Discover Ly Quoc Su Pagoda in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, a Lý Dynasty gem! Explore history, activities, pricing, and Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours. Book your cultural journey now!
Capture the spiritual beauty of Hanoi’s cultural gemLy Quoc Su Pagoda, located at 50 Lý Quốc Sư Street in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, is a revered cultural landmark, attracting thousands of visitors annually as one of Hanoi’s oldest pagodas. Nestled in the vibrant Old Quarter, just 600 meters from Hoan Kiem Lake, this sacred site, free to enter, honors Zen Master Nguyễn Minh Không, a Lý Dynasty monk renowned for curing King Lý Thần Tông’s illness in the 12th century. With its nearly 900-year-old Vietnamese architecture and serene ambiance, it’s a must-visit for those seeking spiritual tranquility and Hanoi’s rich history.
Founded in 1131, the pagoda embodies Hanoi’s 1,000-year-old Thang Long heritage, drawing locals on the 1st and 15th lunar days for prayers. Eco-friendly practices, such as biodegradable incense and digital guides, align with Hanoi’s “Green Capital” initiative, set in a tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 15–28°C or 59–82.4°F; rainy season: May–October, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F). Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours enhance your visit, blending cultural immersion with green travel. Book via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has reclassified Hanoi’s districts as wards or communes, with former Hoan Kiem District now Hoan Kiem Ward under Hanoi City’s administration, simplifying navigation to Ly Quoc Su Pagoda using ward-based maps.
Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering guided eco-friendly tours in Hanoi, tailored for travelers seeking authentic experiences. Our tours use low-impact transport like electric cyclos, led by English-speaking guides who share pagoda history, cultural insights, and green practices, ensuring a safe, enriching journey. Supporting local communities, we align with Hanoi’s green initiatives. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we make planning effortless. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and explore Ly Quoc Su Pagoda responsibly!
Photograph the flavorful allure of Hanoi’s heritage (Source: Internet)Erected in 1131 during the Lý Dynasty, Ly Quoc Su Pagoda was built to honor Nguyễn Minh Không, a Zen Master who miraculously cured King Lý Thần Tông’s illness, earning the title “Lý Quốc Sư” (National Master of the Lý Dynasty). Beyond his medical feats, Minh Không advanced Vietnamese Buddhism, medicine, and bronze casting, notably contributing to the iconic An Quốc Temple bell. After his death, the king constructed this pagoda to commemorate his devotion. Restored multiple times, including in 1954 after French colonial damage, the pagoda preserves its Vietnamese-style architecture with intricate carvings, ancient steles, and a revered Buddha statue. Its courtyard, adorned with a banyan tree, offers a peaceful retreat, while vegetarian meals prepared by monks reflect Buddhist compassion. Located steps from St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Ly Quoc Su Pagoda is a spiritual oasis in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, blending history and serenity.
These eco-friendly activities, mostly free, offer spiritual and cultural immersion:
Light eco-friendly incense to honor Nguyễn Minh Không, best at 8:00 AM, for $0.20 (5,000 VND), embracing Vietnamese Buddhist traditions.
Cost: $0.20 (5,000 VND); entry free.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable incense minimizes environmental impact; maintain silence.
Tip: Learn Minh Không’s healing legacy from monks; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Explore the pagoda’s 12th-century carvings and Buddha statue, best at 9:00 AM, free, showcasing Lý Dynasty artistry.
Cost: Free; photography permit $1 (25,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Digital photography reduces waste; avoid touching relics.
Tip: Use a 50mm lens for carving details; respect worshippers’ space.
Enjoy vegetarian dishes like lotus salad, best at 11:30 AM, for $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND), supporting Buddhist compassion.
Cost: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM–2:00 PM (check with monks).
Eco-Friendly Note: Local, plant-based ingredients reduce carbon footprint; use reusable utensils.
Tip: Request meals in advance; dine in the communal hall.
Participate in guided meditation, best at 7:00 AM or 5:00 PM, free (donations $0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND appreciated), for inner peace.
Cost: Free; donations optional.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM or 5:00 PM (check with monks).
