Son Than Temple (Shrine) is located in Thuy Khue Hamlet, Sai Son Commune, home to the famous scenic complex and relic site of Thay Pagoda at the foot of Sai Son Mountain (Thay Mountain). This is an area with a long-standing tradition of belief, combining Buddhism, the worship of Saint Tu Dao Hanh, and folk beliefs in mountain and nature deities.
The name "Son Than" indicates that the shrine worships the deity governing the mountains of the Sai Son Mountain area. In Vietnamese folk belief, sacred mountains often have shrines to the Mountain God built by local people to pray for: national prosperity and peace for the people; favorable weather; protection of the village and those traveling on the mountain; and preservation of the local dragon vein and sacred landscape. This belief exists alongside the system of pagodas and temples in the Thay Pagoda complex.
Son Than Temple (Shrine) is located deep in a small alley near Thay Pagoda. The shrine lies right at the foot of the mountain; from the gate, one climbs a flight of steps to reach it.
At the entrance, a roof-shaped stone stele is visible carved into the cliff face; below the first step is a stone relief.
The shrine is managed and preserved by the local community over many generations; the Son Than shrine contributes to preserving a layer of indigenous belief that predates or coexists with Buddhism.
