Tran Quoc Pagoda

Tran Quoc Pagoda is a pagoda over a thousand years old, the oldest in Thang Long – Hanoi. It has both spiritual and historical values ​​and architectural beauty. This is one of the tourist destinations in Hanoi that you should not miss. Let’s explore this famous place with Origin Vietnam.

1. Where is Tran Quoc Pagoda?

Tran Quoc Pagoda is located at 46 Thanh Nien Street, Yen Phu Ward, Tay Ho District, Hanoi City, Vietnam. About 3.5 km northwest of Hanoi city center. You can find it on google map here.

2. How is Tran Quoc Pagoda unique?

Tran Quoc Pagoda is an ancient pagoda in Vietnam, up to 1500 years old. The pagoda is located on a mound of land, looking from afar like a small island. Surrounding the pagoda is a blue water, no different from a picturesque landscape painting.

During the Ly – Le dynasty, Tran Quoc Pagoda was the Buddhist center of Thang Long citadel. In 2021, this pagoda was to be in the TOP 16 most beautiful pagodas in the world voted by the British newspaper Daily Mail. In particular, this place is also famous as one of the most sacred temples for praying for love in Hanoi.

Tran Quoc Pagoda follows the Northern sect. Inside the temple, people worshiped the Buddha Amitabha, Buddha Shakyamuni and Buddha Quan Am. The pagoda also has an altar to Quan Binh, Quan Vu, Chu Thuong, Duc Ong and attendants.

With its prime location, long history and unique architecture, Tran Quoc Pagoda has become an attractive destination for sightseeing and exploring the capital. In addition to admiring the beautiful scenery, you can also come here to worship Buddha, make a pilgrimage or pray for peace and luck.

3. History of Tran Quoc Pagoda

According to historical records and documents, Tran Quoc Pagoda was built in 541 during the Pre-Ly Dynasty. And it originally called Khai Quoc Pagoda. Initially, the pagoda was located on the land of Yen Hoa village, which is Yen Phu village today.

• In 1440, King Le Thai Tong changed the pagoda’s name to An Quoc Pagoda with the wish for the country to be peaceful and lasting.
• Under the reign of King Le Kinh Tong, pepple moved the pagoda to the Yen Phu dike area in 1615. They built it on the old foundation of Han Nguyen Palace of the Tran Dynasty and Thuy Hoa Palace of the Ly Dynasty.
• In 1639, Lord Trinh built corridors on both sides and repaired the three-entrance gate. During the reign of King Le Hy Tong, people renamed the Tran Quoc Pagoda. People installed a bell, sculpturing statues and a magnificent restoration this pagoda at the beginning of the Nguyen Dynasty.
• In 1821, King Minh Mang visited the pagoda and gave 20 taels of silver to expand and restore the pagoda. In 1842, King Thieu Tri gave 200 quan of money and 1 large gold coin and also changed the pagoda’s name to Tran Bac Pagoda.

However, people from ancient times still called the pagoda Tran Quoc, thanks to which this name has been kept until today. Through many ups and downs, people continued preserving, maintaining and restoring Tran Quoc Pagoda by later generations to build a solemn beauty for this pagoda.

4. Value and meaning of Tran Quoc Pagoda

According to historical records, during the French colonial period, the Far Eastern Institute of Archaeology conducted in-depth research and highly appreciated this ancient pagoda. In particular, Tran Quoc Pagoda is also ranked as one of the unique religious structures in the world:

• 2016: Tran Quoc Pagoda was voted by Daily Mail as one of the 16 most beautiful pagodas in the world.
• 2017: Wanderlust ranked Tran Quoc Pagoda third in the list of 10 most beautiful pagodas in harmony with nature.
• 2019: National Geographic honored Tran Quoc Pagoda in the list of Buddhist pagodas with the most beautiful architecture in the world, worthy of being a spiritual destination not to be missed.

Through many historical changes, people still protected, embellished and maintained the pagoda as its architectural and cultural beauty. In 1962, the Ministry of Culture and Information recognized Tran Quoc Pagoda as a National Historical – Cultural Relic. For Vietnamese Buddhism, Tran Quoc Pagoda is truly a source of pride, a valuable heritage possessing architectural, historical and cultural beauty. Today, this structure is still one of the sacred Buddhist places, a famous spiritual destination in Hanoi, attracting a large number of tourists and monks and Buddhists to come and worship.

5. When is the best time to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda?

As the most sacred ancient pagoda in Hanoi, Tran Quoc Pagoda is always crowded with Buddhists and visitors coming to visit and worship. The 1st and 15th of the lunar month are the two times when visitors come to the pagoda the most. In addition, Tet is also the time when everyone gathers at the pagoda.

Visitors can visit this pagoda at any time of the month. However, if you want to enjoy the feeling of serenity and peace at the Buddha’s door, you should come here on weekdays. If you like to sightsee or take photos to check-in, early morning is the most ideal time.

