Home » Travel Guider » Which places to visit for religious tours in Hanoi? Tours & Activities
Which places to visit for religious tours in Hanoi? Tours & Activities
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam with a thousand years of civilization, is home to many famous religious tourist destinations. These works not only attract tourists with their unique architectural beauty but also have profound spiritual meaning. Below is a detailed list of 20 religious tourist destinations in Hanoi.
Famous Temples
One Pillar Pagoda
One Pillar Pagoda
History and Architecture: One Pillar Pagoda, or Dien Huu Tu, was built in 1049 during the reign of King Ly Thai Tong. According to legend, King Ly Thai Tong dreamed of Guanyin Buddha sitting on a lotus platform, leading the king up to the platform. To give thanks, the king built a pagoda shaped like a lotus flower blooming on the water, with a unique architecture with only a single stone pillar.
Outstanding features: One Pillar Pagoda is not only a cultural symbol of Hanoi but also an ideal destination for those who want to learn about Buddhist architecture and Vietnamese history.
Tran Quoc Pagoda
Tran Quoc Pagoda
History and Architecture: Located on the banks of West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda was built in the 6th century during the Ly Dynasty. Initially, the pagoda was located at another location and then moved to its current location. The pagoda has ancient and solemn architecture with many towers and Buddha statues.
Outstanding features: Tran Quoc Pagoda is famous for its peaceful beauty and charming scenery. This is the ideal place for visitors to find peace and quiet in the heart of the bustling city.
Quan Su Pagoda
Quan Su Pagoda
History and Architecture: Quan Su Pagoda was built in the 15th century during the Le Dynasty and is the center of Vietnamese Buddhism. This is where the headquarters of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha are located, and important religious activities regularly take place.
Outstanding features: Quan Su Pagoda has a traditional architecture with many worship spaces and large Buddha statues. This is a familiar destination for Buddhists as well as those who want to learn about Vietnamese culture and religion.
Kim Lien Pagoda
History and Architecture: Kim Lien Pagoda is located on a small peninsula next to West Lake, built during the Ly Dynasty and has been restored many times.
Outstanding features: Kim Lien Pagoda is famous for its architectural beauty and pure space. The pagoda is surrounded by green trees and the peaceful water of West Lake.
Lang Pagoda
History and Architecture: Lang Pagoda, or Chieu Thien Tu, located in Dong Da district, was built in the 12th century. The pagoda worships Zen Master Tu Dao Hanh, a famous historical figure in Vietnamese Buddhism.
Outstanding features: Lang Pagoda has a large, peaceful space surrounded by many ancient trees. The pagoda often organizes major festivals on the full moon day of January, attracting a large number of Buddhists and tourists who want to learn about religious features.
Boc Pagoda
History and Architecture: Boc Pagoda, or Sung Phuc Tu, located in Dong Da district, was built in the 18th century and is related to the Tay Son uprising. The pagoda is a place to commemorate the soldiers who died in the historic Dong Da battle.
Outstanding features: Boc Pagoda has a traditional architecture with many worship spaces and large Buddha statues. This is where visitors can learn about the nation’s heroic history as well as unique religious elements and feel the purity and peace.
Sacred Temples
Ngoc Son Temple
Ngoc Son Temple
History and Architecture: Ngoc Son Temple is located on Ngoc Island in Hoan Kiem Lake, built in the 18th century. The temple worships national heroes such as Tran Hung Dao and Van Xuong De Quan, the god of learning and literature.
Outstanding features: Ngoc Son Temple stands out with the bright red Huc Bridge, a symbol of stability and longevity. This is an ideal place for visitors to pray for their education and career while discovering the cultural, historical, and religious values of the nation.
Quan Thanh Temple
History and Architecture: Quan Thanh Temple, located north of West Lake, is one of the four sacred temples of ancient Thang Long. Temple of Huyen Thien Tran Vu, a god protecting the North of Thang Long citadel.
Outstanding features: The temple’s architecture bears the artistic style of the Ly-Tran dynasties, with many exquisite sculptures. Quan Thanh Temple is famous for its black bronze statue of Huyen Thien Tran Vu, 3.96 meters high, weighing about 4 tons, cast in 1677.
Bach Ma Temple
Bach Ma Temple
History and Architecture: Bach Ma Temple, located on Hang Buom Street, Hoan Kiem District, is one of the “Four Towns" of Thang Long, worshipping the god Long Do, the protector of the capital.
Outstanding features: Bach Ma Temple stands out with its ancient architecture and precious historical artefacts. The temple also holds traditional festivals, especially in the second lunar month.
Voi Phuc Temple
History and Architecture: Voi Phuc Temple is located in the Thu Le Park area, built during the reign of King Ly Thai Tong in the 11th century. The temple worships Linh Lang Dai Vuong, a national hero and protector of Thang Long.
