Tay Phuong Pagoda, Hanoi - #Wat Phnom, Cambodia
by: Kanal Ban
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Tay Phuong Pagoda Hanoi

4.6
·2k reviews·, Vietnam

Ancient hilltop pagoda near Hanoi, famed for its lifelike Arhat statues and intricate Buddhist art.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
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Tay Phuong Pagoda, Hanoi - #Wat Phnom, Cambodia
by: Kanal Ban

Tay Phuong Pagoda Hanoi

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ancient hilltop pagoda near Hanoi, famed for its lifelike Arhat statues and intricate Buddhist art.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"A must-visit for its stunning Arhat statues and serene hilltop views."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs. :athletic_shoe: Comfortable footwear is a must!

Respectful Attire

Dress modestly when visiting this sacred site. Cover your shoulders and knees. :pray:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 18 Arhat Statues

The 18 Arhat Statues

Main Hall

Remarkable wooden statues with lifelike expressions, capturing human emotions. A true artistic marvel.

Hilltop Views

Hilltop Views

Pagoda Grounds

Enjoy panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside from this serene hilltop location.

Intricate Reliefs and Carvings

Intricate Reliefs and Carvings

Temple Architecture

Admire the detailed stone reliefs and wood carvings adorning the ancient temple structures.

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Tay Phuong Pagoda

Beat the crowds and heat by visiting Tay Phuong Pagoda early in the morning or late afternoon. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends. Consider the weather; dry seasons offer a more pleasant experience for exploring the hilltop grounds.

Getting to Tay Phuong Pagoda

Tay Phuong Pagoda is about 30-40 km from Hanoi's center. While taxis and ride-sharing are options, renting a motorbike offers flexibility. Public buses are also available but can be slower. Plan for travel time, especially during peak traffic hours.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Ghé thăm chùa Long Quang - ngôi chùa độc đáo kiến trúc Tây Tạng hơn 600 năm giữa lòng Hà Nội. #chualongquang #longquangpagoda #chuavietnam #hanoi #dulichhanoi #dicungyang
@dicungyang
21.3K likes • 519.2K views

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs. :athletic_shoe: Comfortable footwear is a must!

Respectful Attire

Dress modestly when visiting this sacred site. Cover your shoulders and knees. :pray:

Trả lời @sun Chùa Tây Phương đẹp thật sự ❤️ ai Thạch Thất giơ tay 🥰 #reviewdulich #yeudulich #fyp #tayphuong #hanoi #hanoipho #trending #chuatayphuong
@gianglangthangvn
15.3K likes • 376.6K views
Trả lời @Sóc con 💕 ngôi chùa được mệnh danh là “đệ nhất cổ tự” với 18 bức tượng La Hán nổi tiếng ngay tại Hà Nội. #dulich #chuatayphuong #tamlinh #phatgiao #viral #fyp #gianglangthang #vietnam
@gianglangthangvn
8.8K likes • 144.1K views

Capture Stunning Photos

The pagoda offers beautiful architecture and scenic views. Bring your camera! :camerawithflash:

Allow Ample Time

Don't rush your visit. Take time to soak in the atmosphere and admire the details. :clock1:

Đến đây chị em chắc chắn có ảnh xinh mang zề 😋 #phagia #phagiatrieuvietvuong #phagiahanoi #hanoi
@micheocheo
5.5K likes • 101.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs. :athletic_shoe: Comfortable footwear is a must!

Respectful Attire

Dress modestly when visiting this sacred site. Cover your shoulders and knees. :pray:

Capture Stunning Photos

The pagoda offers beautiful architecture and scenic views. Bring your camera! :camerawithflash:

Allow Ample Time

Don't rush your visit. Take time to soak in the atmosphere and admire the details. :clock1:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Tay Phuong Pagoda for its stunning Arhat statues and intricate carvings, offering a glimpse into Vietnam's rich Buddhist art and history. The hilltop location provides beautiful panoramic views, making it a serene and culturally enriching experience. Some note that amenities are basic and recommend visiting during less crowded times.

"It's temple on the mountain. You have to go up the long stairs to get the temple, but it's not hard much. But the stairs are a bit slippery, so be careful to go up and down. The temple on the top is not so big, but nice atmosphere. It seems like you can go to the other temple from the top."

The MY World

"Entrance fee is 10K VND/pax. Some ladies at the entrance gate offers motorbike service at 30K VND/pax/one-way to the pagoda. It’s fair for senior ppl who are not at good health for climbing up abt 150m (~15 mins)."

Hoang Nguyen

"A pagoda at the top of a hill which you access by walking up the steps and going past people's homes. It was very quiet and peaceful when I got to the top. You need to pay a little money for parking and an entrance ticket."

