Arriving at the front gate of Kim Lien Pagoda, I instructed my driver to wait for me before entering the temple compound. There are many pagodas around West Lake (Ho Tay) and I would need the driver to get me to these temples.
![photo P1210959_zpsxhrly6kb.jpg](http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac228/jesselton88/Bali%20Souvenirs/P1210959_zpsxhrly6kb.jpg)
The wooden entrance gate looked unusual as it has three arches and multiple roofs with sword shapes at the edges. I entered via a smaller gate at the side as the main gate was closed.
![photo P1210947_zpsvgsz8cvk.jpg](http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac228/jesselton88/Bali%20Souvenirs/P1210947_zpsvgsz8cvk.jpg)
Also known as the Golden Lotus Pagoda, Chua Kim Lien is considered one of the most ancient Buddhist temples in Hanoi. From the lake, the pagoda looks like a golden lotus floating on the water's surface.
![photo P1210948_zpsd5ngndtx.jpg](http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac228/jesselton88/Bali%20Souvenirs/P1210948_zpsd5ngndtx.jpg)
I like the architectural design of this temple, especially its curved roof, door and circular windows.
![photo P1210949_zpsin84dj1h.jpg](http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac228/jesselton88/Bali%20Souvenirs/P1210949_zpsin84dj1h.jpg)
There was an information board on the wall but it was all written in Vietnamese language.
![photo P1210950_zpsid9fs4uu.jpg](http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac228/jesselton88/Bali%20Souvenirs/P1210950_zpsid9fs4uu.jpg)
According to legend, the pagoda was built in the 12th century by Princess Tu Hoa, who later moved in and taught the locals how to rear silkworms to make silk.
![photo P1210951_zpsbotsbmik.jpg](http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac228/jesselton88/Bali%20Souvenirs/P1210951_zpsbotsbmik.jpg)
I saw many flower pots hanging along the wall of the temple.
![photo P1210952_zps0p5pxtkm.jpg](http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac228/jesselton88/Bali%20Souvenirs/P1210952_zps0p5pxtkm.jpg)
Cute looking bells.
![photo P1210953_zpstzglvyvg.jpg](http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac228/jesselton88/Bali%20Souvenirs/P1210953_zpstzglvyvg.jpg)
The temple compound was very quiet during my visit. There were not many people around. I only saw two or three tourists. I did not step into the temple, but just walked around the temple compound.
![photo P1210954_zpsszqbnuhj.jpg](http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac228/jesselton88/Bali%20Souvenirs/P1210954_zpsszqbnuhj.jpg)
Lotus-shaped decoration hanging from the ceiling.
![photo P1210956_zpsj2jmwjrv.jpg](http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac228/jesselton88/Bali%20Souvenirs/P1210956_zpsj2jmwjrv.jpg)
Bat-shaped decorations that are considered auspicious.
![photo P1210957_zpspcadkugn.jpg](http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac228/jesselton88/Bali%20Souvenirs/P1210957_zpspcadkugn.jpg)
View of a small pond next to the temple.
![photo P1210946_zpsqmwzth7j.jpg](http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac228/jesselton88/Bali%20Souvenirs/P1210946_zpsqmwzth7j.jpg)
Despite numerous renovations being done throughout the years, the pagoda managed to retain its unique architectural style.
![photo P1210958_zpsqd4tyvko.jpg](http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac228/jesselton88/Bali%20Souvenirs/P1210958_zpsqd4tyvko.jpg)
Once I was outside Kim Lien Pagoda, I was greeted by my motorbike driver who was all eager to take me to my next destination, which was of course another pagoda. Temple-hopping around West Lake is definitely an activity you should not miss!