Q: What kind of vehicle and seating can I expect?

A: Vehicle models vary by country, so names may differ. Here’s a general overview of our typical options: 4-seat sedans (e.g., Toyota Vios, Kia K3, Ford Focus): Configuration: Driver + one front passenger, plus a rear bench for up to three medium-sized adults. Recommendation: For maximum comfort, we advise a maximum of three travelers. Luggage: Spacious trunk space accommodates suitcases and carry-on bags. 7-seat SUVs/minivans (e.g., Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Innova, Isuzu MU-X): Driver plus one front passenger; the second and third rows each feature three seats, though we recommend seating no more than two adults per row. For optimal comfort, the vehicle accommodates up to five passengers. Luggage: Ample cargo area behind the third row, expandable by folding seats if needed. If you have any special requirements—extra luggage, child seats, or specific vehicle preferences—please let us know when you book.

Q: What does the one-day charter car service from Hanoi to Duong Lam village include?

A: Typically, this service including car and driver will serve your group visit Duong Lam village from Hanoi (and back), with about maximum 12 hours of serving. Price also includes fuel, road tolls, parking fee, and driver expenses.

Q: How much luggage can I bring?

A: Because this is a private car charter, your luggage allowance depends on both the number of passengers and the vehicle you select. For example: 4-seater vehicles accommodate up to 3 passengers and 3 medium-sized suitcases. 7-seater vehicles accommodate up to 5 passengers and 5 medium-sized suitcases. If you expect to carry extra baggage or purchase souvenirs during your tour, we recommend choosing a larger vehicle to ensure a comfortable journey.

Q: Do the drivers speak English?

A: Many of our drivers possess basic English skills and can communicate essential travel details. For more in-depth conversations, they often use translation apps. Additionally, an on-site operator from our office will be dedicated to your tour and available to assist you at any time. Simply message them via WhatsApp (or Line, WeChat, Messenger, etc.), and they will promptly liaise with the driver to address your requests.

Q: How to book a transfer service?

A: Book through A21 Tours with personal assistance services: A21 accepts payment via Onepay Link or Paypal, fast response speed, English communication via Email or WhatsApp

Tay Phuong pagoda and Thay pagoda one day car tour from Hanoi

Suggested Itinerary

8:00 AM: Pick-up at your hotel in Hanoi. Travel to Thay Pagoda, which takes about 1 hour.

9:00 AM: Arrive to Thay Pagoda. You will have approximately 3 hours to visit this famous temple.

Thay pagoda is known for its unique historical, cultural, and artistic architectural values, as seen in its landscape, architecture, carvings, and statue system. Thay Pagoda is one of Vietnam's earliest sites to worship both Buddha and Saint. The area also possesses considerable archaeological and cultural significance.

Thay Pagoda beckons with its distinct ensemble of three parallel edifices: the Upper Pagoda, Middle Pagoda, and Lower Pagoda. The Lower Pagoda serves as a sacred space for offerings and ceremonial rituals, while the Middle Pagoda is dedicated to the veneration of the Buddha. The Upper Pagoda is a shrine to honor Tu Dao Hanh, adorned with his renowned statues.

Thay Pagoda Landscape

In addition to the main temple, you can explore several unique architectural highlights within the Thay Pagoda Special National Relic complex:

The Water Pavilion (Thuy Dinh)

Constructed during the Later Lê Dynasty (1533–1788), the Water Pavilion sits elegantly in the heart of Long Tri Lake. Designed in the classic phương đình (square pavilion) style, it features a sophisticated double-tiered roof system with eight gracefully curved corners. The interior is divided into two levels: the elevated side platforms rise above the water, while the submerged central area serves as the traditional stage for the ancient art of water puppetry.

The Water Pavilion

The Nhat Tien and Nguyet Tien Bridges

Flanking the main temple are the iconic Nhat Tiên and Nguyet Tien Bridges. Nguyệt Tiên (Moon Fairy) Bridge, located to the right of the main temple (Chùa Cả), connects the lakeside to the mountain path. Nhật Tiên (Sun Fairy) Bridge sits on the left, leading to an island sanctuary housing the Temple of the Three Palaces (Đền Tam Phủ). Legend attributes these early 17th-century structures to the renowned scholar Phùng Khắc Khoan. Both bridges are exquisite examples of house-on-bridge architecture design where a tiled-roof wooden structure rests atop the bridge span.

One of two bridege of Thay Pagoda, examples of house-on-bridge architecture design where a tiled-roof wooden structure rests atop the bridge span.

Cac Co Cave

Often described as a "miniature Sơn Đoòng" near the capital, Cac Co Cave is a natural wonder shrouded in mystery and sacred spiritual significance. It is celebrated not only for its unique geological formations but also for the deep-rooted spiritual values it preserves. Exploring the cave requires navigating a rugged, uneven path over sharp limestone rocks; however, this arduous journey is richly rewarded at the end, where the cave reveals a breathtakingly beautiful natural vista.

Cac Co Cave

12:00PM: Enjoy your lunch at your own expense at restaurants near the temple area. There are many restaurants around this area that regularly serve tourists, so you can easily find one to choose from. We suggest you try famous local dishes such as crab hotpot, goat hotpot, etc.

01:00PM: Depart from Thay Pagoda to Tay Phuong Pagoda.

Tay Phuong Pagoda Landscape

Tay Phuong Pagoda, also called Sung Phuc Pagoda, includes three single-level structures built in descending order on a hillock that is similar to a buffalo. The pagoda represented the most celebrated feature-carved from jackfruit wood, from the 18th century. The earliest pagoda’s complex was built from the 8th century, Tay Phuong Pagoda is really a national treasure thanks to the sophisticated sculpture and art on display there.

Tay Phuong Pagoda grounds

The Pagoda includes three single-level structures in descending order on a small hillock formed according to the shape of the Chinese character 三 (three). The major character Tam (Three)- style architecture represents for three sections: the upper sanctuary, the rear palace, and lobby rooms. Each parallel temple has its architecture but forms a cordial landscape while the central construction raised higher than the rest due to its directing role, that is a Heaven.

Patterns on the roof of Tay Phuong Pagoda

The highlight of Tay Phuong for tourists is its system of statues, with rare masterpieces in religious sculpture. Typical examples include the Snow Mountain statues, the Eighteen Arhats, and the Eight Diamond Deities, dating back to the 18th century. In addition, there are many other famous statues from the 19th century, which are also incredibly impressive. It can be said that Tay Phuong is a museum of Vietnamese Buddhist statues. This statement is certainly not an exaggeration.

The Mahakasyapa statue, one of many Arhat statues at Tay Phuong Pagoda.

Note: The provided itinerary is for reference purposes only. Our car service includes transportation from Hanoi to Thay Pagoda and Tay Phuong Pagoda (where the vehicle will park and wait for your return). Please be aware that this transfer package does not cover any entrance fees, meals, or guided tour services.

05:00PM: The trip has ended, and we will return to Hanoi.