Tran Quoc Pagoda

Tran Quoc Pagoda at sundown · Linh Tran · Pexels License

The oldest pagoda in Hanoi, standing on a small peninsula reaching into West Lake.

Tran Quoc traces its origins to the sixth century, which makes it the oldest pagoda in Hanoi. It first stood on the bank of the Red River; when the bank eroded in the seventeenth century it was moved onto a mound in West Lake, where it stands today — a small peninsula joined to Thanh Nien road by a causeway. In the courtyard rises an eleven-tier stupa, each tier holding six arched niches with an Amitabha Buddha carved in precious stone, topped by a nine-tier lotus. Late in the day, when West Lake turns orange and the stupa is silhouetted against it, is the moment to be standing here.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda?

Late afternoon, at sunset over West Lake

How long do you need at Tran Quoc Pagoda?

45 minutes

What are the opening hours of Tran Quoc Pagoda?

08:00 - 16:00

Did you know

The pagoda traces its origins to the sixth century and is considered the oldest in Hanoi.
It originally stood by the Red River and was moved onto a mound in West Lake in the seventeenth century after erosion.
The stupa in the courtyard has eleven tiers, each holding Amitabha Buddha images in arched niches.
A bodhi tree in the grounds was grown from a cutting of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.

Travel tips

Arrive about half an hour before sunset — this is one of the classic spots for it over West Lake.
Thanh Nien road is heavy with traffic at rush hour; walk over from the Quan Thanh side.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tr%E1%BA%A5n_Qu%E1%BB%91c_Pagoda

Updated: 2026-08-16