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For those seeking a spiritual journey in Hanoi, Quan Su Pagoda should be your first stop. With a history spanning centuries, Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi is a beloved destination for both travelers and locals alike, offering a moment of tranquility amidst the bustling city life.
The capital city of Hanoi is renowned for its ancient temples, shrines, and pagodas, each with its own unique history and architecture dating back thousands of years, attracting numerous visitors eager to explore and learn.
One of the most famous temples in Hanoi is Quan Su Pagoda, an ancient temple nestled in the heart of the city and a major pilgrimage site for monks, Buddhists, and travelers visiting Hanoi. Join Klook for a stroll around Hanoi and explore Quan Su Pagoda.
Introduction to Quan Su Pagoda Hanoi
Established around the 14th - 15th centuries, Quan Su Pagoda is not only one of the oldest landmarks in Hanoi but also the central office of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha since its establishment in 1981. 'Quan Su' means the residence of ambassadors, reflecting the historical significance of the pagoda.
Distinctive features of Quan Su Pagoda include its name and couplets written in Vietnamese, which is rare as temple names and couplets are typically in Chinese characters. Over the past half-century, Quan Su Pagoda has been frequently chosen as the venue for important events of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and the world, including conferences and seminars organized by religious research institutes and social science academies at home and abroad, to promote the study of Buddhism and the influence of Tran dynasty Buddhist ideology on Vietnamese culture.
Where is Quan Su Pagoda?
- Quan Su Pagoda is currently located at 73 Quan Su Street, Tran Hung Dao Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.
Formerly, this area belonged to An Tap village, Co Vu ward, Tien Nghiem district (later changed to Vinh Xuong district), Tho Xuong province, Thang Long city. Quan Su Pagoda is located in the heart of Hanoi, about 1km from Hoan Kiem Lake area.
How to Get to Quan Su Pagoda
You can use personal or public transportation to get to Quan Su Pagoda, all of which are convenient and easy.
If you're traveling by car or motorbike from Hoan Kiem Lake, take Le Thai To Street towards Ba Trieu Street. At the intersection with Tran Hung Dao Street, turn right and continue until you reach the roundabout of Labor Square, then turn into Quan Su Street. Walk about 150 meters further to reach Quan Su Pagoda.
You can park your vehicle at a nearby parking lot and walk to the pagoda.
For those taking the bus, you can choose routes: 01, 32, 40, which have stops very close to Quan Su Pagoda.
Another interesting sightseeing experience for you is to enjoy the Hop-on Hop-off bus tour in Hanoi. The bus route will take you through famous temples and pagodas of Hanoi such as Quan Thanh Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda, One Pillar Pagoda, and of course, Quan Su Pagoda.
While you can certainly drive yourself to Quan Su Pagoda, if it's your first time visiting Hanoi or traveling in a large group, it's best to rent a private car with a driver for convenience and safety.
Opening Hours of Quan Su Pagoda
You can visit, light incense, and admire Quan Su Pagoda from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM every day of the week. However, on holidays, the pagoda may close later than usual.
History of Quan Su Pagoda
According to the ancient tales recorded in the Vinh la Thanh literature compiled by Dr. Tran Ba Lam in 1787, around the 14th century, during the reign of King Tran Du Tong, the court ordered the construction of a building to receive envoys from southern countries (Chiem Thanh, Van Tuong, and Ai Lao) to the capital Thang Long for tributary missions.
As these envoys all followed Buddhism, the king built a temple within the palace complex so they could worship during their stay here, and named it Quan Su Pagoda. Later, the Le Dynasty continued this tradition.
On the other hand, the Hoang Le unified chronicles record that Quan Su Pagoda was built during the reign of King Le The Tong, around the 15th century. The traces of the palace complex have disappeared over time, but Quan Su Pagoda still stands to this day.
In an inscription on a stele inside the pagoda erected in 1855, Dr. Le Duy Trung mentioned that during the reign of King Gia Long, when Thang Long became Bac Thanh and the Nguyen Dynasty court moved to Phu Xuan to establish a new capital, Quan Su Pagoda became the place of worship for the soldiers stationed at Hau Quan garrison.
In 1822, the temple was renovated to serve as a place of worship and prayer for the soldiers stationed at this garrison.
When the soldiers stationed at this garrison withdrew, the temple was returned to the villagers. A new abbot took charge and expanded the temple complex by adding corridors, sculptures, and casting bells.
In 1934, Quan Su Pagoda became the headquarters of the Northern Buddhist Association, which later evolved into the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, established right at the pagoda.
In 1942, Most Venerable Master Vinh Nghiem approved the design by architects Nguyen Ngoc Ngoan and Nguyen Xuan Tung to rebuild Quan Su Pagoda as we see it today.
In 1951, the Triennial Buddhist Congress of the North, Central, and South Vietnam established the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha. During this event, Most Venerable Thich To Lien, the abbot of Quan Su Pagoda, presented the World Buddhist Flag brought back from Colombo. The Congress then adopted this flag as the flag of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and flew it for the first time in the sky of Hanoi, right at the Quan Su Pagoda.
Since 1990, the Vietnam Buddhist Studies Institute of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha has also established an office at Quan Su Pagoda to serve the needs of Buddhist monks and followers in the northern region.
Architectural Features of Quan Su Pagoda
After numerous renovations and constructions, the current Quan Su Pagoda comprises several sections: three gates, main hall, library, guesthouse, monk's quarters, and lecture hall.
The overall architecture of Quan Su Pagoda embodies the quintessence of architectural styles from major temples in the northern region, adhering to the layout of 'inner Sanctum and outer Country'. Each door frame is made of precious wood, adding an ancient charm to the pagoda.
