Tran Quoc Pagoda - A cultural and religious relic

Overview about Tran Quoc Pagoda

Long standing history

Tran Quoc Pagoda's history is one that is rich in spirituality and architecture. Being in existence for about 15 centuries, Tran Quoc Pagoda stands as the oldest in the city of Hanoi. Its original name after its inception in 541 AD was Khai Quoc Pagoda, with it being situated at the banks of the Red River.

The pagoda’s name was changed to Tran Quoc during the reign of King Le Hy Tong after it was relocated to Yen Phu dyke in the Kim Nguu mound area.

During the reign of the Tran Dynasty, the Pagoda gained quite some reputation in terms of spirituality and traditional beliefs. This aided the Pagoda to attain its title as the Capital of Buddhism. In modern day Vietnam, the Pagoda is considered the illustrious symbol of Hanoi.

Marvelous architectural complex

Tran Quoc Pagoda’s architectural design and style, reflects the coherence to the principles of Buddhism and Buddha’s teachings.

Marvelous architectural complex

Characterized by harmonious three thousand meters squared design, and a blend of cultural and traditional elements, the Pagoda has quite some intricate woodwork which have been attentively carved with an exquisite ornamentation. Every single detail has a special story to tell, as it brings to light the admiration for nature and the hunt for spiritual balance and purpose that Buddhism engulfs.

The 11-Storey Stupa (Bao Thap)

The 11-Storey Stupa (Bao Thap)

A fantastic sight awaits your entry into the Pagoda. The exalted standing tower is practically known as the 11-storey Stupa or Bao Thap. This lovely tower is quite enchanting and intricate, made up of definite stories, each clothed with six gracefully carved doorways.

Attached to the doorways are some white gemstone statues of Amitabha Buddha standing in peaceful reverence. The main purpose of Buddha’s statues at the doorways is to serve as a solemn reminder of the teachings of Buddha and the path to optimum understanding.

The Front House (Tien Duong)

The Front House (Tien Duong)

As you take a step into the Buddhist Tran Quoc Pagoda, you’ll encounter quite a number of eccentric statues, amongst them is the Shakyamuni statue that was personally made by Buddhist people. They made the statue with wood and glossy paint. The statue in question has gained quite a recognition as the most beautiful statue of Buddha in Vietnam.

The statue reflects not only the genius of the artists but so much as the ambiance and serenity that it embodies.

The Incense Burning House (Nha Thieu Huong)

The Incense Burning House (Nha Thieu Huong)

One of the main focuses of the Tran Quoc Pagoda is the incense burning house. This stems from the fact that it gives the conduciveness and steady stream for visitors, hence creating a feeling of energetic activity.

The Upper House (Thuong Dien)

The Upper House (Thuong Dien)

A bell post with three compartmental wooden houses was designed right behind the upper house and roofed with red tile. The Stele house is also situated on the right side of the bell post within the Pagoda’s premises.

Both the bell post and the Stele house form an intriguing and historical masterpiece.

The Stele House (Nha Bia)

The Stele House (Nha Bia)

The Stele house encompasses fourteen steles carved with famous scholarly poems from back in the day. The history of the Tran Quoc Pagoda is recorded within the steles, including subsequent Tran Quoc Pagoda renovations throughout dynasties. This aids the current and coming generation to have a first hand touch with ancient history about the Pagoda.

Why tourists need to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda

The location of the Tran Quoc Pagoda is one that will be of great interest to many tourists. This pagoda is located on a relatively small peninsula right about the axis of the Eastern side of the Hanoi West Lake. It is tagged as the most ancient of all pagodas, as it traces down to more than thousand five hundred years ago.

Why tourists need to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda

As a tourist, you will definitely be fascinated by the architectural framework of this Tran Quoc Pagoda. The ultra-fine combination of majestic and utterly beautiful landscape on the harmonious and muffled complexion of the West Lake.

Owing to these captivating architectural merit, Tran Quoc Pagoda is a site of attraction for many tourists in Hanoi and beyond.

Things to note before visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda

Things to note before visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda

Before arriving at the Tran Quoc Pagoda Hanoi, you need to be properly clothed as a tourist. This means that you are not expected to be in clothes like shorts, sleeveless shirts etc.

Again, you need to observe and obey local rules since Pagodas are sacred religious places for the Vietnamese people.

Another major thing to bear in mind is that you need to leave your shoes or sandals outside before entering any indoor area.

