If you are looking for spiritual tourism destinations near Hanoi to offer prayers, seek peace, or simply escape to a tranquil space after busy days, here are some ideal suggestions. From ancient pagodas on the outskirts of the city to famous temples and shrines in nearby provinces, each site offers a sacred atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and convenient access for a day trip. Let’s explore the most notable pilgrimage sites near Hanoi.
Tay Phuong Pagoda – Quoc Oai, Hanoi
Located about 30 km from central Hanoi, Tay Phuong Pagoda is renowned for its ancient wooden architecture, nestled among majestic, layered mountains. This pagoda is a popular destination for those seeking spiritual tourism near Hanoi, offering a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Tay Phuong Pagoda – Quoc Oai, Hanoi (Source: Tap chi dien tu The gioi Di san)
With its collection of wooden Arhat statues and intricately carved clay Buddha statues, each figure at Tay Phuong Pagoda carries its own expression and story. Some Arhat statues reach several meters in height, featuring delicate craftsmanship while still retaining the natural clay color after centuries. Upon entering the main hall, visitors walking along the corridor lined with clay Buddhas can feel a profound sense of tranquility and peace pervading the space.
The pagoda grounds also feature a pond, gardens, and stone-paved pathways, providing a perfect setting for strolling, contemplation, and relaxation. Tay Phuong Pagoda is also well-known for its traditional festivals and rituals held at the beginning of the year, attracting Buddhists and visitors from all over. A visit here is not only a spiritual pilgrimage but also an opportunity to experience the unique architecture, artistry, and spiritual culture of Hanoi’s outskirts.
Giong Temple – Soc Son, Hanoi
Located about 35 km from central Hanoi, Giong Temple is one of the most popular spiritual tourism sites near Hanoi. The temple is dedicated to Saint Giong, a symbol of national heroism, associated with the legendary tale of defending the country from invaders. As such, it holds not only spiritual significance but also an important place in Vietnam’s historical heritage.
Giong Temple – Soc Son, Hanoi (Source: ho Dong Do Soc Son)
The temple complex stretches along the mountainside, combining various structures such as worship halls, shrines, and observation pavilions, creating a solemn yet welcoming atmosphere. Upon entering the main hall, visitors can feel the sacred aura emanating from the ancient statues and the intricately carved horizontal boards and couplets.
Particularly during the festival on the 6th day of the first lunar month, Giong Temple becomes lively with processions, Xoan singing, traditional folk games, and abundant offerings, offering a vibrant pilgrimage experience while maintaining its spiritual essence. This site is ideal for those seeking spiritual tourism near Hanoi, allowing visitors to both pay homage and explore traditional culture, the heroic history of the nation, and immerse themselves in the unique festival atmosphere.
Read more: Spiritual tourism: A journey to explore Vietnam’s temples and culture
Huong Pagoda – My Duc, Hanoi
About 60 km from central Hanoi, Huong Pagoda is a renowned pilgrimage site in Northern Vietnam, attracting both tourists and Buddhist devotees from afar. The journey begins at Duc Pier, where visitors board a boat along Yen Stream, admiring the jagged limestone mountains on both sides and listening to the gentle flow of the water, creating a relaxing atmosphere right from the moment you leave the city.
Huong Pagoda – My Duc, Hanoi (Source: Madame Linh travel)
Along the way, you will visit notable sites such as Trinh Pagoda, where visitors offer prayers for peace before climbing the mountain, and Thien Tru Pagoda, renowned for its gentle incense fragrance and serene space for worship.
Next comes the climb to Huong Tich Cave along winding stone steps. Inside the cave, the cool air, subtle scent of incense, and natural stalactites alongside Buddha statues create a sacred atmosphere, allowing visitors to experience both spirituality and the beauty of nature.
During the early spring festival season, Huong Pagoda becomes livelier than ever, filled with the sound of bells, incense smoke, food stalls, and unique cultural activities. It is an ideal destination for those seeking spiritual tourism near Hanoi, offering a full day of prayer, exploration, and relaxation.
Bồng Lai Temple – Former Hoa Binh Province
Venturing a bit beyond Hanoi’s suburbs, the surrounding provinces offer diverse and impressive spiritual tourism destinations, where visitors can both make pilgrimages and explore culture and natural landscapes. Among them, Bồng Lai Temple (formerly in Hoa Binh Province) stands out with its serene and sacred atmosphere amid the midland mountains and forests, making it an ideal stop on a spiritual and cultural exploration journey near Hanoi.
