Table Of Contents
Introduction
Tran Quoc Pagoda is a gorgeous hallmark nestled in the heart of Hanoi, signifying the city’s millennial Buddhist history. Its existence proves Hanoi’s proud reputation as a venue for culture and landmarks. Indeed, with a 1500-year lifespan, the pagoda embraces spiritual, historical, and architectural values, making it a must-see for all travelers.
Such an impressive site must stir up the curiosity of many. Given that, Hanoi Locals compiled this blog as a travel guide for foreign visitors to Hanoi. Let’s find out what makes Tran Quoc Pagoda Vietnam a special place!
Tran Quoc Pagoda Location
Address: 46 Thanh Nien Street, East of West Lake, Yen Phu Ward, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
Tran Quoc Pagoda Hanoi is situated 4 kilometers from the city center, on a mound at the end of eastern West Lake. With the poetic lake around it, the pagoda grows verdantly like an islet.
How to get to Tran Quoc Pagoda: You can get there on your own by renting vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, scooters, or bicycles. Otherwise, you can choose transfer services, such as private cars, taxis, or Grab bikes. Also, public buses are available with 2 feasible routes: number 33 (Yen Nghia bus station—Xuan Dinh) and number 50 (Long Bien—My Dinh National Stadium).
If you want a high-quality ride to Hanoi, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and more places, you can request Hanoi Locals via WhatsApp at +84349825119. We provide private car transfers, limousine transfers, and Hanoi tours, such as:
- Sapa To Hanoi Private Car – 149 USD/sedan
- Hai Phong To Hanoi Private Car – 85 USD/sedan
- Halong Bay To Hanoi Limousine – 115 USD/limousine
- Ninh Binh To Hanoi Limousine – 106 USD/limousine
- Hanoi City Tour – from 48 USD/pax
- Hanoi City Group Tour – from 38 USD/pax
What Is Special About Tran Quoc Pagoda Hanoi?
Tran Quoc Pagoda History
Tran Quoc Pagoda has an impressively long history, dating back around 1500 years. According to historical documents, the pagoda was established in the early Ly Dynasty (6th century).
Initially, its name was Khai Quoc (country foundation) and then An Quoc (peaceful country). Later, in 1615, Le Kinh Tong Emperor moved the pagoda to its current location, on a levee in Yen Phu Village. Under Le Hy Tong Emperor’s reign (1675–1705), the pagoda had the name Tran Quoc, as we call it today.
In the Nguyen Dynasty, the pagoda had the most massive embellishment, with a larger scale, a bell, and more Buddha statues. Over time, more improvements were made to the pagoda, which gave it a unique appearance mixed with various Buddhist architectural styles from different periods.
Nowadays, the Pagoda Tran Quoc still serves as a religious site for the Vietnamese. It follows Mahayana Buddhism and worships Gautama Buddha, Amitabha, and Avalokiteshvara. Besides, there are altars for Chinese warriors (Guan Yu, Zhou Cang, Guan Ping) and Buddhist disciples.
Tran Quoc Pagoda Architecture
Tran Quoc Pagoda inspires visitors with its original architecture. Surviving a millennium-long history, the site has saved itself a special appearance but is loyal to the Buddhist structure and architectural styles.
Its total area is 3000 square meters. Looking down from above, the pagoda’s construction looks like the character Gong (工), formed by 3 main buildings: the reception hall, the house for incense burning, and the main shrine. In detail, its patterns are imbued with Oriental features and Buddhist principles.
Its imposing architecture, blending with the holy setting of nature, creates a charming and mysterious space for visitors.
Honors & Values
The Hanoi Tran Quoc Pagoda is a long-lived spiritual icon in Hanoi. It helps preserve ancient relics and precious documents, as well as parts of Vietnamese religion, history, and culture. With such remarkable values, it has received several honors.
Back in ancient times, during the Ly and Le dynasties, it earned a reputation as the Buddhist hub of the Thang Long Capital Citadel.
Moreover, in 1989, it was recognized as a National Historical-Cultural Heritage Site. Afterwards, in 2016, Daily Mail UK listed it as one of the 16 most beautiful pagodas in the world. A year later, Wanderlust magazine also put it in the third rank out of the 10 best pagodas in the world, thanks to its harmony with nature.
Until today, the pagoda has played a great part in the locals’ spiritual lives. Daily practices and big Buddhist events have been held at this holy site. Also, those who are interested in Vietnam’s religious culture or want to relish some calmness will find real enjoyment here.
What To Do In Tran Quoc Pagoda Hanoi?
Enjoy Buddhist Construction And Atmosphere
As mentioned, Tran Quoc Pagoda features the ideal harmony of man-made construction and natural surroundings. Many find themselves at ease when visiting this pagoda, as its ancient buildings and heavenly atmosphere arouse relaxation and comfort for visitors.
On your Tran Quoc Pagoda visit, its prominent icon, the 11-story Lotus Tower, will catch your eye. This feat, with a garden around it, was completed in 5 years, from 1998 to 2003, creating an exceptional tower garden for the pagoda.
