Tran Quoc Pagoda
The oldest pagoda in Hanoi, founded in the sixth century and moved onto an island when the river ate its bank.
Updated 30 August 2026
Tran Quoc was founded in the sixth century under Ly Nam De on the bank of the Red River and is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi. In the seventeenth century the river was undercutting the bank badly enough that the whole pagoda was moved onto the Kim Ngu islet in West Lake, where it now sits at the end of a short causeway. The stupa in the courtyard, built in 1998, is eleven storeys with a seated Amitabha in each of its niches. A bodhi tree in the grounds was given by the Indian president in 1959 and is said to be a cutting from the tree at Bodh Gaya.
What's there
- Hanoi's oldest pagoda - founded in the sixth century.
- Moved to an island - after the Red River undercut its bank.
- An eleven-storey stupa of 1998 - with a Buddha in each niche.
- A bodhi tree from India - given in 1959.
When to go
Year round; early morning is quietest. An hour.
Things to know
It is small and takes half an hour. The causeway is busy with traffic and photographers at sunset. It is a working pagoda with dress and behaviour expectations. Parts are recent construction.
Nearby
West Lake surrounds it; Quan Thanh temple is at the end of the causeway.
Key facts
Source: Wikidata, item Q864770, read on 18 October 2026.
What to pack for Tran Quoc Pagoda
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- Modest clothing - Shoulders and knees covered - the single most common requirement. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A scarf or shawl - To cover the head or shoulders on entry; women especially at mosques. Find on Amazon
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