Located on the western side of the Tam Dao range, about 70 km from Hanoi center, Tay Thien has long been known as one of the important spiritual centers of the Phu Tho ancestral land. This place is closely associated with the worship of the Mother Goddesses, who are credited with assisting the Hung Kings in founding the Vietnamese nation.
At Tay Thien, the folk belief of Mother Goddess Worship blends with Buddhism. The site preserves many key structures such as Thong Temple, Temple of the Young Man, Temple of the Young Woman, Upper Temple, and the Three Palaces Holy Mothers complex.
Le Thi Trinh, a tour guide of the Tay Thien Cable Car Management Board, said, “This national heritage site features three pagodas built about 800 years ago, during the Ly and Tran dynasties. There are ancient temples scattered from the foot of the mountain up to the mid-slope of Thach Ban Mountain. This site also incorporates altars following the folk belief system of the Three Mother Goddesses and other deities.”
People come to Tay Thien for pilgrimage and for sightseeing. Nguyen Thanh Tung, a visitor from Hanoi, said: “Today I am fortunate to visit Tay Thien, a place of the Mother Goddess. Upon arriving here, I feel the fresh air which brings me a great sense of peace.”
The surrounding green forests, murmuring streams, and stone paths winding along the mountain slopes are the result of preservation and promotion work of generations. Tay Thien was recognized as a national heritage site in 1991 and officially designated as a Special National Historical and Scenic Site in 2015.
Bui Xuan Truong, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Phu Tho province, said, “As Phu Tho province’s area now covers former Vinh Phuc province, Phu Tho boasts a density of cultural and historical relics. Among them are many sites that have been recognized as national and special national heritage. Visitors come to find a connection to their roots while exploring the heritages.”
Beyond its temple complex, Tay Thien also stands out for its majestic mountain scenery. The Silver Waterfall pours down in white streams, adding to the area’s picturesque charm. Once a sacred land in folk belief, Tay Thien has now become a key destination. Yet its true value lies not only in its landscapes or structures, but in the deep sense of mindfulness and tranquility it offers.
