Tay Thien – A convergence of spirituality and nature

Tay Thien is a place of worship dedicated to National Mother Goddess Tay Thien Lang Thi Tieu, the principal consort of the 7th Hung King. She is believed to embody the sacred spirit of the highest mountains in the Tam Dao range. She was born into the Lang family in Dong Lo Village, Dai Dinh Commune, Tam Dao District, Vinh Phuc Province, now Dong Lo Village, Dai Dinh Commune, Phu Tho Province. From birth, Lang Thi Tieu was renowned for her exceptional beauty and talent. When the 7th Hung King, Hung Chieu Vuong, went to Mount Tam Dao to establish an altar and pray to the celestial beings, he was deeply impressed by her beauty and abilities and brought her to Phong Chau, where he made her his principal consort.

Historical records indicate that Tay Thien–Tam Dao is considered one of the birthplaces of Buddhism in Vietnam. In the 3rd century BC, the eighth missionary delegation of King Ashoka, traveling from India to spread Buddhism, stopped here. Captivated by the majestic, interconnected mountains and their serene and graceful beauty, the delegation chose this land as a place to propagate the Buddha Dharma. The name “Tay Thien”, meaning “Western Heaven” or “the realm of the Buddha,” is believed to have originated from this event, commemorating the early spread of Buddhism in Vietnam. Thien An Pagoda, Phu Nghi Pagoda, Thuong Tay Thien Pagoda, along with numerous historical relics and artifacts dating from the Hung Kings period through the Ly and Tran dynasties, have been preserved to this day as evidence of the ancient Buddhist heritage of Tay Thien. Today, the Buddhist nuns of Tay Thien remain devoted to their practice and continue the spiritual lineage of Vietnamese Buddhism. Ancient pagodas such as Phu Nghi Pagoda, Thien An Pagoda, and Tay Thien Pagoda are being restored. They serve not only as places of practice for the Buddhist nuns of Tay Thien but also as destinations for pilgrims and visitors from all over the country. The area is also home to Truc Lam Tay Thien Zen Monastery, one of the three largest Zen monasteries in Vietnam. Another remarkable Buddhist landmark in Tay Thien is the Tay Thien Great Stupa, one of the distinctive architectural works of Vajrayana Buddhism. These spiritual and architectural landmarks offer visitors a meaningful and profound pilgrimage experience when visiting Tay Thien.

The majestic Tay Thien landscape, with endless green forests blending with the soothing sounds of streams and waterfalls, creates a serene and spacious atmosphere. Beyond being a sacred pilgrimage destination, Tay Thien allows visitors to reconnect with nature and enjoy the peaceful, refreshing energy of the mountains and forests. The significant changes in elevation give Tay Thien its unique character while also presenting a challenge for visitors. To allow visitors to admire the Tam Dao forests from above while saving time and energy, the Tay Thien Cable Car officially began operation in February 2012. The Tay Thien Cable Car route is 2,480 meters long, connecting the lower station, located near Cau Temple, with the Thuong Temple Historical Site at an elevation of 530 meters above sea level. The cable car route follows the stream and crosses the mountains, allowing visitors to admire the spectacular scenery and enjoy an elevated journey as they glide over vast forests featuring many rare ancient trees. Imported from France and equipped with advanced technology, the Tay Thien Cable Car meets the safety standards of the international cable car industry. It offers visitors an unforgettable experience on their journey to Tay Thien.

For greater convenience, Lac Hong Company provides an electric shuttle service from Thong Temple to the cable car station. After visiting Thong Temple and Thien An Pagoda, visitors can take the electric shuttle to the lower station of the Tay Thien Cable Car, located next to Cau Temple. Following the Truong Sinh Stream, visitors can enjoy the lush green scenery, refreshing natural breeze, and clean, fresh air of the Tay Thien mountains and forests. With an experienced team of staff specializing in serving tourists, the electric shuttle service provides an impressive start to a peaceful and meaningful journey of “coming to the Buddha and returning to the Mother.”

Tay Thien Restaurant is located to the left of Thuong Tay Thien Temple. Featuring an open architectural style that creates a harmonious connection with nature, the restaurant is an ideal stop for visitors exploring and paying homage at the temples and pagodas in the Thuong Temple area. Visitors can admire the mysterious and tranquil scenery of Tay Thien while enjoying dishes featuring the distinctive flavors of the mountains and forests. The restaurant offers both set menus and à la carte dishes for visitors to choose from. With a diverse and varied menu featuring both vegetarian dishes and local mountain cuisine, Tay Thien Restaurant promises to be a satisfying and enjoyable stop for visitors during their journey to Tay Thien.