Each pagoda in Hanoi, big or small, always has a unique history and architecture, which attracts many people to visit and sightsee. Below are the 10 pagodas in Hanoi, considered the most beautiful and famous in the capital.
1. The culture of the pagoda ceremony
The pagoda ceremony has long become a good cultural and spiritual tradition of the Vietnamese people, familiar to the lifestyle of Vietnamese families. The Vietnamese believe that the beginning of the year is a new beginning, the beginning of spring, of life. It is an opportunity for people to visit the temple, to enjoy the scenery and find peace of mind. Every spring, going to the pagodas at the beginning of the year has become a cultural beauty for everyone.
Everyone who goes to the pagodas always wishes good things, good luck and peace to come for them and their families, and wishes to express their respect to the Buddha.
If you are a religious enthusiast, don’t miss the opportunity to explore one of the many religious sites in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
2. Beautiful pagodas in Hanoi City
2.1. Tran Quoc Pagoda
Built in 541 during the early Ly Dynasty, it was located near the banks of the Red River. When the dike collapsed in 1615, the pagoda was moved inside the Yen Phu dike. During the reign of King Le Hy Tong, the pagoda changed its name to Tran Quoc Pagoda, with the meaning that this place will help people dispel natural disasters and bring them a peaceful life.
Situated in a privileged location, surrounded on four sides by the blue water Ho Tây Lake, this pagoda is compared to a small island, a kingdom of its own. After a major renovation in the early 1800s, it covers an area of more than 3,000m2 including the tower garden, the ancestral house and the upper hall. According to the Bac Tong sect, inside the pagoda, Amitabha Buddha, Shakyamuni Buddha and Bodhisattva Guan Yin are worshipped.
The architecture of the pagoda follows strict principles typical of Buddhism, comprising 3 main temples: the entrance hall, the incense house and the upper hall, which are connected forming the traditional Gong (工) character.
Some practical information
- Address: at the end of Thanh Nien Street, in Yen Phu Ward, Tay Ho District, Hanoi.
- How to get from the centre to the Tran Quoc Pagoda?
For those travelling by car or motorbike from the city centre, the journey takes about 20 minutes and you can park your car for free in front of the temple.
If you come by bus, take the 50 bus route (Long Bien – National Stadium) which has a stop very close to the temple gate.
- Opening hours
Tran Quoc Pagoda is open to visitors every day of the week, Monday to Sunday, from 8am to 4pm (open on the 1st and full moon from 6am to 6pm; on Lunar New Year’s Eve open all night).
- The best time to visit
Every month, on the day of the full moon and on the first day of each month, many domestic and foreign tourists, especially from Eastern countries, come to visit and worship. It is advisable to come during the week so that it is less crowded.
2.2. Chua Mot Cot – Single Pillar Pagoda
The Mot Cot pagoda was built during the Ly dynasty in the winter of 1049. King Ly Thai Tong dreamed that Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara was sitting on a lotus platform, and then she invited the king to stay with her. Knowing the story of King Ly Thai Tong’s dream, the monk Thuyen La advised the king to build a pagoda with a stone pillar and a lotus flower placed on the pillar as seen in the dream, and named it Dien Huu, which means “a lasting blessing”.
During the reign of King Ly Nhan Tong, it was renovated, adding Linh Chieu Lake to the complex and decorated with a golden lotus flower on top of the column. Hidden in the lotus is a purple painted temple with the image of a divine bird carved on the roof, inside is a golden statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara.
In 1954, before French troops withdrew from Hanoi, explosives were placed to destroy the pagoda. In 1955, the Ministry of Culture authorized its reconstruction according to the project of architect Nguyen Ba Lang, but the scale was limited to a small temple.
The pagoda has a square shape, made entirely of wood, covered with tiles, 3m square, on a stone pillar of 1.2m diameter, 4m high (not including the submerged part) – the unique feature of the temple. The upper part of the pillar has eight wooden wings that resemble a flowering lotus. The roof of the pagoda has a fiery moon face, a dragon head worships the moon.
Some practical information
- Address
Mot Cot Single Pillar Pagoda is located in the park behind Ong Ich Khiem Street, Doi Can Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.
- How to get from the centre to Mot Cot Pagoda?
Visitors can come here by personal means such as motorbikes, cars or taxi services, motorbike taxis at the entrance of Ho Chi Minh Museum.
