Thay Pagoda (Chua Thay)

Thay Pagoda (Chùa Thầy) is one of Vietnam’s most architecturally striking Buddhist complexes, set at the foot of Sài Sơn mountain about 25 km southwest of Hanoi. Founded in the 10th century and expanded under King Lý Nhân Tông, it is closely associated with Zen Master Từ Đạo Hạnh — healer, poet, and water puppetry pioneer, revered as one of Vietnam’s Four Immortals. The complex follows a mountain-backed, water-facing feng shui layout: three connected halls (Lower, Middle, and Upper) face Long Trì Lake, with a graceful water pavilion (Thuỷ Đình) used for traditional water puppet performances during festivals. Two curved stone bridges, Nhật Tiên and Nguyệt Tiên, arc over the lake to reach the pagoda gates. The festival on the 5th–7th of the third lunar month draws large crowds for ceremonies, water puppetry, and the red kapok flowers that bloom on the hillside. Outside festival season it is peaceful and easy to visit on a half-day trip from Hanoi.

Hotel recommendations coming soon.