---

Things to Know & Travel Guide Before Visiting Temple & Pagoda in Hanoi Tours

Vietnam has been known as a Buddhism nation with many pagodas scattered in the S-shape country. Since the past, our ancestors came to the pagoda for the happy life, success in career, and for love. Nowadays, not only the middle age but also the young people come to pagodas for finding a tranquil place, leave stress behind, and sincerely pray. Pagoda in Hanoi is now added into the must-visit list of foreigners on coming to Hanoi, Vietnam. Here are does & don things you ought to search before Hanoi pagoda tours.

Top 5+ Must-See Hanoi Temple & Pagoda

Hanoi, the heart of Vietnam is a place where many sacred pagodas are situated, Hanoians has built a list of the sacred pagodas in Hanoi. Check the list below to find one near your location.

Hanoi One Pillar Pagoda - A Sacred Symbol of Vietnamese Spirituality

Address: Near Ba Dinh Square at Ong Ich Kiem street, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi.

Discover the iconic One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi, a unique architectural gem and sacred Buddhist site that has stood for nearly a thousand years. Rising gracefully from a lotus-shaped pond, this remarkable pagoda captures the imagination of every visitor with its striking design and spiritual symbolism.

Built in 1049 under Emperor Ly Thai Tong, the Hanoi One Pillar Pagoda was inspired by a dream and constructed to resemble a blooming lotus—Vietnam’s symbol of purity. Despite being small in size, the pagoda carries deep cultural and historical significance, making it a must-see highlight on any Hanoi pagoda tour.

Surrounded by peaceful gardens and just steps from the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the site offers a moment of serenity in the heart of the capital. Visitors often stop here to reflect, light incense, and appreciate the timeless elegance of traditional Vietnamese architecture.

Hanoi Temple of Literature - A Timeless Symbol of Vietnamese Wisdom and Harmony

Address: No. 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi

Step into the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, a serene haven of learning and spirituality dating back to 1070. As Vietnam’s first national university, this iconic temple offers more than just architectural splendor—it embodies centuries of Confucian philosophy, scholarly tradition, and cultural pride. If you're seeking a Hanoi pagoda tour that blends history, tranquility, and authentic Vietnamese heritage, the Temple of Literature is a must-visit.

Surrounded by ancient courtyards, moss-covered walls, and ornamental ponds, the temple reflects traditional Vietnamese aesthetics and intellectual legacy. Stroll through its five courtyards, admire the Stelae of Doctors, and feel the harmony between nature and knowledge that still resonates today.

Add the Temple of Literature to your Hanoi Pagoda Tour and unlock the story of Vietnam's cultural soul—one timeless step at a time.

Tran Quoc Pagoda - The Oldest Buddhist Temple in Hanoi

Address: Thanh Nien street, Yen Phu, Tay Ho, Hanoi

Perched peacefully on a small island in West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, dating back over 1,500 years. This sacred site is not only a symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism but also a breathtaking blend of history, faith, and stunning lakeside scenery.

With its iconic red tower and ancient Bodhi tree gifted from India, Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi radiates a spiritual calm that draws both pilgrims and travelers alike. The pagoda’s harmonious design reflects traditional Buddhist cosmology and stands as a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

Tran Quoc Pagoda offers a rare connection to Vietnam’s spiritual past. Its beauty and cultural significance make it an essential stop on any Hanoi tours..

Ngoc Son Temple 

Address: 1 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Ha Noi

Located on a charming islet in the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple is one of Hanoi’s most visited and revered spiritual landmarks. Blending Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist influences, this 19th-century temple offers a captivating window into Vietnam’s rich religious heritage and intellectual history—right in the heart of the Old Quarter.

The Ngoc Son Temple in Hanoi is dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao, a national hero who defended Vietnam from Mongol invasions in the 13th century. Visitors cross the famous red-painted The Huc Bridge to reach the temple, passing through a tranquil gateway into a sacred space where locals come to pray, offer incense, and reflect in peaceful silence.

With years of guiding cultural tours in Vietnam, our expert local team understands how to bring this temple’s stories to life. From the preserved ancient scrolls and altars to the legendary preserved giant turtle, Ngoc Son Temple embodies Hanoi’s soul—bridging myth, patriotism, and philosophy.

Perfume Pagoda (Huong Pagoda) - A Sacred Pilgrimage to the Heart of Vietnamese Buddhism

Address: Huong Son Commune, My Duc District, Hanoi 

Escape the city and journey into the mystical limestone mountains of northern Vietnam with a visit to the Perfume Pagoda - one of the most sacred spiritual destinations in the country. Nestled deep within Huong Tich mountains, this vast complex of Buddhist temples and shrines offers a breathtaking blend of nature, culture, and devotion.

The Perfume Pagoda Vietnam is not just a religious site - it’s a pilgrimage. Visitors glide along a tranquil river by boat, trek through lush valleys, and ascend stone steps to reach the main pagoda hidden inside a dramatic cave. Inside, incense smoke swirls beneath ancient stalactites, creating an atmosphere both ethereal and humbling.

Perfect for those seeking spiritual insight or natural beauty, the Perfume Pagoda offers an unforgettable journey through Vietnam’s sacred landscape. It’s a highlight of any Hanoi tours, especially for travelers looking to experience authentic local traditions beyond the city.

