Le Cong
Last Updated on 18th September 2023 by Cong Le
Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is an amalgamation of the old and the new. It is a city that has upheld its ancient traditions amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life. One such ancient treasure of Hanoi is the Bach Ma Temple. It is a temple that has been standing tall for over a millennium, holding within its walls the secrets of Vietnamese culture and architecture. In this blog, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of the mystical Hanoi Bach Ma Temple.
History of Bach Ma Temple
Located in the heart of Hanoi Old Quarter, the Bach Ma Temple is the oldest temple in the 36 guilds district of the Vietnamese capital. Built by King Ly Thai To in the 11th century, the temple is a part of the religious complex that dates back to this era. King Ly Thai To, the legendary founder of the great Vietnamese Ly dynasty, is known for having driven the Chinese invaders from Dai Co Viet. He also ordered the transfer of Thang Long to the present location of Hanoi and built the Citadel of Hanoi.
Legend has it that the idea to construct the citadel came to King Ly Thai To in a dream. In his dream, a white horse appeared and left trails in a non-swampy area, which led the king to the perfect location for building the citadel.
The Bach Ma Temple is dedicated to Long Do, the guardian of Thang Long’s tutelary spirit. It is one of four temples that make up the “sacred quarter,” each located at a cardinal point of the city to protect it from evil spirits. The Bach Ma, Voi Phuc, Kim Lien, and Quan Thanh temples represent the east, west, south, and north, respectively.
Over the centuries, the Bach Ma Temple has suffered damage from floods, natural disasters, and historical events. As a result, it has undergone numerous renovations, one during King Chinh Hoa’s reign in the 17th century, another under Emperor Minh Mang’s rule in the 19th century, and most recently, in the early 2000s.
Visit of Bach Ma Temple
Located in the heart of Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter, the Bach Ma Temple stands out amidst the urban landscape of Vietnam’s capital. Although architecturally simple on the outside, the building’s single floor contrasts sharply with the much taller structures on the street.
The temple’s prominent feature is a large, colorful flag that indicates the road – Co Ngu Hanh – with five colors symbolizing the five elements of Chinese philosophy: red for fire, yellow for earth, green for wood, white for metal, and blue (or black) for water.
Each color corresponds to a direction: blue for the north, white for the west, green for the east, red for the south, and yellow for the center. Before entering the temple, one can appreciate the beautiful roof, covered with glazed tiles arranged in Yin and Yang, with two golden dragons ascending from each side of a god atop the roof.
Upon entering the temple, visitors may discover a carefully decorated interior behind old wooden doors. Among the temple’s treasures are a magnificent red lacquer procession and a legendary white horse statue that guided the emperor to the citadel site.
Over a thousand years old, Bach Ma Temple has been home to many artifacts, including statues of divinities, shrines dedicated to Confucius, stone stelae, parallel sentences, and beautiful ceramics.
Many residents of Hanoi still visit Bach Ma Temple to burn incense and pray. The temple is well-maintained, easily accessible, and offers a glimpse into the beliefs and practices of Hanoians. We recommend visiting Bach Ma Temple on weekends when it is most crowded, as the temple is then saturated with the aroma of incense, creating a captivating atmosphere.
In the evening, the whole neighborhood becomes pedestrian-friendly, making it a pleasant experience to stroll through the bustling streets of Hanoi Old Quarter. Additionally, many local artists perform on the weekends, entertaining visitors with traditional and modern music and songs that enliven the streets of Hanoi’s old town.
Bach Ma Temple Time Open
- Address: 76, Hang Buom, in the heart of the old district.
- Opening: every day except Monday from 8:00 to 11:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00
- Free admission
The temple is open from Tuesday to Sunday and is particularly busy during the Tet holiday and Springtime, with Hanoians praying on these holidays. You can explore the temple on your own or join our Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour to discover the best of what the Hanoi Old Quarter has to offer.
Conclusion
Bach Ma Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the mystical side of Hanoi. The temple’s ancient architecture and religious significance make it a unique and special place. Visiting the temple is a great way to learn about Vietnamese culture and architecture. It is a place that will leave you feeling calm, inspired, and awestruck. So, the next time you’re in Hanoi, make sure to visit this gem of a temple.
What is the history of Bach Ma Temple?
Bach Ma Temple is the oldest temple in the 36 guilds district of Hanoi, Vietnam. It was built by King Ly Thai To in the 11th century and is a part of the religious complex that dates back to this era. The temple is dedicated to Long Do, the guardian of Thang Long’s tutelary spirit. It is one of four temples that make up the “sacred quarter,” each located at a cardinal point of the city to protect it from evil spirits.
What are the opening hours of Bach Ma Temple?
Bach Ma Temple is open every day except Monday from 8:00 to 11:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00. Admission is free.
What can I expect to see at Bach Ma Temple?
Upon entering the temple, visitors may discover a carefully decorated interior behind old wooden doors. Among the temple’s treasures are a magnificent red lacquer procession and a legendary white horse statue that guided the emperor to the citadel site. Over a thousand years old, Bach Ma Temple has been home to many artifacts, including statues of divinities, shrines dedicated to Confucius, stone stelae, parallel sentences, and beautiful ceramics.
Can I visit Bach Ma Temple on weekends?
Yes, we recommend visiting Bach Ma Temple on weekends when it is most crowded, as the temple is then saturated with the aroma of incense, creating a captivating atmosphere.
Is there anything else to do in the area around Bach Ma Temple?
Yes, the whole neighborhood becomes pedestrian-friendly in the evening, making it a pleasant experience to stroll through the bustling streets of Hanoi Old Quarter. This is an opportunity to try the legendary street food of Hanoi that is sold along the district’s sidewalks. Additionally, many local artists perform on the weekends, entertaining visitors with traditional and modern music and songs that enliven the streets of Hanoi’s old town.
