The original name of the pagoda was Khai Quoc, meaning 'National Founder'.
It was moved to its present location on 'Golden Fish Islet' in the 17th century.
The 11-story stupa is specifically designed to represent the various levels of wisdom in Buddhism.
The Bodhi tree on the grounds was grown from a cutting of the sacred tree in Bodh Gaya, India.
The pagoda grounds contain numerous stone incense burners and burial stupas of past monks.
It is considered a symbol of the synthesis between Buddhist architecture and Vietnamese cultural heritage.
Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De. Originally located on the banks of the Red River, it was moved to its current island site on West Lake in 1615 due to riverbank erosion. The temple serves as the headquarters of Vietnamese Buddhism in the city. Its architectural highlight is the 11-story red lotus-shaped stupa, which stands 15 meters tall. Each floor of the stupa contains niches housing Amitabha Buddha statues. The grounds also feature an ancient Bodhi tree gifted by the Indian President in 1959, which is a cutting from the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. Several stone stelae within the complex record the history of the temple. The pagoda remains an active site for worship and monastic life.
From the edge of the causeway looking back at the pagoda with the red stupa framed against the sunset over West Lake.
Walk the causeway slowly to observe the water levels of West Lake.
Visit the small garden area behind the main hall to see the historic stone stelae.
Keep a respectful distance from practitioners actively engaged in prayer or rituals.
Taking photos directly in front of people praying or using flash photography inside the main altar halls.
Shoulders and knees must be covered; remove hats and shoes before entering inner shrines; maintain a quiet voice.
