Tran Quoc Pagoda – Exploring the Oldest Temple in Hanoi
Hanoi is an ancient city featuring numerous cultural and historical landmarks that remain well-preserved, among which Tran Quoc Pagoda stands out prominently. This thousand-year-old temple continues to house valuable ancient artifacts and remains a popular attraction for international visitors. Join SVietnam Travel to discover more about this historic pagoda.
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Overview of Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi
Located on a small island on the eastern shore of West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda is an ancient temple established thousands of years ago. The pagoda covers an area of more than 3,000 square meters, including a garden of stupas and worship buildings. Although Tran Quoc Pagoda has undergone numerous restorations altering its appearance somewhat, its current scale and architecture largely result from a significant renovation in 1815. In 2021, Tran Quoc Pagoda was honored by the British Daily Mail as one of the 16 most beautiful temples in the world.
With its unique historical and architectural value, the pagoda was recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Monument in 1989. Today, Tran Quoc Pagoda is renowned not only as a sacred Buddhist sanctuary attracting many worshippers but also as a major destination drawing domestic and international tourists visiting Hanoi.
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History of Tran Quoc Pagoda
The history of Tran Quoc Pagoda spans over 1,500 years, closely associated with the formation and growth of Buddhism in Vietnam. Originally built in 541 during the Early Ly Dynasty, the temple was initially named Khai Quoc Pagoda, meaning “Opening the Country”. It was one of the earliest Buddhist constructions in the ancient capital of Thang Long and served as a central hub for Buddhism during that period.
Throughout its extensive history, the pagoda has been renamed multiple times under different dynasties. The name Tran Quoc was given during King Le Hy Tong’s reign, symbolizing the protection of the nation and peace for the capital. This period marked the temple’s establishment as a revered spiritual place, attracting not only Buddhist followers but also royalty and officials.
A significant milestone in the pagoda’s history occurred in 1821 under Minh Mang, who during his visit, provided 20 taels of silver to fund the renovation and expansion of the temple. This event significantly helped preserve the temple throughout historical upheavals, maintaining its majesty and beauty as seen today.
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How to get to Tran Quoc Pagoda
Tran Quoc Pagoda is located on Thanh Nien Street, approximately 4 kilometers from Hanoi city center. You can easily reach the pagoda by private vehicles such as motorbikes, cars, or public transportation options like taxis, Grab, and buses. If traveling by bus, routes 33 and 50 stop very close to the pagoda.
Opening hours and entrance fee
Tran Quoc Pagoda opens daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. On the first and fifteenth days of each lunar month, the pagoda opens from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Entrance fee: Free
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What to see at Tran Quoc Pagoda
The Lotus Tower (Bao Thap)
The Lotus Tower, built between 1998 and 2003, forms a prominent part of the pagoda’s stupa garden. This 11-story tower occupies an area of about 10.5 square meters, housing a gemstone statue of Amitabha Buddha and approximately 66 other statues. A glittering, gemstone-crafted nine-tier lotus (Cuu Pham Lien Hoa) sits atop the tower, resembling a blooming lotus flower. The overall architecture of the Lotus Tower adds grandeur and spirituality to the pagoda while maintaining architectural elegance.
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Front Hall (Tien Duong)
After visiting the Lotus Tower, visitors often head to the Front Hall to pray and make offerings. Situated to the west, this hall is backed by the Triple Sanctuary (Nha Tam Dao) and flanked by corridors leading to the Incense House and Upper Hall. It features several unique statues, notably the statue of Buddha Shakyamuni in Nirvana, considered the most beautiful wooden gilded statue in Vietnam, alongside many other sparkling bronze statues.
Upper Hall (Thuong Dien)
Behind the Upper Hall is a bell tower constructed as a three-compartment wooden structure with red scale-tiled roofing, contributing to the temple’s ancient charm. The ancestral house stands to the right of the bell tower, and the steles house is located to the left. Currently, Tran Quoc Pagoda preserves 14 steles inscribed with poems by renowned scholars, bearing historical and cultural significance for Hanoi.
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Bodhi Tree
The Bodhi tree at Tran Quoc Pagoda was propagated from the Great Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, where Buddha attained enlightenment over 25 centuries ago. Symbolizing Buddha’s wisdom and compassion, this tree is a focal point for pilgrimages and worship. Thanks to meticulous care from monks over nearly 60 years since its gifting by Mr. Prasat, the tree flourishes today, offering cooling shade and enhancing the temple’s serene ambiance.
Visiting notes
Tran Quoc Pagoda is a sacred place, so visitors should adhere to the following etiquette:
- Dress respectfully and modestly.
- Maintain quiet and polite behavior.
- Do not damage the temple’s flora or environment.
- Keep the pagoda clean by disposing of trash responsibly.
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In summary, Tran Quoc Pagoda is a must-visit cultural and historical landmark in Hanoi, offering deep insights into Vietnam’s rich heritage.
