Explore Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi’s oldest temple in Trúc Bạch Ward! Discover history, activities, pricing, and Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours. Book your spiritual journey now!
Capture the sacred beauty of Tran Quoc Pagoda’s spiritual gem (Source: Internet)Tran Quoc Pagoda, nestled on a serene islet in Hanoi’s West Lake, Trúc Bạch Ward, is a cultural jewel, drawing over 100,000 visitors annually as the city’s oldest Buddhist temple, founded in 541. Located 4.5 km from Hoan Kiem Ward’s bustling Old Quarter, this free-to-enter sanctuary offers a tranquil escape with its iconic 15-meter red stupa and golden Shakyamuni Buddha statue, blending over 1,500 years of history with breathtaking lakeside views. Its sacred ambiance makes it a must-visit for spiritual seekers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Built during the Lý Dynasty and revered as a Buddhist hub under the Trần Dynasty, Tran Quoc Pagoda embodies Hanoi’s 1,000-year-old Thang Long heritage. Eco-friendly practices, such as biodegradable incense and solar-powered lighting, 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 guide you through this ancient haven, ensuring a green, immersive experience. Book via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has reclassified Hanoi’s districts as wards or communes, with former Tây Hồ District now including Trúc Bạch Ward under Hanoi City’s administration, simplifying navigation to Tran Quoc 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 or VinBus, 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 Tran Quoc Pagoda responsibly!
Photograph the historic allure of Tran Quoc Pagoda’s heritage (Source: Internet)Founded in 541 under Emperor Lý Nam Đế as Khai Quốc Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda was originally built on the Red River’s bank but relocated in 1615 to Kim Ngư (Golden Fish) Islet in West Lake due to river erosion, later renamed Tran Quoc (National Defense) under King Lê Kinh Tông. A Buddhist center during the Lý and Trần dynasties, it features a majestic 11-story Bảo Tháp stupa (1998), adorned with Amitabha Buddha statues, and a sacred Bodhi tree gifted by India’s President Rajendra Prasad in 1959, grown from a branch of the original Bodhi Gaya tree. The pagoda’s architecture, with curved dragon-scale roofs and lotus motifs, reflects Vietnamese and Buddhist harmony, offering serene views of West Lake and Trúc Bạch Lake. Sustainable features, like maintained gardens and digital guides, preserve its sanctity, making it a spiritual and scenic gem 4.5 km from Hoan Kiem Ward.
These eco-friendly activities, mostly free, offer spiritual and cultural immersion:
Light eco-friendly incense to honor Amitabha and Shakyamuni Buddhas, 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, 7:30 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable incense minimizes environmental impact; maintain silence.
Tip: Pray in the Front House; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Marvel at the 15-meter, 11-story red stupa, best at 9:00 AM, free, with gemstone Amitabha statues and a nine-story lotus pinnacle, built in 1998.
Cost: Free; photography permit $1 (25,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 7:30 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Digital photography reduces waste; avoid climbing stupa.
Tip: Use a 50–200mm lens for tower shots; respect worshippers.
Find peace under the sacred Bodhi tree, best at 7:30 AM, free (donations $0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND appreciated), symbolizing enlightenment.
Cost: Free; donations optional.
Hours: Daily, 7:30 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Quiet meditation respects local practices; no plastic offerings.
Tip: Sit cross-legged respectfully; avoid loud conversations.
View 14 poem-engraved steles in the Stele House, best at 10:00 AM, free, recording the pagoda’s history across dynasties.
Cost: Free.
Hours: Daily, 7:30 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Digital guides minimize paper; stay on paths to preserve grounds.
Tip: Use a translation app for inscriptions; located near the main hall.
Capture stunning lake views from the pagoda’s islet, best at 5:00 PM, free, with Trúc Bạch Lake and Hanoi’s skyline as a backdrop.
Cost: Free; photography permit $1 (25,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 7:30 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Digital photography; avoid littering near lake.
Tip: Use a wide-angle lens; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Photography Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Embrace the vibrant spirit of Hanoi Travel adventures (Source: Internet)Visit from November to April for cool, dry weather (15–28°C or 59–82.4°F), ideal for lakeside walks and photography. The rainy season (May–October) enhances greenery but requires rain gear. Early mornings (7:30–9:00 AM) offer tranquility with fewer visitors (100–200 daily) than afternoons (500–1,000), especially on the 1st and 15th lunar days or Tet (January/February), when Buddhists pray for blessings, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) are quieter than weekends, particularly during Buddha’s Birthday or Vu Lan Festival. Avoid lunch hours (11:30 AM–1:30 PM) when the pagoda may close.
Start your Hanoi Travel with tranquil vibes (Source: Internet)Tran Quoc Pagoda, at 46 Thanh Niên Street, Trúc Bạch Ward, Hanoi, is 4.5 km from Hoan Kiem Ward, reachable in 15–20 minutes:
By Walking: 45–60 minutes from Hoan Kiem Ward via Hàng Gai, Lý Thái Tổ, and Thanh Niên. Free, eco-friendly.
