Tran Quoc Pagoda Hanoi: Vietnam’s Oldest Buddhist Temple By The Lake

An image of Tran Quoc Pagoda Hanoi, one of the places to visit as a tourist in Vietnam

The Tran Quoc Pagoda Hanoi is a significant tourist attraction offering a glimpse into the rich history of Vietnam with its unique architecture, making it the ideal destination for tourists interested in Vietnamese Buddhism and culture. It is known as the oldest temple in Hanoi, as it dates back to the 6th century, and it is a perfect destination for history enthusiasts. The Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi also preserves valuable artefacts, including bronze bells, Buddha statues, and ancient stone gravestones, emphasising their cultural and historical significance.

Location

An image of Tran Quoc Pagoda Hanoi, a tourist attraction and one of the places to visit in Vietnam

Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons

Tran Quoc Pagoda Hanoi is a Buddhist Temple and a major tourist attraction located on an island in West Lake within the Tay Ho District. It is accessible through the main gate at 46 Thanh Nien Street. Tourists visiting can witness its grand architecture, which features a 15-metre-tall stupa with 11 floors and an altar that honours Guan Ping, Guan Yu, Zhou Shang, and Anathapindika. Its architectural design is of a Vietnamese Buddhist style with curved roofs, ornate carvings and decorations, and a series of tiered towers.

How To Reach

An image of Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda Hanoi, one of the tourist destinations in Vietnam

Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons

There are several ways on how to reach Tran Quoc Pagoda Hanoi:

By Road: Take a taxi using a ride-sharing app like Grab or rent a motorbike from Pagoda to navigate to Thanh Nien Street, which divides Truc Bach Lake and West Lake.

By Train: Take a train to the Hanoi Railway Station or Ga Hà Nội, from where you can take a taxi or motorbike to the destination.

By Bus: Take bus number 50, which will take you to Pagoda’s entrance. Alternatively, you can take bus numbers 31, 41, 55A, 55B, or 58 to An Duong bus stop, where you can take a 5-minute walk to Pagoda.

Places To Visit Near Tran Quoc Pagoda In Hanoi

There are several places to visit near Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi for tourists to have extensive experiences. Here is a list of 5 places:

1. Hanoi Flag Tower

An image of the Hanoi Flag Tower, one of the places to visit near Tran Quoc Pagoda Hanoi

Photo: Chelsea Hicks / Wikimedia Commons

The Hanoi Flag Tower is one of the places to see near Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi, which has a significant historical past. It was built between 1805 and 1812 under the Dynasty of Nguyen, making it an ideal destination for tourists interested in Vietnam’s historical heritage. Tourists visiting the Hanoi Flag Tower can see its amazing architectural design, which is on the grounds of the Vietnam Military History Museum.\

Location: 28A Dien Bien Phu Street, Ba Dinh District
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Elevation: 33 metres

2. Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum

An image of Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum in Vietnam near the Tran Quoc Pagoda Hanoi

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons

Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is one of the tourist attractions near Tran Quoc Pagoda, which houses the preserved bodies of some prominent Vietnamese leaders, making it an ideal destination for tourists to learn about Vietnam’s culture and history. Tourists visiting Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum can see where the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh, who was a popular figure in the history of Vietnam, is situated.

Location: 2 Hung Vuong Street, Ba Dinh District
Timings: 8 AM – 11 AM, (closed on Mondays & Fridays)
Entry Fee: Free
Elevation: Ground level

3. One Pillar Pagoda

An image of the One Pillar, one of the places to visit near Tran Quoc Pagoda Hanoi

Photo: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons

One Pillar Pagoda is one of the places to visit near Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi which has a unique architectural design and beautiful surroundings, making it an ideal destination for tourists to go sightseeing. The One Pillar Pagoda has a significant historical heritage as it was built by Emperor Ly Thai Tong in the 11th century, destroyed during the war, and then restored with reference to the drawings of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Location: Near Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Elevation: Raised on a pillar

