Tran Quoc Pagoda

Tran Quoc Pagoda in the backdrop

Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest in Hanoi. Located on an islet of the largest lake in Hanoi; West Lake, it is an antique in a modern and busy part of the city. It is a Buddhism temple that was constructed in the year 541 by King Ly Nam De and was relocated to its current location in the early 17th century. 

(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tr%E1%BA%A5n_Qu%E1%BB%91c_Pagoda and http://www.vietnam-beauty.com/cities/ha-noi/4-ha-noi/72-tran-quoc-pagoda-.html )

The entrance 

The lights on the fence

It is not to be missed if you are in Hanoi. Although it is not very big, it is picturesque and tranquil here. It is set against the freshwater West Lake, home to many foreigners and expensive hotels in Hanoi.

The pagoda against the red roof

Other structures surrounding the pagoda

There are public buses plying the area and a bus stop just outside the pagoda. Or the easier way to get here is by a taxi. That was what we did. 

The pagoda with Buddha statuettes and prayer table

The prayer table

Standing in line: beautiful structures

A place for prayer

There is a tall red pagoda and it is surrounded by many smaller structures. We are fascinated by the intricate designs of the pagoda and other structures in the compound. We could feel the tranquility surrounding the place. 

The incense burner 

One could also choose to offer their prayers here.

Old man fishing

If you want to enjoy the sunset here like us, visit this place in the evening. The sun sets around six p.m. (in January).

Sunset at Tran Quoc Pagoda

The West Lake

West lake surrounded by hotels

After our visit to Tran Quoc Pagoda, we went to Kem Ho Tay for ice-cream and later dined at Ban Tom Ho Tay Restaurant.

Details of the place:

Just opposite Kem Ho Tay (ice-cream) and Ban Tom Ho Tay Restaurant

Free admission

Open daily (until late afternoon)

Attire: Decently dressed

Like the electric car service for the Old Quarter, there is also electric car service for the West Lake area. The ticket booth is located just outside the pagoda. Here, they only operate the car if you are in a bigger group. The two of us got turned down as lack of passengers.