Nathan Wilson

What People Like

Lifelike Arhat statues
Intricate carvings
Hilltop views

What People Dislike

Limited amenities
Can get crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Tay Phuong Pagoda is located about 30-40 km from central Hanoi. You can hire a taxi or use ride-sharing apps for a direct trip. Renting a motorbike is also a popular option for flexibility. Public buses are available but may take longer. TikTokReddit

Yes, there is usually parking available for motorbikes and cars near the pagoda entrance. It's advisable to arrive earlier in the day to secure a good spot. TikTok

For budget-conscious travelers, taking a local bus is the most economical option. Research bus routes from Hanoi to Thach That district, where the pagoda is located. Reddit

The travel time can vary depending on traffic, but typically it takes around 40-60 minutes by car or motorbike from Hanoi's city center. TikTok

The pagoda is situated on a hill, so you'll likely see it from a distance as you approach the area. Follow signs for Tay Phuong Pagoda or Chùa Tây Phương. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, there is no entrance fee to visit Tay Phuong Pagoda itself. However, there might be small fees for parking or optional donations. Reddit

The pagoda is typically open daily from early morning until late afternoon. It's best to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the site. Reddit

Yes, you can visit on weekends, but expect larger crowds compared to weekdays. Weekday mornings are often recommended for a more peaceful experience. TikTok

No, advance booking is not required for Tay Phuong Pagoda as there's no admission fee. You can visit spontaneously. Reddit

While generally open, it's wise to check for any special holiday closures or events that might affect visiting hours. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The 18 Arhat statues, the intricate carvings, the pagoda's architecture, and the panoramic hilltop views are all fantastic photo opportunities. The late afternoon light is particularly beautiful. TikTok+1

Photography is generally allowed, but it's always respectful to be mindful of worshippers and avoid flash photography in sensitive areas. Reddit

Drone usage might be restricted in religious sites. It's best to check local regulations or inquire on-site before flying a drone. Reddit

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for architecture and details. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive views. TikTok

Be mindful of sacred areas and avoid intrusive photography. Respect the tranquility of the site. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are usually local food vendors and small eateries near the pagoda entrance offering simple Vietnamese snacks and drinks. For a wider selection, you'll need to return towards Hanoi. Reddit

Expect local street food like Banh Mi, snacks, and refreshing drinks. If you're looking for a full meal, it's better to plan for it before or after your visit. Reddit

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks, but please be considerate and clean up after yourselves to maintain the sanctity of the site. Reddit

Given the local cuisine, vegetarian options might be limited to simple snacks. It's advisable to have a meal before or after your visit if you have specific dietary needs. Reddit

Eating at the local stalls can be an authentic experience, but always choose vendors that appear clean and popular. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Tay Phuong Pagoda can be an interesting outing for families, offering a blend of culture and scenic views. The 18 Arhat statues are particularly captivating for children due to their expressive faces. TikTok Encourage them to observe the details and imagine the stories behind each statue. The hilltop location provides a sense of adventure, and the open spaces allow for some exploration.

Practical tips for families: Bring plenty of water and snacks, as options at the pagoda itself are limited. Ensure children wear comfortable shoes for navigating the steps and uneven terrain. Visiting during cooler parts of the day, like early morning, will make the experience more enjoyable for everyone. Reddit

📸 Photographers

For photographers, Tay Phuong Pagoda is a treasure trove of visual opportunities. The intricate carvings and reliefs offer fantastic close-up shots, while the 18 Arhat statues provide compelling subjects with their lifelike expressions. TikTok+1 The pagoda's traditional architecture, set against the backdrop of the countryside, creates beautiful compositions.

Best times for photography are early morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft and golden, enhancing the textures and colors. TikTok Consider bringing a versatile lens to capture both the grand architectural details and the finer artistic elements. Remember to be respectful of worshippers and sacred spaces while you capture the beauty of this historic site. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Artistry of the Arhat Statues

Tay Phuong Pagoda is renowned for its collection of 18 Arhat statues, carved from wood. These aren't just static figures; they are celebrated for their incredibly lifelike expressions, capturing a wide spectrum of human emotions from serenity to fury. TikTok Many visitors are struck by the detail and realism, noting how the statues seem to possess a living quality. This artistic mastery makes the pagoda a significant cultural and historical site, drawing art enthusiasts and spiritual seekers alike. Reddit

These statues are considered some of the finest examples of Vietnamese Buddhist sculpture. The skill involved in rendering such dynamic and emotive poses in wood is a testament to the craftsmanship of the era. Experiencing these statues up close offers a profound connection to the artistry and spiritual devotion that shaped this ancient temple. TikTok

Exploring the Pagoda's Architecture and History

Tay Phuong Pagoda, also known as Chùa Tây Phương, boasts a rich history dating back centuries, with some sources suggesting construction around the 8th century. TikTok It's built on a hilltop, offering not only a spiritual sanctuary but also commanding views of the surrounding countryside. The pagoda's architecture features traditional Vietnamese temple design, with intricate carvings and detailed reliefs adorning its structures. TikTok

The temple is often referred to as the 'King of Ancient Pagodas' in Vietnam, highlighting its historical and architectural significance. TikTok Visitors can explore various halls and courtyards, each with its own unique charm and historical narrative. The serene atmosphere combined with the ancient structures provides a peaceful escape and a glimpse into Vietnam's rich Buddhist heritage. Reddit

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