Inaugurated in May 2019, Tam Chuc Pagoda is still relatively unknown to international tourists. Yet, the dreamlike setting in which it was built makes it an ideal stop on the way to Ninh Binh.
In this article, we tell you more about this Buddhist complex, which is set to become the largest monument of its kind in all of Southeast Asia.
Where is Tam Chuc and how to get there?
Tam Chuc Pagoda is located about 65 kilometers from downtown Hanoi, in Ha Nam province. It takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes by car to get there. A day trip is therefore quite possible (allow around 3 hours to visit the site, see below). However, visiting Tam Chuc also fits perfectly into an itinerary that continues on to Ninh Binh and then Halong Bay. The landscapes, as you can see from the photos, are quite similar to those of Ninh Binh and Halong Bay.
Tam Chuc site, Ha Nam. Photo credit: Mathieu Arnaudet
For those who don’t have a car or prefer to travel by bus or motorbike, here’s how to get there:
# By bus: You can take a bus to Phu Ly from Giap Bat bus station in Hanoi. The ticket costs only 35,000 VND, and buses depart every 15 minutes. The ride takes about one hour to reach Phu Ly, the main city of Ha Nam province. From there, you’ll need to take a taxi or motorbike taxi to reach the Tam Chuc site, which is about 20 km away (roughly a 30-minute ride).
# By motobike: For those who prefer a day trip by motorbike, the distance is relatively short. Take National Road 1A (Cau Gie – Ninh Binh) and exit before Phu Ly. The pagoda is clearly indicated by signs along the way.
Why make a stop there?
One word comes to mind when talking about Tam Chuc: majestic. Both its natural surroundings and its architecture make Tam Chuc a truly stunning place.
Tam Chuc is a recent but monumental religious tourist site, with the first building (the entrance) facing the lake, while the rest of the complex stretches toward the mountain. The entire area covers nearly 5,000 hectares, with the pagoda and its structures currently occupying 144 hectares.
First building overlooking the lake, Tam Chuc. Photo credit: Mathieu Arnaudet
The boat ride across the lake to reach the pagoda is worth the trip in itself. For those who haven’t yet visited Halong Bay or Ninh Binh, it offers a wonderful preview of the breathtaking scenery awaiting you there.
Boat crossing Luc Nhat Lake, Tam Chuc. Photo credit: Mathieu Arnaudet
What to see at Tam Chuc?
The boat ride
As mentioned earlier, this is a magnificent way to start your visit! After purchasing your ticket, you’ll board a beautiful wooden boat to reach the pagoda. The trip takes about 30 minutes across Luc Nhat Lake (“Six Bells”), named after six floating islets said to represent six bells thrown from Heaven, according to legend.
We recommend heading up to the deck to enjoy the dreamy landscapes all around. Inside the boat, fruits and light snacks are served during the journey. A guide is present on each boat and usually speaks English. However, since most visitors to Tam Chuc are Vietnamese, explanations are primarily given in Vietnamese — though guides can provide some information in English upon request.
On the deck of the boat crossing the lake. Photo credit: Mathieu Arnaudet
The Pagoda buildings
The Tam Chuc Buddhist complex is being built on the foundations of an ancient pagoda dating back more than 1,000 years to the Dinh dynasty. Some parts of the new pagoda complex are still under construction — a massive project planned to last over 30 years!
In keeping with traditional Vietnamese Buddhist architecture, Tam Chuc includes:
- Cong Tam Quan (the three-arched entrance gate),
- Dien Tam The (the Hall of the Buddha of Three Times),
- Chua Ngoc (the Jade Pagoda).
Inside these magnificent structures, you’ll find gigantic, skillfully carved Buddhist statues. Here’s more about the main highlights:
Dien Tam The (The Hall of the Buddha of Three Times)
This is the largest building in the Tam Chuc complex. It houses three colossal bronze Buddha statues, representing the past, present, and future. Each statue weighs around 80 tons and features a gold-plated Bodhi leaf on its back.
The Dien Tam The Hall covers an area of 5,100 square meters and can accommodate up to 1,500 visitors.
The Three Buddhas of Time, Tam Chuc
The pagoda also features 12,000 wall carvings depicting Buddha’s legends, engraved on volcanic stone by Indonesian craftsmen.
Wall carvings of Tam Chuc, Vietnam. Photo credit: Mathieu Arnaudet
The Sutra Garden
In front of the Dien Tam The lies the Sutra Garden, which is still under construction. It currently features 99 stone pillars engraved with Buddhist scriptures (originally in Sanskrit, translated into Vietnamese). Each pillar weighs around 200 tons and stands 13.5 meters tall.
The Sutra Garden, Tam Chuc. Photo credit: Mathieu Arnaudet
The Jade Pagoda
The Jade Pagoda sits at the highest point of the complex, atop That Tinh Mountain. The three-story structure, with its curved roof, is built entirely from red granite without any metal joints — a truly remarkable architectural feat.
Inside stands a 4,000-kg ruby statue of Amitabha Buddha, crafted from rubies imported from Myanmar.
Visitors must climb 299 stone steps to reach the pagoda, but the panoramic view from the top is absolutely worth the effort.
The majestic Jade Pagoda, Tam Chuc.
Afternoon light over the Jade Pagoda, Tam Chuc. Photo credit: Mathieu Arnaudet
The Ancient Ba Sao Pagoda
From the main site, you can take an electric car to visit Ba Sao Pagoda, the original pagoda of the area. Built on the mountainside, this ancient temple is surrounded by stunning landscapes. The surroundings are still being developed, with new buildings designed to blend harmoniously into this grand environment.
Superb scenery around Ba Sao Pagoda, Tam Chuc. Photo credit: Mathieu Arnaudet
Practical Information
# Opening hours: from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day (including Sundays).
# Electric car fare to the pagoda: 90,000 VND per person
# Combined ticket (boat transport + return by electric car): 270,000 VND per person
# Kayaking: Visitors can also go kayaking from the Tam Chuc pier between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. daily.
# Dress code: As this is a spiritual site, you must wear appropriate clothing—no tank tops or shorts. It’s recommended to carry a scarf in your bag and show respect to the monks.
# When to avoid visiting: Avoid going on the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month as well as on national holidays, especially Tet (Lunar New Year), when the site is extremely crowded.
# Nearby attractions: The Tam Chuc spiritual tourism complex is located near other famous spiritual and tourist sites such as Bai Dinh Pagoda and the Perfume Pagoda, forming the “Golden Triangle” of spiritual tourism in northern Vietnam. You can combine visits to these stunning pagodas by spending a night in Ninh Binh.
