Hanoi City Breaks

During your supposed time in Hanoi, Tran Quoc Pagoda is highly suggested that the beautiful Tran Quoc pagoda – the oldest one among others in Hanoi, be added to your visiting list.

Chùa Trấn Quốc (or Tran Quoc Pagoda) is located beside the dazzling West Lake, on Thanh Nien Road, Hanoi. Particularly, it is seated on an island linked by a bridge to the causeway between the two most romantic lakes of Hanoi: West Lake and Truc Bach Lake.

The construction of the pagoda started in 541 and was completed in 545 under the reign of King Ly Nam De (544-548) under its original name of Khai Quoc (National Founder). It was initially built on the bank of the Red River (then West Lake and the Red River met). Until the early 17th century, under the reign of King Le Kinh Tong (1600-1618), the pagoda was moved to the Kim Ngu (Golden Fish) Islet due to the river bank crumbling and was renamed Tran Quoc (National Defence).

It must be said that the island and pagoda provide a beautiful backdrop, particularly when viewed at sunset. Standing at one end of  Thanh Nien Road, one can see the towers of the pagoda rising above the lake’s surface. In the pagoda’s garden stands a Bồ Đề (Bodhi) tree, which is attached to a past story.  Today, the tree green and luxuriant, shading over part of the pagoda’s yard.

These days, Tran Quoc Pagoda, as a religious relic with a spectacular ­surrounding scenery, is a favourite stop-over of so many foreign visitors and pilgrims.

Source: vienam-beauty.com

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