Tran Quoc pagoda

The oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, Tran Quoc pagoda, is located on a small island near the southeastern shore of Hanoi’s West Lake. Tran Quoc pagoda is originally constructed in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De, 544-548, equivalently of an age of more than 1,450 years. The last major repair to the temple was understaken in 1815 when the main sanctuary, reception hall and posterior hall of dead were renovated. Tran Quoc pagoda is one of the main parts of the Tran Quoc temple for it hold the important monk’s ashes. You will be able to see the tallest pagoda which was remade in 2004, the pagodas are in red due to the influences of Chinese and Vietnamese culture. Monks have lived at the Tran Quoc pagoda for centuries, teaching the ways of Buddhism to the public. They do not get married and therefore do not live with families at the pagoda. The best thing that you can find at Tram Quoc pagoda is the eight-spoked wheel which is the symbol of Buddhism because it represents the Noble Eight-fold Path. There are also many lotus flower statues which symbolize purity of the mind, body and speech. In addition, Tran Quoc pagoda also has the stone all at the side with multiple carvings of lotus flowers engraved in the stone which express the beauty of nature in Vietnam. On the ground, tourists are also able to see the priceless and wonderful gift from the Indian president Rajendra Prasad, a Bodhi tree taken as cutting of the original tree in Bodh Gaya, India under which the Buddha sat and achieved enlightenment. We are sure you will be amazed with the natural beauty at Tran Quoc pagoda.