Chua Tran Quoc is located in North Vietnam on the island of West Lake in Hanoi. It is a historical and ancient Buddhist Temple known for its beautiful architecture and cultural significance. The temple was built in the 6th Century by the Emperor Ly Nam De. Originally built across the river, it moved to its current location in the 17th century due to river encroachment.
Chua Tran Quoc is built in the traditional Vietnamese style architecture in a scenic location with greenery and natural beauty all around. It is an active place of worship for the locals and features many attractions, including an 11-storey stupa, the Front House, and the Upper House. Additionally, it has the Bodhi Tree, the Back Hall filled with unique statues, and beautiful lush green gardens.
If you're planning a Vietnam trip, don't miss the chance to visit Chua Tran Quoc and explore its rich history and architectural beauty.
Highlights
• Admire the years-old traditional Vietnamese-style architecture of the pagoda.
• Visit the front hall to offer your prayers and the back hall to see the relics and statues of the Buddha.
• Explore the many attractions of the place like the museum, the famous Bodhi Tree and the Stupa.
• Take a guided tour of Chua Tran Quoc to learn its historical and cultural significance.
• Check out the unique statues of the Buddha and his disciples made of different materials like bronze, silver, stone, wood, etc.
How To Reach
The Chua Tran Quoc Pagoda is located in Vietnam on a small islet in West Lake. It is approximately a 15 to 20 minutes drive from Hanoi City. It is on Thanh Nien Street.
1. By Car: If you’ve rented a car, drive to the Buddhist Temple via Quanh Thanh Street or the main dyke road from Hanoi's Old Quarter. It is approximately 4 km from the city centre.
2. By Cab/Uber: Either book an Uber or take a local cab to visit the place. It is the best and most convenient option. It will take 15 to 20 minutes to reach Chua Tran Quoc.
3. By Bus: You can also take bus line 50 to reach the destination. It goes directly to the Chua Tran Quoc bus stop on Thanh Nien.
Best Time To Visit
Chua Tran Quoc is open daily all year round from 7:30 AM to 6 PM. But, there is a lunch hour between 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Entry is free in the pagoda, but you can always make a donation.
1. Best Season to Visit: Spring and autumn seasons are the best to visit Chua Tran Quoc. The weather is pleasant and the festivities are in a row. The pagoda is most lively and packed during the Tet (Vietnamese New Year) and Buddha’s birthday. Try to plan your visit around these festivities.
2. Best Day of the Week: Tuesday to Thursday would be the best days to visit Chua Tran Quoc. These days typically see fewer visitors, allowing for a more peaceful and contemplative experience. If you are okay with crowds, then weekends are also a good time to visit.
3. Best Time of the Day: To click the most stunning pictures and enjoy pleasant weather, visit the Chua Tran Quoc in the late afternoons till sunset. The warm hues make the place more serene and enchanting.
Other Essential Information
- Wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees to respect the culture of the place.
- Maintain decorum as it is an active place of worship. Do not use loud voices.
- Take a guided tour to get insightful knowledge about the history of the pagoda and the rich culture of Hanoi.
- Do not visit Chua Tran Quoc during lunch time hours.
Explore the Pagoda
Take your time to explore the architecture of Chua Tran Quoc, which blends traditional Vietnamese and Buddhist styles. The pagoda is built in three parts, the front hall, the back hall, and the tower. Visit the front hall to offer your prayers. You will find many monks and visitors praying and meditating there. In the back hall, you can check out the relics and statues of the Buddha. The most prominent attraction, the Stupa, an 11-storey tower (15 metres high) stands tall with small windows and a statue of Buddha inside. The stupa contains the ashes and bones of the monks and the nuns who passed away here. The tower is also decorated with lotus flowers, which are the symbol of purity and enlightenment in Buddhism.
Check Out the Bodhi Tree
Visit the Bodhi tree, which is a direct descendant of the original tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. It was a gift from the President of India in 1959, symbolising the long-standing friendship between Vietnam and India. The tree is a part of the original Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya. Visit the Bodhi Tree and feel the spirituality surrounding the air.
Enjoy the Temple Gardens
Strolling in the Chua Tran Quoc gardens is a serene and enriching experience. The temple's gardens are meticulously maintained and offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. Take a leisurely walk through the beautifully landscaped gardens and see the Lotus Pond to admire the stunning lotus flowers. Enjoy the lush green pathways lined with flowering plants and well-maintained lawns, creating a tranquil atmosphere.