As a tourist, you are to understand that while around any Pagoda and you see dedicated crowds praying, do not take pictures or make any noise at all.

How to get to Tran Quoc Pagoda

Tran Quoc Pagoda Hanoi is about 5 kilometers away from the city center. This stands to suggest that as a tourist, there are quite some convenient means of transportation to the Pagoda.

You can go by taxi: This is a relatively easy option, as you can just use the grab app to book a taxi to the pagoda.

How to get to Tran Quoc Pagoda

You can also go by bus: With this, there’s no need to stress yourself because when you catch the bus no. 50, it drops you right in front of the Pagoda.

Another way to get there is by a motorbike or scooter: In Hanoi, one can easily rent a motorbike to enable him/her to get around easily. With this, you can reach your destination in under 12 minutes. There is nothing like Tran Quoc Pagoda Entrance fee because unlike other tourist sites, it is free.

Top things to do while at Tran Quoc pagoda.

Taking a stroll around the west lake

While at Tran Quoc Pagoda, you can take a stroll around the West Lake which is the largest lake in the whole of Hanoi. Experience the depth of calmness and soothing atmosphere capable of laying your mind to rest.

Meet and socialize with the local people

One thing no one will tell you as a tourist is that meeting and socializing with the local people at any given tourist center gives you an urge and also helps you connect more on a deeper level. While at the pagoda, you can connect with the local people around, in order to learn more about their culture, belief systems, as well as certain practices and traditions.

Explore and try local foods

We can’t escape the supposition that, when you go to a tourist site and refuse to try any local foods around the area, then your tour is practically incomplete.

Explore and try local foods

At the Tran Quoc pagoda, there are some local foods you can explore as a tourist. Ranging from rice, pork, noodles etc. Most of these foods are served in well established restaurants as well as local non-formal restaurants and eateries. You can get them from any place of your choice depending on your budget or what you’re willing to spend.

Experience different cultural values and beliefs

Tourism at the Tran Quoc Pagoda gives you a different urge towards the religious beliefs and cultural practices of the people. There are outstanding and spiritually elevating features that the pagoda brings to tourists that ensure they have the best cultural and religious experience.

Holding on to the strict principles of Buddhism, the Tran Quoc Pagoda conserves all the aesthetics of the Eastern Architectural style and format.

Experience different cultural values and beliefs

The pagoda possesses a three thousand meter squared design with a mellifluous blend of traditionally flavored elements, engulfed with top notch woodwork, stunningly curved roofs as well as exquisite ornamentation.

Every detail on the Pagoda speaks volumes of the class and caliber of the structure as well as being a testament to the estimation of nature and pursuit of nonsecular and spiritual balance that the Buddhist region encompasses.

Tran Quoc opening hours

As you plan to visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda, note that there are specific Tran Quoc Pagoda opening hours as well as closing times. The pagoda opens daily at half past seven (7:30) in the morning onwards. Entrance to the pagoda is also free of charge with no stress except for the normal local and religious rules and norms to adhere to. It is important however to note that there is nothing like Tran Quoc Pagoda Entrance fee, because you do not need to pay any entrance fees to visit the Pagoda.

The best time to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda

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Tran Quoc Pagoda is one that opens on a daily basis, with the only break of the day being lunch time. Smooth visits by past tourists have led us to believe that the most appropriate and enjoyable time to visit the pagoda is around sunset. This is usually when you can get to take nice pictures and practically enjoy your visit as a tourist.

The best time to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda

There are seasons and periods that are most festive and quite packed for the pagoda. These periods include Tet (Vietnamese Holiday), and most importantly, during Buddha’s birthday. It is therefore up to you to scout for a favorable period for your visit.

Taboos in Tran Quoc Pagoda

Taboos in Tran Quoc Pagoda

In actual fact, there are no specific taboos per se at the Tran Quoc Pagoda. There are however things you ought to avoid while there. This includes not entering into the indoor parts of the pagoda with your shoes or sandals, observing a religious dress code by avoiding sleeveless shirts, shorts, tank tops etc. Again, you must also get rid of your hats, umbrellas etc before entering the shrine for worship, which is a sign of respect to the gods as well as the Buddhist Tran Quoc Pagoda.

Conclusion

Visiting a place like the Tran Quoc pagoda as a tourist is a very nice thing to do, especially if you are a religious and spiritual person. Thinking of visiting the pagoda? Don’t miss out on Asia Tour Advisor Prepare your luggage and get ready to go on an Vietnam tour to one of your best destinations!