expansive Long Tri Lake & a vast courtyard symbolizing the dragon's jaws. Adjacent to this space stands Thuy Dinh, the oldest water house known for its renowned water puppet shows, an art invented by the monk Tu Dao Hanh in 11th century. Two ancient tiled bridges, Nhat Tien and Nguyet Tien, span the lake, likened to the dragon's beards

Ascending 250 steps to the higher pagoda atop Sai Son mountain offers an opportunity for quiet contemplation and worship. Nearby lies Thanh Hoa cave, where Tu Dao Hanh once practiced and eventually passed away. Here, visitors can marvel at the ancient poetry carved into the cliffs and seek solace beneath the shade of a majestic banyan tree.

Entrance to Thanh Hoa cave

If you like to do some more adventure, Cac Co limestone cave is a destination that you should spend time on discovering. Just from the upper pagoda, you follow the steps along mountain side in 15 minutes to reach the cave's's entrance.Local people are famous with their saying : “the single girls should spend time visiting Cac Co cave, the single man should not forget Thay pagoda’s festival” as Cac Co cave was the place where men & women met and loved eachother.

The path leading to the cave is quite narrow, tight, slippery & dark, you need to use a torch to go inside (renting at the entrance).I must say it is worth paying a visit to this cave.The deeper you go inside, the more beautiful and surprised you will get thanks to its mystery and wonderful shapes of stalagmites & stalactites. Locals normally come here to praise for love & happiness for their family

How to get to Thay Pagoda?

Just 20km far from Hanoi center in the west , follow Lang-Hoa Lac highway until you view on the right a number of mountains jutting out from the farmland, likened to the body of a dragon, you just make a right turn about 2km to reach Thay temple (in Sai Son mountain, Quoc Oai district, Hanoi city)

The gate to the highr temple in Sai Son mountain

Discover the charm of Thay Pagoda and Duong Lam Ancient Village on our exclusive day tour, accompanied by a private guide and comfortable transportation. Alternatively, if you prefer independent exploration, you can opt for a motorbike rental or hire a private car with a driver to visit Thay Pagoda, Tay Phuong Pagoda, Van Phuc Silk Village, and Duong Lam Ancient Village. Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of rural villages, admire ancient architecture, and experience the warmth of the local community along the way. For any travel assistance, reach out to us via email at [email protected] or contact us on WhatsApp at +84.988451530. Wishing you a delightful journey to Thay Pagoda