Overview of Hanoi Pagoda
Visiting the Vietnamese religious places while traveling helps you have a deep insight into the culture and traditions of locals. You want to explore Hanoi culture through your day trip to touch the religious beauty here, don’t you? Let’s go with us to get full experiences.
Most of the Vietnamese people have a strong belief in Buddhism. Only in Hanoi city, there are about 600 pagodas and temples in which local people frequently come to pray for health and prosperity every month. We have listed all the popular pagodas in and around Hanoi city of locals and foreign visitors.
Important Notices When Going Into Vietnamese Pagodas
- You should not wear shorts or old t-shirts when you visit Vietnamese pagoda, they won’t let you in. Dress conservatively by covering your limbs.
- You should not take photos arbitrarily inside the pagoda.
- If you go with your kids, do not let them run away or touch Buddha statue without permission.
- Let’s keep your respect whether you are a Buddhist or not.
- You should not make noise, say disrespectful words or freely point your finger at a Buddha image.
Top Must-see Pagodas in Hanoi
Pagodas in Hoan Kiem District
1. Quan Su Pagoda (Ambassador’s Pagoda)
Address: 73 Quan Su Street, Tran Hung Dao Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Ha Noi city
Opening hours: Daily 06:00 – 19:00
During the reign of Le Dynasty, Quan Su Pagoda is the important official center of Buddhism in Hanoi for foreign affairs. At this time, King Le ordered to build Quan Su pagoda because there is no Buddhism pagoda for worshipping while other ambassadors come into were Buddist. Come to this pagoda, you can see a belfry in the middle of its gates. Go inside the main hall, it takes up many Buddha statues. Each year, the Vietnam Buddhist Association organizes a great number of spiritual activities here.
2. Ngoc Son Temple
Address: Ly Quoc Su Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Ha Noi city
Opening hours: Daily 6:00 – 18:00
With the special architecture and prime location, Ngoc Son Temple has attracted thousands of visitors to come to see yearly. Follow Vietnamese history, this renowned pagoda commemorates Van Xuong Scholar and Tran Hung Dao. He is a national hero in the long struggle against the Mongols conquer. You will be round-eye with surprise as the red The Huc Bridge in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake. The unique beauty of Ngoc Son temple is the harmonious combination between the heaven and the earth. Near Ngoc Son Temple, you can witness the bustling pace of living of Hanoi signature – Old Quarter 36 Streets.
3. Ly Quoc Su Temple
Address: Ly Quoc Su Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Ha Noi city
Opening hours: Daily 6:00 – 18:00
Having existed for more than 1000 years olds, Ly Quoc Su temple has preserved many precious antiques, ancient carving patterns, traditional features such as Tu Chung bell, Buddha statuses, and 3-meter Long Nu Thien Tai stone pillar. After rehabilitating and redecorating many times, Ly Quoc Su temple becomes the worshipping places where local people come to pray for health and peace for their family. Besides, the name “Ly Quoc Su” is also the name of the street stretching from Hang Bong Street to Nha Tho Street.
Pagodas in Ba Dinh District
1. One-Pillar Pagoda
Address: Chua Mot Cot, Doi Can Ward, Ba Dinh District, Ha Noi city
Opening hours: Daily 7:00 – 18:00
Along with Ly Quoc Su temple, One-pillar pagoda is built in the 11th century is one of the oldest pagodas in Hanoi city. As one part inside Ho Chi Minh complex, you can visit Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where holds Ho Chi Minh’s body, a Vietnamese beloved leader. A 1.25m wooden pagoda is a symbol of purity in Buddhism with a special architecture like a lotus bloom.
2. Quan Thanh Temple
Address: Thanh Nien Street, Quan Thanh Ward, Ba Dinh Street, Ha Noi city
Opening hours: Daily 5:00 – 19:00
Located in the beautiful West Lake, Quan Thanh Temple is built during the Ly Dynasty to tributes the “God of the North” – Tran Vu. Besides, the “Quan Thanh” name represents to “place of the Gods”. It is an ideal site for you to understand Vietnamese history and prominent culture. Along with Bach Ma (East), Kim Lien (South), Than Linh lang (West), these temples are built in the four wind directions of the city to protect the city from bad spirits. You will amaze at the majestic temple with a 4-meters-height bronze statue of Huyen Thien Tran Vu.
Pagodas in Tay Ho District
1. Tran Quoc Pagoda
Opening Hours: Daily 07:30 – 18:00
Location: Thanh Nien, Truc Bach, Ba Dình, Hanoi
Another must-try religious spot is Tran Quoc Pagoda emerging on West Lake. More than 1500 years ago, Tran Quoc pagoda is the most ancient pagoda in the capital of Vietnam. Having experienced through the ups and downs of history and renaming, each name was closely associated with an important milestone in Vietnamese history. Traditional Buddhism architecture, solemn ambiance of Tran Quoc pagoda combines with the stunning natural beauty of the West Lake, which creates a picturesque scene you cannot ignore in your Hanoi itinerary.
2. Phu Tay Ho
Location: Xom Chua Street, Quang An Ward, Tay Ho District, Ha Noi city
Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 – 20:00
Located on the large peninsula emerging in the middle of West Lake, Phu Tay Ho is the popular worshipping spot of Princess Lieu Hanh, one of the four legendary figures in Vietnamese history. About 4 kilometers from the center of the capital, you have a chance to immerse yourself in the tranquil and solemn atmosphere. Go inside, you will be overwhelmed by the massive statue systems with nearly 300 statues. On the occasion of the spring festival, many visitors go to Phu Tay Ho to pray for good fortune as well as enjoy the scenic West Lake. In 1996, the Ministry of Cultural recognized Phu Tay Ho as Relics of Cultural History.
