Tran Quoc Pagoda

Temple in Hanoi

Tran Quoc Pagoda

Tran Quoc Pagoda, over 1500 years old, plays a significant role in the history of Vietnam and Hanoi. This ancient temple attracts thousands of visitors annually due to its historical importance and cultural significance.

History of Tran Quoc Pagoda

Constructed between 541 and 545 under King Ly Nam De, Tran Quoc Pagoda was initially called Khai Quoc Pagoda, meaning “National Founder.” Originally built on the bank of the Red River, it was relocated to the Kim Ngu (Golden Fish) Islet in the early 17th century due to riverbank erosion, and its name was changed to Tran Quoc (National Defense). With a history of over a millennium, it served as the capital of Buddhism during the Tran dynasty and remains a symbol of Hanoi.

Architecture and Structure

Renowned for its deep cultural and Buddhist values, Tran Quoc Pagoda is a favorite sightseeing spot for many, including kings during special festivals like Tet and full moon days. Despite urbanization, it retains its fame and unique architectural features.

The pagoda is advantageously located beside the picturesque West Lake on an island connected by a bridge between Truc Bach Lake and West Lake, attracting numerous tourists daily. Its architecture resembles ancient temples in Hanoi, featuring bold Buddhist elements with many layered buildings. The pagoda’s entrance appears deflected from afar but not up close, a unique characteristic. The main structures include Tien Duong (the Front House), Nha To (the Ancestor House), and Nha Bia (the Stele House), all connected to form a lotus-like appearance, symbolizing luck and prosperity.

Highlights of Tran Quoc Pagoda

Visitors can admire the sacred Bodhi Tree with heart-shaped leaves, donated by Indian President Rajendra Prasad in 1959. Believed to be a branch of the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment, it draws pilgrims worldwide.

Tran Quoc Pagoda also houses a comprehensive system of statues, some hundreds of years old, including the rare Reclining Buddha statue, renowned as the most beautiful in Vietnam. The pagoda has been immortalized in numerous poems and inscriptions, reflecting its cultural and historical significance.

One notable feature is the Bao Thap Luc Do Dai Sen, an eleven-story tower built in 1998. Standing 15 meters high, it has six arched doorways with Buddha Amitabha statues made of precious stones on each floor, topped with a nine-story lotus called “Cuu Pham Lien Hoan.”

The Tran Quoc Pagoda appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Hanoi!

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Visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda

Hours:

8 am to 4 pm every day


Price:

Free

Address: Tran Quoc Pagoda, Đường Thanh Niên, Yên Phụ, Tây Hồ, Hanoi, Vietnam

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