If you travel by bus, take the bus lines that stop near the temple, such as line 09, number 22, number 33, number 45 and number 50. All the above lines have a stop at No. 15A Le Hong Phong.
- Opening hours
To visit this unique temple, you can visit from 7am to 6pm. Entrance fee: 25,000 VND/person (free entrance for Vietnamese).
- The best time to visit
You can visit the temple any day of the year. However, as it is located in the Ba Dinh complex, every year on September 2, many tourists come to offer incense. If you don’t like crowds, you can avoid this occasion.
2.3. Quan Su Pagoda – Chùa Quán Sứ
Quan Su pagoda was built in the 14th – 15th centuries by King Le The Tong. Tung Lam Quan Su has two missions, both to be one of the oldest landmarks in Hanoi and to be the office of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.
For nearly half a century, the Quan Su Pagoda has often been the venue for important events of the Vietnam Buddhist Communion and the world. There are always conferences and seminars organised by the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences to promote the spirit of Buddhist research and the influence of the Buddhist thought of the Tran Dynasty on Vietnamese culture.
The Quan Su Pagoda consists of the following elements: the three entrances, the main hall, the library, the guest house, the hall and the conference room.
Overall, the Quan Su Pagoda is a combination of quintessential architecture of the great temples of the North, following the plan of “National Congregation and Foreign Affairs”.
Some practical information
- Address
Quan Su Pagoda is located at 73 Quan Su Street, Tran Hung Dao Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.
- How to get from the centre to the Quan Su Pagoda?
From the centre of Hanoi, you follow the following route: From Le Thai To – Ho Guom street, go straight to Ba Trieu crossroad, turn right, then go straight to Quan Su street, turn left, then walk about 500 meters more to reach the temple.
If you are travelling by bus, you can take the bus lines with stops near the temple: lines 49, 86, 01, 32 and 40.
- Opening hours
Quan Su Pagoda is open from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm every day of the week. However, on public holidays, the temple may close a little later than on weekdays.
- The best time to visit
Every month, on the full moon day and the first day of each month, many domestic and foreign tourists, especially from eastern countries, come to visit and worship. It is advisable to come during the week.
2.4. Ha Pagoda (Chùa Hà)
Ha pagoda (also known as Thanh Duc Tu) was built during the reign of Ly Thanh Tong. It is a famous pagoda located in the small street of the same name – Chua Ha Street, Cau Giay District, Hanoi City. With ancient architecture, the pagoda is divided into separate areas including Tam Quan gate with 2 floors, central hall, upper hall, Tam Bao with 5 large compartments.
This temple is often visited by people who pray for peace, prosperity and is especially known as a very sacred temple of love.
Some practical information
- Address: Chua Ha Street, Dich Vong Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi.
- How to get from the centre to Ha pagoda?
With buses, you can choose routes with stops fairly close to the temple area, including routes 16, 26, 27, 32, 34, 49, 96.
- Opening hours
On weekdays, Ha Pagoda is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. On the full moon day, it closes later so that people can get to the ceremony in time.
2.5. Kim Lien Pagoda
The history of Kim Lien Tu goes back to the time of King Ly Than Tong. Initially, the king built a palace there and named it Tu Hoa in honour of Princess Tu Hoa. When Tu Hoa was still alive, she and the palace maids grew mulberry trees, raised silkworms and weaved. After her death, the palace was replaced by a temple. During the Tran Dynasty, this temple was renamed Dong Long and was called Dai Bi during the Le Dynasty.
In 1962, the pagoda was recognised as one of the first national historical and cultural relics in Hanoi.
The Kim Lien Pagoda also has an impressive and unique architecture that is worth visiting and admiring. The art of architecture of this temple is a harmonious blend of Confucianism and Buddhism. It is also one of the first temples in our country built in the shape of a triangle.
Some practical information
- Address: Quang An hamlet, Tay Ho district, Hanoi
- How to get from the centre to Kim Lien Pagoda?
The nearest bus stops to the temple are Nghi Tam and Thang Loi Hotel – Xuan Dieu, accessible by bus lines 11, 14, 31, 41, 55A, 55B, 58, 86 and 86CT, 500m from the temple.
- Opening hours: from 8:00 to 17:00
2.6. Phuc Khanh Pagoda
The pagoda was built during the last Le Dynasty. At that time, the temple was a place of practice for Buddhist monks. It was later completely damaged by fire.
