Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi, Vietnam 2024

Where is Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi, Vietnam?
Tran Quoc Pagoda is located on a small islet of West Lake (Tay Ho District, Hanoi). Visitors can go inside the pagoda through its main gate on No. 46, Thanh Nien Street. Tran Quoc Pagoda worships Amitabha Buddha, Shakyamuni Buddha, and Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. Additionally, there is an altar dedicated to Guan Yu, Guan Ping, Zhou Shang, and Anathapindika.
Tran Quoc Pagoda is also very close to many of Hanoi's top attractions, such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature. It serves as a convenient starting point to explore the city's cultural and culinary offerings. There are also plenty of beautiful sights for visitors to immerse themselves in near Tran Quoc Pagoda.

Long-standing history
With a history of 1,500 years, Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi. It was built in 541 in the Early Ly Dynasty, originally named Khai Quoc Pagoda. At that time, the pagoda was located near the banks of the Red River. In 1615, when the dyke collapsed, the pagoda was relocated to Yen Phu dyke in the Kim Nguu mound area.
The pagoda’s name was changed to Tran Quoc during the reign of King Le Hy Tong (1681 - 1705), with the hope that Tran Quoc Pagoda would be a place to help people repel natural disasters and also bring them a peaceful life. The name “Tran Quoc” is used to this day.
Fast forward to the Tran Dynasty, Tran Quoc Pagoda was deemed the capital of Buddhism. Today, it is considered an iconic symbol of Hanoi.

Marvelous architectural complex
Adhering to the strict principles of Buddhism, Tran Quoc Pagoda preserves the aesthetic beauty of Eastern architectural style.
The pagoda's 3000-meters-squared design is a harmonious blend of traditional elements, characterized by intricate woodwork, gracefully curved roofs, and delicate ornamentation. Each detail is a testament to the reverence for nature and the pursuit of spiritual balance that Buddhism embodies.

The 11-Storey Stupa (Bao Thap)
As soon as you enter the pagoda, you will be greeted by a remarkable sight – The majestic red-brown tower standing proudly before you, known as the 11-storey Stupa or Bao Thap. This exquisite tower is a captivating masterpiece, comprised of eleven distinct stories, each adorned with six elegantly arched doorways.
Within these doorways, white gemstone statues of Amitabha Buddha stand in tranquil reverence, emanating an aura of serenity and enlightenment. The presence of the Buddha statues within the doorways serves as a reminder of the Buddha's teachings and the path to enlightenment.