Buzz
Tam Chuc Temple - where the beauty of nature converges with impressive spiritual architecture - is a must-visit destination in Ha Nam. Have you explored Tam Chuc Temple - the premier temple complex in Vietnam and the world?
Situated at the southern gateway of Hanoi, Ha Nam is a picturesque region with a pleasant climate, abundant nature, and charming rivers and mountains. Ha Nam is not only renowned for its scenic landscapes but also famous for its grand spiritual structures, hundreds of cultural heritages, and diverse festivals and activities showcasing the local cultural beauty. Thanks to this, Ha Nam is becoming one of the preferred tourist destinations near Hanoi.
And in this cool spring weather, there's nothing better than embarking on a pilgrimage to Tam Chuc Temple to discover the grandeur, tranquility reminiscent of heavenly scenes of the sacred land that is making waves on the spiritual tourism map in Vietnam, and to have new experiences in the land of Ha Nam.
Introduction to Tam Chuc Temple in Ha Nam
Tam Chuc Temple is a temple located in the Tam Chuc National Tourist Area. This is a very large tourist area, combining spiritual tourism, ecology, resorts, and many other services, with 6 functional zones; and in the future, Huong Pagoda (Hanoi), Tam Chuc Temple (Ha Nam), and Bai Dinh Pagoda (Ninh Binh) will be connected to become the largest spiritual tourism route in Vietnam.
Spanning 144 hectares within the total area of 5,100 hectares of the tourist area, Tam Chuc Temple is considered the largest temple in Vietnam today and boasts an extremely unique landscape: nestled against Thất Tinh Mountain, facing Tam Chuc Lake with 6 rocky islets emerging on the surface of the lake, creating a majestic and tranquil scenery. Surrounding the temple are limestone mountains and natural forests, bringing a peaceful atmosphere, reminiscent of a fairyland scene.
Tam Chuc Temple is built on the foundation of a thousand-year-old ancient temple, combined with shrines and sanctuaries, creating a beautiful spiritual complex, deserving to be the top pilgrimage and tourism destination in Vietnam.
Where is Tam Chuc Temple Located?
Tam Chuc Temple along with the system of cultural and sports facilities in Tam Chuc National Tourist Area is closely connected with Tam Chuc Lake, located in Ba Sao town and Khả Phong commune, Kim Bang district, Ha Nam province. This tourist area is about 8km away from Huong Pagoda, 16km from Phu Ly city, and approximately 65km from Hanoi.
With its special location, Tam Chuc Tourist Area is considered the connecting link between Huong Pagoda Tourist Area and Vân Long Nature Reserve, Trang An Ecotourism Area, Tam Coc – Bich Dong Tourist Area, Bai Dinh Mountain Temple Cultural and Spiritual Tourism Area, forming a complex of spiritual and ecological tourism areas in the flooded region.
Guide to Getting to Tam Chuc Temple from Hanoi
To reach Tam Chuc Temple from Hanoi, you have several transportation options. If traveling by car or motorbike, the fastest route from Hanoi to Ha Nam is via the Phap Van - Cau Gie Expressway towards Hanoi - Ninh Binh. Upon reaching Phu Ly city, follow National Highway 21A and 21B for approximately 16km to reach Ba Sao town.
You can also opt for the bus to save costs. The travel route from Giap Bat bus station to Phu Ly bus station takes about 1 hour. From Phu Ly bus station, you can take a taxi or motorbike taxi to the entrance of Tam Chuc Temple.
Additionally, there are limousine services available for those who prefer comfort, privacy, and more flexible schedules.
The parking lot is about 5km away from the temple gate. Therefore, you have two options: taking a boat or an electric car to the temple gate. If you choose the boat, you'll have the opportunity to admire the landscapes and visit Tam Chuc Temple with a journey of up to 50 minutes. Especially, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, you can enjoy afternoon tea and sunset views at Thuy Dinh Guesthouse.
- Taking Electric Car: Ticket Price: 90,000 VND/round trip/passenger
- Taking Boat: Ticket Price: 200,000 VND/passenger (regular boat); 240,000 VND/passenger (VIP boat)
However, with the day tour combining Tam Chuc Temple and the scenic Trang An, you won't have to worry about navigating or scheduling transportation anymore. Klook's vehicles will pick you up and drop you off directly with experienced drivers, ensuring your trip is safe, efficient, and more cost-effective.
Best Time to Visit Tam Chuc Temple, Ha Nam?
Spring is the best time to visit Tam Chuc Temple in Ha Nam. From the 10th lunar month to the end of the 3rd lunar month, the temple hosts numerous festivals and special events, creating a vibrant and colorful atmosphere.
If your purpose is to explore and appreciate the serene beauty of Tam Chuc Temple, as well as immerse yourself in the sacred space, you can choose to visit at any time of the year. Regardless of the time, the temple will always offer you a sense of tranquility and enjoyment of its peaceful ambiance.