In 1940, the monk Thich Trung Thu renovated and rebuilt the pagoda in order to train monks. During the war of resistance against the French, the pagoda was destroyed and in 1950, the villagers helped build the pagoda as it is today.
The Phuc Khanh Pagoda was built according to traditional Buddhist architecture with bold Asian features: The Tam Quan opens three arched doors, in the middle is a large door, on both sides are two smaller doors. Behind the Tam Quan is the temple courtyard and the Buddha Hall, including the entrance hall and the harem.
Some practical information
- Address: 383 Son Tay Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi
- How to get from the centre to Phuc Khanh Pagoda?
As Phuc Khanh Pagoda is located in a convenient place, Buddhists from many places can visit and worship by various means such as taxi, bus, etc. Bus routes: 01, 02. - Opening hours: 8am – 6pm daily.
2.7. Linh Ung Pagoda (Chùa Linh Ứng)
Linh Ung Pagoda was built in the 19th century and renovated many times in the 20th century, so that the temple now seems very spacious. Linh Ung Tu is a place of worship of Buddha, and Saint Tran, i.e. King Hung Dao – Tran Quoc Tuan, and keeps many antiques and precious objects from the Nguyen Dynasty.
Linh Ung Pagoda in Hanoi is classified as a national historical and cultural relic.
Some practical information
- Address: 290 Kham Thien Street, Tho Quan Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi
- How to get from the centre to Linh Ung Pagoda?
The Linh Ung Pagoda is located in the centre of Hanoi, so you only need to take a taxi or a motorbike taxi to get to the temple.
- Opening hours: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
3. Pagodas around Hanoi
3.1. Thay Pagoda
The Thay Pagoda was built during the Ly Dynasty as a place of practice for the monk Tu Dao Hanh – who made great contributions to the people and the ancestor of water puppets. At first, the pagoda was just a small temple called Huong Hai. Then, King Ly Nhan Tong rebuilt it, including two groups of pagodas, namely the upper pagoda on the mountain (Ding Son Tu) and the lower pagoda (Thien Phuc Tu).
Coming to the Thay Pagoda, you will be impressed by the scenery here surrounded by majestic mountains. The pagoda was built according to the architecture of the Ly Dynasty, with the way of building the letter Tam, consisting of three parallel pagodas built on a high base of green stone clusters.
Some practical information
- Address: Sai Son Mountain, Sai Son commune, Quoc Oai district, Hanoi
- How to get from the centre to the Thay Pagoda?
If you go by car or motorbike, you use the Thang Long Boulevard road (CT08) to the Sai Son intersection, then exit the highway, go to the right for about 3 km and you will see information on the lane separation to go to the parking.
If you choose to take the bus, go to the My Dinh bus station and take line 73 to the temple. On average, buses run 6-10 times a day.
- Opening hours
The Thay Pagoda is open all day. The ticket price to enter the temple is 10,000 VND/ticket.
- Best time to visit
The main festival of the Thay Pagoda temple is held from March 5 to 7 of the lunar calendar, so the main festival is on March 7. If you want to experience and learn the unique cultural characteristics of this festival, you can visit Thay Pagoda on the day of the right festival.
3.2. Tay Phuong Pagoda
Tay Phuong Pagoda was built around the 8th century and is the second oldest pagoda after Dau Pagoda in Bac Ninh.
In 1632, during the reign of King Le Than Tong, the pagoda built the upper hall with 3 compartments, the harem and the corridor with 20 compartments. Around 1657-1682, Tay Do Vuong Trinh Tac demolished the old pagoda, then rebuilt a new one and Tam Quan (which means three doors). In 1794, under the Tay Son dynasty, the pagoda was completely redesigned with a new name of “Western Co Tu” and the architectural form remained as it is today.
Located at the top of Cau Lau Hill, the main gate of Tay Phuong Pagoda is accessed by 239 mossy laterite steps. The pagoda was built with the 3 pagodas placed parallel to each other in the shape of the letter Tam: the main hall, the main hall and the harem.
Tay Phuong Pagoda is now a complex of units, comprising the following: Lower Tam Quan, Upper Tam Quan, Son Than Temple, Tien Duong, Trung Duong, Upper Palace, Ancestral House, Mother House and Guest House.
