Hanoi Pagodas & Temples: 7 Must-See

Hanoi - the city with thousands of years of culture, was one of the centers of Buddhism in Vietnam. It is estimated that there are about 2000 pagodas and a lot of temples in Hanoi. There are also many famous temples and pagodas attracting millions of visitors every year. Especially when Tet comes, Vietnamese has a traditional habit is going to pagodas to pray for their family and themselves. In this article, we would like to introduce 7 of the most remarkable pagodas and temples in Hanoi.

There are many tourist attractions in Hanoi, temples and pagodas also are should not miss one because of the Buddhism culture here. You should come to visit and learn about the architecture, culture of the Hanoi people. Let's learn detail about 7 famous one below:

 

1. One Pillar Pagoda

One Pillar Pagoda (Doi Can, Ba Dinh) is famous for its unique architecture: a shrine is placed on the one only pillar. In 2012, the Asian Records Academy has recognized the One Pillar Pagoda as the “Pagoda of Most Special Architecture” in the world.

The One Pillar Pagoda was originally called Lien Hoa Pagoda meaning Lotus because it is designed to resemble a lotus blossom. It's awesome to visit here in the summer - the season of lotus because visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the lotus flowers - the symbol of Vietnam, with a fragrant aroma.

Tourists can go on sightseeing of this pagoda during the time from 7 am to 6 pm. On the first day or the full moon day of the month, this place will hold worshiping ceremonies for Buddhists and many people come here to pray. Both domestic and international tourists are free to enter One Pillar Pagoda.

One Pillar Pagoda

 

2. Perfume pagoda Hanoi

Huong Pagoda, about 60 km southwest of Hanoi center, has been a well-known destination to Vietnamese people. Every spring, especially during the Huong festival which lasts from the beginning of January to the end of March of the lunar calendar, millions of people across Vietnam as well as foreign tourists, go eagerly on a pilgrimage. The current ticket price for the entire tour of the monument is about 80,000 VND / person.

Perfume Pagoda (known as Huong Pagoda or Huong Son Pagoda) is a tourist complex including pagodas, shrines,... scattered on Huong Son. This is a famous scenic spot, not only for its magnificent scenery but also for the beauty of the Buddhist culture of Vietnamese people. Therefore, since 1962, this temple has been ranked as a National Monument by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.

After coming here, visitors not only can visit the pagoda with the ancient architecture but also contemplate the attractive scenery around the temple. Yen stream with clear, emerald green water is one of the reasons why this place has become a favorite sightseeing spot for tourists visiting Huong pagoda. The boat ticket price is not too expensive, only 50,000 VND for each person.

 

3. Tran Quoc pagoda Hanoi - the oldest pagoda in Hanoi

Tran Quoc Pagoda located on the eastern shore of West Lake, just off Thanh Nien Road, is known as the oldest pagoda in Hanoi. The pagoda was built under King Ly Nam De (541 - 547) Dynasty so until now it's more than 1500 years old. Tran Quoc Pagoda used to be the center of Buddhism during the reign of King Ly - Tran and now it has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hanoi. In 2016, the temple was recognized by the British Daily Mail as one of the 16 most beautiful pagodas in the world.

Tran Quoc Pagoda attracts tourists not only with ancient architecture but also with peace away from the crazy traffic and noisy roads in Hanoi. Visitors can completely feel relax when immersing in the tranquil space of this place. Having gone through many ups and downs, nowadays Tran Quoc Pagoda almost retains its original appearance.

The pagoda has an area of ​​up to 3000 m2, divided into 3 main areas: Thap Garden, To House, and Thuong Palace. In addition to the original architecture, a 15-meter-high lotus tower with 11 grades, was built in 2003. Each grade of this tower has a white Buddha statue made of gemstones which contributes to the beauty of this pagoda.

Tran Quoc pagoda

 

4. Ngoc Son Temple

Ngoc Son Temple in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake is accessible by the Huc Bridge. It was built in the 19th century to commemorate the military leader Tran Hung Dao who was renowned for his bravery in the battle against the Yuan Dynasty.

The rows of green trees reflect in the freshwater of Hoan Kiem Lake, is really a scene in harmony with nature. Ngoc Son Temple along with the vibrant red The Huc Bridge creates an image that is both ancient and splendid. In particular, at night, when The Huc Bridge is lighted up with bright light, the scene becomes even more prominent, attracting the eyes of anyone passing.

Ngoc Son Temple

 

5. Quan Su Pagoda

Quan Su Pagoda is located at 73 Quan Su, Tran Hung Dao Ward, Hoan Kiem District. It was built in the Le Dynasty and has been the Headquarter of the Vietnam Buddhism Association since 1858.

The golden color covers the whole pagoda make it both prominent and antique. As soon as you arrive at the pagoda, you will see in the middle of the main gate is a bell floor. On both sides of the gate are meaningful parallel sentences written in Vietnam’s national language.

The opening hour is from 6 am to 9 pm every day. Quan Su Pagoda attracts many people coming to offer incense and worship. Walking through the pagoda's gate, we will be immersed in a pure space. This pagoda is regularly selected to celebrate important activities of the Buddhist Association of Vietnam and also a library storing many valuable books and documents of Buddhism.

Quan Su pagoda

 

6. Quan Thanh Temple

Quan Thanh Temple is situated at the corner of Thanh Nien Street, facing West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda. This temple formerly known as Tran Vu Temple is a historical and cultural relic dating back to the reign of King Ly Thai To. It is one of the "Thang Long Four Towns" taking responsibility for protecting Ha Noi.

Quan Thanh Temple is designed with impressive architecture in harmony with the surrounding natural scenery: meticulous details and ancient arches - typical of Southern culture. The temple is an impressive spiritual tourist destination in Hanoi, open year-round to welcome visitors from all over the world. On the occasion of the Lunar New Year, the people of Hanoi resident visit here to burn incenses with deferential and pray for the happiness of their family.

Quan Thanh Temple

 

7. Temple of Literature

Temple of Literature (58 Quoc Tu Giam, Dong Da) is the first national university in Vietnam. Up to now, this place is not only a historical and cultural relic but also a sacred place for scholars and students coming here to pray for fortune in exams and study paths.

Temple of Literature is open for visitors every day of the week. If you go in the hot season (from around (April 15 - October 15), the opening time is 7:30 - 17:30, and if you go in the cold season (October 16 - April 14), the opening time is 7:00 - 17:00. The ticket price is 30,000 VND / person for both domestic and foreign tourists. If you go with children under 15 years old, the ticket price will be reduced by 50%.

Temple of Literature

Hanoi has since been the center of Buddhism in Vietnam, so there are many large-scale temples or unique architecture. If you have had the chance to set foot on the land with rich cultural traditions, try to visit one of these pagodas and temples. I can ensure that you will have a very new interesting experience!

Let's book our Hanoi Tours to discover one of these pagodas and temples.

Thuy An

Image sources: Internet