Ha Temple

Tucked away in a small street in Cau Giay district, Ha Pagoda (also known as Thanh Duc Tu) is said to have been built during the Ly Thanh Tong period. This is a famous temple located on a small street of the same name - Chua Ha street. With ancient architecture, the pagoda is divided into separate areas including Tam Quan gate with 2 floors, Tien Duong, Upper power, Tam Bao with 5 large compartments.

Through many years of ups and downs along with time, Ha Pagoda still retains the superficial beauty that has existed in this land of Thang Long for a long time. According to the forefather, the temple was built during the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong with the word Thanh Duc Tu or Thanh Chua pagoda because this is the place where the king prayed to give birth to the Crown Prince Can Duc. Some time later, people called Voi Pagoda because the entire pagoda was built of simple brick and thatched leaves.

In 1680, the pagoda was rebuilt with the merits of two traders in The village of Bac Giang and the contributions of local people. The bricks that grabbed the leaf roof were replaced by bright red bricks and tiles. Later, the pagoda was renamed Ha pagoda, together with Boi Ha communal house worshiping Thanh Hoang Trieu Chi Thanh village nearby forming a cluster of outstanding relics.

Ha Pagoda is designed into separate areas with altars for worshiping Buddha and altars for worshiping the Holy Mother. People who come here to pray for peace, happiness, and perfect love will pray in front of Monsignor, Holy Hien, Buddhas and the Holy Mother.

When you step into Boi Ha communal house next door, you will see the altar worshiping Thanh Hoang Trieu Chi Thanh village - a general in the Trieu Viet Vuong period who had the merit of fighting the Luong invaders to preserve the nation's territory.

Although not attached to any love legend, many young Hanoians believe that they will find their other half if they come here to pray for Buddha's blessing. There are many stories of people from all over the country who have found their other half and are happy after going to Ha pagoda.

There is nothing to prove that belief is true, but thanks to word of mouth, every single day singles come here hoping to find someone, couples praying for a lasting relationship or those unlucky in life. Wishing you a lot of luck.

Visiting the pagoda, tourists often prepare three offerings to pray for blessings. The first tray is for the Three Jewels where the Buddha is worshiped, including incense, flowers, fresh fruit, and confectionery. The second tray for the deity includes votive coins, tea, wine, and vegetarian food. The final ceremony for the Holy Mother includes fresh flowers, betel nut (mandatory), cakes, candies and money offerings.

In addition to incense and other things to offer, roses, the symbol of love, are also present along the street as a flower "suitable" to offer for love and marriage.

Ha Pagoda is open every day of the week, from 08:00 to 18:00.