One Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot) Tourism

Type of destination: Historical Landmark

Ideal visit duration: 30 minutes - 1 hour

One Pillar Pagoda, known locally as Chua Mot Cot, is an iconic architectural monument in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. It was originally built in 1049 under the reign of Emperor Ly Thai Tong of the Ly Dynasty. According to legend, the emperor constructed the pagoda in gratitude for a son born to him by a Goddess of Mercy, which appeared to him in a dream. The pagoda is designed to resemble a lotus blossom, a symbol of purity rising out of a sea of sorrow, as it is positioned on a single pillar constructed of wood, approximately 1.25 meters in diameter. The unique design reflects the influence of Buddhist belief and Vietnamese culture. The structure was rebuilt several times, most notably after being destroyed by the French colonial forces in 1954. Today, it is viewed as a representation of Vietnamese resilience. Despite its small size, it is revered due to its historical significance and its role in Vietnamese folklore. Visitors can admire its distinctive architecture and learn about its history while enjoying the serene atmosphere of the surrounding garden.

Top 5 Reviews on One Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot)

yvonnesL7908LW

Wrote on 1st Jul, 2024

Interesting location for a photo

They tell us this is one of Vietnam’s most iconic Buddhist temples. The structure is built of wood atop a single, four-foot-wide stone pillar and designed to resemble a lotus flower. The temple’s ori..

ShelleyM512

Wrote on 15th Apr, 2024

If you are in the area

In the same area as the mausoleum and worth a visit if you are there. It is very small and my husband called it the pagoda on a stick. Had a squirrel in a tree that my son was more interested to wat..

RoverP

Wrote on 8th Apr, 2024

Attractive but not original

This is a bit quirky. It is unusual and attractive but is not original. Whilst the original pagoda was built in 1049, what you see is a major restoration built by the French in 1955. There is littl..

DotsGirl2

Wrote on 20th Feb, 2024

Pretty little Pagoda

This is a small Pagoda with about 30 stairs to go up to view or pray. When we went it was busy so you had to wait for a bit to get to the top. You can also walk around the pagoda on ground level

Lorimendenhall

Wrote on 12th Feb, 2024

right be the mausoleum and near another ornate temple so lots of bang for your buck

the pagoda is cool to see, I didn't bother to go up the steps due to the heat and the line. in the vicinity is another temple which is very ornate and great for some pix. don't miss these since it's r..