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Lang Pagoda, Hanoi holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Let's explore the religious significance, history, and culture of this renowned site.
People always cherish the legendary land of Thang Long – Hanoi with its rich cultural heritage and Vietnamese identity. Despite the changes and fluctuations of history, the spiritual landmarks in Hanoi still preserve the golden cultural essence of this region, serving as important spiritual pillars in the lives of Hanoians.
It would be remiss not to mention Lang Pagoda, once hailed as the 'First Pine Forest' of ancient Thang Long. Hopefully, the insights below will provide #teamKlook with an exciting destination for their upcoming trip.
Introduction to Lang Pagoda, Hanoi
Lang Pagoda, officially known as Chieu Thien Tu, is renowned in the heart of Hanoi as a serene meditation haven. Named 'Chieu' because it's where auspicious occurrences manifest, and 'Thien' because it's where Master Tu Dao Hanh was born. The French refer to Lang Pagoda as Pagode des Dames.
Lang Pagoda was constructed on the old house foundation of Master Tu Dao Hanh's parents, formerly located in Yen Lang commune, Lower district, Vinh Thuan district, later known as Lang village - an ancient village situated beside the To Lich river.
During the Ly dynasty, Buddhism flourished throughout Dai Viet, leading to the construction and renovation of numerous temples such as: Tran Quoc Pagoda, One Pillar Pagoda, Kim Lien Pagoda, Hoe Nhai Pagoda, etc. King Ly Anh Tong commissioned the construction of Lang Pagoda to worship Buddha, Master Tu Dao Hanh, and his father, King Ly Than Tong.
Despite multiple restoration phases, Lang Pagoda still retains its original architecture, exuding grandeur, symmetry, and harmony with its surroundings. This temple was once known as the 'First Pine Forest', boasting the most beautiful pine forest to the west of Thang Long citadel.
Lang Pagoda was recognized as a national historical and cultural relic in 1962.
Where is Lang Pagoda Located?
- Lang Pagoda is located at 112 Chua Lang street, Lang Thuong ward, Dong Da district, Hanoi city.
This area is approximately 5km from the city center of Hanoi. On the way to Lang Pagoda, you can also visit many famous temples, shrines, and historical sites in Dong Da district such as Dong Da Hill, Kim Lien Shrine, Pho Giac Pagoda, Temple of Literature, or have fun at tiNiWorld Entertainment Center.
How to Get to Lang Pagoda, Hanoi
Lang Pagoda is not far from the city center, so getting to the pagoda is quite easy. You can choose to travel by car, motorbike, bus, or taxi.
- If you take the bus, routes 09 BCT, 26, 28, 55A, 55B have stops near Lang Pagoda.
- If you prefer to travel by motorbike or car, head towards Cau Giay slope, then follow Lang street for about 500m until you reach the gate of the Pagoda. With Klook's private car rental service with driver, you can relax on the ride without any worries.
Opening Hours of Lang Pagoda, Hanoi
- Lang Pagoda is open to visitors and Buddhists from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM daily.
- On full moon days, the 1st and special holidays, and Tet, the opening hours may be extended.
Insights into the History of Lang Pagoda
According to the inscriptions, Lang Pagoda was built during the reign of King Ly Anh Tong (1138 – 1175).
Legend has it that Zen master Tu Dao Hanh was born as the son of Sung Hien, a courtier, and the younger brother of King Ly Nhan Tong (1072 – 1128). King Ly Nhan Tong had no heirs, so he chose Sung Hien's son as the crown prince and successor, who became King Ly Than Tong (1128 – 1138).
Later, King Ly Anh Tong ordered the construction of Chieu Thien Tu Pagoda to worship his father, King Ly Than Tong, and his ancestor, Zen master Tu Dao Hanh.
The pagoda has undergone several renovations, with significant ones occurring in the years 1656, 1901, and 1989.
Enthralled by the Ancient Architecture of Lang Pagoda
According to the stone stele dating back to the Thinh Duc period, formerly, Lang Pagoda had 100 compartments, built in a combination of domestic and foreign architectural styles. This architectural style features two long corridors connecting the front and back houses, forming a closed rectangular frame; in the middle is the incense burning house or upper hall.
Lang Pagoda has three layers of triple gates bearing the artistic characteristics of the Ly dynasty. Especially, the outermost triple gate has a structure of four square columns with three curved roofs attached to the column sides; the middle roof is higher than the other two, providing shelter from rain and sun for the large horizontal lacquered board inscribed with 'Zen Heaven Revelation'.
After the first gate is a courtyard paved with Bat Trang bricks, with a stone platform in the middle used to place palanquins on festival days. At the end of the courtyard is the second gate, continuing the brick path covered by two rows of ancient trees leading to the third gate.
Beyond this gate is the octagonal house in the middle, where the statue of Tu Dao Hanh is placed, also considered a focal point in Lang Pagoda's architecture. Behind the octagonal house are various structures: the worship hall, incense burning house, upper hall, corridors, ancestral hall, and monk quarters.
