Hanoi pagodas: The top 15 spiritual sites to visit

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There are many Hanoi pagodas for tourists to explore (Source: Collected)

1. Tran Quoc Pagoda – the oldest pagoda in Hanoi

• Address: Thanh Nien Street, Tay Ho District

Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, was built in the 6th century. It is renowned for its ancient architecture and serene landscape amidst the vast water of West Lake. The pagoda features various structures, with the highlight being a nine-story lotus tower. Tran Quoc Pagoda was recognized by the UK’s travel website wanderlust.co.uk as one of the top ten most beautiful pagodas in the world. It offers visitors a profound sense of peace amidst the picturesque scenery of West Lake.

2. Perfume Pagoda – one of the most famous Hanoi pagodas

• Address: Huong Son Commune, My Duc District

Perfume Pagoda is an expansive complex of ancient temples and mountain caves. Most of the temples and caves here were discovered between the 17th and 19th centuries, nestled into the mountainsides or valleys. Here, some key attractions include Huong Tich Cave, Thien Tru Pagoda, Tien Son Pagoda, Ngoc Long Cave, and Ngu Tri Pagoda. It is best to visit Perfume Pagoda in spring, which marks its festival season with various activities such as boating, cheo singing, mountain hiking, etc.

Hanoi Perfume Pagoda – one of the most picturesque pagodas in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

3. One Pillar Pagoda – a unique Hanoi pagoda

• Address: Chua Mot Cot Street, Ba Dinh District

One Pillar Pagoda is one of Hanoi’s most iconic structures with its lotus-inspired design. The pagoda was built in 1049 by King Ly Thai Tong, inspired by his dream of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva seated on a lotus. The pagoda’s distinctive architecture features intricately dragon head carvings on the roof’s four corners. Inside, there is a gilded statue of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. This Hanoi pagoda is located near Ba Dinh Square and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, so you can explore them all in one trip.

4. Quan Su Pagoda

• Address: Quan Su Street, Hoan Kiem District

Among the standout Hanoi pagodas is Quan Su Pagoda, founded in the 15th century. The pagoda’s structure includes the triple-arched gate, bell tower, main hall, and ancestor worship hall, featuring the traditional three-tiered roof design. Quan Su Pagoda also houses large gilded statues and an extensive collection of cultural artifacts. They include eight stone steles, five bronze bells, 27 statues, and 13 lacquered couplets, offering insights into Vietnam’s Buddhist history.

The architecture of Quan Su Pagoda is strikingly solemn (Source: Collected)

5. Ha Pagoda – among the top Hanoi pagodas to pray for love

• Address: Chua Ha Street, Cau Giay District

Known among young people as the pagoda of love, Ha Pagoda dates back to the Later Le Dynasty. Despite having undergone several restorations, it preserves many valuable artifacts like incense burners, bells, statues, steles, etc. This Hanoi pagoda’s architectural layout is meticulously planned within a spacious, airy space, including a triple-arched gate, garden, pond, main hall, and ancestor worship hall, featuring traditional architecture beloved by many visitors.

6. Thay Pagoda

• Address: Sai Son Commune, Quoc Oai District

Thay Pagoda was built during the Dinh Dynasty in the 10th century. This Hanoi pagoda consists of several smaller temples, all having intricately carved columns, moss-covered brick walls, and tiled roofs. The Thay Pagoda Festival (5th – 8th day of the third lunar month) is a major festival among Hanoi pagodas, featuring rituals like bathing statues, organizing ceremonial processions, and making peace offerings. Visitors can also enjoy traditional water puppet shows and various lively folk games.

The Thay Pagoda Festival features many fascinating cultural activities (Source: Collected)

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7. Lang Pagoda – a must-visit Hanoi pagoda for culture seekers

• Address: Chua Lang Street, Dong Da District

Situated amidst lush greenery, Lang Pagoda is one of the most picturesque Hanoi pagodas. Built in the 12th century, it showcases traditional Vietnamese architecture, featuring two long corridors connecting the front and rear sections, a triple-arched gate, and a courtyard paved with Bat Trang bricks. A highlight here is the octagonal shrine adorned with intricate carvings of phoenixes and dragons. The pagoda’s tranquil atmosphere is enriched by ancient trees and historical relics including statues, lacquered boards, parallel sentences, and steles.

8. Phap Van Pagoda – a sacred Hanoi pagoda

• Address: Giai Phong Street, Hoang Mai District

Phap Van Pagoda is among the oldest pagodas in Hanoi. Beyond its sacred ambiance, the pagoda boasts an architectural style deeply rooted in Vietnamese traditions. This Hanoi pagoda features a majestic triple-arched gate with curved roofs and a large bronze bell. The main hall houses a beautifully gilded statue of Buddha and is flanked by stone statues. Behind the main hall are the ancestor worship hall and the monk’s quarters, with a spacious courtyard shaded by large trees adding to the serene beauty here.

