Explore Hanoi's Top 9 Most Beautiful and Ancient Temples

Discover a curated collection of Hanoi's most sacred and renowned temples, celebrated for their ancient architecture, serene ambiance, and the unforgettable spiritual experiences they offer right in the heart of the capital city.
Hanoi isn't just beloved for its ancient streets; it's also home to many long-standing spiritual sites rich in cultural and historical value. Thesepagodas in Hanoihave long been a familiar destination for those seeking peace and tranquility, especially during holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year). If you're looking to discover serene beauty in the heart of the capital, the following list fromTravelVietis a guide you won't want to miss.
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Top 9 Famous and Sacred Pagodas in Hanoi You Should Visit
Amidst the vibrant pace of the capital, these sacred pagodas quietly preserve a sense of peace, becoming unmissable stops on any journey to explore Hanoi.
One Pillar Pagoda
Address: One Pillar Pagoda Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 07:00 - 18:00
Entrance fee: Free for Vietnamese citizens, 25,000 VND/foreigner

One Pillar Pagoda
One Pillar Pagodais one of Hanoi's most iconic pagodas, both for its architecture and spiritual significance. Built in 1049 during the reign of Emperor Ly Thai Tong, the pagoda is also known as Nhat Tru Tu or Lien Hoa Dai. It impresses visitors with its unique design: a small temple chamber resting on a single stone pillar in the middle of a pond, resembling a pure lotus blossom rising from the water.
Not only does it bear the distinct architectural hallmarks of the Ly Dynasty, but it is also associated with a sacred legend about the emperor's dream. Its serene beauty and profound symbolic meaning have made the pagoda a captivating destination for tourists and Buddhists seeking to pay their respects in the heart of the capital.
Perfume Pagoda
Address: Huong Son Commune, Hanoi
Opening hours: 06:00 - 18:00
Entrance fee: 80,000 VND/person

Perfume Pagoda
Perfume Pagoda.is the most famous spiritual complex in Northern Vietnam, centered around Huong Tich Cave – renowned as the "First Cave under the Southern Sky." More than just a pilgrimage site, this pagoda in Hanoi is also celebrated for its picturesque natural scenery, from the tranquil Yen Stream to the mist-shrouded, overlapping mountains.
A journey to Perfume Pagoda offers a complete blend of sightseeing and worship, as visitors travel by boat, hike, or take a cable car to reach the sacred spaces deep within the mountains. The annual Perfume Pagoda Festival, lasting from the first to the third lunar month, further enhances its appeal, making it an unmissable destination for those seeking tranquility.
Thang Nghiem Pagoda
Address: 38 Khuc Thuy, Phu Luong Ward, Hanoi

Thang Nghiem Pagoda
Thang Nghiem Pagoda is a spiritual destination rich in historical depth and Buddhist culture. Not only does it stand out within the Khuc Thuy village relic complex, but it is also known as a Hanoi pagoda historically associated with the spiritual practices of many revered monks and historical figures such as Khuong Viet, Van Hanh, and Tran Hung Dao.
Thang Nghiem Pagoda impresses with its architecture, harmoniously blending Tantric elements with traditional Buddhist styles, notably featuring a dominant yellow hue that creates a solemn and serene atmosphere. A distinctive highlight is the Tam Bao Hall, housing an exquisite collection of jackfruit wood Buddha statues, lacquered in red and gilded, surrounded by 100 smaller Buddha figures symbolizing wisdom and enlightenment. Additionally, a 5-meter-tall statue of Shakyamuni Buddha on a lotus pedestal in the middle of a pond further enhances its majestic and peaceful aura, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking tranquility amidst modern life.
Tran Quoc Pagoda
Address: 46 Thanh Nien Street, Tay Ho Ward, Hanoi
Opening hours: 07:30 - 11:00 | 13:30 - 17:00
Entrance fee: 5,000 VND/person

Tran Quoc Pagoda
Tran Quoc Pagodalocated on a small island on the eastern side of West Lake, Thanh Nien Street, Tay Ho Ward, has long been a prominent spiritual symbol of the capital with a history spanning over 1,500 years. As one of the important Buddhist centers during the Ly – Tran dynasties, it not only holds profound historical value but is also highly regarded for its scenic beauty, once voted among the world's most beautiful pagodas by the Daily Mail.
Boasting a prime location and ancient architecture, Tran Quoc Pagoda impresses with its layout, arranged in the shape of the Chinese character "Công" (meaning "work" or "public"), harmoniously connecting the front hall, incense burning house, and main sanctuary. Surrounded by water, the gracefully curved pagoda roofs reflect on the surface, creating a beauty that is both solemn and poetic, characteristic of a Hanoi pagoda rich in cultural value. Beyond being a famous tourist attraction, many also visit to pray for peace and good fortune, especially during holidays and Tet when the atmosphere becomes more sacred and bustling than ever.
Ha Pagoda
Address: 86 Chua Ha Street, Cau Giay Ward, Hanoi
Opening hours: 08:00 - 18:00
Entrance fee: Free

