Trấn Quốc Pagoda: A Historical and Spiritual Symbol in Hanoi

Tran Quoc Pagoda sits on a small island in Hanoi’s West Lake and is known as the oldest pagoda in Vietnam, with more than 1,500 years of history. Built in the 6th century, it played an important role in Buddhism during the days of the imperial capital Thang Long. Today, this heritage site is a peaceful place where visitors can explore Vietnamese culture and spirituality.

This guide covers its history, architecture, and useful tips for your visit.

Written by Oliver PHUNG (Tour guide)Updated on 27-09-2025

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Table of contents

How Tran Quoc Pagoda Was Built and Evolved Over Time?
Built in the 6th Century under Emperor Ly Nam De
From Khai Quoc to Tran Quoc
Buddhism’s Influence in Thang Long under the Ly and Tran Dynasty
Tran Quoc Pagoda Today
Architecture of Tran Quoc Pagoda
Unique “Công” (工) Layout of Tran Quoc Pagoda
Key Architectural Elements
Lotus Tower (Bảo Tháp Lục Độ Đài Sen)
The Wooden Bell Tower
The Sacred Bodhi Tree from India
How to Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda?

How Tran Quoc Pagoda Was Built and Evolved Over Time?

Built in the 6th Century under Emperor Ly Nam De

Tran Quoc Pagoda, known as the oldest pagoda in Vietnam, was first built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De. At that time, it was called Khai Quoc, which means “to found the nation” and reflected Vietnam’s wish for independence. The temple originally stood on a sandbank by the Red River, close to today’s Yen Phu area in Hanoi.

From Khai Quoc to Tran Quoc

Around 1615, as the banks of the Red River eroded, the pagoda was moved to a small island in the middle of West Lake, where Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi still stands today.

It was later restored and enlarged several times, notably in 1624, 1628, and 1639. During the reign of Emperor Le Hy Tong (1681–1705), the temple received its present name, Tran Quoc, which means “defense of the nation.” The name reflected the hope that the pagoda would guard peace and protect the people from misfortune.

In the 19th century, emperors of the Nguyen dynasty, including Minh Mang and Thieu Tri, continued to support the pagoda through restorations, casting bells, and improving Buddhist statues. These efforts reinforced its reputation as the oldest pagoda in Vietnam and one of Hanoi’s most important Buddhist landmarks.

Buddhism’s Influence in Thang Long under the Ly and Tran Dynasty

During the Ly and Tran dynasties, Tran Quoc Pagoda was one of the most important Buddhist centers in the imperial capital of Thang Long (today’s Hanoi). More than just a religious site, it shaped the spiritual and cultural life of the Vietnamese people for centuries.

Tran Quoc Pagoda Today

Today, Tran Quoc Pagoda is not just a historic landmark but also one of Hanoi’s most visited spiritual and cultural sites. International media have also praised its beauty.

In 2016, the Daily Mail listed it among the 16 most beautiful pagodas in the world.
A year later, Wanderlust magazine ranked it third on its top 10 list, noting its harmony with the surrounding nature.
In 2019, National Geographic described it as one of the most architecturally impressive Buddhist sites worldwide.

Architecture of Tran Quoc Pagoda

Tran Quoc Pagoda follows the Mahayana tradition of Northern Buddhism and is dedicated to Shakyamuni Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, and the goddess of compassion, Quan Am. Over the centuries, it has gone through several restorations, yet the pagoda still preserves the core layout and architectural style of traditional Vietnamese Buddhism.

Unique “Công” (工) Layout of Tran Quoc Pagoda

A remarkable feature of Tran Quoc Pagoda’s architecture in Hanoi is its layout in the shape of the Chinese character Công (工), which is typical of traditional Vietnamese temples.

From above, the oldest pagoda in Vietnam forms a harmonious ensemble of three main halls: Tien Duong (front vestibule), Nha Thieu Huong (incense hall), and Thuong Dien (main shrine). These buildings are aligned in a straight line, connected seamlessly to create a solemn and balanced worship space.

Inside Tien Duong, visitors can admire several Buddha statues, including a gilded wooden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha entering nirvana. Nha Thieu Huong is the space for incense burners and offering rituals. Thuong Dien serves as the main sanctuary, preserving valuable statues of Buddhas and bodhisattvas, along with ancient stone stelae inscribed by scholars and officials of the past.

The entire temple faces west, with two side corridors extending from the main halls and a bell tower behind the shrine, completing the sacred heart of Tran Quoc Pagoda.

Key Architectural Elements

The Tam Quan gate is the first thing visitors notice when entering this pagoda in Hanoi. Built in traditional Vietnamese style, it features three entrances that symbolize the three realms of Buddhism: the world of desire (Dục giới), the world of form (Sắc giới), and the formless world (Vô sắc giới). This symbolic gateway sets the tone for the sacred atmosphere that follows inside the pagoda.

Lotus Tower (Bảo Tháp Lục Độ Đài Sen)

One of the most striking features of Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi is the Bảo Tháp Lục Độ Đài Sen, or Lotus Tower, a symbol of enlightenment in Buddhism built between 1998 and 2003. Rising 15 meters with 11 levels, the tower holds niches on each floor, each enshrining a statue of Amitābha Buddha carved from precious stone. Together, these figures create an impressive “garden of towers” that visitors find both sacred and visually captivating.

The Wooden Bell Tower

The bell tower is a wooden structure with a traditional curved roof, built in three compartments with a layered design that gives it a graceful profile. Surrounding it are ancient towers, a serene tower garden, intricate wood carvings covered in gold, and centuries-old stone stelae that hold deep cultural value. Inside the shrines, Buddha statues painted in red and finished with gold leaf radiate a solemn beauty that makes the whole complex feel sacred and timeless.

The Sacred Bodhi Tree from India

In front of the entrance stands a sacred Bodhi tree, grown from a cutting of the original tree in Bodh Gaya, India, where Buddha Shakyamuni attained enlightenment.

This living symbol was a gift from Indian President Rajendra Prasad to President Ho Chi Minh during his state visit on March 24, 1959. Today, the tree embodies wisdom and compassion, while also serving as a reminder of the deep cultural friendship between Vietnam and India.

How to Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda?

Opening hours (normal days)

On regular days, Tran Quoc Pagoda welcomes visitors from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
On the 1st and 15th of the lunar month, the temple opens earlier at 6:00 a.m. and stays open until around 8:00 p.m.
On Lunar New Year’s Eve (Giao Thừa), it remains open all night as worshippers gather to pray and celebrate the transition to the new year.

Address & Transport

Tran Quoc Pagoda sits on a small island at 46 Thanh Nien Street, Tay Ho District, about 3.5 km northwest of Hanoi’s Old Quarter (around 15 minutes by car).

Conclusion

Tran Quoc Pagoda is not only the oldest pagoda in Hanoi but also one of its most sacred, closely tied to Vietnamese Buddhist history and architecture. A visit here reveals centuries of heritage, graceful towers and shrines, and the serene charm of West Lake. During your time in the capital, don’t miss Tran Quoc Pagoda, a place where history and spirituality come together in perfect harmony.