Tran Quoc Pagoda
Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist pagoda, on a small island in West Lake, with a red 11-storey stupa and a Bodhi tree from India.
- Hanoi
- Included in 8 tours
- Tours from $25
- Updated October 2026
About Tran Quoc Pagoda
Tran Quoc Pagoda (Chua Tran Quoc) is the oldest Buddhist pagoda in Hanoi, and one of the most photographed. It sits on a tiny island off Thanh Nien Road, joined to the shore by a short causeway, with the wide water of West Lake on one side and the city on the other. Its red brick stupa, rising in eleven storeys, has become one of the city’s best-known landmarks.
Nearly 1,500 years of history
The pagoda was founded in the 6th century, during the reign of Ly Nam De, on the bank of the Red River, under the name Khai Quoc (“founding the nation”). When the river began to eat away the bank, it was moved in 1615 to the Golden Fish islet in West Lake, where it stands today. It later took the name Tran Quoc, usually translated as “defending the nation”. For centuries it was a royal pagoda and a centre of Buddhism in Thang Long, the old name of Hanoi.
The stupa and the Bodhi tree
The tall stupa at the heart of the grounds is a modern addition from the late 20th century, built in the old style. Each of its eleven levels has arched niches holding white gemstone statues of Amitabha Buddha, and it is topped by a nine-level lotus. Around it stand older brick stupas, the tombs of former abbots.
Inside the grounds look for the Bodhi tree. It was a gift from Indian President Rajendra Prasad, who visited Hanoi in 1959, and it was grown from a cutting of the tree at Bodh Gaya under which the Buddha is said to have reached enlightenment. The main hall holds gilded statues, including a reclining Buddha, and many stone steles record the pagoda’s history.
Visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda
This is an active place of worship, not a museum. Monks live here, and local families come to pray, especially on the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month. Dress modestly, keep your voice down and do not climb on the stupas. Several of our city tours stop here for photos, including the 2-hour jeep, electric scooter and female rider tours.
Is Tran Quoc Pagoda worth visiting?
Yes. It is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, with nearly 1,500 years of history, and its eleven-storey red stupa in the middle of West Lake is one of the city’s most photographed sights. It is free, takes only 30 to 45 minutes, and sits right beside Thanh Nien Road, so it combines easily with a West Lake walk or a sunset. Remember it is an active place of worship: dress modestly, keep your voice down and do not climb on the stupas.
Worth it?
Why visit Tran Quoc Pagoda?
- Hanoi’s oldest pagodaFounded in the 6th century and moved to this island in 1615.
- The 11-storey stupaA red brick tower with Amitabha statues in its niches — the pagoda’s famous silhouette.
- A Bodhi tree from IndiaA gift from the Indian president in 1959, grown from the tree at Bodh Gaya.
- Island settingReached by a short causeway, with West Lake around it on three sides.
- Living templeMonks, worshippers and the smell of incense — a real place of prayer, not a museum.
Make the most of it
7 best things to do in Tran Quoc Pagoda
See the stupa up close
Walk round the garden to see the 11-storey stupa and the smaller abbots’ stupas. Some areas may be roped off — follow the signs and do not climb.
Find the Bodhi tree
The tree from Bodh Gaya, planted after the Indian president’s visit in 1959, grows inside the pagoda grounds. Look for the small plaque.
Step into the main hall
Leave your shoes at the door if asked, and look at the gilded statues and altars. Photos are usually allowed but never use flash or photograph people praying without asking.
Read the stone steles
Old inscribed steles in the grounds record the pagoda’s history and restorations over the centuries.
Watch the lake from the causeway
The short path from Thanh Nien Road has views across West Lake — lovely in the late-afternoon light.
Combine with Quan Thanh Temple and Truc Bach Lake
Quan Thanh Temple is a 5-minute walk east and the McCain memorial on Truc Bach Lake is just across the road. Allow 1.5 hours for all three.
Visit with a guide
Our 2-hour jeep, electric scooter and Green Sisters tours stop here for photos; our e-bike and Instagram tours include it too, with stories of the pagoda’s history.
Good to know
Visitor info: Tran Quoc Pagoda at a glance
| Address | Thanh Nien Road, at the west end, Hanoi |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Usually about 7:30–17:30; can change on festival days |
| Entrance fee | Free (donation boxes inside) |
| Dress code | Shoulders and knees covered; a scarf or sarong is fine |
| Time needed | 30–45 minutes |
| Busiest days | 1st and 15th of the lunar month, Tet and Buddhist festivals |
| Founded | 6th century; moved to this islet in 1615 |
| Stupa | 11 storeys, red brick, built in the late 20th century |
Opening hours are not officially published and vary between sources (some say 8:00–16:00). If you are going late in the day, check on the spot.
