Handicraft Tours
The name Chu Dau literally means "wharf". Chu Dau village in the northern...
Bat Trang, a small village in the north of Vietnam, is about 13 kilometers...
Van Phuc Silk Village is situated on the banks of Nhue Thi River, Nguyen...
Dong Ky, a traditional wood carving...
Dong Ho village, formally called Mai village,...
Located 35 km from central Hanoi, the southwest, the village of Phu Vinh...
The traditional Ha Thai lacquer village lies on the old highway 1A, it is...
Undoubtedly, with its history line of more than 1,500 years and impressive spectacle, Tran Quoc pagoda is the most ancient and beautiful pagoda in Hanoi.
This Buddhist center's construction is a subtle blend of solemn and lovely scenery on the serene and tranquil ambiance of West Lake's surface. Tran Quoc Pagoda attracts many tourists from both inside and outside of Vietnam because of its historical and architectural significance.
Between the years 544 and 548, during the King Ly Nam De Dynasty, the Tran Quoc Pagoda was built on the Red River's shore with the name "Khai Quoc" (Opening a Country) (approximately within Yen Phu Ward, Tay Ho District now). In the 15th century, under the reign of King Le Thai Tong, it was renamed "An Quoc," which means "a pleasant country."
Due to a catastrophic landslide that engulfed the pagoda's foundation in 1915, the incumbent government and people decided to relocate the entire construction to Kim Nguu Island on the east side of West Lake, which is now the current location of Tran Quoc Pagoda.
During King Le Huy Tong's dynasty, the renaming process continued until it was given the name "Tran Quoc Pagoda," which means "defend the country" (1681–1705). In each name of the pagoda, we can perceive a milestone in the country as well as the hopes of its people tied to this holy sanctuary.
Many kings and lords of Vietnam used to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, which is known for its beautiful scenery and spiritual sanctuary, especially during festivals, full moon days, or Tet. Despite the fact that the landscape has been altered by development, the pagoda has managed to retain its popularity.
Aside from the front gate, which faces the congested Thanh Nien Road, the 3,000m2 complex is surrounded by a sliver tide of West Lake and is built according to strict Buddhist architectural rules, with many layers of buildings and three main houses called "Tiền Đường," a house for burning incense, and Thượng Điện. These chambers are interconnected to form the Công script (工).
The Tran Quoc Pagoda's precinct is marked by a tall stupa that was erected in 1998 and can be seen from afar. This stupa has 11 stories and a height of 15 meters; each floor has a vaulted window with a gemstone figure of Amitabha. A nine-story lotus (Cửu thiên liên hoa) rises on top, which is also a gemstone. The 50-year-old Bodhi tree, presented by former Indian President Indira Gandhi during his visit to Hanoi in 1959, is symmetrically placed next to this pagoda. The meaning of this association is explained by Abbot Thich Thanh Nha of Tran Quoc Pagoda: "The lotus represents Buddha, while the Bodhi is a symbol of supreme knowledge."
Tran Quoc also has a small museum with rare antiquities ranging in age from thousands to hundreds of years old, such as worshiping sculptures at the front house. These statues are all precisely etched and polished by skilled craftsmen, and they all have amazing features. The statue "Thích Ca Nhập Niết Bàn," which is considered the most beautiful statue in Vietnam, stands out among them.
With all of its historical and architectural significance, Tran Quoc Pagoda is not only a must-see for Buddhist pilgrims, but also a must-see for cultural explorers visiting Vietnam.
Mother Nature has bestowed the distinctive and beautiful beauty of My Khe beach on Danang's bustling metropolis. My Khe Beach is regarded as one of Danang City's most...
Hoa Lu was founded over ten centuries ago in Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, about 100 kilometers south of Hanoi, as the capital of Dai Co Viet (...
Truong Tien Bridge (also called Trang Tien Bridge), a symbol of Hue Imperial City, spans romantic Perfume River. It was built in 1897 with Gothic architecture by Gustav...
Tra Que village in Hoi An is clearly a fantastic choice for travelers who are intrigued by the Asian countryside and have come from big cities. The natural beauty that...
Thu Le Park, or Thu Le Zoo, sometimes known as the Hanoi Zoo, is a popular destination for families, particularly those with small children.
Lan Ha Bay is a tranquil bay in the Cat Ba Islands group, located next to Halong Bay. Lan Ha Bay includes over 400 large and small islands with lush foliage and greenery....
Yen Tu Mountain, located in Uong Bi Town, Quang Ninh Province, is one of the highest peaks in the Dong Trieu Mountains in Vietnam's north-eastern region. Yen Tu is...
Ti Top ( Titov ) Island, situated in the middle of Halong Bay and approximately 4 sea miles southeast of Bai Chay Cruise Port, is one of the most popular...
Bo Hon Island is undoubtedly worth mentioning when it comes to stunning islands in Halong Bay. Not only does the island have stunning scenery, but it also contains one of the...
Thung Nham Bird Park Sanctuary is one of the few tourist attractions that fully converges on factors of cultural, spiritual, and cultural landscape and biodiversity. Located...
From: Contact