Often praised as the most beautiful city in Asia, Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam. Despite the steady pace of development, Hanoi has retained much of its old world charm and beauty. In recent years, therehas been an effortto boost cultural tourism and showcase the centuries-old architecture that has been preserved in the ancient pagodas and the thousands of years of history that exist within traditional festivals and trade villages. Modern amenities like serviced apartments in Hanoi are also available to ensure domestic and foreign tourists are comfortable during their stay in the capital city.
As its name indicates, Somerset West Lake Hanoi, is located on the banks of West Lake. Across the water, only a thirty minute walk away, is the Tran Quoc Pagoda. It is one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam and it was built to symbolize Vietnamese Buddhism. Inside you will find a collection of Buddha statues, many of which are of great value and a few are considered masterpieces of Vietnamese sculptural art. A Bodhi tree grows in the garden belonging to the pagoda. This tree is known to have been grown from a sapling taken from the tree under which the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Today, the mighty tree provides shade from the blazing sun.
Construction on Tran Quoc Pagoda first began in 541 and it took four years to complete. This was during the reign of King Ly Nam De and it was given the name Khai Quoc meaning ‘National Founder’. It was then located beside the Red River. In the early 17th century, when King Le Kinh Tong ruled, the pagoda was moved to the Kim Ngu Islet because its initial location on the river bank had begun to crumble away. The pagoda was renamed Tran Quoc meaning ‘National Defense’ at this point.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.