Ha Pagoda
When it comes to pagodas in Hanoi renowned for prayers for love and relationships, Ha Pagoda, located on Chua Ha Street, Cau Giay Ward, is a must-mention. Known by its Han Chinese name, Thanh Duc Tu, the pagoda impresses with its distinctly Vietnamese traditional architecture and a solemn worship space, housing numerous Buddha and Mother Goddess statues, along with an ancient bronze censer inscribed with "Thanh Duc Tu."
Associated with historical tales from the Le Thanh Tong era, this site not only possesses long-standing cultural value but is also a familiar destination for locals and tourists during holidays and full moon days. Notably, Ha Pagoda is also considered a famous "matchmaking spot," attracting many young people who come to pray for fulfilling love and peace in life.
Phuc Khanh Pagoda
Address: Nga Tu So - Tay Son intersection, Dong Da Ward, Hanoi
Opening hours: 05:00 - 21:00
Entrance fee: Free

Phuc Khanh Pagoda
Phuc Khanh Pagoda (also known as Chua So), located on Tay Son Street, Dong Da District, is a familiar spiritual destination that attracts a large number of Buddhists and tourists every New Year. Despite being situated amidst a bustling street, it retains the characteristic tranquility of a Hanoi pagoda, where simply stepping through its gates seems to quiet all the surrounding noise.
Built during the Later Le Dynasty and recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Relic in 1988, Phuc Khanh Pagoda bears the distinct hallmarks of traditional Buddhist architecture, featuring a system of ancient statues, stone steles, and a large bronze bell. Not only is it renowned for its sacred power in praying for peace and warding off bad luck, but it has also become a bustling pilgrimage site where people entrust their hopes for peace, health, and even good fortune in life.
Long Hung Pagoda
Address: Phuong Trach Road, Dong Anh Commune, Hanoi
Opening hours: 07:30 - 17:30

Long Hung Pagoda
Long Hung Pagoda is a spiritual destination with a modern touch amidst the serene outskirts of the capital. More than just a Hanoi pagoda serving the needs of worship, it also functions as the International Translation and Interpretation Center under the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, contributing to the dissemination of Buddhist teachings to the community.
A special highlight of the pagoda is Cuc Lac Duong – a solemn spiritual space dedicated to enshrining ashes and commemorating the deceased, where spirits are regularly prayed for and chanted over. The architecture here blends Taiwanese Buddhist style harmoniously with traditional Vietnamese elements, creating a complex that is both modern and rich in symbolism. Beyond its profound spiritual significance, Long Hung Pagoda also reflects a new approach in contemporary life, combining technology and humanitarian values to help people find peace and a strong connection to their roots.
Thay Pagoda
Address: at the foot of Sai Son Mountain, Quoc Oai Commune, Hanoi
Opening hours: 07:00 - 17:00
Entrance fee: 10,000 VND/person

Thay Pagoda
When it comes to pagodas in Hanoi that beautifully blend nature and ancient architecture, Thay Pagoda is a must-mention. Closely associated with the life of Zen Master Tu Dao Hanh, Thay Pagoda is not only a place of worship but also a famous scenic complex with a "dragon-shaped" terrain, embracing the poetic Long Tri Lake in front. A distinctive highlight of the pagoda is the ancient water pavilion in the middle of the lake, where traditional water puppet shows are performed, creating a space that is both sacred and rich in folk cultural identity.
Furthermore, the "front Buddha, rear Saint" architectural complex, comprising Ha Pagoda, Trung Pagoda, and Thuong Pagoda, along with the unique Nhat Tien Kieu and Nguyet Tien Kieu bridges, further enhances its appeal. Every year in the third lunar month, the Thay Pagoda Festival draws a large number of visitors who immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere amidst the picturesque mountainous scenery, resembling a fairyland in the heart of Doai region.
Ngau Pagoda
Address: 57 Alley 21 Tuu Liet, Hoang Liet Ward, Hanoi
Entrance fee: Free

Ngau Pagoda
Ngau Pagoda (also known by its Han Chinese name, Hung Long Tu) is one of the ancient pagodas bearing a strong historical and spiritual imprint on the outskirts of the capital. Built during the reign of King Ly Than Tong under the patronage of Empress Le Thien, the pagoda is not only a place of Buddhist worship but also associated with the Mother Goddess cult, creating a unique cultural depth. Having endured many changes, the structure still stands firm as a living testament to time and religious faith.
With its grand architecture, including a green stone triple gate (tam quan), the Tam Bao area, a shrine, and auxiliary structures arranged in the shape of the Chinese character "Tam" (meaning "three"), the pagoda exudes a rare solemnity and ancient charm. The tranquil atmosphere and intricate carvings make anyone who visits clearly feel its sacredness and peace. Therefore, Ngau Pagoda has long been a Hanoi pagoda of special cultural and spiritual value, attracting visitors to worship and explore.
We hope these suggestions forpagodas in Hanoiwill help you easily choose the perfect destination for your journey to find peace in the heart of the capital. Don't forget to followHanoifromTravelVietto discover more unique spiritual and cultural sites and plan a more complete trip.
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Update day : 21/03/2026
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