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Tay Phuong Pagoda is an ancient pagoda in Hanoi that is recognized as a special national relic. It attracts numerous visitors to admire its rare beauty, especially during the Lunar New Year. Moreover, the pagoda houses many precious wooden statues. Join Asia King Travel as we explore Tay Phuong Pagoda in this article!
The gate of Tay Phuong Pagoda at the foot of the mountain. Photo: Crystal Bay
The history of the pagoda remains a topic of debate. According to local records, it was built in the 8th century and took its current form after multiple renovations. However, other studies suggest that the pagoda was constructed in the 16th century, based on stone inscriptions and decorative patterns from that era.
In a more accurate record, the pagoda was originally named Sung Phuc Tu, meaning "a place where Buddha performs good deeds". Between 1657 and 1682, the old pagoda was demolished and rebuilt. In 1794, during the Tay Son Dynasty, it underwent a complete renovation, receiving its new name “Tay Phuong Pagoda” and taking on the architectural form seen today.
Tay Phuong Pagoda lies on Cau Lau Mountain, Thach That District, Hanoi, about 40 kilometers to the west of the city center. In the urban area, start your trip on Tran Duy Hung Street, keep straight and drive along Lang - Hoa Lac Expressway.
When you reach the overpass at the Thang Long Boulevard – Thach That – Quoc Oai intersection, turn left into Quoc Oai. Then, turn right and continue for another 5 kilometers until you reach the Thach Xa intersection, where you will see a sign directing you to Tay Phuong Pagoda. To reach the top, you must climb over a hundred stone steps. The slope is moderate, so it won’t be too exhausting, and there are small stalls along the way where you can take a break.
The panoramic view of the pagoda on the peak of Cau Lau Mountain. Photo: Lao dong
If you are traveling by bus, routes 02 and 89 can take you to the Pagoda. They depart from Saint Paul Hospital and stop at Chang Son Industrial Zone, about 2 kilometers from the pagoda. From there, visitors can take a motorbike taxi or enjoy a peaceful walk through Thach That’s countryside.
The entrance fee for Tay Phuong Pagoda is set at VND 10,000 per person for both domestic and international visitors (excluding parking fees). On special occasions such as Tet and Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day (November 23), the pagoda waives the entrance fee.
The pagoda also charges a relatively low parking fee: only VND 10,000/hour for vehicles up to 2 tons and VND 12,500/hour for vehicles over 2 tons.
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The best time to visit is definitely in the spring, especially on Tet. Your soul will feel uplifted in the fresh air of the early new year. On one side, the ancient pagoda, and on the other, the breathtaking view stretching far from the mountain peak.
Visitors from all over come to the pagoda at the beginning of the year. Photo: Lao dong
Every year, in the third lunar month (around April), locals eagerly celebrate the Tay Phuong Pagoda Festival. The festival takes place from the 6th to the 10th of the month, featuring vibrant cultural activities that attract many visitors. In addition, traditional group games such as tug-of-war, wrestling, and human chess are held, symbolizing the community’s wish for a prosperous, happy, and peaceful new year.
At the foot of the mountain stands a three-entrance gate beside whispering bamboo groves. Outside, there is a water pavilion built on a serene pond. To begin your visit, you will pass through the gate and climb 237 stone steps to the mountain’s peak. Along the way, you will come across several small shrines dedicated to the mountain deity.
Hundreds of stone steps lead you to the pagoda. Photo: Cong ly
The main pagoda consists of three parallel structures forming the Chinese character "Three” (三), representing Ha Pagoda, Trung Pagoda, and Thuong Pagoda. The walls are primarily built with exposed Bat Trang bricks, showcasing a rustic red hue, while round windows painted in white symbolize the Buddhist philosophy of “form is emptiness, emptiness is form.”
On the altar of Ha Pagoda, there is a statue of the Thousand-Eyed, Thousand-Armed Guanyin, flanked by statues of celestial children. Passing through Ha Pagoda, you will reach Trung Pagoda. Unlike many other pagodas in Vietnam, Trung Pagoda is narrower but taller than the other two. This pagoda enshrines the statue depicting the ascetic period of the Buddha before attaining enlightenment.
The statues are considered masterpieces of religious sculpture. Photo: MIA
The highlight of Tay Phuong Pagoda lies in Thuong Pagoda, where the 18 wooden Arhat statues are enshrined. These statues are arranged in a row, symbolizing significant events in the lives of the Buddhas. Each 18 Arhats has a unique expression and posture, representing the pinnacle of Vietnamese sculptural and artistic craftsmanship.
Not only are the intricate details of their clothing, wrinkles, and emaciated bodies vividly depicted, but even the pain and deep contemplation of human existence are masterfully carved, making the statues incredibly lifelike and captivating.
The expressions of the Arhat statues are depicted realistically. Photo: Lao dong
The Ancestor Hall – Mother Goddess Hall is structured in the shape of the Chinese character “Two" (二). The outer section is dedicated to worshiping the ancestral masters, while the inner section honors the Mother Goddess. The guest house, located to the right of the main pagoda, serves as a resting place for monks and Buddhist followers. Although built in modern times, it harmonizes seamlessly with the traditional architecture of the pagoda.
Ancestor, Mother Goddes altar. Photo: Tu Nam Nguyen
The blend of traditional architecture, natural surroundings, and the remarkable collection of Buddhist statues makes Tay Phuong Pagoda truly worthy of the title “the foremost ancient temple.” During Tet and festival days, be sure to visit the pagoda to fully experience the serene beauty of this sacred place. And don’t forget Asia King Travel is always here to accompany you on your journey to Vietnam!
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