Destinations
Thay Pagoda
The Thay Pagoda is a Buddhist temple located at the foot of Sai Son Mountain, around 30 kilometres south-west of Hanoi. The pagoda, which is also known as Thien Phuc Tu pagoda, was built in 11th century during the reign of King Ly Nhan Tong. The site is a drawcard for pilgrams — and also to a lesser extent tourists — because of its history, culture and beautiful landscape.
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Tay Phuong Pagoda
The Tay Phuong Pagoda — aslo known as Sung Phuc Pagoda — was built in the 7th century, and has undergone several reconstructions since that time. The pagoda is at the top of a climb of 240 steps, but worth it for the view, peaceful surrounds and shade from centuries old trees.
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Duong Lam ancient village
Located around 50 kilometres from Hanoi, Duong Lam is a community of Son Tay and the birthplace of two Vietnamese kings: Phung Hung (761-802) and Ngo Quyen (896-944).
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Che Lam in Thach Xa Commune
The Tay Phuong Pagoda is not only famous for its stunning design and Arhat statues, but also for che lam made by the Thach Xa community. Even though there are many villages across Vietnam, Thach Xa is the most well known for Che Lam — a delicious kind of sweet porridge that was originally used to worship ancestors during Tet.
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Water puppetry's design in Phu Hoa village
According to village history, water puppetry orginated at the Thay Pagoda, where it was introduced by Tu Dao Hanh in the 11th century. The centuries old traditon still thrives in Phu Hoa, where them puppet guild — consisting of 20 members — meets to perform water puppetry in the annual village festival.
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