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Showing posts from September, 2019

TEMPLE OF LITERATURE (North Vietnam): The most important monument of the Vietnamese heritage

The Temple of Literature is definitely a must-see for any tourist desiring to explore Hanoi’s ancient beauty and culture. Below are the reasons why a trip to Hanoi’s Quoc Tu Giam is worth spending Have you ever noticed that what an ancient complex used as the symbol of Hanoi as well as printed on one side of the 100,000 VND note? The answer is Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s oldest Imperial Academy under the feudal courts and the first national university. The temple was built in dedication to Confucian philosophy and still holds a spiritual significance to each generation of students and educators in Vietnam at present. The temple was first built in 1070 in Ly dynasty the reconstructed during 1225 – 1400 under the command of Tran Kings. Having strongly stood through centuries of wars, disasters and major restorations, the temple still maintains its solemnly ancient look reflecting the architectural styles of various feudal dynasties and histories. In 1070, according to the orde

TRAN QUOC PAGODA (North Vietnam): The oldest pagoda in Hanoi, a striking symbol of the Vietnamese Buddhism

Being one of the most spiritual pagodas in Vietnam, Tran Quoc Pagoda is a renowned attraction for its deep cultural and Buddhist values. Coming to Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi (over 1500 years old), you will enjoy a delightful and antiquated picturesqueness in the center of the crowded and fast-pacing city. Built in the sixth century during the reign of King Ly Nam De, the pagoda was first named Khai Quoc, which means “founding the country”. Since then it has undergone a move, refurbishment and numerous name changes, but it remains a serene place to visit. It was first constructed on the other side of the dyke road, by the river, but was moved in the 17th century to its current location on West Lake. Clearly the builders recognised what a prime piece of real estate Duong Thanh Nien was and that the lakeside location would add to the beauty to the pagoda. The Buddhist pagoda is accessed via a short causeway lined with palm trees. The causeway leading to the temple