Tam Chuc Tourist Area

Introduction to Tam Chuc Tourist Area - The Largest Pagoda Complex in Vietnam
Tam Chuc Tourist Area covers a vast area estimated to be over 500 hectares, making it the largest spiritual tourism site in Vietnam today. The pagoda is located in Ha Nam province, Kim Bang district, Ba Sao town. It is approximately 70km from the capital, Hanoi, over 4km from Perfume Pagoda, and about 30km from Bai Dinh Pagoda. As of now, this pagoda is considered the largest within the Tam Chuc Tourist Area complex.

Tam Chuc Tourist Area - Vietnam's Largest Pagoda Complex @Collected Information

Tam Chuc Tourist Area @VN Express
The pagoda venerates eminent patriarchs, including Venerable Thich Thanh Tu, Zen master Nguyen Minh Khong, and others. Most of them are national masters who have contributed to the development of Buddhism in Vietnam.
What to Expect at Tam Chuc Tourist Area?
Tam Chuc Pagoda Tourist Area offers a plethora of unique experiences for exploration, including:



How to Get to Tam Chuc Tourist Area
Currently, there are various means of transportation to Tam Chuc Pagoda that you can choose from, such as buses, coaches, and personal vehicles. Therefore, you can opt for the most convenient and suitable mode of transportation for your journey:
Passenger Car
This is a fast and convenient means of transportation you can choose to reach Tam Chuc Pagoda. Most buses travel through the Phap Van Cau Gie expressway, so the travel time is quite short, taking only about 1 hour to reach the destination. The ticket prices range from approximately 60,000 to 80,000 VND per person per way.

How to Get to Tam Chuc Tourist Area @Collected Information
Bus
If you start from Hanoi, you can choose to take the Hanoi - Phu Ly bus route departing from Giap Bat bus station. Typically, the buses run approximately every 15 minutes, and ticket prices range from about 30,000 to 40,000 VND per person per way.
Personal Vehicle Transportation
Tam Chuc Tourist Area
Best Time to Visit Tam Chuc Tourist Area
The ideal time to visit Tam Chuc Pagoda is during spring, specifically in the first few months of the year, from the 10th day of the first lunar month to the end of the third lunar month. During this period, the weather is cooler, and you can participate in festivals to pray for wealth and prosperity.

Best Time to Visit Tam Chuc Tourist Area @Collected Information
However, it also depends on the purpose of your trip. So, if you just want to sightsee, relax, and enjoy the pagoda's scenery, you can come here at any time.
Ticket Price for Tam Chuc Tourist Area
The question of how much the entrance fee to Tam Chuc Pagoda tourist area is a common concern for many visitors. In reality, you won't have to pay any fees at the pagoda entrance. However, you will need to choose one of two means of transportation to get to Tam Chuc, either electric cars or boats.

Ticket Price for Tam Chuc Tourist Area @Collected Information

Ticket Price for Tam Chuc Tourist Area @Collected Information
Some Hotels Near Tam Chuc Pagoda Tourist Area
There are quite a few hotels in Ha Nam, and you can choose to stay near Tam Chuc Pagoda tourist area. These include:
Melia Vinpearl Phu Ly
Melia Vinpearl Phu Ly is approximately 15km away from Tam Chuc Pagoda, and the journey takes just over 20 minutes. This hotel is situated on Bien Hoa Street, Minh Khai Ward, right in the center of Phu Ly City.
Address: 60 Bien Hoa, Minh Khai Ward, Phu Ly City, Ha Nam Province, Vietnam
Price Range: From 840,000 VND/room/night


Melia Vinpearl Phu Ly @Melia.com
Muong Thanh Luxury Ha Nam Hotel
Muong Thanh Luxury Ha Nam Hotel is approximately 17.2km away from the pagoda. Here, you will find all the amenities and luxurious rooms for a wonderful leisure experience.
Address: Lien Hoan, Hai Ba Trung District, Phu Ly City, Ha Nam Province.
Price Range: From 980,000 VND/room/night

Muong Thanh Luxury Ha Nam Hotel @Collection
Binh Minh Hotel Ha Nam
Binh Minh Hotel Ha Nam is approximately 19km away from Tam Chuc Pagoda. It is the ideal choice for guests seeking a comfortable stay with excellent amenities and quality services. Binh Minh Hotel Ha Nam will make you feel as comfortable as being at home.
Address: 36 Bui Dinh Thao Street, Duy Tien Ward, Ha Nam Province.
Price Range: From 510,000 VND/room/night

Binh Minh Hotel Ha Nam @Collection
Other tourist attractions near Tam Chuc Pagoda
Some nearby tourist destinations to Tam Chuc Pagoda for your reference:
Kem Trong, Ha Nam
This is an ideal sightseeing spot with numerous caves, lakes, and mountains creating a magnificent landscape. Exploring inside the caves will unveil unique stalactite formations, ensuring unforgettable experiences.

