Bach Ma Temple

76 Hang Buom Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City, Vietnam

Bach Ma Temple, located at 76 Hang Buom, Hanoi, is one of the four sacred temples protecting the ancient Thang Long citadel. Built in the 9th century, the temple worships Long Do god, associated with the legend of King Ly Thai To moving the capital. With its ancient architecture and historical value, Bach Ma Temple is a spiritual destination, attracting tourists to learn about the culture and beliefs of Hanoi.

Bạch Mã Temple, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Hanoi, preserves the spirit, and unique culture, of Thăng Long, the thousand-year-old capital.

1. Legendary History of Bạch Mã Temple

Bạch Mã Temple is located at 76 Hàng Buồm Street, in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter, and is one of the four sacred temples, protecting the ancient Thăng Long Citadel. The temple was built in the 9th century, to worship the god Long Đỗ, the protector of Thăng Long. The temple is especially linked, to the legend of King Lý Thái Tổ, moving the capital from Hoa Lư to Thăng Long, in 1010.

According to the legend, when King Lý Thái Tổ decided to build Thăng Long Citadel, the work faced many difficulties, due to unfavorable terrain. One night, the god Long Đỗ appeared in the form of a white horse, galloping from the temple, and leaving hoof prints around the construction area. Based on the hoof prints, the king adjusted the design of Thăng Long Citadel, and the work was completed successfully. Since then, the temple has been called Bạch Mã Temple, symbolizing sacredness, and protection.

2. Ancient and Exquisite Architecture

Bạch Mã Temple is a vivid testament, to Vietnamese religious architecture. From the main gate, you will feel the majesty, with the tall tam quan gate, and curved tile roofs like bird wings, bearing the marks of the Lê Trung Hưng period.

Stepping inside, you will see the front hall, with large wooden columns, intricately carved with ancient parallel sentences, and calligraphy boards. The carvings depict dragons, phoenixes, and lotus flowers, symbols of power, nobility, and eternal beauty.

Going further, you will reach the main hall, where the statue of Long Đỗ, and the white horse, the embodiment of the deity, are worshipped. The white horse statue is made of gilded wood, majestic in appearance, symbolizing protection and guidance. The ancient bronze incense burners, and solemn incense altars, create a sacred and serene atmosphere.

Additionally, within the temple grounds, there is a stele house with stone steles, recording the history, and restorations of the temple, through various dynasties.

3. Bạch Mã Temple in Spiritual Life

Bạch Mã Temple is not only a place of worship, but also closely linked, to the spiritual life of Hanoians. Annually, on the 12th and 13th days of the second lunar month, the Bạch Mã Temple Festival is held, with traditional ceremonies, such as processions, incense offerings, and folk cultural activities.

The festival attracts not only locals, but also many visitors, who come to pray for peace and blessings. People believe that the god Long Đỗ will ensure favorable weather, ward off evil spirits, and bring peace and happiness to everyone. Therefore, when visiting the temple, you often see families and businesses offering incense, and praying for luck and success.

4. Highlights When Visiting Bạch Mã Temple

Exploring the ancient space in the Old Quarter: Amidst the bustling life of Hanoi's Old Quarter, Bạch Mã Temple is like a peaceful oasis, bringing you back to a sacred, and tranquil spiritual space. This is where you can feel the harmony, between the past, and the present.
Understanding unique historical values: Bạch Mã Temple is not only a place of worship, but also a historical witness. Since the reign of King Lý Thái Tổ, the temple has been closely associated, with the formation and development, of Thăng Long Citadel. Visiting here, you will learn more about the cultural roots, and the Vietnamese people's reverence for their ancestors.
Exquisite architecture: The intricate carvings, mossy tile roofs, and gilded white horse statue, make Bạch Mã Temple a masterpiece of religious art, showcasing timeless beauty.
Unique photo spots: Bạch Mã Temple is also a favorite spot, for photography enthusiasts. The photo angles with the tam quan gate, white horse statue, and ancient calligraphy boards, offer beautiful, nostalgic images.

5. Visiting Guide for Bạch Mã Temple

Bạch Mã Temple is conveniently located, in the Old Quarter. You can combine your visit to the temple, with other famous attractions, such as Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Ô Quan Chưởng, or Đồng Xuân Market. The ideal time to visit the temple, is in the morning, or late afternoon, when sunlight filters through the tile roofs, creating a scene that is both solemn, and poetic.

6. Conclusion

Dear visitors, Bạch Mã Temple is not only an architectural work, but also a place that preserves the unique cultural, historical, and spiritual values of Hanoi. I hope this visit has brought you many memorable experiences, and a deeper understanding, of this precious heritage.

Additional Information:

Opening Hours: 09:00–17:30, closed on Mondays
Admission: Free

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