Bồng Lai temple (Source: hanoimoi)
The temple is situated at the foot of Dau Rong Mountain and is dedicated to Co Doi Thuong Ngan and other deities of the Tu Phu belief system. It attracts many Buddhists and visitors who come to offer prayers for peace and well-being. The temple grounds are surrounded by forests and rocky hills, creating a tranquil and open atmosphere. Key structures include the main worship hall, auxiliary shrines, and observation pavilions, all featuring ancient architecture harmoniously integrated with the natural surroundings.
The journey from Hanoi to Bồng Lai Temple covers approximately 80 km and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car, making it convenient for a day trip or a weekend getaway. Upon arrival, visitors step into a peaceful mountain setting, with lush green trees and birdsong all around. The combination of natural scenery and traditional architecture provides a deeply meaningful spiritual experience, making the journey both worthwhile and enriching.
Read more: Explore the beauty of Northern Vietnam with Mai Chau private tour
Ba Chua Thac Bo Temple – Phu Tho (formerly Hoa Binh)
Located not far from Thượng Bồng Lai Temple, Ba Chua Thac Bo Temple is another remarkable spiritual tourism destination in Northern Vietnam. It is one of the most prominent spiritual sites in the Northwest region. Nestled on the shore of Hoa Binh Lake, amid rolling mountains and expansive waters, the temple offers a setting that is both sacred and majestic.
Ba Chua Thac Bo Temple – Phu Tho (formerly Hoa Binh)
The temple exudes a serene atmosphere, blending traditional architecture with the surrounding natural landscape, making the pilgrimage a profound and memorable experience. Built in a classic style that harmonizes with the mountainous scenery, the temple offers breathtaking views from its stairway, where Hoa Binh Lake stretches out like a giant mirror, reflecting the lush green mountains and expansive sky.
Visiting Ba Chua Thac Bo Temple is not only a spiritual journey but also an opportunity to experience the nature, culture, and unique spiritual heritage of Northwest Vietnam. With its stunning scenery and tranquil environment, the temple is also an ideal stop to combine with a trip to Mai Chau, allowing visitors to enjoy the peaceful valleys, fresh air, and the distinctive cultural experiences of the Thai people.
Visitors can relax at Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort
After a day of exploration, travelers can unwind at Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort, enjoying luxurious amenities while immersing themselves in the natural beauty of Northwest Vietnam. This makes for a complete and memorable journey. Click to book your stay at Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort and experience a premium retreat in the heart of the Northwest.
Dau Pagoda – Bac Ninh
Located about 30 km from central Hanoi, Dau Pagoda sits in Thanh Khuong Commune, Thuan Thanh District, Bac Ninh. It is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Vietnam. The pagoda exudes a solemn yet approachable atmosphere, harmonizing with the surrounding nature, making it an ideal place for those seeking peace and tranquility close to the capital.
Dau Pagoda – Bac Ninh (Source: Bao Dan toc va Phat trien)
The highlight of Dau Pagoda lies in its traditional Northern Vietnamese architecture, featuring gracefully curved tiled roofs, intricately carved wooden beams, and solemn worship halls arranged in a harmonious layout. The spacious courtyard, old brick paths, ancient well, and lush greenery create a tranquil atmosphere that feels refreshing and serene. The pagoda also preserves many ancient Buddhist statues that have been maintained for centuries, offering visitors a deep sense of cultural and spiritual reverence.
Beyond worship, travelers can stroll around the peaceful grounds to enjoy the fresh air and the calm rhythm of rural life in Bac Ninh. Outside the pagoda, small village paths, rice fields, and the gentle daily routines of locals add a simple yet charming touch to the experience. Dau Pagoda is an ideal choice for a short day trip from Hanoi, allowing visitors to combine pilgrimage, relaxation, cultural discovery, and a meaningful connection with Vietnam’s long-standing Buddhist heritage.
But Thap Pagoda – Bac Ninh
Located about 40 km from central Hanoi, But Thap Pagoda sits in Dinh To Commune, Thuan Thanh District, and is one of the most famous ancient pagodas in Northern Vietnam. The pagoda is renowned for its unique traditional architecture and its collection of priceless Buddhist statues.
Among them, the Thousand-Hand, Thousand-Eye Avalokitesvara statue stands out as a masterpiece from the 17th century. Crafted with exceptional precision and artistry, this sculpture reflects both the remarkable skills of ancient Vietnamese artisans and the profound philosophy of Buddhism embedded in every detail.
Thousand-Eye, Thousand-Arm Avalokitesvara Statue (source: Vietnam.vn)
The name But Thap Pagoda comes from the Bao Nghiem Tower within the temple grounds, whose shape resembles a slender bamboo brush. This distinctive form symbolizes dignity, wisdom, and the architectural essence of ancient Northern Vietnamese pagodas.
