Tran Quoc Pagoda
Tran Quoc Pagoda
Tran Quoc Pagoda
Tran Quoc Pagoda
The oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, located on a picturesque island in West Lake.
Hanoi
Buddhist Temple
Cultural Heritage
Tran Quoc Pagoda is Hanoi's oldest Buddhist temple, founded in the 6th century. It is a place of spiritual energy combining centuries of Vietnamese Buddhist history, unique architecture, and sacred relics, including a Bodhi tree gifted by India.
- Visit duration
1–2 hours
- Average budget
from $5
- Admission
Free (donation appreciated)
- Best months
Year-round
- Spoken languages
Vietnamese, English
What you need to know
The temple was founded around 541–548 and was originally named Khai Quoc ("National Founder"). In 1615, it was moved to Golden Fish Island in West Lake.
Main attractions:
Bao Tap Luc Do Dai Sen
— a 15-meter, 11-story pagoda decorated with niches housing statues of Amitabha Buddha.
The sacred Bodhi tree
, grown from a cutting of the original tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.
Unique artifacts
: a statue of Shakyamuni entering Nirvana and 14 ancient stone steles.
Interestingly, alongside Buddhist shrines, ancient Vietnamese Mother Goddesses are also venerated here, reflecting Vietnam's unique cultural syncretism.
The pagoda is open to visitors year-round. The best time for striking photos is in the late afternoon (4:30 PM – 5:30 PM), when the sunset light illuminates the building's facade.
On site
- Getting there
Taxi (Grab/Be) or buses No. 33, 50
- Dress code
Shoulders and knees must be covered
- Opening hours
07:30–11:30, 13:30–17:30
- Cash
Required for donations
- Connectivity
4G is available around the lake area
- With children
Suitable for family visits