Tran Quoc Pagoda is the symbol of Vietnam’s Buddhist honored for its long history and favorable location. Visitors come here to enjoy its ancient architecture, admire the landscaped gardens and relax in a tranquil atmosphere.
Over 1500 years Tran Quoc Pagoda is one of the oldest pagodas in Hanoi, and famous for Buddhist statues and temples, a high stupa, Vietnamese art and historical stelae.
Built between 544 and 548 in the Ly dynasty, Tran Quoc Pagoda was originally called “Khai Quoc”. The building with many fine architectural details built according to Buddhist architectural rules. The pagoda consists of three houses called “Money Road” and a burning house. The chambers in the pagoda are joined together into the Cong statue. If take a look at the inscription made in the pagoda in 1639, visitors will learn from the record the history of the temple and the Buddha statue in the Nirvana.
Going through the gardens, visitors will see the Bodhi tree with heart-shaped leaves. In 1959, Indian President Rajendra Prasad gave the Bodhi tree to the pagoda. It is believed that this is a branch of the Bodhi tree where the Buddha was enlightened. Tourists and pilgrims from all over the world come here to honor this relic.
The tall telescopic tower built in 1998 is located symmetrically with the Bodhi tree. Stupa is higher than 15 m and consists of 11 floors. On each floor, there are six doorways and peak of the tower has a large sculptured lotus, the symbol of the Buddha and endless knowledge.
Museum in the temple is small but worth to explore carved statues and exotic antiques from hundreds to thousands of years old. Visitors can admire the nature from here at sunset when the pink and orange clouds reflect on the horizon behind the temple and the stupas.
Tran Quoc Pagoda is located on an island on the West Lake and visitors can enter the site through the embankment. The temple is open daily and does not charge entrance fee. Visitors should wear formally when visiting this spiritual place in here.
Opening hours: 7:30 – 11:30, 13:30 – 18:30 except holidays
