About
The One Pillar Pagoda, also known as Chua Mot Cot or Dien Huu Pagoda, is a historic Buddhist temple in Hanoi, Vietnam. It stands at Doi Can in the Ba Dinh district, and it is one of the country's most recognisable temples and a symbol of the city.
What you will see
The temple dates from 1049 and was designed to resemble a lotus blossom rising out of water. That image is the key to the visit: a single slender pillar of wood and stone rises from a small pond, and the shrine sits on top of it, so the whole structure seems to float above the water. Its simple, graceful form makes it easy to photograph and easy to remember.
What kind of visit it makes
- A short, quiet stop for those interested in Vietnamese religious architecture.
- A good pairing with other sites in central Hanoi, since it is a compact visit rather than a day out.
- A place to take a moment for reflection, as it remains an active place of Buddhist worship.
Because it is a working temple, visitors are expected to behave with respect: dress modestly, speak softly, and follow any signs or the guidance of those on site.
Getting there and planning
The pagoda is in Ba Dinh, the district that also holds several of Hanoi's principal government and historic sites, so it fits naturally into a wider walk or taxi ride through the area. For questions before you go, the temple can be reached by telephone at +84 24 3843 6424.