Beyond its famous Thousand-Eye, Thousand-Arm Avalokitesvara statue, the pagoda also preserves numerous statues of Arhats and Bodhisattvas, along with shrines and a nine-tiered lotus tower featuring intricate reliefs. All of these elements harmonize beautifully with the peaceful countryside landscape surrounding the pagoda. Visitors coming here not only pay their respects and practice worship, but also admire the unique architecture, learn about history and culture, and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
But Thap Pagoda is an ideal choice for those seeking spiritual tourism destinations near Hanoi where they can explore sacred values and appreciate traditional Vietnamese sculpture on a relaxing weekend trip.
Tam Chuc Pagoda – Ha Nam
Located about 1 hour and 30 minutes from central Hanoi, Tam Chuc Pagoda is the largest pagoda complex in Vietnam, set between the vast Tam Chuc Lake and towering limestone mountains. The space here feels both majestic and tranquil, offering visitors and pilgrims a deeply peaceful spiritual experience.
Tam Chuc Pagoda – Ha Nam (Source: thegioi combo)
The pagoda complex includes the main pagoda, worship halls, scenic pavilions, a thousand-meter-long Arhat corridor, and numerous large Buddha statues, all harmonizing beautifully with the surrounding natural landscape. Tam Chuc is not only a prominent pilgrimage site but also a place where visitors can admire the majestic scenery of lakes, mountains, and forests, offering a sense of deep relaxation and unforgettable tranquility.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of meaningful activities: taking a boat ride across Tam Chuc Lake, walking along the pathways around the complex, joining vibrant festive events, or capturing memorable photos beside impressive architectural structures. The combination of spirituality, architecture, and nature makes Tam Chuc Pagoda an ideal short trip from Hanoi.
Bai Dinh Pagoda – Ninh Binh
Located about two hours from central Hanoi, Bai Dinh Pagoda is one of the most renowned spiritual destinations in Northern Vietnam. Set amidst the grand limestone mountains of Ninh Binh, the pagoda complex stands proudly with its monumental architecture that blends seamlessly with the natural landscape. This perfect harmony makes Bai Dinh an excellent pilgrimage spot for travelers seeking peace and spiritual retreat near Hanoi.
Spiritual destinations near Hanoi (Source: Bao Chinh Phu)
Bai Dinh Pagoda holds numerous records, including the largest bronze Buddha statue in Asia, a thousand-meter-long Arhat corridor, and an ancient pagoda area nestled deep within the mountains. As you walk along the stone steps, you can both pay your respects and immerse yourself in the solemn atmosphere, with the echo of temple bells resonating across the mountains and forests.
Beyond its spiritual value, Bai Dinh is also an ideal place to combine with visits to other famous attractions in Ninh Binh such as Trang An, Hang Mua, and the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, all within a convenient short-trip itinerary. The expansive space, majestic scenery, and traditional beauty of Vietnamese pagoda architecture create a memorable experience for every traveler.
Truc Lam Tay Thien Zen Monastery – Vinh Phuc
Located about 80 km from Hanoi, Truc Lam Tay Thien Zen Monastery is well-known for its tranquil atmosphere and impressive Buddhist architectural complex. Perched on the slopes of Thien Phuc Mountain, the monastery offers sweeping views of layered forested mountains, giving visitors an immediate sense of peace and relaxation from the very first steps.
Truc Lam Tay Thien Zen Monastery – Vinh Phuc (Source: Vinh Phuc Provincial People’s Committee)
Truc Lam Tay Thien impresses visitors with its spacious main hall, sacred worship chambers, and towering Buddha and Bodhisattva statues, all arranged in perfect harmony with the surrounding natural landscape. Travelers can walk along the stone steps, explore the monastery grounds, enjoy the fresh mountain air, or take part in Buddhist rituals and festivals held throughout the year.
Beyond its spiritual atmosphere, the monastery is also an ideal place to admire the region’s majestic mountains, appreciate the beauty of spring and autumn scenery, or simply enjoy peaceful moments by the lakes and forested paths. Truc Lam Tay Thien is a perfect choice for those seeking spiritual tourism destinations near Hanoi for a short day trip.
A journey to explore spiritual attractions near Hanoi offers not only tranquil moments of worship but also meaningful experiences with culture, architecture, and natural landscapes unique to the Red River Delta and the Northwest region. Each destination leaves a lasting impression, making it ideal for short escapes from the capital.
We hope this list of spiritual tourism sites near Hanoi helps you navigate the top options and easily choose the one that best suits your upcoming trip.