Hanoi is a city with over a thousand years of history. During the feudal period, which lasted for hundreds of years, the spiritual culture of Hanoi was strongly influenced by the Chinese. Thus, Hanoian’s religions are mainly Buddhism. As there are many myths related to Vietnam’s history, people also worship those mythical figures who contributed to protecting and building the nation. As a result, to meet the spiritual demands of people, numerous sacred places were constructed during the feudal period. Let’s check out the best 15 Hanoi temple and pagoda that you should not miss out on.
Most Famous Hanoi Pagodas to Visit
One Pillar Pagoda – A Symbol of Hanoi
One Pillar Pagoda
One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi is one of the most unique architectural marvels in Asia, serving as a cultural icon and spiritual destination in the capital city of Hanoi. It was built assembling a lotus blossom emerging from the water, symbolizing the purity and nobility of Buddhist teachings. While the One Pillar Pagoda today is a modest relic compared to its original grandeur, it holds significant importance in the cultural and spiritual life of the Vietnamese people throughout ancient history. It’s regarded as a cultural symbol of the thousand-year-old capital, Hanoi, and stands as a distinctive architectural wonder that captivates the attention of architectural historians.
- Location: Chua Mot Cot Street, Doi Can Ward, Ba Dinh District
Tran Quoc Pagoda
Tran Quoc Pagoda view from Thanh Nien Road
Located on the eastern side of West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda, with a history spanning over 1500 years, is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Hanoi. It was once the religious center of Thang Long during the Ly-Tran Dynasty, and today, Tran Quoc Pagoda has become a captivating spiritual destination in the capital, attracting numerous visitors for sightseeing and worship every year. Particularly, the pagoda houses a 15-meter-tall stupa with 11 tiers. Each tier of the stupa features a white stone statue of Amitabha Buddha in arched windows.
- Location: No. 46, Thanh Nien Street, Truc Bach Ward, Tay Ho District
Ba Da Pagoda
Ba Da Pagoda is nestled in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, just about 100 meters from Hoan Kiem Lake. This ancient pagoda is a destination for monks, Buddhists, and visitors from near and far who come to admire its architecture and make pilgrimages. While the entrance gate appears small and narrow, the interior of this place is relatively spacious with multiple altars following the traditional Vietnamese architectural style. During special occasions such as festivals, Tet, or Buddhist holidays, the pagoda welcomes thousands of people to appreciate its ancient architecture, and serene ambiance, and to pay respects to the Buddhas, all while fostering good intentions for peace and health.
- Location: No. 3, Nha Tho Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District
Quan Su Pagoda – A Famous Pagoda in Hanoi
Quan Su Pagoda
Quan Su Pagoda serves as the central headquarters of the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha. It’s considered one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Hanoi. Visiting the pagoda, you will surely notice something unique about it. Despite its age of nearly a century, the pagoda’s name, inscriptions inside, and the script used on its architectural elements are all in Vietnamese script rather than Chinese characters as seen in many other spiritual places. This is a rare and distinctive feature. Additionally, Quan Su Pagoda serves as a repository for numerous documents and scriptures related to Buddhism, making it one of the largest centers for Buddhist research, education, and propagation in Vietnam.
- Location: No. 73, Quan Su Street, Tran Hung Dao Ward, Hoan Kiem District
Perfume Pagoda – A Cultural and Spiritual Complex of Vietnam
Perfume Pagoda
Not only renowned as a sacred pilgrimage site, the allure of Perfume Pagoda lies in its harmonious natural landscape and tranquil serenity. Nestled at an altitude of 650 meters above sea level, and surrounded by majestic mountains, your visit to this pagoda will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. However, Perfume Pagoda is located approximately 40 kilometers from the center of Hanoi, requiring about an hour’s journey. Moreover, upon arrival, you’ll embark on a boat ride to reach the pagoda. Despite the somewhat time-consuming journey, it presents a marvelous opportunity to immerse yourself in the surrounding scenic beauty.
