Chua Tran Quoc

Tran Quoc Pagoda (3 September 2006)


Chua Tran Quoc is one of the oldest pagodas in Hanoi. It is located on a small promontary on the eastern bank of Ho Tay, the West Lake of Hanoi.

The history of Chua Tran Quoc goes back to 545AD, to the time Vietnamese revolted against their Chinese occupiers. The national hero Ly Bon built a wood-and-bamboo citadel at the mouth of the Song To Lich. At the same time, he also built the Chua Khai Quoc, or Foundation of the Country Pagoda, by the banks of the Red River. Chua Khai Quoc was the original name for Chua Tran Quoc.

In the 17th century, Chua Khai Quoc Pagoda was moved to its present side on the peninsula in Ho Tay, and was renamed Chua Tran Quoc. Historian learned all this from a stelae found on the premises. The stelae dates to 1639.

To reach the pagoda, visitors walk across a palm-tree lined causeway to the main entrance.

Getting there

The most straightforward way to reach Chua Tran Quoc is from Ba Dinh Square where the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is located. Just head north along Hung Vuong, and that will take you to the West Lake. Chua Tran Quoc is located at the tip of a small peninsula on the east side of the lake. You may consider taking a taxi but be sure to negotiate a price before you step in. Beware that some taxis have meters that are not trustworthy.

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