[2024 Hanoi Attraction] Travel Guide for Thay Temple (Updated Oct)
Temples
Address:
Hanoi, Vietnam
Opening times:
Open year round, 24/7Open
Recommended sightseeing time:
1-2 hours
Thien Phuc Temple in Vietnam is a hidden gem, especially for those who love ancient architecture.
Located nearly 30 km from the center of Hanoi, in a village, the temple is not crowded with tourists. The architecture here is quite simple and rustic. The pavilion on the lake in front of the temple is the iconic building of the temple. The elderly and children in the village chat and play here, and the atmosphere is full of life.
Vietnamese solid wood buildings have their own characteristics. The eaves are relatively low, and the beam structure also has the style of this region. The covered bridge in picture 7 is so low that tall people have to lower their heads to pass.
The temple was built during the Ly Dynasty in the 11th century AD and was the place where the eminent monk Xu Daoxing of the Ly Dynasty practiced. Xu Daoxing was knowledgeable in Buddhism and good at poetry and prose, and was respected as a national teacher by the Ly Dynasty. The original temple was not large, and it was later expanded into a larger temple by Princess Nan of the Ly Dynasty. There is a dragon pond in front of the temple, and the temple has three entrances, with a solemn shape. There are also other ancient sites nearby, such as Gao Temple, Shenghua Temple, Longtou Temple, and Princess Nan's Nunnery.
The wooden buildings preserved in the temple are said to have a history of more than 300 years.
Eat, Travel, Repeat
Thay Pagoda
A great experience, really well managed, cultural, and worth the 15k. The surrounding area is beautiful with mountains and ponds. And the pagoda cat is so cute.
Chùa Thầy worships Từ Đạo Hạnh (also known as Minh Không) who was a famous monk. He was the head monk of the temple, a choreographer of traditional water puppetry, an inventor, and a healer and mystic of his village. The mystical acts associated with the monk include curing diseases by blessing them, in addition to guiding rain by burning his fingers and performing many other miracles.
He showcased the unique Vietnamese water puppetry in a small lake pavilion that he built in the middle of a lake in front of the main hall. According to local beliefs, he incarnated three times: once as the Buddha in the form of Sakhyamuni, later as the son of King Lý Nhân Tông who became King Lý Thần Tông, and as the monk who saved King Thần Tông. He created his own Từ Đạo Hạnh cult brand.
A perfect sanctuary within the busy capital. Ride a bike for about 40 minutes from the city center. This place is a mix of physical and spiritual essence for those who want to experience a quiet place of worship and exciting natural trails to test their physique.