Trấn Quốc Pagoda

The Trấn Quốc Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, having been built in the 6th century during the reign of Lynam. It was originally located on the Red River but moved to West Lake in the 17th century. It has a very unique structure consisting of 11 octagonal floors; the whole building is painted a deep red color and is surrounded by other temples.

I was intrigued when the guide told is that the tree in the courtyard is a Bodhi tree from India. He said it came from the one where Buddha himself gained enlightenment. Whether that claim is truth or legend, I have to note that the temple itself and surrounding area had almost no visitors.

This temple is a little ways from the center of Hanoi, between West Lake and Truc Bach Lake. It’s the oldest pagoda in Hanoi and was built in the year 545. Its design follows Buddhist traditions and the octagonal tower has 11 floors (representing the 11 Buddhist states of enlightenment). There are also various funerary monuments in the garden. The complex was designated a national historic monument in 1989.