Tran Quoc Pagoda is one of the oldest and most important religious sites in Vietnam. Located on the West Lake in Hanoi, it is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. This travel guide will provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your visit to this beautiful pagoda. You will learn about the history of the pagoda, its architecture, and the various activities you can do while visiting. You will also find out about the best times to visit, the best places to eat, and the best places to stay.
So, if you’re looking for a unique and spiritual experience, then Tran Quoc Pagoda is the perfect place for you.
Location
Located in the east of West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda with the age of more than 1500 years is the oldest and most sacred pagoda in Hanoi. Once a Buddhist centre of Thang Long under the Ly – Tran dynasties. Tran Quoc Pagoda now becomes an attractive spiritual destination of the capital, attracting a lot of tourists to visit and worship every year.
In particular, in 2016, Tran Quoc Pagoda was listed in the list of 16 most beautiful temples in the world voted by British Daily Mail.
How Tran Quoc Pagoda is unique?
Being registered as the oldest temple in Thang Long and one of the most beautiful temples in the world. This place must have special features, different from other temples, to attract tourists like that.
Looking at the 1500-year history of the temple’s operation, this is a huge difference. Besides, Buddhist architecture here is also an impressive point, attracting tourists. For a long time, this temple has been a must-see destination for travellers with a one-day tour in Hanoi.
If you step into the temple and see the ancient architecture, you will certainly not wonder why this temple is voted as one of the 16 most beautiful temples in the world. With architecture in Buddhist style, the whole temple is like a blooming lotus, luxurious but peaceful. In particular, the temple space is located in the heart of West Lake. So it is very friendly with nature, brings a peaceful and relaxing feeling.
The space of the temple is also arranged strictly according to the characteristic principles of Buddhism. The classes are cleverly arranged in a peacock shape. In which, the front street, the Thieu Huong house and the Upper Palace are the three main houses inside the temple. The temple campus also has a lotus pagoda, which looks extremely impressive.
Although experiencing the ups and downs of history, the architecture of the pagoda is somewhat lost, the original features of the temple are not clear, but Tran Quoc Pagoda is still a beautiful work of Buddhist architecture. A peaceful place in the heart of Hanoi will surely give visitors a feeling of incredible peace when visiting this temple.
Top things to do in Tran Quoc Pagoda
Like most other temples in Vietnam, Tran Quoc Pagoda has many layers, a worship house. Many Buddha statues from low to high, from big to small, sparkling golden, smoky all year round .. Especially, there is the magnificent golden wooden statue of Thich Ca imported Nirvana.
The pagoda also has 14 steles, including steles of Poinsettias Nguyen Xuan Chinh, Dr Pham Quy Thich built in 1639 and 1015 …
The beauty of Tran Quoc pagoda architecture
In front of the main facade of the pagoda is a large red-tiled courtyard. With a large incense burner in the middle for Buddhists and visitors to offer incense. In addition to the original architecture, in 2003, Tran Quoc Pagoda inaugurated a new 15m-high, 11-storey lotus chedi with 6 arched doorways each with a statue of Buddha Amitabha. It made of precious stones.
In particular, at the top of the tower, there is also a nine-story lotus called the Nine-product Lotus, also carved with elegant gemstones. Therefore, Thrillist site has evaluated Tran Quoc Pagoda – the oldest temple in Hanoi has a unique architecture like a blooming lotus and makes people think of the lotus of the ancestor.
Facing the chedi. There is a linden tree that is more than ten years old, always shady by the President of India during a visit to the temple on March 24, 1959.
With the symmetrical image of the Stupa with a bodhi tree that is extremely profound. It is the lotus symbolizing the ethereal Buddha. It will not be defiled, always strong on the mud even in a bad environment. And the bodhi tree represents the wisdom, the unsurpassed wisdom of the Buddha and the benevolence and selflessness of the person. All these have implications for the beauty of Buddha.
Do not miss the opportunity to admire the many statues of Buddha and Bodhisattva with great artistic value such as the worship set in the Upper Palace; bronze cast statues … All are elaborately created, meticulously … with a mysterious sacred meaning.
However, the biggest highlight is the wooden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and painted with golden lipstick – the most beautiful statue of Nirvana.
It’s worth to visit on the first and fifteen days of lunar months
Tran Quoc Pagoda is located on the eastern peninsula of West Lake. So it belongs to Yen Phu village, where there is a holy temple. Every spring, villagers organize a procession from the communal house to the pagoda and then from the temple to the village by a group of boats, flagging the drums jubilantly.
People entering Tran Quoc pagoda, in addition to sincerely worshipping Buddha, are for travelling. Especially to visit a peaceful place in the noisy and busy streets.
It’s quiet in the afternoon Tran Quoc Pagoda. Lake is like an old monk, meditating in the sunset, listening to the verse between the clouds of water, no matter what paths are still bustling …
When is the best time to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda?
Tran Quoc Pagoda is open daily. However, this is a sacred temple, visitors can choose to visit the pagoda on the first day or the full moon. Come here not only to visit the scenery but also to burn incense, pray for peace for yourself and your family.
How to get there?
To visit and visit the temple, visitors can choose from a variety of means, such as:
- Motorbike or car: The most convenient means is probably a motorbike. You can follow the direction of the Chairman mausoleum and turn to Thanh Nien Street. Right near the temple, there are parking lots that are very convenient for visitors.
- Bus: An interesting travel vehicle of Hanoi, convenient, safe and economical. Through Tran Quoc pagoda visitors can choose the bus routes such as 30, 50. Besides, visitors can refer to some more routes on timbus.vn for more information.
- Taxi: If travelling in groups, or with family (especially families with young children), the taxi will be the best choice for you. Depending on the route you go. There are different prices, but you should use the services of reputable car manufacturers to ensure safety.
Recommended accommodation
Some hotels nearest Tran Quoc Pagoda:
- Hanoian Backpack Hostel
- Millan Home Reflections
- InterContinental Hanoi Westlake
- Pan Pacific Hanoi
- Hanoi Friendly House
- Parosand Hanoi Hostel
What to eat?
Some Restaurant near Tran Quoc Pagoda:
- Nhat Ban Reiwa Restaurant
- A la Folie Restaurant
- 1915Y Restaurant – Vietnamese Cuisine
- Summit Lounge
- Home Hanoi Restaurant
- Ming Restaurant
Conclusion
Discover the cultural and scenic wonders of Hanoi with a captivating sightseeing tour that includes a visit to Tran Quoc Pagoda. This peaceful and exquisite pagoda is an excellent spot to explore the rich history and culture of Vietnam while also taking in breathtaking views of the city. From the serene ambiance of the pagoda to the stunning city vistas, Tran Quoc Pagoda is an essential destination for anyone seeking to experience the captivating culture and beauty of Hanoi.
