What is Phu Ly City like?
Phu Ly is a medium-sized provincial capital located on the banks of the Day River in northern Vietnam. It was heavily bombed during the Vietnam War in 1966, leaving much of the city in ruins. Since then, it has been rebuilt into a modern but unremarkable urban center with wide roads, government buildings, and residential blocks.
There are no major attractions within the city itself, and it doesn’t have the charm or energy of Vietnam’s more popular destinations. However, Phu Ly is surrounded by temples, pagodas, and craft villages that appeal to domestic travelers, especially those on religious pilgrimages or weekend getaways from Hanoi. While few foreigners stay here, it sometimes serves as a convenient stop for visitors exploring the surrounding Ha Nam region.
Things to do around Phu Ly City
Phu Ly itself doesn’t offer much in terms of sightseeing, but the area around the city is home to several cultural, religious, and craft-related sites. These places mainly attract domestic visitors looking for quiet temples, countryside landscapes, or traditional villages.
If you’re interested in exploring the region further, you can also check out our full Things to do in Ha Nam guide.
1. Tam Chuc Pagoda Complex
Tam Chuc is an enormous Buddhist complex often promoted as one of the largest pagodas in the world. It’s set around a lake and surrounded by limestone hills, with wide plazas and towering statues creating a dramatic visual impact. While impressive in scale, it lacks the warmth or spiritual atmosphere of older, smaller temples. If you’re into massive temple architecture, it’s worth a visit—but those looking for local charm or authenticity may find it underwhelming.
2. Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda
This peaceful pagoda is tucked into a pine forest and has a more tranquil, spiritual feel. Its layout is different from most Vietnamese temples, and symbolic elements like the 12 white stone circles (representing the twelve links of dependent origination) add a unique touch. It’s not very touristy, making it a better stop if you’re looking for quiet reflection rather than grand sights.
3. Traditional Craft Villages Near Phu Ly
If you’re interested in local craftsmanship, there are a few small villages near Phu Ly where traditional skills are still practiced:
- Doi Tam Drum Village – Famous for making traditional Vietnamese drums used in temples and festivals. Some workshops still use age-old techniques passed down through generations.
- Nha Xa Silk Weaving Village – Known for handwoven silk produced on wooden looms. The village has a long history and still supplies fabric to tailors across the region.
- Thanh Ha Embroidery Village – Specializes in lace and embroidery work. It’s a quiet place where families create decorative textiles with detailed handwork.
These villages are not set up for tourism, but they can offer a short and authentic stop if you’re exploring the area by private car.
Is Phu Ly worth visiting or staying in?
No, there is no real reason to visit or stay in Phu Ly City. The city itself has nothing of interest for international travelers, and even the nearby sights are better visited as part of a day trip from Hanoi or when passing through on the way to Ninh Binh. While it serves as a hub for domestic tourism, it offers little in terms of atmosphere, convenience, or foreign-friendly services.
How to get to Phu Ly
Phu Ly is only about 60 km south of Hanoi, making it easy to reach by several types of transport.
Limousine vans from Hanoi
This is the most popular and convenient option. These 11-seater vans are comfortable, fast, and affordable, with prices starting from around 100,000 VND. The journey takes about one hour and departures are frequent throughout the day.
Private car or driver
If you plan to visit places like Tam Chuc or Địa Tạng Phi Lai Pagoda, a private car offers the most flexibility. It’s the best option if you want to explore the area on your own schedule or combine multiple stops into a single day.
Train to Phu Ly Station
There is a train station in Phu Ly, but it’s not very practical for such a short distance from Hanoi. It becomes more useful if you’re arriving from further south—such as from Hue, Dong Hoi, or Da Nang—as part of a longer north–south route.
Travel tips for Visiting Phu Ly
Reconsider visiting
There’s no compelling reason to stay overnight in Phu Ly. If you’re interested in nearby sights like Tam Chuc or local craft villages, it’s better to visit them as a day trip from Hanoi or while traveling between Hanoi and Ninh Binh.
Getting around
Taxis are easy to find, and Grab is available throughout the city. Getting between the train station, bus stops, and central areas is quick and straightforward.
Eating & Restaurants
You’ll find plenty of local Vietnamese food, especially around the main streets and markets. Don’t expect much in terms of Western restaurants or trendy cafés. One local dish worth trying is bánh cuốn Phủ Lý—a version of steamed rice rolls often served with grilled pork and a light dipping sauce.
City Facilities
As a medium-sized provincial city, Phu Ly has all the basic services you might need: ATMs, small shopping centers, pharmacies, and convenience stores are widely available.
