• Thay Temple - An English-speaking guide and driver will meet guests in the hotel lobby to begin a journey from the city center, exploring the rich Buddhist history of northern Vietnam. Guests can choose between a morning or afternoon visit to these renowned sites of Vietnamese Buddhism.

Situated 30 kilometers southwest of Hanoi, the Thay Pagoda (Master’s Pagoda) is distinct from a temple, which is dedicated to honoring the deceased, as it is a place for worshiping Lord Buddha. The Thay Pagoda is celebrated for its intricately carved statues of Buddha, adorned in lacquer and gold, depicting both his past and present forms. It is also known for its vibrant Buddhist ceremonies held on significant dates of the Lunar calendar.

• Tây Phương Pagoda - Dating back to the 7th century, this pagoda is notable for its impressive collection of 17th-century Buddhist wooden statues. The most renowned feature is the “The Conditions of Man” figures, carved from jackfruit wood, many of which date back to the 18th century.

Visitors can ascend the steep steps to the main pagoda building and then follow a path that loops down past the other two pagodas, allowing them to explore the nearby hillside village. The temple complex can be quite intricate, with numerous hidden corners and smaller sections of the pagoda that each tell a unique story. By following the guide, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the site, which is filled with references to the reincarnations of deities that have shaped the foundation of this sacred place.

• Includes all entrance fees for mentioned sites
• Enjoy a half day tour with an English-speaking guide
• Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver
• All taxes and service charges are covered

• Single supplement charges for single travellers, where applicable
• Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours, unless otherwise stated
• Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement.
• Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point
• Transfers for customers arriving or departing from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations, otherwise supplementary charges will be applied
• Hotel expenses of a personal nature, should an overnight be included: this includes mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the program
• Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

Escape the hustle and bustle of Hanoi with a half-day excursion to the Thay and Tay Phuong Pagodas, two revered sites situated 30 kilometers southwest of the city. Start your journey at Thay Pagoda, an 11th-century complex nestled at the base of a limestone mountain, celebrated as the legendary birthplace of Vietnamese water puppetry. Wander through its serene grounds, appreciate its traditional wooden architecture, and discover the caves associated with the monk Tu Dao Hanh.

Proceed to the nearby Tay Phuong Pagoda, accessible by ascending laterite stone steps. Often referred to as a museum of Buddhist sculpture, it houses 72 extraordinary jackfruit-wood statues from the 17th and 18th centuries. Among these are the renowned Arhats, noted for their expressive detail and spiritual depth. With insights from your guide throughout the journey, this tour provides a tranquil introduction to the religious heritage, art, and history of Northern Vietnam before returning to Hanoi.

• This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide.
• Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying in and inside Hanoi city centre. Transfers outside these areas, including any accommodation outside the capital, harbour and the Hanoi International Airport are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions.
• Customers are advised that during the TET celebrations (celebration of Vietnamese New Year), excursions and tours may be subject to supplementary charges and/or may see longer waiting times than normal. We appreciate your understanding on this.
• Due to the nature of this tour, we regret to inform you that this excursion is not suitable for wheelchair users.
• We always will make efforts to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation. For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.
• Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sunrays still have an immense power.
• It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 48 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 48 hours may be on request.
• The Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh City is closed very afternoon, on Mondays and Fridays and during the months of October and November
• Visits to the Mausoleum are restricted to outside visits only and
• This excursion includes obstacles of various kinds that may not make this excursion suitable for wheelchair users
• Guests are advised that some walking is required during this excursion; we always ensure that we take the most comfortable ways from the entrance of the sight to the sight itself
• Please note pickup and drop-off services may not be confirmed for customers staying at private residences, apartment complexes, or other non-registered tourism accommodations. Customers may be asked to meet at a nearby hotel for pick-up and drop off

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.