Hanoi's oldest temple; Chua Tran Quoc; sits on a tiny island just west of the causeway at Ho Tay (West Lake). The pagoda's precise origins are unknown; but according to legend it was originally established by the banks of the Red River during the reign of King Ly Nam De (544-48) in a brief interregnum during the millennium of Chinese occupation. It was moved to Kim Ngu Island during the 17th century; and is more remarkable for its lovely setting than for its somewhat austere interior. Pictures From Asia David Henley