Timing
Best time to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda
Quiet, cool and with the sound of monks chanting; the best time for respectful photos.
Warm light on the stupa and a short walk to the sunset on Thanh Nien Road.
Crowded with worshippers bringing offerings — atmospheric but busy.
Very busy around Lunar New Year and Vesak (the Buddha’s birthday).
Map & directions
How to get to Tran Quoc Pagoda
- From the Old QuarterAbout 3 km, 10–15 minutes by Grab or taxi (roughly 30,000–70,000 VND by car).
- On footAbout 35–40 minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake, or 15 minutes from Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
- By bicycleEasy and flat via Quan Thanh street; park at the parking area by the gate.
- With usFree hotel pickup on our jeep, scooter and Green Sisters city tours, which include a stop here.
Eat like a local
Where to eat near Tran Quoc Pagoda
- Banh Tom Ho Tay, 1 Thanh NienWest Lake shrimp fritters, a few minutes’ walk along the lake.
- Pho cuon on Ngu XaFresh pho rolls at Hung Ben (33 Ngu Xa) or Chinh Thang (7 Mac Dinh Chi), about 10 minutes’ walk.
- Lakeside cafés on Thanh Nien RoadCoconut coffee, juices and a view of the lake.
- Vegetarian foodVegetarian restaurants are common around Buddhist sites in Hanoi — a good choice after a pagoda visit.
For your camera
Best photo spots at Tran Quoc Pagoda
- From the causewayThe stupa framed by the gate and the lake.
- From Thanh Nien RoadThe whole island and stupa reflected in West Lake, especially at golden hour.
- Inside the gardenThe stupa’s niches and white Buddha statues — ask before including people.
Local advice
Tips for visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda
Do
- Cover shoulders and knees, or bring a scarf
- Speak quietly and turn your phone to silent
- Leave a small donation if you take photos
- Combine with Quan Thanh Temple and Truc Bach Lake
Don’t
- Climb on or lean against the stupas
- Photograph people praying without asking
- Point your feet towards the altars when sitting
- Use a drone — the area is close to sensitive government sites
Visit with a local
Tours that visit Tran Quoc Pagoda
Hanoi · Electric Scooter
Hanoi Electric Scooter City Highlights Tour
234+ booked
From $45
$38
per adult
Hanoi · Electric Scooter
Hanoi Half-Day Electric Scooter City Tour
463+ booked
From $60
$51
per adult
Hanoi · Electric Scooter
Hanoi Female Riders City Highlights Tour
345+ booked
From $47
$40
per adult
Hanoi · Electric Scooter
Hanoi Half-Day City Tour with Female Riders
876+ booked
From $62
$53
per adult
Hanoi · E-Bike
Hanoi Self-Ride E-Bike City Tour: Lakes, Riverside & Hidden Gems
576+ booked
From $60
$45
per adult
Hanoi · Instagram & Photo
Hanoi Instagram Tour: City Highlights by Jeep, Limo or Motorbike
397+ booked
From $72
$60
per adult
Good to know
Tran Quoc Pagoda: questions & answers
Is Tran Quoc Pagoda the oldest pagoda in Hanoi?
Yes. Tran Quoc Pagoda was founded in the 6th century, making it the oldest pagoda in Hanoi. It was moved to its island in West Lake in 1615.
What are the Tran Quoc Pagoda opening hours?
It is usually open daily from about 7:30 to 17:30. Hours are not officially published and may vary on festival days, so check on the spot if you are going late.
Is there an entrance fee for Tran Quoc Pagoda?
No. Entry is free, and there are donation boxes inside.
What is the dress code at Tran Quoc Pagoda?
Cover shoulders and knees. Shorts and sleeveless tops are not appropriate; a scarf or sarong is fine.
How long do you need at Tran Quoc Pagoda?
30–45 minutes is enough. Add an hour to see Quan Thanh Temple and Truc Bach Lake nearby.
Where is Tran Quoc Pagoda?
At the west end of Thanh Nien Road, on a small island in West Lake, about 3 km from the Old Quarter.
Where does the Bodhi tree at Tran Quoc Pagoda come from?
It was a gift from Indian President Rajendra Prasad when he visited Hanoi in 1959, grown from a cutting of the tree at Bodh Gaya.
Is Tran Quoc Pagoda worth visiting?
Yes – it is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, nearly 1,500 years old, and its eleven-storey red stupa on West Lake is iconic. It is free, takes 30 to 45 minutes and sits on Thanh Nien Road, so it pairs well with a West Lake walk or a Thanh Nien sunset.
What is the best time to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda?
Early morning or late afternoon gives the softest light for photos of the stupa over the water. If you dislike crowds, avoid the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month, when local families come to pray in large numbers.
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