Thay Pagoda—originally known as Thien Phuc Tu—sits at the foot of Sai Mountain in Quoc Oai Commune, Hanoi, about 25 km southwest of central Hanoi. The pagoda was built during the reign of King Ly Nhan Tong, and it preserves traces of the monastic life of the revered Zen master Tu Dao Hanh.
Thay Pagoda is an architectural complex that includes Ha Pagoda, Trung Pagoda, Thuong Pagoda, the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower, Cao Pagoda, Mot Mai Pagoda, Long Dau Pagoda, Thuong Temple, Quan Thanh Temple, Van Xuong Temple, and Hoang Xa Shrine, among others.
These architectural works sit on an exceptionally sacred and auspicious piece of land that people in the past called Ham Rong. Long ago, Lord Trinh Can composed a short inscription on the mountainside at Chua Thay, expressing the idea that “Chua Thay is a gem rising from stone and brick, glowing with the fresh beauty of spring through all four seasons.” That’s why you can be sure this Northern Delta pagoda feels truly distinctive and special compared to others. Chua Thay doesn’t follow the usual layout with a formal ceremonial gate or triple-arch entrance—instead, it is a place that worships both the Buddha and a saint.
The main festival of Chua Thay takes place from the 5th to the 7th day of the 3rd lunar month (with the peak day on 7/3). If you want to experience and learn about the unique cultural elements of this festival, visit during those dates. If you simply want a quiet, scenic visit, go during cooler periods when it’s less crowded, so you can enjoy the temple grounds more comfortably.
If you ever have the chance to visit Ha Noi, don’t miss a trip to Chua Thay. It’s a wonderful way to return to a peaceful, tranquil space, shake off the fatigue and worries of daily life, and discover the cultural and traditional beauty preserved here.
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