The Tran Quoc Pagoda
Located on a small island on Hanoi’s West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda is a Buddhist temple with an incredible history. The pagoda, which is the oldest in Hanoi, was originally built in the mid 6th century at a different site on the largest river in Northern Vietnam, the Red River. During the early part of the 17th century, the pagoda was moved to it’s current site, and has undergone subsequent renovations.
Being in Hanoi with our mom was a really cool experience. She was not only born in the capital city, but spent a good portion of her childhood there, and it was amazing to see historical sites like the Tran Quoc Pagoda, which she remembers visiting over 70 years ago.
Overlooking Two Lakes
Tran Quoc Pagoda sits on an island on Trúc Bạch Lake. The island is linked by a bridge that is accessed from Thanh Niên road, which divides Trúc Bạch Lake from West Lake. Both lakes are surrounded by hotels, residential homes, and gardens, and both lakes are seen as a central spot for recreation on and around the lake.
West lake is the largest freshwater lake in Hanoi, and the area (Tay Ho) is highly desired for it’s views of the lake and walkability. The tree-lined streets, along with beautifully landscaped sidewalks, make this area around Tran Quoc Pagoda a favorite for tourists, and locals, for a nice stroll along the water.
Underneath The Bodhi Tree
On the back side of the island, behind the pagoda, there is a Bodhi tree. The large tree originally came from a portion of the the Great Bodh Gaya in India, which is where Siddhartha Gautama sat and achieved enlightenment.
The extraction of the original tree made it’s way to Hanoi in 1959 as a gift from then Indian President Rajendra Prasad, to Ho Chi Minh. The tree is incredibly beautiful and impressive, both in its size and history.
Being the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, Tran Quoc Pagoda is the most significant temple in the city, and the country, as Buddhism is the most popular of all organized religions in Vietnam.
The Three Houses of Tran Quoc Pagoda
Tien Duong – Located in front of the bell tower and faces the west.
Nha To – Located to the right of Tien Duong, focuses on worshipping the previous generations of monks.
Nha Bia – To the left of Tien Duong, holding 14 important steles engraved from 1813 to 1815.