Inside the pagoda are about 198 large and small statues, with the typical ones being the statue of King Ly Than Tong seated on a golden throne, and the statue of Zen master Tu Dao Hanh made of wood and painted on the outside. Additionally, Lang Pagoda preserves about 15 stone steles, considered masterpieces of sculpture from the Le dynasty era.
Lang Pagoda is famous for its tranquil landscape, harmonizing with nature. Today, although the pagoda is surrounded by bustling streets, the atmosphere within the pagoda compound remains serene, peaceful, detached from the worldly hustle and bustle.
Who is Worshiped at Lang Pagoda?
The architectural structure of Lang Pagoda's shrine bears many distinctive features. Besides worshiping Buddha, Lang Pagoda also venerates Zen master Tu Dao Hanh and King Ly Than Tong.
Zen master Tu Dao Hanh is remembered not only as a great saint with profound magical powers but also as the patriarch of the water puppetry craft. Currently, in Hanoi, Lang Pagoda and Thay Pagoda are two places where he is worshiped.
Prominent Festivals at Lang Pagoda
The Lang Pagoda Festival is solemnly held on the 7th day of the 3rd lunar month, which is the birthday of Zen master Tu Dao Hanh, taking place concurrently with the Thay Pagoda Festival.
On this day, residents of Lang Thuong ward often gather at the pagoda's courtyard to celebrate the festival, perform the ritual of carrying the saint's palanquin from Lang Pagoda to Hoa Lang Pagoda, where his mother is worshiped. The festival also reenacts the battle between Zen master Tu Dao Hanh and the Great Demon.
At the festival, Lang Pagoda organizes folk games such as rice blowing contest, blindfolded pot smashing, five-stone game, and more, creating a joyful atmosphere reminiscent of the northern countryside.
Travel Tips for Lang Pagoda, Hanoi
- When visiting Lang Pagoda, it's important to adhere to the common regulations typically seen in places of worship and religious establishments.
- In particular, you can offer salt at certain locations within Lang Pagoda.
- Furthermore, an exciting aspect of visiting the area around Lang Pagoda – Chua Lang Street is its reputation as a snacking paradise, always keeping food enthusiasts on their toes.
- Although Chua Lang Street is not large, it is home to three major universities, so you'll find a wide range of delicious Hanoi dishes suitable for students' budgets.
- After visiting Lang Pagoda, #teamKlook can stroll through one of the following alleys to enjoy Hanoi's specialties: Alley 33, Alley 67, Alley 121, Alley 185.
Introduction to Chua Lang Street
Formerly, Chua Lang Street was just a quiet little village road passing through the temple gate. Since July 2001, the 12th People's Council of Hanoi decided to designate the road connecting Nguyen Chi Thanh Street and Lang Street as Chua Lang Street, located in Lang Thuong Ward, Dong Da District. Especially, this street also passes through the gates of two major universities, Foreign Trade University and Diplomatic Academy, making it bustling and lively.
In the past, Lang village was famous for its fragrant vegetable gardens, the finest spices of the capital's land; nowadays, you won't find them in this area anymore as agricultural land has shrunk, making room for urban development.
Best Value Hotels Near Lang Pagoda
While the Chua Lang area may not be as bustling as the city center, there are still plenty of accommodation options for you to choose from. If you enjoy the peaceful scenery here, you can consider some highlighted options below and book your room through Klook for great prices. Don't forget, Hanoi also has many other excellent hotels, homestays, and resorts near Hanoi.
1. Le Grand Hotel The Charm
- Address: 8 Alley 48 Tran Duy Hung, Trung Hoa Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi City
- Price: 369,000 VND/night
2. Tofu’s House
- Address: 27 Alley 106 Chua Lang, Lang Thuong Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi City
- Price: 432,000 VND/night
3. Bao Son International Hotel
- Address: 50 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Lang Thuong Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi City
- Price: 850,000 VND/night
4. Lotte Hotel Hanoi
- Address: 54 Leu Giai Street, Cong Vi Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi City
- Price: 1,965,000 VND/night
5. Hanoi Daewoo Hotel
- Address: 360 Kim Ma Ward, Ngoc Khanh Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi City
- Price: 1,658,000 VND/night
We hope that on your upcoming trips to Hanoi, you will have the opportunity to visit Lang Temple to experience a bit of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life. In particular, visiting sacred temples in Hanoi during the first days of the new year will bring you and your family moments of relaxation and peace to start a smooth and successful year ahead.
Visit the Klook Vietnam Blog for more interesting articles about famous tourist destinations in Hanoi, travel experiences in Hanoi - Sapa, a list of delicious dishes in Hanoi, great dining spots in Hanoi, and much more.
Will you pay a visit to Lang Temple, Hanoi on your upcoming trip?
