The Complete A to Z Guide to Tam Chúc National Tourist Area

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Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 15/9/2025

The Tam Chúc National Tourist Area is famed for its iconic Tam Chúc Temple. Discover a detailed and practical guide to this stunning scenic destination with Mytour!

Overview

Tam Chúc National Tourist Area, located in Ba Sao town and Khả Phong commune, Kim Bảng district, Hà Nam province, spans over 5,000 hectares. Known as the “Inland Ha Long Bay,” Tam Chúc boasts majestic and poetic beauty. At its heart lies the Tam Chúc Temple, surrounded by impressive structures. The vast Tam Chúc Lake, dotted with six small mountains, creates a breathtaking landscape. Tam Chúc is not only a scenic destination but also a sacred pilgrimage site. It hosted the United Nations Vesak Celebration in 2019.

Ideal Time to Visit Tam Chúc

The best time to visit Tam Chúc is during spring, especially around the New Year festivals. This period offers cool weather, lush greenery, and fresh air. Additionally, the months from October to December are also ideal for exploring Tam Chúc, as the dry weather is perfect for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. To avoid crowds, consider visiting on weekdays instead of weekends or major holidays.

Transportation

Getting to Tam Chúc

Travelers can easily reach Tam Chúc National Tourist Area from Hanoi and nearby regions. Below are the transportation options from Hanoi to Tam Chúc:

Motorbike or private car

Distance: Approximately 60 km, taking about 1.5 hours by car.

Popular route: Take Giải Phóng Road → National Highway 1A (or Pháp Vân – Cầu Giẽ Expressway) → pass through Phủ Lý City (Hà Nam) → turn onto National Highway 21A → arrive at Tam Chúc Tourist Area.

Bus

Boarding points: Major bus stations such as Giáp Bát, Mỹ Đình, or Nước Ngầm.

Cost: Approximately 50,000 – 100,000 VND per trip.

Duration: 1-1.5 hours.

Note:

Upon reaching Phủ Lý, continue by taxi or motorbike taxi (approximately 12-15 km) to Tam Chúc.

Public Bus

Route 206: Hanoi (Giáp Bát) – Phủ Lý, with fares starting from 30,000 VND per trip.

From Ho Chi Minh City, travelers can fly to Hanoi and follow the above route. Book your flight to Hanoi quickly on Mytour.vn!

Getting Around Inside the Tourist Area

Within Tam Chúc Tourist Area, various transportation options are available to help visitors easily explore the vast complex. Below are the most common ways to get around:

Electric Car

Operating range: Electric cars run from the tourist area entrance to key spots like Tam Chúc Temple, Tam Thế Palace, or the boat dock.

Cost: Ranges from 20,000 – 50,000 VND per person per trip (depending on distance).

Boat on Tam Chúc Lake

Operating range: Boats transport visitors across Tam Chúc Lake, connecting the dock to major attractions like Tam Chúc Temple and Tam Thế Palace.

Cost: Approximately 200,000 – 250,000 VND per person per trip.

Attractions in Tam Chúc National Tourist Area

Tam Chúc Temple

Tam Chúc Temple, located within the Tam Chúc National Tourist Area, spans approximately 5,000 hectares. This includes nearly 1,000 hectares of water, 3,000 hectares of rocky mountains, natural forests, and numerous valleys. The temple is surrounded by mountains on three sides, with Tam Chúc Lake and six small hills in front. Inside, visitors can explore many unique architectural structures.

Tam Quan Gate

Tam Quan Gate serves as the welcoming entrance to the Tam Chúc Temple complex. Built on a grand scale, it features three passageways symbolizing the “Three Liberation Gates” (Emptiness, Signlessness, and Wishlessness). The gate is distinguished by its traditional curved roof, intricately carved with dragon and cloud motifs. Flanked by expansive reflecting ponds, the gate blends harmoniously with the surrounding majestic natural scenery.

Quan Âm Shrine

Quan Âm Shrine is situated on a high hill, designed in a traditional style with curved roofs and intricate carvings. The highlight is a 12-meter-tall, 30-ton bronze statue of Quan Âm, symbolizing compassion and salvation. Inside, the serene space is illuminated by natural light, complemented by reliefs depicting the life and virtues of Quan Thế Âm Bồ Tát.

Pháp Chủ Shrine

Pháp Chủ Shrine venerates Shakyamuni Buddha and is considered a significant spiritual center. Its standout feature is a massive 10-meter-tall, 200-ton black bronze statue of Shakyamuni. The interior is adorned with reliefs illustrating the life and teachings of the Buddha.

Tam Thế Shrine

Tam Thế Shrine, located at the highest point, symbolizes enlightenment in Buddhism. Covering 5,400 m², it is surrounded by large columns. The shrine’s centerpiece is three black bronze statues of Tam Thế Buddha, each 7.2 meters tall and weighing 200 tons, representing the past, present, and future. Inside, the space is decorated with 12,000 volcanic stone reliefs from Indonesia, depicting Buddhist legends.

Tam Chúc Lake

The lake’s unique feature is four small islands floating on its surface, believed to be the incarnations of four deities guarding this sacred land. Visitors can enjoy a serene experience by taking a boat ride across the tranquil lake, admiring the natural scenery and Buddhist structures.

Tam Chúc Pavilion

Tam Chúc Pavilion is nestled in the heart of the picturesque Tam Chúc Lake. Built on a small island, the pavilion stands out with its curved tiled roof and intricately carved wooden columns. It is dedicated to the village guardian deity, who has protected the Tam Chúc region since ancient times. The pavilion’s charm is enhanced by the harmonious blend of ancient architecture and surrounding nature.

Stone Sutra Garden

The Stone Sutra Garden features 32 monolithic green stone pillars engraved with Buddhist scriptures. Arranged solemnly in a vast space, the pillars harmonize with the natural surroundings. Walking through the garden, visitors can experience a sense of peace and tranquility in this sacred space.

Thất Tinh Mountain Area

The Thất Tinh Mountain area is steeped in the mystical legend of seven stars falling to earth, forming seven limestone mountains. These mountains rise amidst Tam Chúc Lake, creating a picturesque landscape. Each peak is covered in lush greenery. According to legend, Thất Tinh Mountain is a convergence of spiritual energy, bringing prosperity and peace to the region.

Ngọc Temple (Heaven Worship Altar)

The Heaven Worship Altar at Ngọc Temple, located atop Thất Tinh Mountain, is a sacred site. It symbolizes the harmony between earth and sky, designed to receive natural light and air. The altar hosts important rituals aimed at bringing peace and prosperity to all. From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the majestic natural scenery, from the emerald Tam Chúc Lake to the surrounding mountain ranges.

Culinary Delights at Tam Chúc Tourist Area

Hỷ Lạc Restaurant, within the tourist area, accommodates 50 guests and offers delicious meals accompanied by traditional music performances. It is also where VIP boats dock on Lục Nhạc Lake. The countryside market features folk games and local souvenirs. Located opposite the guesthouse, the market boasts colorful stalls and traditional games. It’s also a venue for outdoor feasts and BBQs. Outside the temple, food carts serve snacks and beverages.