Hanoi Attractions: #12 The Tran Quoc Pagoda

The Tran Quoc Pagoda is a favourite among Hanoi attractions. This is the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi and can be found on a small island close to the southeastern shore of Hanoi’s West Lake. It was constructed in the 6th century by Emperor Ly Nam De. Tran Quoc Pagoda was supposedly founded with the name Khai Quoc, meaning National Founder. It has undergone a few name changes since.

The Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest in Hanoi
It took 4 years to build and is one of the more intricate among the temples in Vietnam. It is considered an important cultural symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism Being the oldest pagoda in Hanoi and situated in the city centre, it is unlike other ordinary pagodas. The Tran Quoc Pagoda was built in an unusually intricate manner. Behind the main shrine is the Buddhist trinity. The Buddhist doctrine says that the Buddha has three Kayas or bodies. These are represented here. Moving on from this room are corridors and a further ten shrines and finally the belfry. Within the pagoda are many valuable statues Probably the most important is a statue made using red lac, an brilliant red dye excreted by the lac insect, it is trimmed with the gold of Sakyamouni Buddha’s Parinirvana, considered a masterpiece of Vietnamese art.

The Tran Quoc Pagoda stands on an island in West Lake. It provides a beautiful backdrop, particularly when viewed in the day’s dying sun.Vied from the end of Thanh Nien Road, the towers of the pagoda rise above the lake’s surface. In the garden stands a Bodhi tree, presented by Indian Prime Minister Razendia Prasatwhich in 1959. The tree was grafted from the holy bodhi tree where Sakyamuni achieved enlightenment. The bodhi tree is easily recognisable from its heart-shaped leaves.

The Tran Quoc Pagoda is a worthy addition to any list of Hanoi attractions. It is a fascinating place and must be included on any itinerary of holidays in Hanoi.

Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 11a.m.-11-30 a.m. and 1-30 p.m. – 6p.m.
Sunday and holidays: 7 a.m.- 6 p.m.

!steemitworldmap 21.047155 lat 105.835 long ‘The Temple of Literature' D3SCR

Other Hanoi Attractions can be found here:

#1 Cua Bac Church Here: @inseasia/hanoi-attractions

#2 Hoan Kiem Lake. @inseasia/hanoi-attractions-2-hoan-kiem-lake

#3 Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum @inseasia/hanoi-attractions-3-ho-chi-minh-mausoleum

#4 The Vietnamese Museum of Ethnology @inseasia/hanoi-attractions-the-vietnam-museum-of-ethnology

#5 Truc Bach Lake @inseasia/hanoi-attractions-5-truc-bach-lake

#6 Quan Thanh Temple @inseasia/hanoi-attractions-6-quan-thanh-temple

#7 Vietnam Museum of Revolution @inseasia/hanoi-attractions-7-vietnam-museum-of-revolution

#8 Hanoi Opera House @inseasia/hanoi-attractions-8-hanoi-opera-house

#9 Vietnam Military History Museum @inseasia/hanoi-attractions-9-vietnam-military-history-museum