Buzz
Embracing a traditional beauty, from the first days of the year until the end of January, many families gather for temple visits to seek luck and all things good for their families and loved ones. Here are the most appealing spiritual travel destinations in the Capital Hanoi that you can explore this weekend.
1. Tran Quoc Pagoda
With over 1500 years, undergoing multiple renovations and relocations, Tran Quoc Pagoda is now famous not only for its longevity but also for its meticulously arranged architecture, adhering to the strict requirements of Buddhist architecture.
Surrounded by the elegant landscape of peaceful West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda earned its place among the 16 most beautiful temples in the world, as voted by Dailymail in 2016. The initial days of the year offer a captivating experience to visit and explore this ancient temple, boasting renowned architectural beauty that echoes far and wide.
2. Quan Su Pagoda
Constructed during the reign of King Le The Tong, Quan Su Pagoda has surpassed the age of 500 years. Once the central headquarters of the Northern Buddhist Association, it now stands as the center of the Vietnam Buddhist Church, witnessing numerous historical events of the country's Buddhism. Notably, it played a pivotal role in the unification of Vietnam's Buddhism and the harmonious integration of domestic Buddhism with the global Buddhist community.
In the crisp early days of the year, visitors to Quan Su Pagoda immerse themselves in a historical, solemn space, contemplating the entirely Vietnamese-scripted couplets and offering prayers for a peaceful and prosperous new year.
3. Ngoc Son Temple
For centuries, Ngoc Son Temple, The Huc Bridge, Inkbottle, and Pen Tower have formed a renowned architectural ensemble, considered the symbol of Hanoi in the eyes of both domestic and international tourists. Rarely does an architectural complex converge such a profound spiritual significance, solemnity, and harmony, coupled with exceptional architectural and artistic qualities.
Visitors here can seek blessings for their career and academic success before the deity presiding over literature and academic achievements, Van Xuong De Quan. Simultaneously, they can marvel at the poetic landscape and reflect on the profound meanings conveyed by Nguyen Van Sieu through Inkbottle, Pen Tower, Tran Ba Shrine, and Dac Nguyet Pavilion, dating back two centuries.
4. Quan Thanh Temple
Quan Thanh Temple, where one of the four deities guards ancient Thang Long city: Huyen Thien Tran Vu. Alongside Bach Ma Temple, Elephant Riding Temple, Kim Lien Temple, Quan Thanh Temple has become one of the 'Thang Long Four Guards,' the four most sacred temples in the Trang An region. Located here is a bronze statue over 4m tall of Huyen Thien Tran Vu, a revered deity in the folk consciousness with numerous fascinating legends, who has protected and saved the country on many occasions. Visitors to the temple can admire the architectural, cultural, and artistic values of this site situated by West Lake.
5. Perfume Pagoda
The Perfume Pagoda complex is situated in Huong Son commune, My Duc district, approximately 50km from the center of Hanoi. When visiting Perfume Pagoda, tourists not only come for temple worship and seeking peace but also to marvel at the poetic landscape of the mountains and caves in this area.
The two main attractions that draw a large number of visitors are Huong Tich Cave and Thien Tru Pagoda. Moreover, the Perfume Pagoda complex houses many other famous temples and caves such as Tien Son Cave, Giai Oan Pagoda, Cua Vong Temple, and more. From the 6th day of the 1st lunar month to the end of the 3rd lunar month is the time for the Perfume Pagoda Festival, an annual event that attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims.
6. Tay Ho Palace
Many believe that visiting Tay Ho Palace at the beginning of the year can bring luck and prosperity for the new year. The palace is situated on a peninsula in Nghi Tam village, extending into West Lake, where the revered Lady Lieu Hanh is worshipped. Exploring Tay Ho Palace, tourists can immerse themselves in the fresh and airy atmosphere of West Lake, blending with the early spring breeze.
7. Bach Ma Temple
Regarded as one of the ancient and sacred temples in Hanoi, Bach Ma Temple is famous for the legend of its construction by King Ly Thai To, who built it to express gratitude to the Dragon God after a successful construction. The temple preserves numerous ancient artifacts and traditional ceremonies. Visitors can marvel at the divine horses in the main halls. During festivals, tourists can witness ceremonial rituals and learn about the religious culture of the Vietnamese people, seeking peace and luck for their families and loved ones.
8. Phuc Khanh Pagoda
Situated at 382 Tay Son Street, Dong Da district, Hanoi, Phuc Khanh Pagoda holds a sacred place in the hearts of Hanoi residents. Built during the Later Le dynasty, this renowned pagoda is closely associated with the victory of King Quang Trung - Nguyen Hue, serving as a refuge for Nguyen dynasty officials during the battle against the Qing forces. The pagoda has become a famous place for worship and seeking blessings in the Hanoi area.
9. One Pillar Pagoda
One Pillar Pagoda, also known as Dien Huu Pagoda, is part of the tourist complex including Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, fish pond, stilt house of Uncle Ho, One Pillar Pagoda, and Ho Chi Minh Museum. Built in 1049 during the reign of King Ly Thai Tong, the pagoda has a unique structure with only one pillar placed on a lotus pond. The highlight of the pagoda lies in its distinctive patterns and architecture resembling a lotus flower on the water, commonly referred to as the One Pillar Pagoda by locals.
10. Dam Temple
Located in Xam Duong village, Ninh So commune, Thuong Tin district, Hanoi, Dam Temple boasts ancient architecture, spacious surroundings with trees, and a serene lake. The temple columns are crafted from wood, and its roof is adorned with weathered tiles. Within the temple grounds, numerous ancient trees, including a 100-year-old banyan tree, grace the area.
The Dam Temple festival takes place from the 1st to the 10th day of the 2nd lunar month, featuring various rituals and unique activities such as water procession, dragon and lion dances, calligraphy exhibitions, and more. Visitors come to Dam Temple seeking a peaceful and sacred land, hoping for a new year filled with peace and good health.
Ngoc Quynh DLNV (Compilation)
According to Hanoi New
