Tran Quoc Pagoda

The place is serene and not much crowded. It is right at the main road and adjacent to a water body. Visited Tran Quoc Pagoda last week and absolutely loved it! The pagoda sits right on West Lake, so the view is amazing, especially in the morning when the water is calm and the temple reflects beautifully. The place feels so peaceful, perfect for a quiet stroll or some meditation. The architecture is stunning—lots of intricate carvings, Buddha statues, and the 11-story tower is impressive. It’s not a huge place, so you can explore everything in about 45 minutes to an hour. There are a few signs in English, but having a guide or just reading about it beforehand helps understand the history. Pros: peaceful, scenic, historical, photogenic Cons: can get crowded during weekends/festivals Overall, it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in Hanoi. A nice mix of culture, history, and serenity!

Tran Quoc Pagoda is a peaceful and beautiful place to visit in Hanoi. Located by the lake, it offers stunning views and a calm atmosphere. The architecture is impressive, and it’s one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam. A must-visit for those interested in culture and history. Best enjoyed in the early morning or evening for a quiet experience. Entrance is free.

Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi is one of the city’s most iconic and spiritually significant landmarks. Located on a small peninsula on West Lake, this ancient pagoda dates back more than 1,400 years, making it the oldest in the capital. Its striking red tower, rising gracefully against the water and sky, creates a picturesque scene that is especially captivating at sunrise or sunset. The pagoda complex is beautifully maintained, with carefully tended bonsai gardens, statues of the Buddha, and intricate carvings that reflect Vietnam’s rich Buddhist traditions. The main highlight is the 11-story stupa, each level containing precious statues and symbols of enlightenment. Visitors often find the tranquil setting a peaceful retreat from the bustle of Hanoi’s streets. For photographers, Tran Quoc Pagoda offers excellent compositions with its reflection on the lake, the contrast of red brick against green foliage, and the serene atmosphere created by incense smoke drifting in the breeze. It’s also an excellent place to capture daily life, as locals come to pray and make offerings. Overall, Tran Quoc Pagoda is not only a must-see cultural site but also one of the most photogenic locations in Hanoi, combining history, spirituality, and natural beauty in one remarkable setting.

Tran Quoc Pagoda is a must-visit because if it’s beautiful architecture, calm and quiet ambience. Located on a small island in West Lake, it's the oldest pagoda in the city. The tall architecture looks beautiful in red stone. There are numerous shrines. You will enjoy walking around the lake & the garden area and the Bodhi tree that was gifted from India. Make sure to dress modestly, no shorts or short dresses or revealing clothing. Go early in the morning for a fab experience. With over 1,500 years of history, it stands as a symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism. Open all Days , 7 am to 5 pm No entry ticket Better to take a Grab taxi

Nice walk along the river to see this site. We didn’t go inside but we appreciated it from the outside and went to some lovely cafes on the north side of the lake.

Unfortunately, our timing was impeccable in the wrong direction. We arrived at 11:05 a.m., five minutes after closing for the monks’ midday break. The gates were firmly shut, leaving us peering through the bars like hopeful pilgrims who’d missed the last bus to enlightenment. Still, from the outside it was beautiful — elegant, peaceful, and far quieter than anywhere else in Hanoi. The lake shimmered, a few locals prayed from the bridge, and for a brief moment, the chaos of the city felt a world away. Would we recommend it? Absolutely. Just don’t do what we did — check the opening times first, unless you fancy a very scenic, very spiritual game of “look but don’t touch.”

We went here as part of the city tour, it was interesting to visit and you can see how they pray as well. It’s a small complex so 30 mins was enough to go around and see everything. The weather was too hot when we came, so it made our visit a bit challenging as it was so hot. Especially this wasn’t our first stop in city tour, it was right in the middle, so a lot of energy has been gone after going around. So maybe avoid to come during middle of the day, either to go early or afternoon. Overall, it was nice to see and learn about this place.

This pagoda is over 1500 years, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi and one of the iconic symbol of the capital. The pagoda is located on a small islet of West Lake and make a poetic scenery. Traditional architecture, not too glorious but solemn and tranquil. A must-visit in Hanoi