Eco-Friendly Note: Quiet participation respects local practices; no plastic offerings.
Tip: Wear modest attire; sit cross-legged respectfully.
Stroll vibrant Lý Quốc Sư Street after visiting, best at 10:00 AM, free, to enjoy street food ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND) and nearby St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
Cost: Free; food $0.50–$2.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Support vendors with biodegradable packaging; use reusable bags.
Tip: Try bánh mì ($0.80–$1.50); included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Start your Hanoi Travel with serene vistas (Source: Internet)Visit from November to April for cool, dry weather (15–28°C or 59–82.4°F), ideal for exploring Hoan Kiem Ward’s Old Quarter and enjoying clear views. The rainy season (May–October) adds lush ambiance but requires umbrellas. Early mornings (7:00–9:00 AM) offer serenity with fewer visitors (100–200 daily) compared to afternoons (500–1,000), especially on the 1st and 15th lunar days or Tet (January/February), when locals pray for prosperity, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) are quieter than weekends, particularly during the Old Quarter’s pedestrian zone (Friday–Sunday, 7:00 PM–midnight), which increases nearby foot traffic.
Ly Quoc Su Pagoda, at 50 Lý Quốc Sư Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi, is 600 meters from Hoan Kiem Lake, reachable in 5–15 minutes:
By Walking: 5–10 minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake via Hàng Gai or Đinh Tiên Hoàng to Lý Quốc Sư. Free, eco-friendly.
By Cyclo: From Old Quarter, 5–10 minutes, $4–$10/hour (100,000–250,000 VND) for 1–2 people, offering a cultural ride.
By Motorbike Taxi (Xe Ôm): 1–5 km rides (e.g., Ba Đình to Hoan Kiem), 5–10 minutes, $0.80–$2 (20,000–50,000 VND). Book via Grab/Xanh SM apps; helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).
By Electric Bus (VinBus): Routes 08, 09, 36 to Hoan Kiem Lake (Lý Thái Tổ stop), 5–10 minutes, $0.30–$0.40 (7,000–10,000 VND). Departs every 10–20 minutes, 5:00 AM–9:00 PM. Use BusMap app.
By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): To Lý Quốc Sư, 5–10 minutes, $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) one-way; round-trip $4–$8. Use Xanh SM app.
By Private Car (Legend Travel Group): $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND) round-trip for up to 4 people, ideal for groups.
By Air (to Hanoi): Noi Bai Airport (HAN), 25 km. Airport Bus No. 86 to Hoan Kiem Ward ($1.40 or 35,000 VND, 50–60 min), then walk or taxi ($2–$4); direct taxi/Grab ($12–$15 or 300,000–375,000 VND). Flights: Ho Chi Minh City ($80–$150 or 2,000,000–3,750,000 VND), Da Nang ($60–$120 or 1,500,000–3,000,000 VND), Bangkok ($200–$600). Navigation Tip: Save “50 Lý Quốc Sư, Hoan Kiem Ward” in offline maps (Maps.me); locate via St. Joseph’s Cathedral or Hoan Kiem Lake. Pedestrian zone (Friday–Sunday, 7:00 PM–midnight) restricts vehicles.
Eco-Friendly Note: Walking, cyclos, or VinBus reduce emissions; carpooling lowers fuel use.
Safety: Watch for pickpockets near Lý Quốc Sư; secure valuables. Confirm app-based fares.
Learn Hanoi’s historical legacy with expert insights (Source: Internet)Pack these essentials for a sustainable experience:
Clothing: Light layers, closed-toe shoes; modest attire (cover shoulders/knees, no hats in worship areas) for temple respect; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for rainy season.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat (remove in sanctuary).
Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), hand sanitizer ($0.50 or 12,500 VND).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab/Xanh SM/BusMap apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).
Photography Gear: Camera or smartphone for statue shots; extra batteries.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for souvenirs; biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Notebook for cultural notes; cash for offerings and food.
Tip: Carry small VND notes for incense ($0.20), donations ($0.50–$1), or street food ($0.50–$2); secure valuables in crowds.