- Location: 40km from the center of Hanoi, Huong Son Ward, My Duc District
Hoe Nhai Pagoda
Hoe Nhai Pagoda is one of the ancient cultural treasures of Hanoi. The pagoda dates back to the Ly Dynasty. It is also the birthplace of the Tao Dong Zen Buddhist sect, a significant branch of Vietnamese Buddhism. The pagoda’s most notable feature is a statue of a Buddha seated on the back of King Le Hy Tong, located in the rear right corner of the main hall. This unique statue, found not only in Vietnam but also worldwide, captivates all visitors.
Unique Statue in Hoe Nhai Pagoda
Designated as a national heritage site in 1989, Hoe Nhai Pagoda has been meticulously preserved. It now become a captivating destination for both local and international travelers. Especially during the Lunar New Year, festivals, and Buddhist holidays, the pagoda hosts elaborate and spiritually significant Buddhist ceremonies that draw thousands of visitors who come to admire the ancient architecture and participate in the pagoda’s serene atmosphere.
- Location: No. 19, Hang Than Street, Nguyen Trung Truc Ward, Ba Dinh District
Ly Quoc Su Pagoda
Ly Quoc Su Pagoda is a nationally recognized heritage site in Vietnam. During the initial restoration in 1674, a beautiful collection of stone sculptures was discovered, making it a significant repository of valuable historical and artistic artifacts. These sculptures are considered rare gems not only within the pagoda but also in the broader realm of Vietnamese sculpture art. Situated in central Hanoi, Ly Quoc Su Pagoda is easily accessible, offering you the opportunity to pray and explore its historical artifacts.
- Location: No. 50, Ly Quoc Su Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District
Ha Pagoda – Best Pagoda in Hanoi to Wish for Love
Ha Pagoda stands amidst a small alley in the bustling heart of Hanoi. This pagoda exudes profound spirituality, granting visitors the opportunity to make their wishes come true. In recent years, it has gained popularity among young people, who believe that “If you come to Ha Pagoda alone and wish for love, you will go back with your other half.” This notion has contributed to its reputation as a unique destination among tourists and locals alike in Hanoi.
- Location: No. 86, Chua Ha Street, Dich Vong Ward, Cau Giay District
Lang Pagoda in Hanoi
A Corner of Lang Pagoda in Hanoi
Lang Pagoda, a renowned spiritual site in Hanoi, boasts unique architecture and numerous impressive architectural masterpieces. With nearly 900 years of history, the pagoda has witnessed the ebb and flow of time. Historical records indicate that Lang Pagoda once comprised 100 chambers constructed in the traditional Vietnamese architectural style.
Today, Lang Pagoda retains its grandeur and significance, featuring a harmonious complex of structures within its tranquil surroundings. The pagoda’s delicate fusion with nature, its gardens, and ancient trees creates a serene and peaceful atmosphere. This place was once known as “De Nhat Tung Lam,” which means “the most beautiful pine forest,” holds a profound meaning and showcases exceptional beauty in the western part of the ancient Thang Long Citadel.
- Location: No. 116, Chua Lang Street, Lang Thuong Ward, Dong Da District
Hanoi Temples That You Should Not Miss
Ngoc Son Temple – A Temple amidst Hoan Kiem Lake
A View of Ngon Son Temple
In the famous Hoan Kiem Lake heritage complex in Hanoi, Ngoc Son Temple is always mentioned as a sacred place, coexisting with the ups and downs of Hanoi. This temple not only exudes ancient beauty but also holds significant spiritual meaning for the local people. Situated on an island in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake, despite the historical tribulations, Ngoc Son Temple remains a magnificent architectural masterpiece amidst Hanoi.
What particularly captivates visitors to this temple is the display of two preserved turtles closely associated with the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake. These two turtle specimens are positioned side by side, the first one passed away in 1967, while the latter was discovered in 2016.
- Location: Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District
Kim Lien Temple in Hanoi
Kim Lien Temple is the third among the four Thang Long Guardian Temples, protecting the southern part of the citadel. Despite the vicissitudes of history, Kim Lien Temple has been repaired and restored. Later, it was expanded with a triple-gated entrance and new architectural additions, forming the Kim Lien Shrine. The structures within the temple are adorned with meticulous and vibrant patterns, reflecting the artistic architectural style of the Nguyen Dynasty. Additionally, the temple houses numerous stone steles of historical significance.