4. Bach Ma Temple

An image of Bach Ma Temple, one of the places to see near Tran Quoc Pagoda Hanoi

Photo: Donald Trung / Wikimedia Commons

Bach Ma Temple is one of the tourist attractions near Tran Quoc Pagoda, which is known as the oldest temple in Hanoi and has a history spanning over 1000 years. Tourists visiting can get to see its unique architectural design of carved wooden pillars, decorative dragon motifs, and traditional tiled roofs. Additionally, tourists can immerse themselves spiritually by witnessing the incense burners, colourful offerings, and the frescoes which depict mythical and historical events.

Location: 76 Hang Buom Street, Hoan Kiem District
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Elevation: Ground level

Where To Stay

An image resembling a hotel near the Tran Quoc Pagoda Hanoi, an accommodation option

Photo: Annamos / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

There are several accommodation options near Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi, where tourists can stay as they continue exploring other attractions, which range from luxury to budget-friendly. Tourists can stay at the Bespoke Trendy Hotel Hanoi, which is situated within the Old Quarter, offering unique experiences in the heart of Hanoi. Additionally, tourists can stay at the Lotte Hotel Hanoi, which is located a few kilometres from the temple. For a budget-friendly option, La Palm Hotel near Chua Tran Quoc is the place to consider.

Where To Eat

An image resembling a restaurant, an ideal dining option near Tran Quoc Pagoda Hanoi

Photo: Markus Winkler / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

There are a variety of dining options around the Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi, including restaurants, bakeries, and cafes that offer various cuisines. Some of the restaurants tourists can try out Vietnamese cuisine at include Co Vietnamese Restaurant & Vegan, Banh mi Long Hoi, and Villa Des Fleurs. For desserts and baked goods, tourists can try out the cafes and bakeries, including Quan Kem Ho Tay, Paris Baguette, and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

Best Time To Visit

An image of Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi, one of the popular places to visit in Vietnam

Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons

The best time to visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi and the nearby attractions is from March to April and September to November. During these periods, the weather is quite favourable, with low humidity and mild temperatures, making it ideal for tourists to explore the city and participate in various outdoor activities. March to April is ideal for tourists seeking a peaceful experience as there are fewer crowds witnessed during this period.

Other Factors To Consider

An image of the Tran Quoc Pagoda Hanoi, one of the best places to see in Vietnam

Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons

Average Cost Of The Trip

The average cost of the trip to Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi, including meals, accommodation costs, transport, and sightseeing fees in a day, is approximately INR 5,133. For a weekend trip, the average cost is approximately INR 15,400, while for a five-day trip, the average cost of the trip is approximately INR 25,700. The costs may vary depending on the tourist’s preferences and travelling style.

Tips For Travellers

  • Ensure you dress modestly, covering your shoulders and legs when visiting the Temples.
  • Ensure you remove your shoes before entering Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi.
  • Avoid using flash photography during prayers.
  • Ensure you maintain silence during rituals and prayers.
  • Consider visiting during the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month to get a more lively religious experience.

The Tran Quoc Pagoda Hanoi is an ideal destination for tourists to get spiritual experiences and learn about the cultural and historical significance of the temple to the local communities in Vietnam. It has various nearby attractions tourists can visit to have a more diverse and unique experience. Plan your trip today with TripXL and get to immerse yourself spiritually in the Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi and explore its surroundings.

Cover Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, with over 1,500 years of history. It is a cultural symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism, located on a small peninsula on West Lake.
The Pagoda is situated on Thanh Nien Road in Tay Ho District, Hanoi. It is easily accessible by taxi, motorbike, or bus.
Tran Quoc Pagoda is open daily from 7:30 AM to 6 PM, and there is no entrance fee.
As it is a place of worship, visitors should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and remove hats and footwear before entering certain areas.
The Pagoda offers stunning architecture, serene surroundings, and a glimpse into Vietnam's rich spiritual and cultural heritage.

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