6. How to get to Tran Quoc Pagoda?

Tran Quoc Pagoda is about 3.5 km north and northwest of the center of Hanoi. To visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, you can choose personal vehicles such as cars, motorbikes or taxi services, Grab. Travel time is only 15 – 20 minutes, free parking is available.

Besides, the bus is also a means of transport worth considering if you want to go to Tran Quoc Pagoda. This is the means of transport often used by monks, nuns and Buddhists of the pagoda. Currently, there are 2 bus routes with stops near the pagoda: route 33 (Yen Nghia Bus Station – Xuan Dinh) and route 50 (Long Bien – National Stadium).

7. Opening hours and entrance fees to Tran Quoc Pagoda

Tran Quoc Pagoda opens to welcome visitors to visit and worship from 8am – 4pm every day. On the 1st and 15th of the lunar month, the pagoda opens from 6am – 6pm and on New Year’s Eve, the pagoda is open all night.

Tran Quoc Pagoda does not charge entrance fees for both Hanoi residents and tourists. Therefore, you can freely visit, sightsee and worship at the pagoda.

8. Activities and experiences at Tran Quoc Pagoda

8.1 Discovering the architecture of Tran Quoc Pagoda

The image of Tran Quoc Pagoda clearly shows the oriental motifs and natural landscapes arranged according to the strict principles and order of Buddhism. After many renovations and repairs, Tran Quoc Pagoda now has a total area of ​​over 3000m2 including 3 main houses: Thieu Huong, Thuong Dien and Tien duong connected together in the shape of the letter Cong.

The Tien duong house was built facing the West in the middle of the pagoda grounds. On both sides are Thieu Huong and Thuong Dien with two long corridors. Behind is a three-room house with a roof overlapping with a diem, then a bell tower located on the main hall axis. On the left is the stele house preserving 14 steles with many cultural and historical values ​​and on the right is the ancestral house. In the 18th century, under the reign of King Le Y Tong, many more towers were built behind Tran Quoc Pagoda. 

In 1998, the abbot of Tran Quoc Pagoda, Venerable Kim Cuong Tu, built the Luc Do Dai Sen Stupa, which stands out in the middle of the ancient tower garden. The stupa is placed symmetrically with the Bodhi tree – a gift from Indian President Rajendra Prasad in 1959 when he visited the capital. With its great historical value and unique architecture, the authority recognized Tran Quoc Pagoda as a National Historical and Cultural Relic in 1989.

8.2 Offering incense to Buddha for peace

Tran Quoc Pagoda is a sacred place for everyone to pray for luck and peace. Visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda has long been a habit of Hanoians every time Tet comes or every 1st and 15th day of the lunar month. No matter when you go sightseeing or go to the pagoda, you should to buy incense, prepare offerings to show your respect.

8.3 Admiring the Bodhi tree of Tran Quoc Pagoda

Whenever Tran Quoc Pagoda is mentioned, everyone will immediately think of the large Bodhi tree grafted from the Great Bodhi tree of Dao Trang. This is where Buddha Shakyamuni sat and practiced 25 centuries ago. The Bodhi tree of Tran Quoc Pagoda also has many spiritual meanings. It is a symbol of compassion and altruism towards people and a symbol of the wisdom of Buddha. Every year, many visitors come to Tran Quoc Pagoda to worship and make pilgrimages to pray to Buddha before this Bodhi tree.

After nearly 60 years since Mr. Prasat donated it, the Bodhi tree has been carefully and meticulously cared for by the abbots of the pagoda to be as lush as it is today. The shade of the Bodhi tree makes the temple landscape poetic, peaceful and the air is also extremely fresh and cool.

8.4 Admiring the unique beauty of Buddha and Bodhisattva statues

Visitors can admire the unique beauty of Buddha and Bodhisattva statues at the Tran Quoc Pagoda’s Stupa or the Front Hall. The 11-storey Stupa has an area of ​​about 10.5m2. Inside the Stupa is a statue of Amitabha Buddha made of precious stones. Inside the tower are about 66 other statues. On top of the tower is a 9-storey lotus throne resembling a blooming lotus flower, exuding a fragrant scent, made of sparkling precious stones.

After visiting the Stupa, you can move to pray to Buddha and make a pilgrimage at the Front Hall. People worshiped many Guan Gong and beautiful statues here. The most prominent is the statue of Sakyamuni Buddha entering Nirvana. They painted it with red lacquer and gilded. Other Buddha statues are cast in sparkling bronze.

9. Enjoying Hanoi specialties when visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda

After visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda, this is when you have the opportunity to enjoy delicious dishes in Hanoi: 

9.1 Fried spring rolls 

A famous dish that is always present during Tet holiday for the people of Northern Vietnam. That you cannot miss in the list of spring rolls in Hanoi. It is spring rolls. People spring wrapped rolls with ingredients including: meat, eggs, papaya, carrots, wood ear mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms,…Then they must fry to be able to eat.

