Vietnam PagodasDictionary of Vietnamese pagodas & temples

Báo Ân Pagoda

Hà Nội(Chùa Báo Ân)

Báo Ân Pagoda

Overview & history

Báo Ân Pagoda was a large pagoda that once existed in Hà Nội, Vietnam. This pagoda is different from another pagoda also named Báo Ân Pagoda in the area now belonging to Gia Lâm District, Hà Nội, which was built during the Trần dynasty. The pagoda was destroyed by the French colonialists in 1888 to build the Hà Nội Post Office.

History

Báo Ân Pagoda was built around 1842 during the Nguyễn dynasty, with funding raised from the populace by the Governor of Hà Ninh, Nguyễn Đăng Giai. The pagoda was located on the eastern side of Hoàn Kiếm Lake, with its front facing the Red River and its back against the lake. The site covered an area of nearly 100 mẫu (a traditional Vietnamese unit of area), comprising 180 compartments with 36 roofs, featuring a complex and elaborate architectural style. The pagoda was also known as Liên Trì Pagoda (meaning "Lotus Pond") because within the pagoda there was a wide moat planted with many lotuses, or as Quan Thượng Pagoda because at that time Nguyễn Đăng Giai was also called Cụ Thượng (the Honourable Elder) by the people.

In November 1885, after the French colonialists had completed their conquest of Vietnam, they began the work of filling in land, embanking Hoàn Kiếm Lake, and levelling the low-lying areas in Hà Nội. The Governor-General of Indochina, Jean-Marie de Lanessan, ordered the burning of thatched houses around Hoàn Kiếm Lake. In 1888, the French destroyed Báo Ân Pagoda to build the post office. On the night of 22 January 1891, 300 houses in Cầu Gỗ, Hàng Bè, Hàng Mắm, Hàng Thùng, and Hàng Vôi were burned to the ground. On the night of 28 January 1891, a second fire destroyed the entire village of Cự Lâu. The site of Báo Ân Pagoda was left as a desolate wasteland.

Today, only the Hòa Phong Tower behind Báo Ân Pagoda remains, standing alone on the shore of Hoàn Kiếm Lake.

Photos

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Visiting tips

Dress modestly; remove hats and keep quiet inside the main hall.
Incense, flowers and offerings are usually sold right outside the gate; light an odd number of sticks (1 or 3).
Most pagodas open from early morning to evening and are free to enter (some major sites charge a small scenic fee).
Full-moon days, the 1st of the lunar month and Tet are very crowded; visit on weekday mornings for a quiet experience.
Ask permission before photographing inside shrines; do not touch statues or altar objects.

Read more & references

Useful links to learn more before your visit:

Location

Coordinates: 21.02885, 105.79896

🧭 Directions on Google Maps

References

Other pagodas in Hà Nội

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Chùa Bà Nành (Hà Nội)

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