Hanoi’s oldest pagoda and, for me, one of the most beautiful places in the city. Tran Quoc stands on a small island on the shores of West Lake, also known as Hồ Tây.

I was really looking forward to visiting this place, and I was delighted by the visit. The temple complex itself is small, but I really enjoyed the combination of the pagoda, a stroll along the water’s edge and the evening light.

• 🏨 Hotel near the pagoda and the lake: Pan Pacific Hanoi – prices and availability – is just a few minutes’ walk from the pagoda. For the best views, choose a room facing the lake. You can find other options in the article ‘Where to stay in Hanoi’.

What you’ll see and how much time to set aside

The pagoda’s history dates back to the 6th century. The most striking structure on the site today is the red, eleven-storey stupa, which you can see clearly from the lakeside promenade.

It takes about 5 minutes to walk through the complex itself. You’ll see the courtyard, the shrines and the area around the tower. I’d set aside more time, mainly for a walk by the lake.

The promenade, food and the sunset

I’d recommend taking at least a short stroll along the water’s edge after your visit and combining it with a bite to eat. To the north of the pagoda, you’ll find plenty of small eateries, so it’s well worth venturing a little further than just the immediate vicinity of the entrance.

I liked it best here in the early evening, when the pagoda by the water really stands out. It was right here that I experienced one of the most fascinating sunsets ever. For me, it’s definitely one of the best places in Hanoi to round off the day.

Bear in mind, however, that Thanh Niên Road along the promenade is quite busy. I was expecting a quieter spot and was surprised by the traffic. So, whilst it’s a lovely walk by the water, it’s still set against the backdrop of the big city.

Admission and opening hours

• 💰 Admission: free.
• 🕒 Opening hours: daily 7.30 am–11.00 am and 1.30 pm–5.00 pm.

You can also come to watch the sunset after the grounds have closed. You can admire the pagoda from the public promenade along the lake.

Please ensure your shoulders and knees are covered when entering the temple grounds.

How to get to the pagoda

The entrance is located at 46 Thanh Niên, on the road separating West Lake from the smaller Trúc Bạch Lake.

From the Old Quarter, you can easily get here by Grab. You’ll find other transport options in the section on Transport in Hanoi.

You can extend your walk to the nearby Quan Thanh Temple or continue on to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Hanoi.