By Cyclo: From Old Quarter, 15–20 minutes, $4–$10/hour (100,000–250,000 VND) for 1–2 people, offering a scenic ride.
By Motorbike Taxi (Xe Ôm): 4.5 km ride, 10–15 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 14, 33, 50 to An Dương-Yên Phụ stop, 15–20 minutes, $0.30–$0.40 (7,000–10,000 VND). Departs every 10–20 minutes, 5:00 AM–10:30 PM. Use BusMap app.
By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): To Thanh Niên Street, 15–20 minutes, $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) one-way; round-trip $4–$8. Use Xanh SM app.
By Bicycle: Rent from Old Quarter shops ($2–$5/day or 50,000–125,000 VND), 20–25 minutes via Thanh Niên. Eco-friendly.
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 taxi ($2–$4) or bus ($0.30–$0.40); 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 “46 Thanh Niên, Trúc Bạch Ward” in offline maps (Maps.me); locate via West Lake or Quan Thanh Temple. Parking: $0.20–$1.20 (5,000–30,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Walking, cycling, VinBus, or Xanh SM reduce emissions; carpooling lowers fuel use.
Safety: Watch for traffic on Thanh Niên; secure valuables. Confirm app-based fares to avoid scams.
Learn Tran Quoc Pagoda’s 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 shorts or tank tops) 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 worship areas).
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 lake shots; extra batteries.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for offerings; biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Notebook for cultural notes; cash for donations and food.
Tip: Carry small VND notes for incense ($0.20), donations ($0.50–$1), or street food ($0.50–$2); secure valuables in crowded areas.
Entry and Activity Fees
Pagoda Entry: Free.
Incense Offerings: $0.20 (5,000 VND).
Donations for Meditation: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND, optional).
Photography Permit (Professional): $1 (25,000 VND).
Street Food (Nearby Thanh Niên, e.g., Bánh Tôm): $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Drinks (Coffee, Water): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., Buddhist Charms): $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 4.5 km.
VinBus: $0.60–$1 (14,000–24,000 VND).
Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $4–$8 (100,000–200,000 VND).
Bicycle Rental: $2–$5/day (50,000–125,000 VND).
Private Car: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND).
Airport Bus No. 86 + Taxi/Bus: $3.70–$6.40 (92,500–160,000 VND).
Parking: $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, donations, guided tour).
Luxury: $50–$80 (electric taxi, guided tour, souvenirs).
Tip: Budget for activities ($0.20–$1), transport ($0.80–$8), and food ($2–$5); carry cash for pagoda and vendors (no cards accepted).
Location map for Tran Quoc Pagoda (Source: Internet)Timing: Visit at 7:30–9:00 AM for serenity; November–April for dry weather. Weekdays for fewer crowds (100–200 vs. 500–1,000 on weekends). Avoid 1st/15th lunar days or Tet for quieter visits; join festivals for cultural vibrancy.
Booking: No entry tickets needed; reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead for guided visits. Check festival schedules (e.g., Buddha’s Birthday) with monks on-site.
Sustainability: Use biodegradable incense; bring reusable bottles to reduce plastic. Support local vendors on Thanh Niên for snacks ($0.50–$2) or charms ($1–$5).
Navigation: Save “46 Thanh Niên, Trúc Bạch Ward” in offline maps; use West Lake or Quan Thanh Temple as landmarks. Avoid vehicles during peak traffic (7:30–9:00 AM, 5:00–7:00 PM).
Safety: Watch for traffic on Thanh Niên; secure valuables. Avoid touching statues or altars; confirm fares for taxis/xe ôm via apps.
Weather: Dry season for comfortable visits; rainy season needs rain gear ($2–$5) and non-slip shoes. 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 Tran Quoc Pagoda and Hanoi’s cultural treasures:
Hanoi Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Electric cyclo to Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hoan Kiem Lake, and Old Quarter at 8:00 AM, with street food lunch ($2–$5). Includes guide, transport.
Hanoi Lakeside Tour ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Tran Quoc Pagoda, West Lake sunset, Tạ Hiện’s bia hơi, homestay ($20–$50/night). Includes meals, guide.
Hanoi & Ninh Bình Immersion ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Tran Quoc 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!
Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi’s Trúc Bạch Ward, free to enter, is a 1,500-year-old spiritual haven, enchanting over 100,000 visitors yearly with its red stupa, golden Buddha, and West Lake serenity. From offering eco-friendly incense to meditating under the Bodhi tree, sustainable practices like digital guides preserve its sacred charm, 4.5 km from Hoan Kiem Ward. Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Tours guide you through this ancient gem, ensuring a sustainable Hanoi Travel experience filled with peace and history. Whether seeking tranquility or exploring heritage, Tran Quoc Pagoda promises an unforgettable Hanoi adventure. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your spiritual adventure today!
Ready to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi’s Trúc Bạch Ward? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable cultural journey!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights and guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Source: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
Favorite experiences booked by travelers