Pagodas in Cau Giay District
1. Ha Pagoda
Location: Chua Ha Street, Dich Vong Ward, Cau Giay District, Ha Noi city
Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 – 18:00
Interwoven with the noisy Hanoi streets, you can see peaceful Ha Pagoda inside the hustle and bustle of Cau Giay Street. There is a strong belief in the miracle of “Duc Ong Chua Ha, Duc Ba Chua Huong”. Therefore, this sacred place is known as “Temple of Love” for single young people who want to find their true love. Besides, local people frequently come here to wish prosperity, good fortune, and happiness throughout the year.
Top Must-see Pagodas around Hanoi city
1. Perfume Pagoda
Location: Huong Son, My Duc, Ha Noi city
Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 – 18:00
About 1.5 hours departing from the center of the capital, Huong Pagoda (also Perfume pagoda) is a must for you in your Hanoi itinerary. Your perfect day trip can start off taking a boat ride on Yen Vi river, cave to Huong Tich Grotto, and drop by Thien Tru pagoda. Huong pagoda enchants visitors by the majestic landscape from the lush rice fields to karst caves. These things make the distinctive beauty of the most well-known religious site in Vietnam. You can witness the crowds in the Perfume Pagoda Festival lasts for nearly one month, starting from the second lunar month after Tet Holiday.
See Perfume Pagoda’s day tour from only 84$/pax:
This trip will take you to Perfume Pagoda, one of the most famous pagodas in Vietnam. Situated in the middle of lush forest and Northern countryside, this trip will help you learn about Vietnamese spiritual life and watch the breathtaking countryside scenes.
2. Master Pagoda
Location: Sai Son Commune, Quoc Oai District, Ha Noi city
At 30km from Hanoi city, Master Pagoda lies at the foot of charming Mount Thay. Legends said that this place was an ascetic for friar Tu Dao Hanh who taught and healed local people as well as established wrestling and water puppetry. As the ‘’Pagoda of the Heavenly Blessing’’, Master Pagoda has a picturesque landscape and precious historical-cultural values. From a distance, you can admire the subtle scenery of Thay pagoda hiding under the dim mist.
3. Tay Phuong Pagoda
Location: Thach Xa, Thach That, Ha Noi city
You can start off your one day trip from Hanoi city to Tay Phuong pagoda in Thach That district. Come to the pagoda, you will be enchanted by the traditional Vietnamese temple architecture from the roof to the interior. Specifically, the upper layer of the roof is made of tiles with a relief of ficus leaves while its interior contains a wide variety of sculptures in terra cotta and more than 62 wooden Buddha statues. In front of the pagoda, you can feel the peaceful atmosphere at a large pond in which the water puppet is organized during the annual festivals.
Love Vietnam pagodas in Hanoi city, and you wish to explore more pagodas in Northern Vietnam. About two hours from the center of Hanoi city, we recommend you to discover the massive pagoda system in Ninh Binh and Tam Chuc Pagoda in Ha Nam city:
Pagodas in Ninh Binh Province
1. Bai Dinh Pagoda
As the largest spiritual pagoda in Vietnam until 2019, Bai Dinh Pagoda contributes greatly to the development of the Vietnam tourism industry, especially eco-tourism. The beauty of Bai Dinh pagoda is the harmonious combination between marvelous scenery and precious spiritual values.
After passing Tam Quan Gate, you will be impressed by bell-tower shaped with unique lotus-shaped carving, the worshipping place of Bodhisattva, Buddha dharma lord temple. Especially, you also see the biggest well of God in Vietnam, Pearl Well, exists for more than 1000 years ago.
2. Dinh and Le Dynasty Temple
Before Hanoi city, Hoa Lu was the capital province of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries. After being destroyed many times, Dinh and Le Temple is the most important remaining historical part. One temple commemorates Dinh Tien Hoang – the first emperor of Vietnam after being liberated from Chinese dominance. Another temple commemorates Le Dai Hanh who is a national hero contributing to quell two Chinese invasions.
Other amazing attractions you must try near Bai Dinh pagoda:
- Hoa Lu ancient capital
- Trang An landscape complex
- Tam Coc Bich Dong
- Mua Cave
Discover Ninh Binh tour only from 319$/pax:
>> Hanoi – Halong Bay – Ninh Binh Tour – 4 Days
Along with Hanoi city and Ninh Binh province, you have a chance to visit
Halong Bay – the nature world heritage. Stroll around to enjoy the rural landscape and ancient relics of Ninh Binh will be your memorable experience.
Pagodas in Ha Nam Province
Tam Chuc Pagoda
Nearly 1.5 hours depart from Hanoi city, you can watch the spectacular Tam Chuc Tourist Complex sit on an area of 5,000 hectares. Follow the traditional Vietnamese-style temple architecture, Tam Chuc Pagoda Complex comprises Cong Tam Quan, Dien Quan Am, Dien Phap Chu, and Chua Ngoc (Pearl Pagoda).
Besides, you also admire 12,000 murals depicting legends of Buddha made by Indonesian artisans. The most special thing in this pagoda is the most biggest carved Buddha statues in Vietnam have over 100 tons weight.
Visiting Hanoi pagodas and traditional Vietnamese characteristics when traveling is an excellent experience during your Vietnam trip. Do not hesitate to make your own travel plan to Vietnamese religious places. To save your time and effort, we will help you to create your dreamy vacation time. Let’s fill your travel ideas to our request form or send your request to our email booking@asianwaytravel.com to get more details!