Tay Thien

Tay Thien is a large religious and scenic complex on the slopes of the Tam Dao mountain range in Dai Dinh Commune, Tam Dao District, Phu Tho Province (formerly Vinh Phuc). Centered on worship of National Mother Lang Thi Tieu and Truc Lam Zen Buddhism, it comprises historic temples, pagodas, a Zen monastery and forested pilgrimage routes. Notable for its annual spring festival, cable car access and mountain landscape, it is one of northern Vietnam's major pilgrimage destinations.

Visitors can expect a forested mountain pilgrimage complex with multiple temples and pagodas connected by stone steps, forest paths and a cable car. The site includes Thien An Pagoda, Co Temple, Cau Temple, Thuong Temple, Dai Bao Thap Mandala stupa and the Truc Lam Tay Thien Zen Monastery at the base. The area is set in subtropical forest on Tam Dao range with streams, old trees and viewpoints. Visitors walk between shrines, observe worship activities, ride the cable car and explore monastery grounds.

Tay Thien is associated with National Mother Lang Thi Tieu, said to have assisted the Hung Kings in defending the country. It has been a Buddhist centre since the 3rd century and was later developed as a major site of Truc Lam Zen Buddhism. The complex includes historic temples rebuilt and restored over centuries, with the present Truc Lam Tay Thien Zen Monastery established in 2005.

Tay Thien is one of northern Vietnam's most important centres for Mother Goddess worship (Dao Mau) and Truc Lam Zen Buddhism. It is a major pilgrimage destination where devotees honor Quoc Mau Lang Thi Tieu. The annual Tay Thien Festival preserves traditional rituals, processions and folk practices, reflecting the blend of Buddhism and Vietnamese folk belief.