Outstanding features: The temple stands out with two elephant statues kneeling in front of the temple door, creating majesty and sacredness. The temple architecture combines sophisticated carvings and the open space of the park.
Important Churches
Important Churches
Hanoi Cathedral
History and Architecture: Hanoi Cathedral, or St. Joseph’s Cathedral, was built in the late 19th century during the French colonial period. With typical Gothic architecture, the church has two tall bell towers and exquisite stained glass windows.
Hanoi Cathedral
Outstanding features: Hanoi Cathedral is not only an important religious center but also a favorite photography location for tourists. Many ceremonies and cultural events take place here, especially at Christmas and Easter.
Cua Bac Church
History and Architecture: Cua Bac Church, or Queen of Martyrs Church, was built in the 1930s by French architect Ernest Hébrard. The church’s architecture is a combination of Indochina style and Roman architecture.
Outstanding features: Cua Bac Church has unique architecture, harmonious between Western and Eastern cultures. The church is located near the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, where many important religious and cultural activities take place.
Ham Long Church
History and Architecture: Ham Long Church, or St. Anthony’s Church, was built in 1934. The church’s architecture is Roman style, with soft lines and sophisticated patterns.
Outstanding features: Ham Long Church is one of the most beautiful and famous churches in Hanoi. This place regularly holds religious festivals, attracting many believers and tourists.
Other Religious Sites
Huong Pagoda
Huong Pagoda
History and Architecture: Huong Pagoda is located in My Duc district, about 60 km from the center of Hanoi, and was built in the 15th century. This is a famous complex of pagodas, temples and caves.
Outstanding features: Huong Pagoda is an important spiritual destination, where the largest Huong Pagoda festival takes place at the beginning of the year. Tourists often come here to make pilgrimages and admire the religious natural scenery.
Thay Pagoda
Thay Pagoda
History and Architecture: Thay Pagoda is located in Quoc Oai district, about 20 km from Hanoi center. The pagoda was built in the 11th century and is the practice place of Zen Master Tu Dao Hanh.
Outstanding features: Thay Pagoda is famous for its ancient architecture and beautiful natural landscape. The pagoda also has a clear blue lake and the legendary Nhat Tan Bridge.
Phap Van Pagoda
History and Architecture: Phap Van Pagoda is located in Thuong Tin district, about 30 km from Hanoi center. The pagoda was built during the Ly Dynasty and is one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam.
Outstanding features: Phap Van Pagoda has a traditional architecture with many exquisite stone sculptures. This is where many important religious festivals are held, attracting a large number of Buddhists and tourists.
Tram Gian Pagoda
History and Architecture: Tram Gian Pagoda is located in Chuong My district, about 20 km from Hanoi center. The pagoda was built in the 12th century and has unique architecture with 100 altars.
Outstanding features: Tram Gian Pagoda stands out with its large Buddha statues and peaceful natural landscape. This is where visitors can find quiet and serenity.
Ba Da Pagoda
History and Architecture: Ba Da Pagoda, or Linh Quang Tu, is located on Nha Tho Street, Hoan Kiem District. The pagoda was built in the 15th century and is related to many folk legends.
Outstanding features: Ba Da Pagoda has ancient architecture with many Buddha statues and precious historical artefacts. The pagoda is also the place where many important religious activities and festivals take place.
Tay Ho Palace
Tay Ho Palace
History and Architecture: Tay Ho Palace is located on the large peninsula of West Lake, worshipping Princess Lieu Hanh, one of the Four Immortals of Vietnamese folk beliefs. Tay Ho Palace was built during the Le Dynasty and has been renovated many times.
Outstanding features: Tay Ho Palace is famous for its natural beauty and peaceful spiritual space. Hanoi people often come here to pray for fortune and peace at the beginning of each year.
Conclusion
Religious tourist destinations in Hanoi are not only unique architectural works but also carry profound spiritual, cultural and historical values. Each location tells a unique story, reflecting a part of the soul of the Vietnamese people. Visiting these locations not only helps visitors admire the beauty of religious architecture and landscape but also brings rich and profound spiritual and cultural experiences.
Do not forget to regularly follow ourFacebookpage andWebsitefor more interesting information about traveling and booking Hanoi religious tours at the best prices.
We will explore the most amazing places in the north of Vietnam. First, North Vietnam Hanoi Tour will bring you to explore Hanoi charming city, with a half-day city tour, you will visit the most iconic attractions in Hanoi such as President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake and the old quarter of Hanoi. After Hanoi, we are going to Tam Coc, Ninh Binh where we visit the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, enjoy the boat trip in Tam Coc and to discover the countryside. For ending two days of Inspirational Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Tour, we will spend one night stay on a cruise to explore the seven natural wonder of the world. Let’s explore the Magnificent North of Vietnam with Impress Travel.