Kem Trong, Ha Nam @Travel Guide
Tam Chuc Backpacking Area
This is likened to a miniature version of Ha Long Bay that many travelers adore. The area is renowned for its high mountains, breathtaking natural landscapes, and vast lotus fields emitting a gentle fragrance. All of this will give you the sensation of exploring a beautiful fairyland.

Mini Ha Long Bay in Ha Nam @Travel Enthusiast
Phuc Long Cave
This cave is located within the same area as the temple and is considered a magnificent scenic spot in Ha Nam. Here, you will explore large stacked rock formations with unique shapes and small rocks creating a picturesque landscape.

Entrance to Phuc Long Cave @Collector
In addition, some other nearby attractions near Tam Chuc Pagoda that you can consider visiting include Lanh Giang Temple, Ngoc Mountain - Ba Danh Pagoda, and more.
What to Eat When Visiting Tam Chuc Tourist Area
When exploring Tam Chuc tourist area, you can indulge in local specialties and popular dishes in the region. Here are some suggestions for dishes you can enjoy:
Steamed Rice Rolls with Phu Ly Pork Sausage
If you're unsure about the specialties of Ha Nam, just ask the locals in Phu Ly. Their definite answer would be steamed rice rolls.

Steamed Rice Rolls with Phu Ly Pork Sausage @Collector
Phu Ly Steamed Rice Rolls are made with two thin layers of rice flour. The people of Phu Ly create two types: plain rice rolls and rice rolls with flavorful fillings to satisfy the guests. Fragrant fried shallots are sprinkled on top, stimulating the taste buds. Phu Ly Steamed Rice Rolls are enjoyed with pork sausage or grilled pork.
Village-style Braised Fish Vu Dai
In the past, Vu Dai village-style braised fish was chosen as the King's dish. This dish uses black carp as the main ingredient, along with pork belly and rustic spices. Each pot of fish is braised for hours, even days. The braised fish has an attractive brown color, tender fish bones, firm flesh, and no fishy smell.

Village-style Braised Fish Vu Dai @Collector
Rice Vermicelli with Wild Snakehead Fish
Hà Nam not only boasts King's Braised Fish but also possesses a specialty known as King's Braised Fish Rice Vermicelli. The broth is simmered from the bones of wild snakehead fish, meticulously cleaned to eliminate any fishy smell, resulting in a sweet and aromatic flavor. The snakehead fish is carefully prepared and seasoned, avoiding deep-frying to keep it light. The fish vermicelli is cooked with seasonal vegetables like mustard greens and water spinach.

Rice Vermicelli with Wild Snakehead Fish @Collector
Tips for Visiting Tam Chuc Tourism Area
Here are some travel tips for Tam Chuc Pagoda that you should know:
Consult the Map

It's advisable to thoroughly study the travel map to avoid getting lost @gathered
Since Tam Chuc Pagoda in Ha Nam is vast, covering an area of over 4000 hectares, studying the map is crucial. This will prevent you from getting lost and save you time finding your way around.
Choose Appropriate Transportation During Festivals
Usually, during festivals, means of transportation such as boats or electric cars may have long waiting times. Therefore, you might opt for a motorbike taxi to save time.
Select Suitable Attire
Tam Chuc Tourist Area

Tam Chuc Tourist Area @Collected
Notes When Entering the Pagoda
An important note to know when visiting Tam Chuc is to enter the temple from the kitchen door rather than the central main door. Also, avoid stepping on the doorsteps and instead step over them.
Furthermore, a tip for visiting Tam Chuc is to only light incense outside and minimize lighting it inside the temple. This is because it may affect the Buddha statues and the spiritual energy inside. Additionally, only place one incense stick in the incense bowl and avoid inserting incense randomly into the base of trees or Buddha statues.