One pillar pagoda, Hanoi travel guide, Hanoi attractions, cheap hotels, budget accommodation, family trips, student discounts, flight reservation, train tickets, low cost booking, restaurants, shopping, tourism, tips, reviews, guide

The One Pillar Pagoda stands in the park behind the Ho Chi Minh museum. It rises on a one pillar (concrete in its rebuilt form) from the middle of a square lotus pond. The small square structure has a tile roof that curves up elegantly. It was built in 1049; rebuilt many times, most recently in 1955 following its destruction during the evacuation of the French. Legend has it that Ly Thai Tong had a dream vision of Quan Am sitting on a lotus flower and promising him a male child. Thus, he had this pagoda built, itself sitting on a pond like a giant flower on its tall stem.

A narrow flight of stairs leads to the tower where there sits a gilded figure of Quan Am, to whom the pagoda is dedicated.

A gilded figure of Quan Am sits in the dim interior upon lotus blossoms. The lotus throne in Buddhist iconography is reserved for those who have obtained "perfect comprehension."

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