Tran Quoc Pagoda

Originally located on Red River’s banks and moved to an islet within West Lake due to the river’s encroachment, Tran Quoc Pagoda is also a famous tourism attraction besides being a must-visit spot for Buddhists. 

Tran Quoc Pagoda is one of the most attractive tourist spots in Hanoi by its rich religious, historical, and architectural values. Being awarded as one of the world's most beautiful pagodas by Thrillist, Tran Quoc looks like a painting that harmonizes perfectly between majesty and poetic sense. The whole system of ancient buildings is surrounded and covered with nature's green.



The ancient land is a complex of many layering houses, with three main houses connected in a Nom letter (the Vietnamese logographic system used in the past). 

The unique highlight of Tran Quoc Pagoda is the 15 m hexagonal lotus tower. The tower consists of 11 floors, each with six doorways, and there is a precious statue of Amitabha Buddha on each door. The top of the tower is the Cuu Pham Lien Hoa (9-storey lotus) with gemstones.

You may also find Buddha’s wooden and golden painted statues and many artistic Buddism statues inside the pagoda. Besides, some other historically, culturally, and religiously valuable ancient evidence is displayed.

Tran Quoc Pagoda is one of the oldest pagodas in Hanoi, up to 1,500 years. The pagoda was built for the purpose of praying for national peace and prosperity, which is implied in its name, "Tran Quoc" (protecting the country). Loving the lush greenery of the area, many Kings and royal families used to hold festivals, full moons, and Tet festival royal celebrations here. 

Wandering around the area, you may find a giant storax tree directly given by India’s President when he visited on March 24th, 1959. The pagoda was recognized as National Historical Monument in 1962. Tran Quoc Pagoda is still chosen to host many important religious events, with the participants of millions of prayers and tourists.

The pagoda is packed with devotees and locals during annual festivals like Tet, full moons, or Buddha’s birthday. You should visit the temple on normal days instead of on special holidays to avoid overcrowding. 



It takes about 15 – 20 minutes by car from Hanoi center to Tran Quoc Pagoda (about 4 km). Travelers are suggested to take a taxi or motorcycle taxi for convenience. This nice place does not ask tourists for any fee. However, you can always show respect to the worship place by dressing conservatively.