Overview of Tran Quoc Pagoda
Hanoi is always a great destination for Buddhists with many ancient pagodas and temples. Most of them are located around West Lake. Especially, nowhere else is better than Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest one in Hanoi, if you are interested in Buddhism.
Tran Quoc Pagoda is more than 1500 years old, which means the place holds such an important role in the development of Vietnam in general and Hanoi in particular. That is the main reason why the temple attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.
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
Entrance fee: Free
Dress code: Formal non-revealing clothing (No shorts, miniskirts or tank-tops)
Tran Quoc Pagoda is most crowded on the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month, especially during Tet holiday. Therefore, it is suggested that you visit the pagoda during these times to have the fullest religious experience. On the other hand, for a more calming and relaxing visit, you can come here on regular days.
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Where is Tran Quoc Pagoda?
Tran Quoc Pagoda is located on a small islet of West Lake (Tay Ho District, Hanoi). Travelers can go inside the pagoda through its main gate on No. 46, Thanh Nien Street. Tran Quoc Pagoda worships Amitabha Buddha, Shakyamuni Buddha, and Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. Additionally, there is an altar dedicated to Guan Yu, Guan Ping, Zhou Shang, and Anathapindika.
Tran Quoc Pagoda is also very close to many of the top-rated attractions of Hanoi, such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature. It serves as a convenient starting point to explore the city’s cultural and culinary offerings. There are also plenty of beautiful sights for visitors to immerse themselves in near Tran Quoc Pagoda.
History of Tran Quoc Pagoda
With a history of 1,500 years, Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi. It was built in 541 in the Early Ly Dynasty, originally named Khai Quoc Pagoda. At that time, the pagoda was located near the banks of the Red River. In 1615, when the dyke collapsed, 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), with the hope that Tran Quoc Pagoda would be a place to help people repel natural disasters and also bring them a peaceful life. The name “Tran Quoc” is used to this day.
Fast forward to the Tran Dynasty, Tran Quoc Pagoda was deemed the capital of Buddhism. Today, it is considered an iconic symbol of Hanoi.
Architecture and Structure of Tran Quoc Pagoda
Adhering to the strict principles of Buddhism, Tran Quoc Pagoda preserves the aesthetic beauty of Eastern architectural style.
The pagoda’s 3000-meters-squared design is a harmonious blend of traditional elements, characterized by intricate woodwork, gracefully curved roofs, and delicate ornamentation. Each detail is a testament to the reverence for nature and the pursuit of spiritual balance that Buddhism embodies.
The 11-Storey Stupa (Bao Thap)
As soon as you enter the pagoda, you will be greeted by a remarkable sight – The majestic red-brown tower standing proudly before you, known as the 11-storey Stupa or Bao Thap. This exquisite tower is a captivating masterpiece, comprising eleven distinct stories, each adorned with six elegantly arched doorways.
Within these doorways, white gemstone statues of Amitabha Buddha stand in tranquil reverence, emanating an aura of serenity and enlightenment. The presence of the Buddha statues within the doorways serves as a reminder of the Buddha’s teachings and the path to enlightenment.
The Front House (Tien Duong)
Upon entering the Front House of Tran Quoc Pagoda, you will see many unique statues. One of them is the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha made out of wood with glossy golden paint. This particular statue has earned the esteemed recognition of being voted as the most beautiful Lying Buddha statue in Vietnam.
This masterpiece of a statue not only showcases the dedication and skill of the artisans who created it but also captures the essence of the Buddha’s teachings – transcendence, serenity, and the pursuit of inner peace.
As you stand in the presence of this statue, you are invited to contemplate the profound significance of the Buddha’s life and teachings, and perhaps find a moment of stillness and reflection amidst the spiritual ambiance of Tran Quoc Pagoda
The Incense Burning House (Nha Thieu Huong)
The Incense Burning House is one of the bustling focal points within Tran Quoc Pagoda, drawing a steady stream of visitors and creating an atmosphere of vibrant activity.
Here, you can burn incense and other votives to pray for good luck and health. The act of burning incense symbolizes the purification of intentions and the elevation of prayers to higher realms. It is a cherished ritual that you will want to try.
The Upper House (Thuong Dien)
Behind the Upper House, there is a bell post that was designed as a 3-compartment wooden house roofed with red tiles. To the right of the bell post is the Stele House, an equally intriguing feature within the pagoda’s premises.
These structures, the bell post and the Stele House, together form a captivating tableau of architectural and historical significance.
The Stele House (Nha Bia)
The Stele House preserves 14 steles engraved with poems of famous scholars at that time. The steles also record the history of Tran Quoc Pagoda, including a full description of the pagoda’s renovations throughout dynasties. Thanks to this information, the next generations can get a better understanding of Tran Quoc Pagoda history from the very first day.
Another highlight tourists should not miss out on when visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda is the Bodhi tree.
The Bodhi tree in Tran Quoc Pagoda was a gift from India’s former President Rajendra Prasad to Vietnam in 1959. It was extracted from the Great Bodhi Gaya tree, where Shakyamuni Buddha sat and practiced more than 25 centuries ago. Do not miss the chance to stand in the shade of this sacred tree and be entranced by an aura of tranquility and reverence.
After Tran Quoc Pagoda, you can explore other famous attractions on Hanoi, such as One Pillar Pagoda, Hoa Lo Prison, Ngoc Son Temple, Hoan Kiem Lake, etc.
Map of Tran Quoc Pagoda
How to Get to Tran Quoc Pagoda?
The pagoda is just 5 kilometers from the city center, so you can reach there by different means of transportation.
- By bus: you can catch bus No. 50 that drops you right in front of the pagoda. If it’s not convenient to catch this bus. Please get on bus No. 31, 41, 55A, 55B or 58 to stop at An Duong bus stop, then take a walk around 5 minutes to get there.
- By taxi: To get to the pagoda by taxi, it’s better to book one by Grab application on your mobile phone.
- By motorbike or scooter: You can rent a motorbike to easily move around the West Lake also. It takes about 12 minutes to get to the pagoda.
For travelers who want to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda with private services, you can book a private tour from Vietnam Shore Excursions. Professional and knowledgeable tour guides will share profoundly many interesting stories about this place and Hanoi, as well as the local life of local people during the tour. Here are some Hanoi Tours which customers can find out and book for you and your group.
With a long-standing history, impressive architecture, and remarkable cultural values, Tran Quoc Pagoda is definitely one of the top Hanoi tourist attractions that you should not miss out on. Visiting this religious site, tourists can immerse themselves in the calming nature and pray for their loved ones.