The pagoda's three-gated entrance has a three-tiered roof, with a bell tower in the middle. From the outside, Quan Su Pagoda exudes the distinctive style of temple architecture in the Red River Delta region, with its curved tile roofs.
Passing through the three gates and a paved courtyard leads to 11 steps up to the main hall. The main hall's space is square-shaped, with two floors and surrounded by corridors. The Tam Bao tower is located on the second floor, while the lower floor serves as a meditation hall.
The Buddha Hall is solemnly adorned with large statues and splendid golden candlesticks arranged on tiers. The highest tier hosts the altar of the Three Jewels Buddhas. In the middle is the Buddha Amitabha, flanked by Avalokiteshvara and Mahasthamaprapta. The next tier features the altar of Shakyamuni Buddha in the center, with Manjusri and Samantabhadra on the sides. The lowest tier, on the outermost side, houses the Nine-Dragon Altar between the statues of Avalokiteshvara and Ksitigarbha.
On the right side of the main hall is the altar of Ly Quoc Su, also known as Zen Master Nguyen Minh Khong, and two laypersons; while on the left side of the main hall is the altar of Duc Ong, Chau Suong, and Quan Binh.
Adjacent to the Great Hero Hall is the Ancestral Hall, where the Vietnamese Buddhist Patriarchs are venerated. Although built long ago, Quan Su Pagoda always maintains the orthodox teachings and does not worship Mother Goddesses and the Three Palaces, which are not part of Buddhism.
After renovation and upgrading, the main and ancillary buildings are constructed taller and more spacious with a layer of golden lime. On both sides and behind the temple courtyard are the library, guesthouse, monk's quarters, and lecture hall. The rear building is connected to the main hall via a celestial staircase on the middle floor.
Quan Su Pagoda is a repository of numerous Buddhist documents and scriptures and is one of the largest centers for Buddhist research, teaching, and propagation in Vietnam.
Who is Worshipped at Quan Su Pagoda?
Quan Su Pagoda is dedicated to the worship of the Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and Zen Master Nguyen Minh Khong, a renowned Zen master during the Ly Dynasty. Additionally, the Quan Am hall of the pagoda also houses the wax statue of the late Venerable Thich Thanh Tu, with a very lifelike appearance. He contributed significantly to the unification of Buddhist sects and organizations nationwide, leading to the establishment of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in 1981.
Festival at Quan Su Pagoda
During the first day of the lunar month, full moon days, or festive occasions, Buddhists and tourists often gather at Quan Su Pagoda to pray for peace, health, luck, and prosperity for themselves and their families. Additionally, every year Quan Su Pagoda organizes activities to celebrate Vesak Day, the Ceremony of Receiving Three Refuges, and the Offering Ritual at Mông Sơn Temple.
On Vesak Day, monks and Buddhists participate in flower processions, offer alms to monks, attend the Ceremony of Receiving Three Refuges, and release animals to pray for peace, national prosperity, and various meaningful activities. Quan Su Pagoda also regularly holds memorial services for deceased souls, including victims of natural disasters, floods, and traffic accidents during the Vu Lan Festival.
Hotels Near Quan Su Pagoda
If you're looking for accommodation near Quan Su Pagoda, you won't have any trouble because the Hoan Kiem district area has many Hanoi hotels, luxurious homestays with great views, and affordable prices for you to choose from. Remember to book your hotel room through the Klook website and enter the Klook discount code to get a great place to stay right in the center of Hanoi city.
1. Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi
- Address: 83A Lý Thường Kiệt Street, Cửa Nam Ward, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi City
- Price: from 1,814,000 VND/night
2. Hanoi Lotus Boutique Hotel
- Address: 2 Hội Vũ Street, Hàng Bông Ward, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi City
- Price: from 1,227,000 VND/night
3. Au Coeur d'Hanoi Apartment
- Address: 82H Thợ Nhuộm Street, Trần Hưng Đạo Ward, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi City
- Price: from 1,578,000 VND/night
4. Lenid Hotel Tho Nhuom
- Address: 54 Thợ Nhuộm Street, Trần Hưng Đạo Ward, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi City
- Price: from 977,000 VND/night
5. Lotus Homestay Hanoi
- Address: 6 Lê Thái Tổ Street, Hàng Trống Ward, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi City
- Price: from 700,000 VND/night
Travel Suggestions Near Quan Su Pagoda
After your pilgrimage and visit to Quan Su Pagoda, you can indulge in Hanoi's specialties at Hoan Kiem Lake, then explore a series of famous tourist attractions in Hanoi such as: Hanoi Old Quarter, Hanoi Book Street, St. Joseph's Cathedral, Hanoi Opera House, Quan Thanh Temple, One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Ngoc Son Temple, Dong Xuan Market, and many other entertainment venues in Hanoi.
And don't forget, with the 'extreme' offers from Klook, try once to climb the Skywalk observation deck on the first glass floor in Southeast Asia to fully admire the capital from the top floor of Lotte Center, or have a blast at the Jump Arena paradise.
Whether you're a Hanoian or a traveler, if you have the opportunity to visit Hanoi, make sure to explore Quan Su Pagoda to experience the ancient atmosphere and the Buddhist culture flowing through Vietnam's history. Also, don't forget to check out Klook Vietnam to learn more about solo travel experiences in Hanoi, attractive tourist destinations near Hanoi, enjoy Hanoi cuisine through Old Quarter tours, and many great deals when booking Hanoi travel services.
Plan a visit to Quan Su Pagoda this weekend!