- Location: No. 148, Kim Hoa Street, Phuong Lien Ward, Dong Da District
Bach Ma Temple
Bach Ma Temple from the Outside
Bach Ma Temple is one of the four Guardian Temples of Thang Long – the ancient Hanoi. Bach Ma Temple worships Long Do, the guardian deity of the eastern direction of the Thang Long Citadel. Encompassing an impressive area of over 500 square meters, this historical site holds not only spiritual significance but also showcases exceptional stone carvings dating back to the Ly and Tran dynasties, known for their artistic finesse. Bach Ma Temple stands as a grand structure, having undergone numerous renovations yet retaining its historical artifacts well. The temple houses more than 15 stone steles that document the temple’s history, deities, and rituals of worship, as well as the history of its restoration.
- Location: No. 76, Hang Buom Street, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem District
Voi Phuc Temple
Built in 1065, during the Ly Dynasty, Voi Phuc Temple guards the western part of the ancient Thang Long Citadel. The temple’s gate is adorned with two kneeling elephant statues, hence it was named “Voi Phuc” as “Voi” means elephant. Upon entering the temple, you can admire intricately carved dragon motifs and delicate floral decorations, all set against a tranquil and peaceful backdrop. The temple not only boasts remarkable architectural beauty but also holds significant spiritual significance in the unique cultural heritage of the nation.
- Location: No. 362, Kim Ma Street, Ngoc Khanh Ward, Ba Dinh District
Quan Thanh Temple
Quan Thanh Temple
The northern guardian temple is Quan Thanh Temple. Located at the intersection of Quan Thanh Street and Thanh Nien Street, facing the West Lake, you can enjoy a refreshing climate when visiting this temple at any time throughout the year. The temple’s architectural value is demonstrated by intricate wood carvings in a harmoniously designed space. The most prominent feature is the statue of Tran Vu, cast from black bronze. This statue not only showcases the art of bronze casting and sculpture but also underscores the talent and craftsmanship of Hanoi artisans from three centuries ago.
- Location: No. 190, Quan Thanh Street, Quan Thanh Ward, Ba Dinh District
Tay Ho Temple (Phu Tay Ho)
Tay Ho Temple offers a unique blend of mystique and reverence, creating a sacred space. This is a popular destination for both tourists and locals, especially during the Lunar New Year celebrations. People often come here to pick the first sprigs of luck, a tradition meant to usher in a new year of peace, prosperity, and good fortune. Apart from participating in Lunar New Year festivities, Tay Ho Temple also attracts visitors with its picturesque beauty.
- Location: No.52, Dang Thai Mai Street, Quang An Ward, Tay Ho District
Temple of Literature – A Must-Visit Temple in Hanoi
Temple of Literature
While traveling around Hanoi, don’t forget to set aside time to visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university. It is not only the birthplace of many talents that have enriched Vietnam throughout its history but also a historical witness to the capital city of Hanoi.
What makes the Temple of Literature special is its system of stelae, recognized by UNESCO as a World Documentary Heritage. Each stela is a sculptural masterpiece, combining artistic and spiritual significance. There are 82 Doctoral Stelae, placed on the backs of 82 stone turtles. These stelae bear the names and information of 82 top scholars from various imperial examination periods in Vietnamese feudal history.
- Location: No. 58, Quoc Tu Giam Street, Van Mieu Ward, Dong Da District
Apart from the hustling and bustling side of the capital city, Hanoi is also a perfect destination for you to explore the spiritual culture of Vietnamese. With a system of sacred pagodas and temples, don’t forget to visit some during your trip so as to admire the ancient architecture as well as pray for health and wealth. You can start creating your own journey with IDC Travel and contact us if you need any help.
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What is the most important one in Hanoi?
Hi Patrick,
Ngoc Son Temple seems to be the most important one in Hanoi thank to the easy accessibility. It is located amidst the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, connected to the bank by The Huc Bridge – a classical Vietnamese scarlet painted bridge.
Thanks,
Alice Pham.