You can admire this distinctive tower from a distance, but once you come closer, every detail becomes even more appealing. Except for the exclusive shape, the Lotus Tower houses 9 Buddha statues made of gems and 66 other statuary pieces. On the top, especially, is a 9-story gemstone lotus statue that is whitely bright in the sky.
Admire The Holy Bodhi Tree
Before stepping further into the pagoda, you should spend some minutes praying at the holy Bodhi tree opposite the Lotus Tower. It was supposedly extracted from the original holy tree in Bodh Gaya (India), where Gautama Buddha achieved enlightenment.
Therefore, the Bodhi tree in Tran Quoc Pagoda symbolizes the Buddha’s wisdom and humanity. Many locals express their respect and prayers in front of this tree. Plus, the tree contributes to the overall structure, evoking tranquility and refreshment.
Interestingly, such a sacred tree was a gift from Indian President Rajendra Prasad upon his visit to Hanoi in 1959. Thus, apart from sacredness, the Bohdi tree shows the friendship between India and Vietnam.
See Delicate Buddha Statues
Along your way through the Buddhist Tran Quoc Pagoda, you can savor splendid Buddhist features, especially statuary works.
Among the three parts of the pagoda, the reception hall, which is the first place you enter after Lotus Tower, boasts the most statues. Besides noteworthy bronze works, the wooden, lacquered, and gilded statue of Nirvana Buddha is the most prominent. It has also been the best Nirvana Buddha statue in Vietnam so far.
Apart from Buddha statuary pieces, you can relish other architectural features in the main shrine, incense-burning house, or back hall. Behind the main shrine, especially, you will discover a 3-room house logging a bell, an altar, and a space for stelae. 14 stelae placed in this house were engraved with poems by famous doctors in the past. These are valuable documents for Vietnam’s and Hanoi’s history.
Discover Worship Practices Of The Locals
With millennia of living in a Buddhist hub, many Hanoians believe in Buddhism and its spiritual aspects. Hence, the sacred Tran Quoc Pagoda has become their venue for everyday worship practices and special ceremonies on the Tet holiday, New Year, full moon, etc.
Given that, you can learn how the locals show their sincere attitudes towards Buddhas and deities with the hope of inner peace. If you want, you can practice with them by burning incense and giving heartfelt prayers.
Travel Guide
Tran Quoc Pagoda Entrance Fee
Tran Quoc Pagoda tickets: Free
You can freely enter the pagoda and tour around, as there is no entrance fee or parking fee applied.
Tran Quoc Pagoda Opening Hours
- 08:00–16:00 every day
- 06:00–20:00 on the first and 15th of every lunar month
- All day on Lunar New Year’s Eve and Tet holiday
Best Time To Visit
You won’t be outdoors too much when visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi, so you can go to this site whenever you want. Yet, it’s better to come on a beautiful day. Hanoi sees the most favorable weather in autumn (August to October), when it’s neither too hot nor too cold. If you can handle chilly weather well, winter (November to January) with festivities would be nice.
Besides, the locals usually flock to this place on the first and 15th of every lunar month and the Tet holiday. These days are important in their spiritual lives, with the meanings of bad luck avoidance, ancestors worship, and Buddhist practices.
If you’re into the local culture, going these days will be a good chance to learn about it. Yet, if you don’t like crowds, you should avoid these days for a more peaceful visit.
Moreover, many might wonder how long to spend at Tran Quoc Pagoda. We recommend spending 1-2 hours to save time for other spots in Hanoi. But you can spend time there as much as you want.
Travel Notes
- Tran Quoc Pagoda dress code should be decent and simple without being too revealing or flashy. We suggest an outfit of a T-shirt, comfy trousers, and sneakers.
- Please respect the religious site by keeping your voice down and avoiding impolite attitudes.
- Do not litter and cause damage to the trees and relics inside the pagoda.
Nearby Attractions
Hanoi has a wide variety of intriguing tourist attractions, so you should combine your trip to Tran Quoc Pagoda with nearby places. We recommend some attractions that will make up a wonderful Hanoi tour for you:
- Quan Thanh Temple: 1,1 kilometers away
- Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum: 2 kilometers away
- Imperial Citadel of Thang Long: 2,7 kilometers away
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: 2,8 kilometers away
- Temple of Literature: 2,9 kilometers away
- Hanoi Old Quarter: 2,9 kilometers away
- Tay Ho Temple: 3,7 kilometers away
- Hanoi Opera House: 4 kilometers away
Conclusion
In short, Tran Quoc Pagoda is an incredible contributor to the ancient beauty of Hanoi. With a monumental longevity of 1500 years, the pagoda has carried both tangible relics and intangible values. Indeed, its significance in history, architecture, culture, Buddhism, and people’s spiritual lives makes it an ideal place for everyone who looks for true beauty and calmness.
We believe that this distinguished venue will brighten your trip to Vietnam’s capital city. Thanks for reading.
Hanoi Locals