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 gives a sense of drama as you approach, suggesting something of value lies ahead. The large entrance gate is one of the most recent additions, built in 1815, and through that to the left is a tall tower visible from the street. Entrance is free to the temple, but donations are encouraged.

The tower stands 15 metres high and has 11 tiers, each designed to represent the petals of a lotus flower. Each level has six arch windows containing a statue of Amitabha and on top of the tower sits a lotus flower made from precious stone—but you can’t get a good view of that from 15 metres below.

Brick-built shrines of all shapes and sizes surround the tower, most with incense wafting out from small windows or altars, and some with Chinese writing on the side; we can’t tell you the meaning of these texts, but they are pretty.

Comments

THE PEACEFUL AND PRECIOUS GEM LINH QUY PHAP AN PAGODA, NEAR DALAT (South Vietnam): where this sanctuary is both peaceful and tranquil, and possesses beautifully fascinating space.

Linh Quy Phap An Pagoda is located in Lam Dong Province, where the famous touristic city of Da Lat is situated. With a special terrain position placing on highlands, the pagoda always has a calm and harmonious vibe with green grass, hills and clouds. The pagoda is an ideal destination for those who want to indulge yourself in natural beauty and culture of Vietnam. How to get there? Linh Quy Phap An Pagoda is 21km to the South of Bao Loc of Lam Dong Province in South Vietnam, between Ho Chi Minh Ville and Dalat. To reach the pagoda, visitors need to follow this route: From Ho Chi Minh City direction to Dalat via Bao Loc City. Arrived in Bao Loc City, go to Tran Phu Street, turn right at Dai Binh junction and head towards the road to Loc Thanh commune (Highway 55). After passing Loc Thanh Market, cross the Da Trang Bridge where you will face a junction. Turn right at that spot, pass Nibbana Pagoda while keeping straight to the crossroads, then turn right. Continue g...

THE SURREAL SAND DUNES OF MUI NE (South Vietnam): It's the outstanding place to go for a taste of desert and wonderful landscape photography!

Mui Ne is a resort town that spans 15 kilometres along Vietnam’s southern coast. There are two sand dunes you can easily access from Mui Ne, namely the Red Sand Dunes and the White Sand Dunes. The White Sand Dunes is exactly how I have always imagined a desert to be – a vast expanse of barren land. Undoubtedly more pristine and breathtaking than the Red Sand Dunes, the White Sand Dunes is also less accessible. It is an hour drive from the centre of Mui Ne, and I must say that it is most definitely worth the commute. The Red Sand Dunes is just 20 minutes from the town centre, and the sand is really more orangey-brown than red. The gentle slopes make it easy to walk on foot (at least in comparison to the White Sand Dunes), and it is a spectacular place to be during sunset. The Fairy Stream is one of Mui Ne’s main attractions, alongside the Red and White Sand Dunes. I didn’t expect to see hills of sand along the Fairy Stream at all. The landscape is ab...

FOREIGN TRAVEL ADVICE (Vietnam): personal safety, the fact we must know; Vietnam is the 43rd safest country in the world...

Vietnam is a relatively safe country for visitors, including solo female travellers. In fact, given the country’s recent history, many tourists, particularly Americans, are pleasantly surprised at the warm reception that foreign travellers receive. That said, petty crime is on the rise – though it’s still relatively small-scale and shouldn’t be a problem if you take common-sense precautions. Generally, the hassles you’ll encounter will be the milder sort of coping with pushy vendors and over-enthusiastic touts and beggars. At street level it’s best not to be ostentatious: forego eye-catching jewellery and flashy watches, try to be discreet when taking out your cash, and be particularly wary in crowds and on public transport. If your pack is on the top of the bus, make sure it’s attached securely (usually everything is tied down with ropes) and keep an eye on it during the most vulnerable times – before departure, at meal stops and on arrival at your destination. On trains, e...

Railway Cafe

Search This Blog