Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi: Vietnam’s Oldest Buddhist Temple on West Lake

Nestled on a small island in West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda (Chùa Trấn Quốc) is Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple, with a history of more than 1,500 years. Famous for its serene setting, ancient architecture, and deep spiritual significance, the pagoda has long been a symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism and culture.

For travelers, it’s not only a place of worship but also a must-see attraction where history, religion, and natural beauty meet.

1. Where is Tran Quoc Pagoda?

Address: Thanh Nien Street, Yen Phu Ward, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm daily
Entry fee: Free (donations are welcome)
Dress code: Respectful attire is required (no shorts, sleeveless shirts, or revealing clothing)

Tran Quoc Pagoda is located on a small peninsula of West Lake, connected by a causeway along Thanh Nien Street. It’s just a 15-minute drive from Hanoi Old Quarter, making it easy to combine with other nearby attractions like Quan Thanh Temple and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

2. The Long-Standing 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.

3. What Makes Tran Quoc Pagoda Special?

3.1 Timeless Architecture

The pagoda features traditional Vietnamese Buddhist architecture with red-painted wooden structures, curved tiled roofs, and intricately carved details. The highlight is the 11-story stupa, added in 2003, which houses many precious statues of Amitabha Buddha.

3.2 Sacred Statues and Relics

Inside the main hall, you’ll find ancient statues, including the famous wooden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha entering Nirvana, considered a masterpiece of Vietnamese sculpture.

3.3 Scenic Location on West Lake

Set against the backdrop of West Lake and shaded by tall palms, Tran Quoc Pagoda offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. Sunrise and sunset are particularly breathtaking here.

4. Top Attractions to See at Tran Quoc Pagoda

4.1 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, comprised of 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.

4.2 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

4.3 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.

4.4 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.

4.5 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.

5. Best Time & How to Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda

Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon, when the light over West Lake is most beautiful. The pagoda is also especially busy during Tet (Lunar New Year) and Buddhist festivals.

Getting there: Located just 4 km from Hanoi Old Quarter, you can take a taxi, motorbike, or even walk along Thanh Nien Street.

💡 Tip: Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Quan Thanh Temple, West Lake, and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum for a half-day cultural tour.

>>> Read more: Full Day Hanoi City Tour, Hanoi Half Day City Tour

Tran Quoc Pagoda is not just Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple-it’s a spiritual landmark that beautifully blends history, architecture, and natural beauty. From its sacred relics and ancient statues to its serene setting on West Lake, the pagoda invites visitors to explore Vietnam’s deep cultural and religious traditions.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a spiritual traveler, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Tran Quoc Pagoda is a must-visit destination on your Hanoi journey.

👉 You might also like:

For travelers who want both comfort and convenience after a day of exploring landmarks like Tran Quoc Pagoda, Tonkin Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa is an excellent choice. Located in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, this boutique hotel offers elegant rooms, modern facilities, and a relaxing spa-perfect for unwinding after sightseeing.

Tonkin Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa

From the hotel, it’s just a short ride to West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda, while Hanoi’s other highlights such as Hoàn Kiếm Lake, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Dong Xuan Market, and the Hanoi Opera House are within walking distance. Staying here allows you to easily combine your pagoda visit with a broader cultural exploration of the capital.

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