HANOI ARRIVAL – GREETING – HANOI CITY TOUR– Private Tour (L)
Good morning, pick you up at Noi Bai International
Airport and transfer to Hanoi Capital city.
Check-in the hotel then have lunch at the restaurant.
Afternoon sightseeing tour begins with a visit to President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum ( closed on Monday and Friday, every afternoon, and whole from 15 June – 15 August, view the outside the building). Inside the mausoleum, there are sightseeing of the Presidential Palace (view from outside), President’s Fishpond, House On Stilts, and One Pillar Pagoda.
Next, we will pay a visit to the Temple of Literature. It is where Confucius – The founder of Confucianism was worshiped. This place as known as the first National University of Vietnam. It is where kings, mandarins, talented people of Vietnam training to the functionary.
Our tour continues with an exciting visit. We will visit one of the most beautiful lakes in Hanoi is Hoan Kiem Lake. Then, we will go to the Ngoc Son Temple, which is in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Continue a short walking tour around the old quarter with a tour guide.
Day Inclusions: Private A/C transfer, English-speaking tour guide in Hanoi, lunch, entrance fee, hotel in Hanoi
Day 02
HANOI – NINH BINH (TAM COC, HOA LU) TOUR (B/L)
Good morning, have breakfast at the hotel.
7.30 – 8.00 AM: Pick you up at your hotel in the Old Quarter and transfer to Tam Coc.
8.00 – 10.00 AM: After two hours of transferring, our tour guide will introduce you to Vietnam as the history, culture, lifestyle of local people. On the conical hat, we will have a mini-game show to teach you how to say and write some Vietnamese simple words such as Xin Chào, Tạm Biệt, Tôi yêu Ninh Bình, etc. We will give you a little souvenir and you can wear it during the trip.
10 AM: We will prepare for a boat trip to visit the beautiful Tam Coc. It takes 1.30 hours rowing along the Ngo Dong river through the three mysterious caves. You can enjoy spectacular scenery surrounded by rice paddies and towering limestone mountain peaks.
11.30 AM: We will get on Thanh pier for a short walk to visit Thai Vi Temple, which is one of the well-known temples in Ninh Binh, Vietnam. We will continue 10 minutes walking along majestic valley with rice fields, rivers and lotus ponds for Tam Coc Nature Lodge where we will relaxing
Enjoy your lunch in here – Vietnamese food.
1.30 PM: you have a chance to be a fisherman and learn how to catch the fish in the pond or river.
2:00 – 3:00 PM: We ride a bike to Thung Nang, along the river among the rice field, lotus ponds, and limestone Mountains. We will continue to through a peaceful Dan Khe Trong village. This area is a real picture of the rural countryside in the north of Vietnam.
15: 00: Return the van, drive to visit Hoa Lu Ancient citadel which was built in the 10th century, and the temple dedicated to King Dinh and King Le
4:00 PM: Back to Hanoi Capital.
18:30: Arrive in Hanoi & we will drop you at your hotel in the Old Quarter.
Have dinner is available on your request.
Overnight at the Hanoi Hotel.
Day Inclusions: Car/Mini-Van, Outstanding English speaking guide, Lunch – Vietnamese Cuisine at Tam Coc Nature Eco Lodge, All sightseeing tickets, Good bike with gears, 02 bottles of Mineral water, Services charges and government tax, Rowing boat to visit Tam Coc, One conical hat as souvenir, Demonstration of teaching to learn how to write, speak Vietnamese, and catch fish
Day 03
HANOI – HALONG CRUISE (B/L/D)
Good morning! Enjoy your with have breakfast at your hotel, then check-out the hotel.
07:30 am – 08:00: Pick up from your hotel to travel to Halong Bay (notice: pickup time can be a bit flexible depending on each different Cruise, distance Hanoi – Halong bay is 160km, a stop for break time on halfway for a refreshment).
You enjoy the drive and sightseeing the peaceful countryside scenery during the bus trip (4 hours), we arrive at the Ha Long bay seaport at around noontime.
12h 30: You will aboard the cruise, check-in & enjoy a welcome drink while your cabin will be assigned.
Check-in your cabin and put your luggage in, relax and may do a short inspection tour by moving around the cruise to discover about the cruise’s architecture & design
Enjoy the sumptuous lunch with fresh seafood meal while cruise slowly gliding out into the Halong bay.
15h00 – 16h00: Explore the amazing Sung Sot Cave – the most beautiful cave in Halong Bay.
16h00 – 17h00: Cruising to Titop Island. Go swimming and relaxing at the beach of Titop or climb up to the top of the island for a view panorama of Halong Bay.