Bai Dinh Pagoda - Vietnam’s Grandest Spiritual Complex

Address: Gia Sinh Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province

Step into the majestic world of Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest Buddhist complex in Vietnam, where ancient heritage meets awe-inspiring architecture. Located in Ninh Binh Province, just a 2-hour drive from Hanoi, this monumental site is a true pilgrimage destination for those seeking both spiritual connection and cultural immersion.

More than just a religious site, the Bai Dinh Pagoda in Vietnam spans over 700 hectares and is home to hundreds of statues, including the country’s tallest bronze Buddha, a 13-story stupa, and rows of 500 Arhat statues. The complex seamlessly blends ancient pagodas dating back to the 11th century with grand contemporary structures, reflecting Vietnam’s deep-rooted Buddhist traditions and modern reverence.

Visiting Bai Dinh offers more than visual wonder - it’s a journey into Vietnamese spirituality guided by experienced local monks, artisans, and caretakers who preserve the sacred rituals and teachings of Mahayana Buddhism. Whether walking through candle-lit halls or taking in panoramic views of karst mountains, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s living faith and cultural pride.

Quan Su Pagoda - Vietnam’s Grandest Spiritual Complex

Address: 73 Quan Su Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Tucked away on a quiet street in central Hanoi, Quan Su Pagoda stands as the official headquarters of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and a vital spiritual center for Buddhists across the country. Dating back to the 15th century, this sacred temple is more than just a place of worship—it is a living testament to Vietnam’s enduring religious harmony and cultural depth.

Unlike many historic sites turned touristy, the Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi remains an active place of Buddhist practice, where monks chant daily and locals gather for prayer and reflection. The architecture is elegantly understated, with wooden altars, statues of the Buddha, and peaceful courtyards designed to inspire inner calm.

With over a decade of guiding spiritual and cultural journeys in Vietnam, our expert team has introduced thousands of travelers to this meaningful site. At Quan Su, visitors gain not only insight into Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhism but also a firsthand experience of the country’s deeply rooted spiritual traditions—still very much alive today.

Ha Pagoda

As one of the most ancient sacred pagodas in Hanoi, Ha Pagoda appeals many pilgrims, especially the young people coming here to pray for love.

Address: Dich Vong, Cau Giay, Hanoi

Tay Phuong Pagoda

The pagoda is a typical depiction of the long-standing culture of architecture and also sculpture in Vietnam. After 239 stones steps, tourists get the clues of time flow and catch the stone gate under the shade of old trees. In addition, Tay Phuong pagoda has a special construction with three single-level structures, come and discover it your way.

Address: Yen Village, Thach That, Hanoi

Things to Know Before Hanoi Pagoda Tour

Difference between Temple & Pagoda in Vietnam

Actually, that’s really a common misunderstanding of both domestic and expat tourists when visiting Vietnam. After researching, we have a distinct definition of two terms. In Vietnam, “Temple” places to express respect to the deities who have lived exceptional lives and they have an influence on the afterlife. Meanwhile, “Pagoda” in Vietnamese is more specific meaning to a Hindu or Buddhist temple. Vietnamese people often use two main words “đền” and “chùa” as the same meaning with temple and pagoda.

What is a Vietnamese Pagoda?

Vietnamese Pagoda is a place where Buddhist monks and nuns gather to practice and teach Buddhism. Generally, all people can visit, worship, or watch the Buddhist rituals even the non-believers. In some special occasions like Tet, every 15th of lunar calendar months,… pilgrims visit pagodas to pray for a happy life.

Other Worship Places in Vietnam

Shrine – Mieu

The Vietnamese shrine is a type of cultural relics in Vietnamese beliefs, which is smaller than the temple. The one who is worshiped in the shrine is expressed in the name of the shrine. The shrine is usually built on high ridges, river banks, mountain slopes, and on the quiet places, therefore it cannot be affected by the noisy life.

Communal House – Dinh

A communal house is the worship place of the tutelary of the villages who has merit to set up villages, hamlets, or the father of the profession, it’s also a meeting place of villagers. The communal house is the center of cultural activities, the community of residents and characteristics of the rice civilization.

Things to Remember When Visiting Vietnamese Pagodas

From the past, Buddhism has been concentrated on in Vietnamese religious life even though many people are not Buddhism beliefs. Actually, Buddhism is one of the biggest religions in the S-shape nation, there stand a variety of pagodas along to Vietnam. Thus, in your Hanoi Tours & Day Trips, you will meet the chances to visit pagodas or temples here, especially, a Hanoi Pagoda Tours will fit your need most. The difference between other culture leading to many noticeable things to avoid when visiting any pagodas in Vietnam hereunder is a list of things to know before Hanoi pagoda tours:

- Do not anything from Pagoda, Temples to your house (that is the same as stealing) if it is not what the monks offer to you.

- In most of the worship in Vietnam, visitors need to take off their shoes outside.

- There always have 3 doors in any worship houses, so do not enter the middle door as the door is for Gods, Deities, and Kings.

- Do not try to touch the statues in worship places.

- Do not run, laugh or speak loudly in places of worship.

- Show the respect to the statues, the monks. Do not look at the statues, you can take photos, but try not to use the camera’s flash, sound in front of the altar.

- The polite shirts, pants are suitable clothes in worship places.