Hanoi’s lesser-known sightseeing: Tram relic complex

The Tram relic complex is situated in Tram mountain in Long Chau village, Phung Chau commune, Chuong My district, southwest Hanoi, consisting three ritual sites of Tram Pagoda, Hang Pagoda and Vo Vi pagoda.

Tram mountain in Long Chau village, Phung Chau commune, Chuong My district, 24 kilometer southwest Hanoi.

The lesser-known tourist destination is considered as a ‘rocky plateau’ in Hanoi, evoking wildness and magnificent poetry with a peaceful world of rock, grass and trees, of familiar nature. The great limestone karst is made up of many small peaks, bizarre rocks and mysterious caves that make visitors feel as if they are in the rocky plateau of Ha Giang province.

The history of Tram pagoda (or so-called Tram Son Tu) dates back some centuries ago. Tram Son Tu was built by feudal general Tran Van Tang (unknown the dates of birth and death) in 1515.

From the main entrance of the relic site, visitors have to walk through a spacious courtyard to visit Tram Son Tu which is located on the left-side with its back against the mountain.

The wonderful landscape of Tram relic complex.

The pagoda is surrounded by many old trees, bringing freshness and coolness all year round to the holy space. There is also a breathtaking view from the pagoda courtyard with a small trail embracing the whole relic site and the peaceful Day river on the foot of the Tram mountain.

Tram mountain has a moderate height that is suitable for hiking and camping. For an adventurous trekking, visitors can climb up Tram’s cliffs. Setting a campsite on the top of Tram mountain after a long day trekking around would be a good choice for those who want to stay overnight within the nature. Travelers can admire the miracle sunset in a summer afternoon, then, spend a memorable night under the starring stars. 

The ancient Tram Pagoda is nestled on the side of Tram Mountain.

Tram relic complex is also an important historical site as it used to be the head office of VOV (Voice of Vietnam Radio) during anti-French war (December 19, 1946 - August 1, 1954). Right in this relic complex, President Ho Chi Minh called for a “Nationwide resistance” on December 20 in 1946. Once year later, at the same place, President Ho Chi Minh read a poem as the Lunar New Year wishes to his people on January 22, 1947.

The beautiful Hang Pagoda is located inside Long Tien Cave.

Tram relic site is surrounded by many old trees, turning the place to be a lush green oasis.

The gorgeous scenery of the magnificent Tram mountain next to the romantic Day river is an ideal destination for visitors to Hanoi.

A stone statute of Nghe - a sacred animal (son of a lion and a dog) is placed in front of Tram pagoda.

The beautiful traces of time in Tram Pagoda

From Tram pagoda, the trail below looks like a tiny thread embracing Tram mountain.

Setting a campsite on the top of Tram mountain after a long day trekking around would be a good choice for those who want to stay overnight within the nature.

A photo of President Ho Chi Minh on his visit to Hang Pagoda is on display at the pagoda.