17h00 – 17h30: Return to the boat, enjoying beautiful seascape on the way.
17h30 – 19h00: Enjoy Sunset Party on the sundeck and admire the best moments of the day when the sun starts to set.
Day Inclusions: Hotel breakfast, shuttle bus A/C transfer, English speaking tour guide on CRUISE only, entrance fee, full board, joint Cruise in Halong bay with private cabin (2 persons share 1 cabin)
Day 04
HALONG BAY – HANOI (B/L)
Start your day with Tai Chi exercises or a photo hunt.
07h00 – 07h30 Have breakfast on board and enjoy the peaceful morning of Halong Bay.
08h30 – 09h30 Kayak among the hidden areas of the bay, around the Drum Cave.
09h45 Return to the boat. Freshen up and check out of your cabin.
10h00 – 10h30 Continue your cruise exploring the Bay, passing Ba Hang fishing village, Dog Islet, and more.
10h30 – 11h30 while heading back to the harbor, watch the fruit carving demonstration and participate in the Cooking Class before enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
11h45 – 12h00 Disembark V’Spirit Classic.
12h15 – 12h30 Transfer back to Hanoi.
About 16:00 – Arrival back to Hanoi central city, recheck in the hotel
Dinner is available on your request.
Free time & Overnight in Hanoi city
Day 05
HANOI CITY CENTER TO NOI BAI AIRPORT – DEPARTURE (B)
Good morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Then, you have some free time to explore Hanoi city before going to Noi Bai airport for your scheduled flight.
The end of the tour, thank you and see you again!
What’s included in this trip :
A/C accommodation with DOUBLE or TWIN ROOM (2 persons share 1 room; single room can be available on request) with daily breakfast
A/C transfer from Airports to the hotel and other tourist destinations according to the itinerary
Bus round trip to Hanoi – Ha Long Bay; (private land transfer available on request)
2 days 1 night on Joint Cruise trip in Ha Long Bay, with DOUBLE or TWIN (2 persons share 1 cabin; single cabin can be available on request), full meals on board
Kayaking in Ha Long Bay
Meals as indicated in the itinerary. (Breakfast = 04; Lunch = 04; Dinner = 01)
English- speaking guides as specified (Chinese/ Malaysian speaking guide can be available on request)
Entrance fees
Mineral water (2 bottles/ per day with sightseeing tour)
What’s excluded in this trip:
All international and domestic flights
Specified as Chinese/ Malaysian/ Indonesian/Thai speaking guide can be available on request to pay for extra-fee.
Travel Insurance
Airport taxes
All meals not mentioned
Tips for tour guides, drivers, crew members in Ha Long Bay, other attendants if may have (3 USD/pax/day)
Other personal expenses not mentioned.
3 STAR HOTELS & CRUISES IN VIETNAM SELECTED
Destination
Room Type
HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE
Hanoi 3-star Hotels
Adamas Deluxe City
ADAMAS HANOI HOTEL Refer: http://swancruiseshalong.com/
3-star Halong Bay Cruises
Swan Cruise Deluxe
SWAN CRUISE HALONG BAY
Refer: http://swancruiseshalong.com/
4 STAR HOTELS & CRUISE IN VIETNAM SELECTED
Destination
Room Type
HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE
Hanoi 4-star Hotels
The light deluxe with window
THE LIGHT HOTEL HANOI
Refer: thelighthotelhanoi.com/en/
4-star Halong Bay Cruises
Sealife Suite Canbin
HUONG HAI SEALIFE CRUISE HALONG BAY
Refer: www.sealifegroup.com
5 STAR HOTELS & CRUISE IN VIETNAM SELECTED
Destination
Hotel Category
HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE
Hanoi 5-star hotels
Deluxe Sketch Apricot Hotel
APRICOT HOTEL HANOI
Refer: apricothotels.com/room/sketch
5-star Halong bay Cruises
Deluxe Room with Ocean View Margaret
MARGARET CRUISE HALONG BAY
Refer: https://margaretcruises.com
The hotels and cruise are subject to change to similar category in case of fully booked
Ranana
You feel like organized tour, but you are in a privet tour. Impress Travel make the different.
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
Ebrahim
Tour of Vietnam
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
Solly Pochee
The tour was fantastic
I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating! We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC. The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T". I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all. Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team. Sulaiman Pochee
Bernard Lim
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.
Derek.Schooling
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel
This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress. Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.
My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide). Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress
CHECK PRICE & AVAILABILITY - BEST QUALITY GUARANTEE
All the latest breaking news & travel information on Hanoi travel. Browse The Independent’s complete collection of articles and commentary on Hanoi travel: Hanoi attractions, travel news, gallery, culture, history and tips.