MABUHAY!
WEST LAKE
Our first stop during our morning walk in Hanoi is West Lake, known as Ho Tay in Vietnamese. The cool breeze from the lake and the peaceful surroundings are the perfect way to start a new day in Vietnam.
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| The locals are enjoying their fishing. |
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| I got one! |
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| This hotel is near the lake |
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TRAN QUOC PAGODA
Trấn Quốc Pagoda in Hanoi is the city’s oldest pagoda, originally built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Lý Nam Đế (544–548), making it more than 1,450 years old. When first established, the temple was named Khai Quốc (“National Founding”) and stood on the banks of the Red River outside the Yên Phụ Dyke. Due to river encroachment, it was relocated in 1615 to Kim Ngư (Golden Fish) Islet on Hồ Tây (West Lake), where it still stands today. A small causeway connects the islet to the mainland.
Entrance is free.
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| The main entrance of the pagoda |
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| This Pagoda is built on Kim Ngu islet in West Lake |
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| The intricate detail of the dragon ornament on the roof's ridge. |
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| Buddhist worshipers doing their religious rituals |
In the photo of Trấn Quốc Pagoda complex in Hanoi, several key architectural elements can be observed:
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Multi-tiered Pagoda (Stupa Tower):
The tall red-brick pagoda with multiple tiers (each roof level slightly receding upward) reflects traditional Vietnamese Buddhist architecture influenced by Indian stupa forms. Each level has niches containing white Buddha statues, symbolizing enlightenment at every stage. The curved roof edges are characteristic of East Asian temple design, giving a sense of grace and upward movement. -
Square Smaller Towers (Steles and Relic Towers):
The shorter, square towers nearby serve as stupas or shrines that often house relics, scriptures, or memorials to monks. Their walls are adorned with large Chinese characters, each painted inside framed panels, representing Buddhist virtues or teachings. -
Material and Ornamentation:
The structures are primarily constructed from reddish bricks and stone, symbolizing permanence and tradition. The white stone statues contrast the brick, emphasizing purity and spiritual focus. The roofs feature stylized corners that curve upward, enhancing elegance. -
Layout and Harmony:
The buildings are arranged in a compact yet balanced formation within the complex, combining tall and smaller towers to create visual rhythm. The mix of open niches, inscriptions, and statues reflects religious devotion and artistry.
In this photo of the Trấn Quốc Pagoda complex, the architectural elements highlight another important side of Vietnamese Buddhist temple design, distinct from the tall pagoda towers:
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Main Gateway Pavilion:
The central structure with its arched entrance functions as a ceremonial gateway or pavilion. It is painted in bright ochre yellow, a color commonly used in Vietnamese temples to symbolize spirituality, harmony, and prosperity. -
Curved Roofs with Dragon Motifs:
The roof has multiple tiers with upward-curving corners, decorated with stylized dragon figures, a traditional Vietnamese architectural element symbolizing protection and divine power. The layered, tiled roof balances elegance with sacred symbolism. -
Decorative Calligraphy Panels:
On both sides of the gateway, tall vertical panels feature Chinese characters (Han script), often inscribed with Buddhist teachings, dedications, or blessings. These inscriptions serve both decorative and didactic purposes. -
Courtyard Setting:
The pavilion opens into a spacious courtyard, typical of Vietnamese temple layouts, allowing for processions, offerings, and gatherings. The surrounding low yellow-painted halls with sloping tiled roofs suggest auxiliary monastery buildings used for worship or housing monks. -
Integration with Nature:
The presence of potted plants, ornamental trees, and offering flowers reinforces the harmony between the sacred structures and the natural environment, a hallmark of Vietnamese Buddhist temple design.
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| The beautiful double swing wooden gate |
TRAVELING AS IT IS! VISIT TO TRAN QUOC PAGODA - Video Footage
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