Tran Quoc Pagoda Hanoi: Feel the pure beauty of an ancient pagoda

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Tran Quoc Pagoda is a well-known destination for tourist visiting Hanoi (Source: Bao Lao Dong)

Being the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, Tran Quoc Pagoda is known as a sacred “pearl” in the middle of West Lake. This is a famous religious and cultural attraction which preserves many ancient features of Vietnam’s capital. Coming to the pagoda, tourists will surely enjoy the peaceful moments and unique experiences that this place offers.

1. About Tran Quoc Pagoda – the oldest pagoda in Hanoi

• Tran Quoc Pagoda opening hours:

• • Regular days: 8 AM – 4 PM
  • Lunar New Year’s Eve: all night
  • The 1st and 15th days of every lunar month: 6 AM – 6 PM

• Tran Quoc Pagoda entrance fee: Free entrance

Located on a small islet of West Lake (Tay Ho District, Hanoi), Tran Quoc Pagoda used to be the Buddhist centre of the Ly – Tran Dynasties in Thang Long Citadel (now Hanoi). Today, the pagoda is famous for its unique architecture and cultural significance. Lying in the middle of a vast and quiet lake, the pagoda brings a feeling of relaxation and peace to everyone. In 2016, the pagoda was listed by the British Daily Mail as one of the 16 most beautiful pagodas in the world.

Tran Quoc Pagoda is a famous religious destination for Hanoi’s locals as well as tourists (Source: Collected)

The pagoda is most crowded on the 1st or 15th day of the lunar month, especially during Tet holiday, when people come to this place to burn incense and pray for good luck. Therefore, it is suggested that you visit the pagoda during these times to experience the religious atmosphere and activities here. Or you can also visit the pagoda on regular days for a calmer and more relaxing vibe.

2. The long history of Tran Quoc Pagoda Hanoi Vietnam

Dating back to 1,500 years ago, Tran Quoc Pagoda was originally named Khai Quoc Pagoda, built in 541 in the Early Ly Dynasty. At that time, the pagoda was located near the banks of the Red River, so when the dyke collapsed in 1615, the pagoda was relocated to Yen Phu dyke in the Kim Nguu mound area.

The pagoda’s name was changed to Tran Quoc during the reign of King Le Hy Tong (1681 – 1705), in hope that this would be a place to help people repel natural disasters and to bring a peaceful life to the people. The name “Tran Quoc” is used to this day.

With its massive history, culture, and architectural values, the pagoda was recognised as a National Historical and Cultural Relic in 1989.

3. Who does Tran Quoc Pagoda Hanoi worship?

Tran Quoc Pagoda worships Amitabha Buddha, Shakyamuni Buddha, and Avalokitasvara Bodhisattva. There is also an altar dedicated to Guan Yu, Guan Ping, Zhou Shang, and Anathapindika and his attendants.

4. The exceptional architecture of Tran Quoc Pagoda

Tran Quoc Pagoda view from above (Source: Bao Lao Dong)

The pagoda shows the aesthetics of Eastern architecture. It follows the strict principles of Buddhism, which consists of 3 main houses: the Front House, the Incense Burning House and the Upper House.

4.1. The Front House (Tien Duong)

The Front House in Tran Quoc Pagoda is home to many unique statues, especially the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, which has been voted as one of the most beautiful Lying Buddha statues in Vietnam. Along with that are many other spectacular Buddha statues cast in bronze.

The statue of Shakyamuni Buddha is made of wood with glossy golden paint (Source: Collected)

4.2. The Incense Burning House (Nha Thieu Huong)

The Incense Burning House, where visitors can burn incense as well as other votives, is one of the most crowded areas in the pagoda.

4.3. The Upper House (Thuong Dien)

The Upper House is home to 14 steles, engraved with poems of famous scholars at that time. The steles also provide lots of information and a full description of the pagoda’s renovations throughout dynasties. Thanks to them, the next generations will better know about the history of Tran Quoc Pagoda.

Engraved stone steles record the history of Tran Quoc Pagoda (Source: Collected)

5. How to get to Tran Quoc Pagoda with convenience?

The pagoda is located on Thanh Nien Street, Tay Ho District. From Hanoi’s city centre, it will only take you about 15-20 minutes to get here by motorbike or car. On the other hand, you can also take a bus. The two most convenient bus routes that tourists can take are number 33 (Yen Nghia – Xuan Dinh Bus Station) and number 50 (Long Bien – My Dinh National Stadium).

In addition to Tran Quoc Pagoda, there are many other tourist attractions in Hanoi that you should take your time to visit, such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, West Lake, One Pillar Pagoda, etc. It is also recommended that you visit Vinpearl Aquarium and VinKE Times City, which are only a 15-minute drive away from Tran Quoc Pagoda Hanoi.

Visit Vinpearl Aquarium to admire a magical underwater world

VinKE is an exciting stop for your trip to Hanoi if you travel with kids

Vinpearl Aquarium offers more than 30,000 freshwater and saltwater marine specimens for you to discover. VinKE, on the other hand, is an ideal educational playground for your kids. With an area of nearly 4,000 square meters, the children will have a chance to take part in many work simulation games and explore their future job interests.

>>> Book tickets of Vinpearl Aquarium and VinKE in advance to get the best offers!

With impressive architecture and cultural significance, Tran Quoc Pagoda is definitely an unmissable Hanoi tourist attraction. Visiting this spiritual site, you can enjoy the peaceful scenery that calms your soul, as well as pray for good luck for your loved ones.