After frying, the spring rolls are golden brown on the outside. The ingredients inside are just ripe and they cut them into bite-sized and hot pieces for diners to enjoy.

9.2 Pho Roll 

When talking about Hanoi’s capital cuisine, you certainly cannot miss the Pho Roll. People cut them into square pieces and rolled with herbs and extremely delicious beef. Then, they dipped pho rolls in a very flavorful diluted fish sauce.

9.3 Tay Ho Sen Buffet 

Tay Ho Sen Buffet will bring you an unforgettable culinary experience. With a luxurious space next to the poetic Thuy Dinh campus, surrounded by lakes and lotus ponds. The restaurant serves 3 main buffet areas: Quoc Te, Ha Noi and Star Palace with a diverse menu, including grilled dishes, seafood, Asian – European cuisine and specialties of 3 regions.

9.4 West Lake Shrimp Cake on Thanh Nien Street 

Shrimp cake is the most famous dish here, shown through the familiar saying “Come to Tay Ho Palace to eat shrimp cake”. People wrapped West Lake shrimp cake in a layer of crispy fried dough, inside is firm shrimp meat. They enjoy the cake with a little bit of pickled vegetables, fresh raw vegetables and a harmonious sweet and sour dipping sauce.

9.5 Hanoi Pho 

Hanoi Pho is famous as the “national soul” of Vietnamese cuisine. The dish carries the “sacred soul” of Vietnam, which is the perfect blend of delicious, rich broth with sweet beef and chewy pho noodles. Add a little green onion, herbs, lemon and chili and you will be amazed by the many layers of flavor in the traditional pho dish.

10. Accommodation when visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda

When visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda, you can refer to some hotels below:

• Pan Pacific Hanoi. Address: 1 Thanh Nien, Truc Bach Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi City.
• Hanoi Le Jardin Hotel & Spa. Address: 46A Nguyen Truong To, Truc Bach Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi City.
• La Santé Hotel & Spa. Address: 42 Chau Long, Truc Bach Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi City.
• The Hanoi Club Hotel & Residences. Address: 76 Yen Phu, Yen Phu Ward, Tay Ho District, Hanoi City.
• InterContinental Hanoi Westlake. Address: 5 Tu Hoa, Quang An Ward, Tay Ho District, Hanoi City.
• The Royal Hotel. Address: No. 60 Nghi Tam, Yen Phu, Tay Ho, Hanoi City.
• The Autumn Homestay. Address: No. 30A Truc Lac, Truc Bach, Ba Dinh, Hanoi City.

11. Some other famous tourist attractions near Tran Quoc Pagoda

From Tran Quoc Pagoda, you can easily visit other famous tourist attractions in Hanoi such as:

• Tay Ho Temple: A majestic temple located on the West Lake, where the Holy Mother Lieu Hanh is worshiped.
• Thang Long Imperial Citadel: A historical relic site with buildings and sculptures dating back to the 11th century. This is a World Cultural Heritage recognized by UNESCO.
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: The resting place of the father of the Vietnamese nation.
• Vietnam Fine Arts Museum: A place to display works of art from classical to contemporary Vietnamese and foreign.
• Hanoi Old Quarter: An ancient quarter with narrow streets, ancient houses and traditional shops.
• Hanoi Opera House: A splendid theater built in 1911, which hosts art performances.
• Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam: The first university in Vietnam, a symbol of Vietnamese education.
• Hanoi Cathedral: The largest Catholic church in Hanoi, built in the 19th century.
• Dong Xuan Market: The largest market in Hanoi, where you can find everything from fresh food to clothes and souvenirs.
• Quan Thanh Temple: The temple worships Quan Thanh De Quan, a god in Vietnamese folk beliefs.

12. Some important notes when visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda

To make your Hanoi tour with visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda full of joy and completeness. You need to refer to some necessary notes below:

• Dress: Choose modest, polite clothes, avoid wearing clothes that are too short or revealing.
• Maintain hygiene: Do not litter, keep the landscape clean and beautiful.
• Respect the space: Avoid laughing, talking loudly, affecting the peaceful space of the pagoda.
• Ask permission before taking photos: Some areas in the pagoda may restrict photography, please ask permission before taking photos.
• Do not pick flowers, break branches, or ruin the landscape of the pagoda.

Tran Quoc Pagoda with the image of the towering Bao Thap tower standing out from afar is a brilliant mark of the history and culture of Thang Long – Hanoi from ancient times. Through many ups and downs, Tran Quoc Pagoda is always an ideal spiritual tourist destination in the journey to explore the Capital. It is a worthy stop for tourists every time they visit Hanoi. 

Contact Origin Vietnam – a professional tour operator. For more updated and detailed information about other beautiful tourist destinations in Hanoi. We also accompany you on your journey to explore the Hanoi tour with interesting activities and unforgettable experiences.