Tay Phuong Pagoda stands on a hilltop in Thach That, west of Hanoi and close to Thay Pagoda. It is reached by a flight of 239 laterite steps and is famous for its carved wooden statues, especially the eighteen arhats, some of the finest religious sculpture in Vietnam.
It suits travellers interested in carving and happy with a steep climb; the steps are the main thing to weigh up.
Add Tay Phuong to your day
Every tour can be tailored; we will tell you honestly whether the climb suits your group.
★Duong Lam & Thay Pagoda Day TourDuong Lam in depth, lunch cooked in an old house, then the pagoda where water puppetry began · About 9 hoursSee the tour →Duong Lam Half-Day Private TourThe laterite lanes, a 400-year-old house and a che lam kitchen, with your own guide · About 5.5 hoursSee the tour →What makes it special
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| The climb | 239 laterite steps up the hill |
| The arhats | Eighteen carved wooden figures, each with its own expression |
| The halls | Three halls with roofs of old tiles |
The steps are laterite, the same stone as the walls of Duong Lam.
Tay Phuong or Thay Pagoda?
Thay Pagoda is flatter, set around a pond, and tied to the water puppet legend. Tay Phuong demands a climb and rewards it with carving. With a full day, many people choose one; our guide to Thay Pagoda covers the other.
Planning a pagoda afternoon?
Our full day includes Thay Pagoda; ask to swap or add Tay Phuong.
Duong Lam & Thay Pagoda Day TourAbout 9 hoursSee the tour →Duong Lam Half-Day Private TourAbout 5.5 hoursSee the tour →Questions people ask
How many steps are there at Tay Phuong Pagoda?
239 laterite steps up the hill.
How far is Tay Phuong from Thay Pagoda?
About 12 km, a short drive.
What is Tay Phuong famous for?
Its carved wooden statues, especially the eighteen arhats.
Choose your pagoda, we plan the rest
Guide, car, lunch and tickets in one price, free to cancel until 3 days before.
★Duong Lam & Thay Pagoda Day TourDuong Lam in depth, lunch cooked in an old house, then the pagoda where water puppetry began · About 9 hoursfrom$93/ person›
Choose your group size · price is the group totalSolo traveller$275BOOK →2 guests$305BOOK →3 guests$340BOOK →4 guests$370BOOK →See the full tour page →Duong Lam Half-Day Private TourThe laterite lanes, a 400-year-old house and a che lam kitchen, with your own guide · About 5.5 hoursfrom$45/ person›
Choose your group size · price is the group totalSolo traveller$165BOOK →2 guests$170BOOK →3 guests$175BOOK →4 guests$180BOOK →See the full tour page →Site details checked in September 2026.