West Lake & Tran Quoc Pagoda

Hồ Tây / Chùa Trấn Quốc

An 11-tier red tower on the water: Hanoi's oldest pagoda

⚠ Closed over lunch

Hours

Roughly 7:30–11:30am and 1:30–6:30pm (sources vary; holidays differ)

Tickets

Free (donation box)

Address

46 Thanh Nien Road, 10–15 minutes by Grab from the Old Quarter

Hanoi's oldest pagoda was founded in the sixth century on the Red River bank and moved here in the 17th century when the riverbank eroded. An 11-tier red-brick stupa rises above yellow walls, a white Buddha seated in the arched niche on every level. The temple is compact and takes half an hour, but West Lake next door is so big it feels like the sea, and the sunset walk becomes the real reason to come. Walk the causeway and settle into a lakeside café for the last light.