Thay Pagoda Scenic Complex: Typical for Vietnamese architecture

Linh Pham

Dec 24, 2024 / 05:45 AM

Thay Pagoda, one of the earliest sites in Vietnam dedicated to the worship of both Buddha and Saint, contains substantial archaeological and cultural significance.

This architectural complex is located at the base and slopes of Sai Son Mountain, along with several nearby small hills.

Thay Pagoda Scenic Complex is located in Quoc Oai District, nearly 30km from downtown Hanoi. Photos: Thanh Hai/The Hanoi Times

It includes Thay Pagoda (Thien Phuc Tu), Boi Am Pagoda, Cao Pagoda, Thuong Temple, Long Dau Pagoda, Sai Khe Pagoda, and Quan Thanh Temple.

Part of the view of the typical ancient pagoda in northern Vietnam.

Thay pagoda is known for its unique historical, cultural, and artistic architectural values, as seen in its landscape, architecture, carvings, and statue system.

Curved roof with dragon and phoenix carvings - typical for pagodas in the nothern Vietnam.

The pagoda is closely linked to the life and legacy of Zen Master Tu Dao Hanh (1072 - 1117), who is revered as a saint, Buddha, and king. It features stories rich in folk beliefs, Taoism, and Buddhism, reflecting the combination of religions and folk beliefs throughout history. Thay Pagoda is one of Vietnam's earliest sites to worship both Buddha and Saint. The area also possesses considerable archaeological and cultural significance.

The bridge house in the pagoda.

Due to its special value, Thay Pagoda and the Sai Son, Hoang Xa, and Phuong Cach rock mountain areas (Quoc Oai District, Hanoi) were designated as a special national relic by the prime minister dated December 31, 2014.

The bridge house is built by some rare kinds of timber endurant with time.

Part of the complex is the bridge house connecting the front hall to the upper sanctum. It consists of a single compartment with two longitudinal roofs, measuring 4.1 meters in length and 4.5 meters in width, featuring numerous decorative patterns typical of 17th-century wooden carvings.

The Thay Pagoda Scenic Complex is one of the tourist attractions in Hanoi and a favorite place of foreigners.

Meanwhile, Hoang Xa Cave Mountain (Hoang Ngo Commune, now Quoc Oai Town) resembles a giant elephant from a distance and is also known as Tuong Linh mountain. Inside the mountain is a large cave called Hoang Xa. The relics at Hoang Xa Cave Mountain include Hoa Van Pagoda, Van Xuong Temple, and Hoang Kim Pagoda.

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