Interesting Legend of Tam Chuc Temple
The ancient Tam Chuc Temple was built during the Dinh Dynasty about 1,000 years ago. Due to its special location surrounded by Tam Chuc Lake in the front and the Thất Tinh mountain range in the back, the temple is associated with the legend of 'The Seven Fairies and the Seven Stars.'
Legend has it that in ancient times, there were 7 bright stars on 7 peaks in the Tam Chuc area, incarnating the 7 celestial fairies wandering on earth. Enchanted by the beauty of the picturesque landscapes, the fairies lingered and refused to return. Therefore, the heavenly palace sent someone with a divine bell to call them back 6 times, but each time was in vain. The 6 small islands emerging in the lake were likened to the 6 bells left by the heavenly palace, hence the name 'Lục Nhạc'; while the other 7 peaks are known as 'Thất Tinh.'
Afterward, some people went to Thất Tinh Mountain to dig and burn, attempting to take away those 7 stars. However, the large fire caused 4 stars to gradually dim, leaving only 3 stars. The Thất Tinh Pagoda in Tam Chuc village was hence named Ba Sao Pagoda, and the Ba Sao town was also named after that legend.
Who is Worshipped at Tam Chuc Temple?
Tam Chuc Temple worships Buddha Amitabha, Buddha Shakyamuni, Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, along with eminent teachers who greatly contributed to the development of Vietnamese Buddhism such as Master Bodhidharma, Zen Master Khuong Viet, Zen Master Do Phap Thuan, Venerable Thich Thanh Tu, Zen Master Nguyen Minh Khong.
Distinctive Architecture of Tam Chuc Temple
The present Tam Chuc Temple is located to the west of the Tam Chuc Tourist Area, overlooking Tam Chuc Lake. The temple is built along the divine axis, including structures such as the Jade Pagoda, Tam The Hall, Dharma Master Hall, Avalokitesvara Hall, Three Gates Gate, and the International Conference Center (Thuy Dinh Guest House). Especially, within the temple grounds is a gigantic Pillar Garden.
1. Jade Pagoda
Ngoc Pagoda, also known as the Celestial Altar, is one of the structures within the Tam Chuc Temple complex, situated atop Thất Tinh Mountain at an elevation of 200m above sea level. From Ngoc Pagoda, you can admire the panoramic view of the Tam Chuc mountains, resembling a picturesque landscape.
The pagoda, standing 15m tall, is constructed from 2,000 tons of red granite blocks stacked without the use of cement or adhesive. All the stone materials were crafted in India and transported for assembly following the traditional Vietnamese architectural style.
Passing through 299 steps leading to the pagoda, you'll encounter a statue of Buddha Amitabha made of ruby weighing 4.9 tons. This precious stone was imported from Myanmar. Adjacent to it is a statue of Avalokitesvara carved from a single piece of white jade, weighing approximately 5kg. These are among the precious artifacts at Quan The Am Pagoda in Da Nang – home to the first Buddhist museum in Vietnam.
2. Tam The Hall
The next stop along the divine axis of Tam Chuc Temple is Tam The Hall, located at an elevation of 45m above sea level. The three-tiered curved-roof hall follows the distinctive architectural style of Vietnamese temples and is the largest ceremonial hall, accommodating up to 5,000 worshippers at once.
Passing through intricately carved wooden doors, you'll find three bronze statues of Tam The standing before a relief sculpture of a lotus leaf, representing the past, present, and future. Each statue weighs a staggering 200 tons.
Each wall in Tam The Hall features a thematic motif. If you walk from left to right clockwise, the philosophical stories of Buddhism will vividly unfold, from the Wheel of Dharma to the realm of Nirvana.
Additionally, in front of Tam The Hall's entrance stands a Bodhi tree sapling derived from a 2,125-year-old Bodhi tree, a treasure of Sri Lanka, presented as a gift by the President of the Sri Lankan Parliament.
3. Dharma Master Hall
Below Tam The Hall lies the Dharma Master Hall, distinguished by a solid bronze statue of Buddha Shakyamuni weighing 150 tons. The highlight of the Dharma Master Hall is four large relief sculptures covering the walls, depicting pivotal moments in the life of Buddha Shakyamuni, from his birth, enlightenment, preaching, to his attainment of Nirvana.
4. Avalokitesvara Hall
Avalokitesvara Hall is dedicated to worshiping Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara with relief sculptures portraying the compassionate and liberating heart of Buddha, manifested through numerous incarnations to save sentient beings from suffering.
Another highlight of Avalokitesvara Hall is the carved paintings depicting ancient stories from the Lotus Sutra, a quintessential scripture of Buddhism.
Notably, all the reliefs in the three halls are sculpted from stone extracted from the Merapi volcano in Indonesia, under the craftsmanship of artisans from Java Island. In addition to the figurines, the reliefs are inscribed with annotations in three languages: Vietnamese, English, and Pali, and encoded.
