The Interesting Trấn Quốc Pagoda in Hanoi

The Interesting Trấn Quốc Pagoda in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

Chua Tran Quoc is a Buddhist temple in Hanoi, on a small peninsula on the West Lake. It is considered the oldest temple in the city, with a history dating back to the 6th century. The location provides a serene and beautiful setting, ideal for a walk away from the city’s agitation.

If you don’t want to drive around the chaotic Hanoi, you can get to this temple by grabbing a taxi with the app "Grab". If you do it through the app, they cannot scam you as the price is previously fixed.

Its picturesque tower, Thap But (pen tower), stands out for its elegance and traditional architectural style. Additionally, the temple houses several statues and sacred shrines holding important Buddhist relics. Visitors can stroll through the landscaped gardens, enjoy panoramic views of the lake, and participate in religious and cultural activities held at the temple. The enclosure is quite small, you can visit it in just 15 minutes.

There are teachings and moral principles associated with Buddhism that believe in reincarnation after death. In the courtyard of the temple, the "Illustrations for the Law of Karma" remind the visitors of their evil acts' consequences on their lives and on their reincarnation. For instance, if you lack duties to your parents, you will be an orphan in the next life. Or ignoring a person in great need results in blindness in the next life.

It’s a lovely temple; it’s worth a visit.