In particular, Tay Phuong Pagoda also has 18 Arhat statues with different looks and facial expressions.
Some practical information
- Address: Cau Lau Hill, Yen village, Thach Xa commune, Thach That district, Hanoi
- How to get from the centre to the western pagoda?
The way to Tay Phuong pagoda is very easy, you can drive yourself or take a bus or taxi. From the centre of Hanoi, you drive in the direction of Tran Duy Hung Street – Thang Long Boulevard. When you reach the viaduct at the intersection of Thang Long – Thach That Avenue, turn left towards Quoc Oai. Then turn right and continue for 5 km. At the Thach Xa intersection, you will see a sign pointing to Tay Phuong Pagoda.
If you choose to take the bus, take bus line number 89 Yen Nghia bus station – Thach That – Son Tay bus station and get off at the Tay Phuong pagoda stop.
- Opening hours
The temple is open to visitors every day of the week, including public holidays. The entrance fee for all visitors to Tay Phuong Pagoda is VND10,000/person.
- Best time to visit
The Tay Phuong Pagoda festival takes place from the 6th day of the 3rd lunar month and lasts until the 10th day of the same lunar month. It offers many interesting activities and opportunities to participate in many folk games such as tug-of-war, human muscle and wrestling.
3.3. Huong Pagoda (Perfume Pagoda)
The history of Huong Pagoda dates back to the 15th century. The temple was built on a large scale in the late 17th century, destroyed during the Indochina War in 1947, and rebuilt in 1989 by the monk Thich Vien Thanh.
It is a famous temple in the North because the temple is both sacred and located in a charming place with beautiful natural scenery.
The architectural complex of Huong Pagoda is scattered in the valley of Yen Creek, including the Outer Pagoda and the Inner Pagoda. Outside the pagoda, there are three entrances located on three very large courtyards, typical of ancient architecture. The inner pagoda originates from an ancient natural cave.
Some practical information
- Address: Huong Son commune, My Duc district, Hanoi
- How to get from the centre to the Western Pagoda?
To get to Huong Pagoda, you can use vehicles such as motorbikes, boats or cable cars.
By car:
Take the Phap Van-Cau Re highway, go to Dong Van intersection, turn right, then take Highway 38, drive another 15km towards Dau market to reach Huong Pagoda.
Motorbike trip:
Go to Nguyen Trai Street, go straight to Ha Dong until Ba La intersection, turn left to Van Dinh. Continue for 40km to Te Tieu, turn left and ask people for the direction to Huong Pagoda.
Travel by bus:
Public bus line 103 connects My Dinh bus station to Huong Pagoda.
– Means of transport to Huong Pagoda.
Huong Pagoda ticket price: about 80,000 VND/person, applicable to the itinerary to visit Trinh Temple – Thien Tru Pagoda – Huong Tich Cave
Boat price: about 35,000 – 50,000 VND/person. Free for children under 1.1m and under 10 years old.
- Opening hours
The temple is open to visitors every day of the week, including public holidays.
- Best time to visit
The Huong Pagoda Festival takes place from the 6th of the first lunar month to the third lunar month. It is the biggest festival of tourism in Hanoi city and even in Vietnam. The main festival takes place from the full moon of January to February 18 of the lunar calendar. If you are not afraid of the festival crowds, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the jubilant atmosphere of the New Year as well as participate in the cultural activities of the festival such as: boat festival, climbing, singing.
4. Living in pagodas in Hanoi
Pagodas are the sacred places of the Vietnamese people where everyone must behave in a respectful way, i.e. be discreet, both in their words and actions and in their dress.
Each site will have its own dress code. But in general, it should be polite and appropriate to local traditions.
Here are our tips for a great visit to the pagodas in Hanoi:
- Don’t wear shorts or a two-string T-shirt
- Take clothes that cover at least the shoulders, chest, and knees
- Leave your shoes at the door and especially before walking on a mat (This is not mandatory in all pagodas).
- Speak in a low voice
- Do not touch the objects of worship, statues of genies and Buddha.
- Do not point your feet towards statues or an altar.
5. In a few words
The main religious culture of Vietnamese people in the past was Buddhism, so there were many temples in every village to promote the honest beliefs of Buddhism, while maintaining the religious culture of the country. Hanoi also has many temples, each with its own unique architectural culture.
For more information or questions, you can contact the agency directly: admin@dulichtute.com or comment below.
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