5. Pillar Scripture Garden
From the Triple Gate to Avalokitesvara Hall, you'll pass through the Pillar Scripture Garden. This expansive garden features 32 Buddha scripture pillars, reconstructed based on the version at One Pillar Pagoda, a national treasure in Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh.
The scripture pillars at Tam Chuc Pagoda are made from green stone from Thanh Hoa. Each pillar weighs about 200 tons, designed in the style of a lotus pedestal – the lotus bud with a hexagonal column body, intricately carved with the teachings of the Buddha.
6. Triple Gate
Unlike typical temples, Tam Chuc Pagoda has two Triple Gates: the Outer Triple Gate located outside, and the Inner Triple Gate situated inside. The Triple Gates are three-tiered, grandiose structures, considered as symbolic images of the Tam Chuc Pagoda complex.
The Outer Triple Gate is where you can purchase tickets for electric cars or boat rides. Beyond the gate is the boat dock, while the electric car stop is near the parking lot, with pedestrian walkways leading to the Inner Triple Gate.
The most distinctive highlight in the area of the Inner Triple Gate is the ancient bonsai tree, forming a truly unique feature. Here, you'll begin to grasp the grandeur and awe-inspiring scale of the Tam Chuc Pagoda complex.
7. International Conference Center
The International Conference Center, also known as the Thuy Dinh Guesthouse, marks the end point of the spiritual axis and is also the first place you'll step foot in at Tam Chuc Pagoda. Perched on the lake, resembling a blooming lotus, it's an ideal spot for you to check-in and capture photos with the stunning surrounding landscape.
Inside the Thuy Dinh, solemn decorations await to welcome Buddhist pilgrims for ceremonies. Surrounding the area are LED-lit paintings providing an overview and description of the entire Tam Chuc Pagoda.
8. Tam Chuc Shrine
Tam Chuc Shrine is not overly grandiose but holds significant meaning. The shrine embodies the architecture of ancient Northern communal houses, nestled amidst the lake waters, serving as a place of worship for Queen Dinh Duong Thi Nguyet, King Dinh Tien Hoang, and the deity Bach Ma.
To reach the shrine from the temple, you must cross a zigzag bridge spanning across Tam Chuc Lake. The romantic and expansive atmosphere here makes it a favorite check-in spot for many young visitors.
Tips for Visiting Tam Chuc Pagoda Independently
Tam Chuc National Tourist Area is vast, so it's advisable to have a map handy or research the points of interest in advance to avoid wasting time wandering aimlessly. Additionally, wearing comfortable shoes or sneakers will make it easier to move around.
Tam Chuc Pagoda Festival
The inauguration ceremony of Tam Chuc Pagoda is scheduled every year on the 12th of January. Additionally, numerous tourists and Buddhists often visit the pagoda during Tet and major Buddhist festivals throughout the year.
During the inauguration ceremony, the solemn ritual of carrying sacred water takes place to kick off the festival. The procession consists of several boats, including two dragon boats leading the way, carrying 10 jars of water taken from the lake straight to the location where the ceremonial pole is erected in the middle of the lake, near the ancient Tam Chuc Shrine. Subsequently, each jar of water is placed on palanquins and carried to the shrines. The ritual of offering water to Buddha, the Saints, symbolizes the wish for a new year filled with favorable weather, abundant harvests, peaceful, and happy lives.
Famous Tourist Attractions Near Tam Chuc Pagoda
In the area and vicinity of Tam Chuc Pagoda, there are many historical and cultural relics, scenic spots, and famous Northern temples such as: Huong Pagoda, Ba Danh Pagoda, Bai Dinh Pagoda, ancient capital of Hoa Lu, Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Kham Trong Ha Nam, Lanh Giang Temple, Phuc Long Cave, etc. If you are planning a trip to Tam Chuc Pagoda, be sure to include these nearby tourist attractions for an impressive journey.
Moreover, there's nothing better than booking well-designed sightseeing itineraries with Klook, such as: Bai Dinh – Trang An tour, Hoa Lu – Tam Coc tour, Bai Dinh – Trang An – Hang Mua tour, Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Hang Mua tour... and many more options tailored specifically for #teamKlook.
There comes a moment in life when you search for spiritual solace amidst the bustling world, then head to Tam Chuc Pagoda, Ha Nam - a place of fragrant scents, natural wonders, and ancient legends. Tam Chuc Pagoda is truly a wonderful destination to indulge in sweetness, tranquility amidst the pristine yet magnificent scenery, resonating with the soul along with the sound of temple bells after weary days of work.
Don't forget to check out Klook's Blog to gain more solo travel experiences, list of famous temples in the North, weekend travel suggestions...
What are you waiting for? Quickly plan your exploration of Tam Chuc Pagoda now!
