Rising from one pillar in the center of an elegantly square-shaped lotus pond, One Pillar Pagoda is said to represent a lotus flower growing up out of the water. Built between the years of 1028 and1054 during the reign of Emperor Ly Thai Tong of the Ly Dynasty, the One Pillar Pagoda is one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples.

The little temple is constructed from wood based on a single stone pillar crafted into the shape of a lotus blossom and has been rebuilt several times, most recently in 1955 when the base was destroyed during the French evacuation. The pagoda is often used as a symbol for Hanoi and remains one of the city’s most revered sights in a beautifully tranquil garden setting with benches provided for comfortable contemplation. The shrine inside the pagoda is dedicated to the Vietnamese Buddhist deity Quan Am with her effigy nestled inside the tiny three square meters temple.

Opening Hours: Entrance is free and the pagoda is open daily from 08.00 am - 17.00 pm with refreshments available at a stand nearby so you can sit and relax in the surrounding gardens.

Location: The One Pillar Pagoda is situated in the park behind the museum near Ba Dinh Square at Ong Ich Kiem Street in the Ba Dinh District.

Remarks: Appropriate attire should be worn if you are entering the temple; prayers take place continuously throughout the day. Praying at The One Pillar Pagoda is said to bring about blessings of fertility and health.

History of One Pillar Pagoda

The One pillar pagoda or Dien Huu pagoda has one of the most special architectures in Vietnam. The pagoda is situated next to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, right in the center of Hanoi.

The pagoda started being constructed under Ly’s dynasty in 1049. The legend goes that one night in 1049, King Ly Thai Tong dreamed of the Holy Lady (Phat ba Quan Am) sitting on a lotus and leading him to a similar building.

When he woke up, he was advised by Thien Tue monk to build the pillar-based pagoda-like in his dream and topping it with the lotus of the Holy lady. Every year when it came to April 8th in Lunar calendar, the King came to the pagoda for Buddha bathing ceremony and afterward, released a bird.

In 1105, King Ly Nhan Tong extended the pagoda and added Linh Chieu bond. However, the time has erased everything but the limited area like what we see now. Near the pagoda, there’s a bodhi tree. This is the gift from Rajendra Prasad- Indian presidents to Ho Chi Minh President.

Nowadays, One Pillar Pagoda became one of the most meaningful symbols of Hanoi.