Tam Thai is one of the oldest pagodas in Da Nang, first built around 1630 on the western side of Thuy Son. After it was destroyed in the late 18th century, Emperor Minh Mang rebuilt it in 1825 and raised it to the rank of a national pagoda, a status reserved for pagodas under royal patronage in the Nguyen dynasty.
It stands at the top of the 156-step stairway from Gate 1, and the path to Huyen Khong cave starts beside it. It is covered by the main Marble Mountains ticket.
The emperor’s pagoda, explained
Our guides tell the story of Tam Thai on the way to Huyen Khong, from the Chinese monk who led it to the emperor who rebuilt it.
★Marble Mountains, Lady Buddha & the Stone CarversThe Marble Mountains caves at the hour the light comes in, the Lady Buddha on Son Tra and a working Non Nuoc carving yard, with your own guide and car. · 5 hoursSee the tour →Marble Mountains, Lady Buddha & Hoi An by Lantern LightSon Tra, the Marble Mountains caves and a Non Nuoc carving yard in the morning, then Hoi An old town and a boat on the Thu Bon as the lanterns come on. · 10 hoursSee the tour →What is the history of Tam Thai pagoda?
Tam Thai was founded under the Later Le dynasty, around 1630. At the end of the 17th century it was led by Hung Lien, a Chan master who had come from China, and in 1695 the travelling monk Thich Dai San visited and wrote a poem about the mountain and the cave behind the pagoda.
The pagoda was destroyed during the Tay Son wars of the late 18th century. In 1825 Emperor Minh Mang had it rebuilt in brick and tile, gave it a name board inscribed as a royal work, and made it a national pagoda. Local tradition says one of the emperor’s sisters became a nun there. The present buildings date from later restorations, including one in 1995.
What is there to see at Tam Thai?
| Sight | What it is |
|---|---|
| The main hall | Dedicated to Amitabha Buddha with the bodhisattvas Quan Am and Dai The Chi |
| The Maitreya statue | A large laughing Buddha in the courtyard, the easiest landmark to spot |
| Royal relics | The 1825 name board and a heart-shaped bronze plaque bearing the emperor’s calligraphy, kept by the pagoda |
| The Vong Giang viewpoint | Nearby, built for Minh Mang, looking inland over the river and the other hills |
| The gate to Huyen Khong | The stone gate beside the pagoda that leads to Hoa Nghiem and Huyen Khong caves |
The name Tam Thai refers to the three peaks of Thuy Son, arranged like three stars; local people also call it the inner pagoda, as opposed to Linh Ung, the outer pagoda on the east side.
How do you get to Tam Thai pagoda?
The quickest way is from Gate 1: climb the 156 stone steps straight up to the pagoda. From the elevator at Gate 2, cross the hill past Van Thong cave. The route either way is in the guide to the Marble Mountains caves, and the dress code is the usual one for pagodas, set out in the pagoda dress code guide.
Want the pagodas brought to life?
Our half day covers Tam Thai, Linh Ung and the caves of Thuy Son with a licensed local guide and every ticket included.
Marble Mountains, Lady Buddha & the Stone Carvers5 hoursSee the tour →Marble Mountains, Lady Buddha & Hoi An by Lantern Light10 hoursSee the tour →Tam Thai pagoda: quick answers
How old is Tam Thai pagoda?
Tam Thai pagoda was first founded around 1630. It was destroyed in the late 18th century and rebuilt by Emperor Minh Mang in 1825.
Why is Tam Thai called a royal pagoda?
In 1825 Emperor Minh Mang rebuilt it and made it a national pagoda, a rank given to pagodas under direct royal patronage in the Nguyen dynasty.
Where is Tam Thai pagoda?
On the western side of Thuy Son in the Marble Mountains, at the top of the 156-step stairway from Gate 1. The path to Huyen Khong cave starts beside it.
Is Tam Thai pagoda free to visit?
Tam Thai is covered by the main Marble Mountains ticket, 40,000 VND (~$2).
Walk the emperor’s route up the hill
Choose your group size and the price covers the day: pickup, private car, licensed guide, every ticket and water. Free to cancel until 3 days before.
★Marble Mountains, Lady Buddha & the Stone CarversThe Marble Mountains caves at the hour the light comes in, the Lady Buddha on Son Tra and a working Non Nuoc carving yard, with your own guide and car. · 5 hoursfrom$39/ person›
Choose your group size · price is the group totalSolo traveller$135BOOK →2 guests$140BOOK →3 guests$150BOOK →4 guests$155BOOK →See the full tour page →Marble Mountains, Lady Buddha & Hoi An by Lantern LightSon Tra, the Marble Mountains caves and a Non Nuoc carving yard in the morning, then Hoi An old town and a boat on the Thu Bon as the lanterns come on. · 10 hoursfrom$89/ person›
Choose your group size · price is the group totalSolo traveller$265BOOK →2 guests$295BOOK →3 guests$325BOOK →4 guests$355BOOK →See the full tour page →History of the pagoda was checked against the site management board and published sources in September 2026.