Ly Trieu Quoc Su Pagoda Hanoi: Things You Need to Know

Ly Trieu Quoc Su Pagoda (Vietnamese: Chùa Lý Quốc Sư) is located at 50 Ly Quoc Su Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City. The Pagoda is to worship a Buddhist Monk of the Ly Dynasty (from 10th - 12th centuries). The Monk full name was Nguyen Chi Thanh, borned in 1066 in Dien Xa Village, Gia Vien District in Ninh Binh Province in the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong.

• Location: 50 P. Lý Quốc Sư, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
• Best for: Family, couple, solo
• Entrance Free Ticket: Free of Charge
• Hours: 8:00 - 17:00

Information and History of Ly Trieu Quoc Su Pagoda:

Ly Quoc Su Pagoda is one of the oldest ones of temples in Hanoi. Built in 1131, Ly Quoc Su Pagoda has been renovated few times, especially in 1954 when it was destroyed during the French colonial period. Nonetheless, this nearly-900-year-old Vietnamese-styled temple has preserved many precious antiques like Buddha statue or the precious bell of Tu Chung, as well as the meticulous architecture of unique carving patterns.

Ly Quoc Su Pagoda is built to worship a prestigious Buddhist Monk from the Ly Dynasty. The monk, Nguyen Chi Thanh, was born in 1066 in Diem Xa village, Ninh Binh province. In his early days, he used to be Monk Tu Dao Hanh’s apprentice, the wisdom figure at that time.

Using self talents, throughout his life, Nguyen Chi Thanh is titled with many names. They are counted as followed: Ly Quoc Su - the nation’s Great Monk and Merit teacher - after he cured King Ly Thanh Tong incurable disease; Saint of the bronze after his uncountable dedications to bronze crafting; and master of medicines when he saved his knowledge to popularize prescriptions.

Ly Quoc Su’s most well-known title is used to name the street where the pagoda resides, a few hundred meters lane connecting Hang Bong and Nha Tho, while his full name is given to a long business road in Ba Dinh district.

As he died in 1131, in his seventies, King Ly Anh Tong, the then ruler, ordered to put up a temple right on the ground where Ly Quoc Su used to live. Nowadays, the place worships both Buddha and the monk himself. Nowadays, Ly Quoc Su Pagoda is a popular worshiping place for the locals on the first and fifteenth day of every month in Lunar Calendar.

What Things to See in Ly Trieu Quoc Su Pagoda?

Despite undergoing many restorations, especially after the French colonial destruction in 1954, the oldest temple in the capital still protects to this day various national treasures, such as Buddha Statues, Ly Quoc Su Statue, and Tu Chung bell, an almost 200-year-old antique. Moreover, Ly Quoc Su Pagoda also maintains the rustic structure of yellow walls, wooden beams, bronze carving panels, and curving tiled roofs, providing a serene space for religious visiting.

The pagoda is frequently visited by local worshipers at every religious event, mainly on the first and 15th day of lunar months. However, nothing compares to the crowded site when Tet Holiday knocks on the door. Ly Quoc Su Pagoda is flocked with people coming to pray for health, happiness, and prosperity.

How to Get to Ly Trieu Quoc Su Pagoda?

Ly Quoc Su Pagoda is at 50 Ly Quoc Su street, within minutes' walking from the Hoan Kiem Lake, French Quarter and Old Quarter of Hanoi Capital City. You can also get a grabbike as it is located in busy on tiny street.

Some Travel Tips when visiting the Pagoda:

- Walking is highly suggested to visit Ly Quoc Su Pagoda. There are a few motorbike parking places around St. Joseph's Cathedral so if you get there by motorbike or bicyle, there should be no problem.

- Grab/Metered Taxi drop-off should be around surrounding areas as Ly Quoc Su street can easily get very busy and crowded.

- It is best to visit the place in the early morning when the visits are fewer and the area also shines with warm sunlight.

- Being a sacred religious place, visitors are recommended to wear formal clothes. Please keep quiet and respect the solemn atmosphere

Adventure Journey

See Also:

• List of Best Things to Do & Top Places to See in Hanoi Vietnam

• Best Local Food That Should Not Be Missed in Ha Noi Vietnam