Hanoi to Thanh Chuong Palace and But Thap Pagoda: Day trip

The Thanh Chuong Viet Palace was built in 2001 by artist Thanh Chuong. Desiring to preserve Vietnam’s history and culture, the artist erected 30 examples of historic Vietnamese architecture, filled them with traditional folk art and historic artefacts. Nearly all of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups are represented here, from the stilt houses of the Muong, to a 300-year-old Hue imperial house. Between the buildings are lush gardens, themselves filled with local culture - be it a 500-year old bridge, or the delicate pink lotus - the national flower. Within the buildings, historic ceramics, paintings, sculptures, and Thanh Chuong’s own artwork give a more detailed look at the country’s culture. The experience is completed with by enjoying a cup of tea at a delicate wooden table while admiring the palace’s tranquility, or tucking in to a traditional meal at the on-site restaurant. For more information, please visit thanhchuongvietpalace.com

The But Thap Pagoda was founded in the 13th century during the Tran Dynasty, but rebuilt in the 17th century under the guidance of a Chinese monk and Queen Trinh Thi Ngoc Truc. The result was the pagoda’s distinctive mix of Vietnamese and Chinese architectural styles. The 10 buildings spread out behind the ornamented entrance gates are built according to the "Noi Cong Ngoai Quoc" tradition, meaning there are over 100 compartments in total. Though the pagoda underwent renovations in 1992, there are plenty of 17th vestiges including statues, the Xa Ly Tomb, the nine ­story Lotus Tower, and Bao Nghiem Tower. The highlight, however, is undoubtedly the main temple, which is filled with over 50 statues, including the nationally treasured thousand­-handed and thousand­-eyed Guariyin, the Goddess of Mercy.