One of the oldest Hanoi pagodas – Phap Van Pagoda (Source: Collected)

9. Pho Quang Pagoda

• Address: De Vang Street, Long Bien District

Built 800 years ago, Pho Quang Pagoda is a prime example of traditional Vietnamese architecture. This sacred Hanoi pagoda features a spacious, shaded garden with ancient trees that create a peaceful atmosphere. Its main structure follows the shape of the “Dinh” character, with tiled roofs and intricate carvings of familiar motifs like dragons and clouds. Visitors can admire precious Buddha statues such as A Nan, Ca Diep, and A Di Da, which showcase refined artistic techniques and the talents of Vietnamese artisans.

10. Boc Pagoda – one of the must-visit Hanoi pagodas

• Address: Chua Boc Street, Dong Da District

Boc Pagoda, one of the renowned Hanoi pagodas, was originally built during the Later Le Dynasty. It was burned down during the battle in 1789 against the Qing army and has since undergone several renovations. The pagoda includes a triple-arched gate, main hall, ancestor worship hall, garden, pond, and several relics related to King Quang Trung. The Boc Pagoda Festival, held on the 4th day of the first lunar month, features activities such as incense offering and folk singing to guide spirits to Tay Truc.

The Boc Pagoda Festival attracts a large number of locals (Source: Collected)

11. Phuc Khanh Pagoda

• Address: Tay Son Street, Dong Da District

As one of the oldest Hanoi pagodas, Phuc Khanh Pagoda dates back to the Tran Dynasty. It has retained the majesty of feudal architecture. The pagoda is a repository of many ancient relics, including a finely carved statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva with a thousand eyes and hands, three ancient bells, about 21 stone steles, and numerous other artifacts like golden lacquered plaques, couplets, and incense burners. There are intricately carved rafters featuring motifs such as pine trees, cranes, chrysanthemums, and butterflies.

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12. Dau Pagoda – among the oldest pagodas in Hanoi

• Address: Nguyen Trai Commune, Thuong Tin District

With a history spanning over 1,800 years, Dau Pagoda serenely stands under the shade of lush trees, surrounded by tranquil ponds and the gentle Nhue River. This Hanoi pagoda showcases distinctive architectural artistry, featuring exquisite wood carvings, intricately sculpted stones, and bricks adorned with images of elephants and dragons. Notably, Dau Pagoda is famous for two Bodhisattva statues, the mummified bodies of two enlightened monks, and an ancient book chronicling the pagoda’s history.

Dau Pagoda is famous for the mummified bodies of two enlightened monks (Source: Collected)

13. Kim Lien Pagoda

• Address: Tu Hoa Street, Tay Ho District

Built on the site of Princess Tu Hoa’s palace during the Tran Dynasty, Kim Lien Pagoda serves as a place of worship for both Buddha and the princess. Its architecture reflects imperial grandeur, with an elaborately carved wooden gate featuring detailed patterns like lotus flowers, dragons, and clouds. In this Hanoi pagoda, a triple-arched gate rises like a lotus blooming on the surface of West Lake. Kim Lien Pagoda also houses many beautiful statues, including those of Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and Princess Tu Hoa.

14. Ba Da Pagoda – a hidden gem among Hanoi pagodas

• Address: Nha Tho Street, Hoan Kiem District

Nestled near Hoan Kiem Lake and St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Ba Da Pagoda offers visitors a sense of tranquility despite its lively surroundings. Built before the 15th century, the pagoda is linked to a fascinating legend. When the area was excavated, a stone statue in the form of a woman was discovered, leading to the pagoda’s name. This Hanoi pagoda features many gilded wooden statues and a rich collection of artifacts, including eight stone steles from the Nguyen Dynasty, two bronze bells, statues, and elaborately carved lacquered couplets.

This small Hanoi pagoda stands quietly amidst Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter (Source: Collected)

15. Tu Ky Pagoda in Hanoi

• Address: Ngoc Hoi Street, Hoang Mai District

Tu Ky Pagoda, dating back to before 1687, is another ancient Hanoi pagoda. Its architectural layout harmoniously blends traditional and modern elements. The pagoda’s triple-arched gate, with its layered roofs, is particularly impressive. Beyond the gate, visitors will find two houses with ancient stone steles mounted on the backs of stone turtles. The pagoda preserves a valuable collection of relics, including 22 gilded statues reflecting 19th-century artistic design, a stele from 1687, and a bronze bell from 1841.

More on: Vietnamese pagodas: 12 sacred sites to discover the spiritual essence

These Hanoi pagodas offer a glimpse into the spiritual heart of Vietnam, each holding a unique charm. Exploring these sacred sites provides a deep connection to the heritage of the pagodas in Vietnam, making them essential additions for any itinerary in Hanoi.

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