Quán Thánh Temple and Trấn Quốc Pagoda in Hanoi

Quán Thánh Temple is a Taoist temple dating from the 11th century.  Located near West Lake and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the temple is dedicated to Trấn Vũ, one of the principal deities in Taoism.  The temple entrance is small, but once through the entrance, the temple opens up onto beautiful grounds and buildings.

Temple entrance

 Inside the temple

Beyond the temple, West Lake borders old and new Hanoi.  Jutting out into the lake on a small island,  the Trấn Quốc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, dating from the sixth century, provides another tranquil oasis.  The temple was relocated to this site in 1615 when, after over 1,000 years, its original location on the Red River was encroached upon by the river.

Looking across West Lake

  Trấn Quốc Pagoda and entrance

Inside the pagoda, the grounds and buildings are fabulous and impressive.  It's hard to imagine that this building is around 1,450 years old.

 Inside the buildings

 Pagoda grounds

The temple and the pagoda are great contrasts and complements.  Located near each other, they each offer a calm, spiritual oasis in the city.