Entry and Activity Fees
Pagoda Entry: Free.
Incense Offerings: $0.20 (5,000 VND).
Vegetarian Meals: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).
Donations for Meditation: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND, optional).
Photography Permit (Professional): $1 (25,000 VND).
Street Food (Lý Quốc Sư, e.g., Bánh Mì): $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Drinks (Coffee, Water): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., Silk on Hàng Gai): $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Guided Eco-Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Transportation (Round-Trip, from Hoan Kiem Ward)
Walking: Free.
Cyclo: $4–$10/hour (100,000–250,000 VND).
Xe Ôm: $1.60–$4 (40,000–100,000 VND) for 1–5 km.
VinBus: $0.60–$1 (14,000–24,000 VND).
Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $4–$8 (100,000–200,000 VND).
Private Car: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND).
Airport Bus No. 86 + Taxi: $3.70–$6.40 (92,500–160,000 VND).
Parking (Bikes/Cars, if needed): $0.20–$1.20 (5,000–30,000 VND).
SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $3–$10 (walking, incense, street food).
Mid-range: $15–$30 (cyclo, vegetarian meal, guided tour).
Luxury: $50–$80 (electric taxi, guided tour, souvenirs).
Tip: Budget for activities ($0.20–$5), transport ($0.80–$8), and food ($2–$5); carry cash for pagoda and vendors (no cards accepted).
Location map for Ly Quoc Su Pagoda (Source: Internet)Timing: Visit at 7:00–9:00 AM for tranquility; November–April for dry weather. Weekdays for fewer crowds (100–200 vs. 500–1,000 on weekends). Avoid 1st/15th lunar days or Tet (January/February) for quieter visits.
Booking: No entry tickets needed; reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead for guided visits. Check meal/meditation schedules with monks on-site.
Sustainability: Use biodegradable incense; bring reusable bottles to reduce plastic. Support local vendors on Lý Quốc Sư for food ($0.50–$2) or souvenirs ($1–$5).
Navigation: Save “50 Lý Quốc Sư, Hoan Kiem Ward” in offline maps; use St. Joseph’s Cathedral or Hoan Kiem Lake as landmarks. Avoid vehicles during pedestrian zone (Friday–Sunday, 7:00 PM–midnight).
Safety: Watch for pickpockets near Lý Quốc Sư; secure valuables. Avoid touching statues or altars; confirm fares for taxis/xe ôm.
Weather: Dry season for comfortable visits; rainy season needs rain gear ($2–$5). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees); remove shoes at entry. Maintain silence in worship areas; say “cảm ơn” to monks. Avoid public displays of affection.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); carry hand sanitizer for hygiene.
Our sustainable tours showcase Ly Quoc Su Pagoda and Hanoi’s cultural treasures:
Hanoi Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Electric cyclo to Ly Quoc Su Pagoda, Cau Dong Pagoda, and Old Quarter at 8:00 AM, with vegetarian lunch ($2–$5). Includes guide, transport.
Hanoi Nightlife Tour ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Pagoda visit, Tạ Hiện’s bia hơi, homestay ($20–$50/night). Includes meals, guide.
Hanoi & Ninh Bình Immersion ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Ly Quoc Su Pagoda, Ninh Bình’s Trang An, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
Ly Quoc Su Pagoda in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, a spiritual sanctuary just 600 meters from Hoan Kiem Lake, offers free entry to its 12th-century Lý Dynasty legacy, enchanting thousands of visitors yearly with intricate carvings and a serene courtyard. From offering eco-friendly incense to savoring monk-prepared vegetarian meals ($2–$5, 50,000–125,000 VND), this pagoda blends cultural heritage with sustainable practices. Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Tours guide you to this cultural gem, ensuring a green, immersive Hanoi Travel experience through Hanoi’s Old Quarter with visits to Dong Xuan Market and Ngoc Son Temple ($1.20 entry, 30,000 VND). Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly cultural adventure today!
Ready to visit Ly Quoc Su Pagoda in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable cultural journey!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Sources:
Ly Quoc Su Pagoda Information: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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