Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi

• Location: Thanh Nien, Hanoi 10000, Vietnam
• Recommended reason: ancient and historical Buddhist temple in Hanoi
• Entrance Ticket: Free, but you can give a donation
• Opening Time: 7:30 am – 11:30 am and 1:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Tran Quoc Pagoda, or Chua Tran Quoc in Vietnamese, is an ancient and historical Buddhist temple situated on an island of West Lake in Hanoi, Vietnam. Built in the 6th century, Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest pagoda and the most beautiful temple in Hanoi. Each year a large number of visitors to this tourist pilgrimage, incense is very strong.

History of Tran Quoc Pagoda

Tran Quoc Pagoda has a long history of about 1500 years. Founded in 541 during the reign of emperor Ly Nam De (AD 541–547), the temple was originally named Chua Khai Quoc and was located on the shore of Red River. Then the pagoda was moved to West Lake in 1615 during the reign of King Le Kinh Tong and renamed as Chua Tran Quoc. It is one of the oldest temples in Vietnam, the eminent monks of the past dynasties of Vietnam were taught and presided over here.

Most of the pagodas were built in the 17th century, but the tallest pagoda in the attraction is the Stupa, which was started in 1998 and completed in 2003. In 1959, Indian President Rajendra Prasad visited Hanoi and presented a bodhi tree in a Buddhist shrine to the temple. Nowadays, the tree is so big that even two people can’t hold it together.

Attractions in Tran Quoc Pagoda

At the center of the temple, two plaques "镇国寺(Tran Quoc Pagoda)" and "法佛僧(Dharma Buddha Monk)" are written in Chinese characters. The main attraction of Tran Quoc Pagoda is the Buddhist Pagodas garden. The first thing that comes into view is the towering hexagonal lotus stupa, surrounded by many beautiful little Buddha statues, full of rich Buddhist atmosphere. Built in 1998, the lotus stupa has 11 layers and is hexagonal and 15 meters high. Each layer is filled with six jewel-like Buddha statues, with different shapes and expressions. At the top of the tower is a nine-story lotus platform. The lotus stupa can be seen around the west lake from any Angle.

There are many plants planted in the temple, among them the Bodhi tree is the most special one. In Buddhism, Bodhi has an important meaning because Bodhi represents wisdom and enlightenment. Although the appearance of this linden tree is not eye-catching, it is transplanted from the hometown of the Buddha, so it is highly respected by the pilgrims. The people of Hanoi regard this tree as the treasure of the pagoda.

Structure of Tran Quoc Pagoda

Tran Quoc Pagoda is one of the representative buildings of Vietnamese temples, which has a superior geographical position, outstanding cultural value and unique architectural form. Like other temples in Vietnam, Tran Quoc Pagoda was built in accordance with the strict rules and principles of Buddhism. Since its initial construction, the temple has been repaired for many times, and its architectural plane is H-shaped. The Buddha statue in the main hall is placed from high to low. It is particularly noteworthy that the carving technique of the Sakyamuni Buddha's lying statue in the main hall reflects the unique artistic value.

Influence of Tran Quoc Pagoda

Tran Quoc Pagoda is a sacred and pureness Buddhist center that attracts many Buddhists and domestic and foreign tourists to worship Buddha. Long history, beautiful scenery and elegant environment making Tran Quoc Pagoda the most attractive ancient building in the West Lake Scenic Area of Hanoi. It was used as a palace by various dynasties in Vietnam. The surrounding area of the temple is surrounded by yellow walls. The surrounding area of the temple is full of lotus flowers. Every time the lotus flowers are in bloom, the people who come to enjoy the flowers in an endless stream, adding a lot of vitality to the ancient temple.

How to get to Tran Quoc Pagoda

Tran Quoc Pagoda is situated beside the charming West Lake on the Thanh Nien Road in Hanoi, which is a little walk from the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. You can take a cyclo or walk to get there from Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. If you are staying within the Old Quarter, we would recommend take the tourist bus or taxi to arrive destination.