One Pillar Pagoda

**One Pillar Pagoda: A Unique Symbol of Vietnam's Spiritual Heritage** Nestled in the heart of Hanoi, near the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, the One Pillar Pagoda is a cherished symbol of Vietnam’s cultural and spiritual identity. Originally constructed in 1049 during the reign of Emperor Ly Thai Tong, this iconic structure is steeped in history and legend. Its design was inspired by a dream of the emperor, in which he saw the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara presenting him with a lotus blossom—a symbol of purity. The pagoda is an architectural marvel, built atop a single stone pillar that rises from a lotus pond, creating the illusion of a lotus flower blooming above the water. Its small, square wooden structure is intricately decorated, reflecting the elegance and simplicity of traditional Vietnamese design. Visitors are often captivated by its balance and harmony with the surrounding natural elements. Surrounded by lush gardens and tranquil ponds, the pagoda provides a peaceful retreat from Hanoi’s bustling streets. It is not only a place of worship but also a popular site for meditation and reflection. Revered by Buddhists and admired by tourists, the One Pillar Pagoda continues to embody Vietnam's deep connection to spirituality, history, and artistry, making it a must-visit landmark.

One Pillar Pagoda is a small but unique temple built on a single stone pillar. Its design makes it look like a lotus flower. The place is a calm and serene. Not much to view though. This site has 3 monuments, including a museum, the One Pillar Pagoda, a temple, and a mausoleum.

It was built in the 10th century, and it is located inside Ho chi minh mausoleum and water body surrounds it. Beautiful historical place. Maintained very well. There is a garden surrounding the complex and is very well maintained. It's disrespectful to wear shorts or reveal your shoulders. In that case, you will have to buy a small cover off the nearby streets. The pagoda has a nearly 1000 year history with an interesting architechure. Near this pagoda, there are some souvenir shops, a resting area and a washroom.. Entry free.

Historical place and a small Buddhist temple where locals pray. Have to climb a short steep steps (only around 50 nos.) to see the shrine. Nice place overall

Pagoda looks not special, the surroundings are dirty and the pond very filthy. Also the guards are very random and so unfriendly, they made me buy a skirt to get in, when people passing and entering wore the same length of shorts. The botanical garden is currently closed due to the aftermath of the storm so you can only enter from the noisy street.

One Pillar Pagoda is the king of Vietnam built back in the 10th century to thank the Buddha gave him a son. It became a famous temple for Vietnamese people who wanted to have a son. They will come here to pray to the Buddha and hope they’ll get a son next year. The temple is clean, and it is easy to go up the stairs. People are very orderly, following each other. This is a nice place to visit.

The extremely hot weather made it difficult for me to fully enjoy the place. However, the interior of the pagoda was truly remarkable.

There seems to be no place mark on Google maps for the Chinese Temple next to the pagoda so have included here. The Temple is beautifully decored inside with statues and altars. The place is free to visit.

**One Pillar Pagoda: A Unique Symbol of Vietnam's Spiritual Heritage** Nestled in the heart of Hanoi, near the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, the One Pillar Pagoda is a cherished symbol of Vietnam’s cultural and spiritual identity. Originally constructed in 1049 during the reign of Emperor Ly Thai Tong, this iconic structure is steeped in history and legend. Its design was inspired by a dream of the emperor, in which he saw the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara presenting him with a lotus blossom—a symbol of purity. The pagoda is an architectural marvel, built atop a single stone pillar that rises from a lotus pond, creating the illusion of a lotus flower blooming above the water. Its small, square wooden structure is intricately decorated, reflecting the elegance and simplicity of traditional Vietnamese design. Visitors are often captivated by its balance and harmony with the surrounding natural elements. Surrounded by lush gardens and tranquil ponds, the pagoda provides a peaceful retreat from Hanoi’s bustling streets. It is not only a place of worship but also a popular site for meditation and reflection. Revered by Buddhists and admired by tourists, the One Pillar Pagoda continues to embody Vietnam's deep connection to spirituality, history, and artistry, making it a must-visit landmark.

One Pillar Pagoda is a small but unique temple built on a single stone pillar. Its design makes it look like a lotus flower. The place is a calm and serene. Not much to view though. This site has 3 monuments, including a museum, the One Pillar Pagoda, a temple, and a mausoleum.

It was built in the 10th century, and it is located inside Ho chi minh mausoleum and water body surrounds it. Beautiful historical place. Maintained very well. There is a garden surrounding the complex and is very well maintained. It's disrespectful to wear shorts or reveal your shoulders. In that case, you will have to buy a small cover off the nearby streets. The pagoda has a nearly 1000 year history with an interesting architechure. Near this pagoda, there are some souvenir shops, a resting area and a washroom.. Entry free.

Historical place and a small Buddhist temple where locals pray. Have to climb a short steep steps (only around 50 nos.) to see the shrine. Nice place overall

Pagoda looks not special, the surroundings are dirty and the pond very filthy. Also the guards are very random and so unfriendly, they made me buy a skirt to get in, when people passing and entering wore the same length of shorts. The botanical garden is currently closed due to the aftermath of the storm so you can only enter from the noisy street.

One Pillar Pagoda is the king of Vietnam built back in the 10th century to thank the Buddha gave him a son. It became a famous temple for Vietnamese people who wanted to have a son. They will come here to pray to the Buddha and hope they’ll get a son next year. The temple is clean, and it is easy to go up the stairs. People are very orderly, following each other. This is a nice place to visit.

The extremely hot weather made it difficult for me to fully enjoy the place. However, the interior of the pagoda was truly remarkable.

There seems to be no place mark on Google maps for the Chinese Temple next to the pagoda so have included here. The Temple is beautifully decored inside with statues and altars. The place is free to visit.