Bach Ma Temple Hanoi (or White Horse Temple) is one of the recommended tourist destinations in Hanoi Old Quarter because of its extraordinary architectural design. This temple is related to why King Ly Thai To chose Thang Long Citadel place to build for his dynasty.
Visitors to Bach Ma Temple are offered a golden opportunity to escape the hectic everyday life of central Hanoi and approach the peaceful spiritual life of Hanoian.
Bach Ma Temple welcomes thousands of visitors each year
The Current Condition of Bach Ma Temple in 2020
Table of Contents
Until early 2020, Bach Ma Temple is still under renovation. It means that when you visit this place, what you see is a building site instead of a glorious temple!
So if you are planning to explore this legendary temple, please be aware to avoid disappointment. We advise that you should ask for a local friend or a local company to make sure that Bach Ma Temple is ready for you!
AZ Local Trip is willing to help you at any time! Contact us if you need more information about Bach Ma Temple in particular and about Hanoi in general.
Besides, you can fulfill your dream of discovery by paying a visit to other attractions in Hanoi, such as:
- Dong Xuan Market – 7 Most Frequent Questions From Foreign Visitors About Dong Xuan Market
- Ta Hien Street (Beer Street) – A Backpacker’s Haven in Hanoi!
- Old Quarter Hanoi – Fun and absolutely unmissable Hanoi Old Town!
Bach Ma Temple Hanoi – What do I need to know?
Address
76 Hang Buom Street, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Thanks to its favorable location, Bach Ma Temple attracts a large number of tourists every year.
Direction to go to Bach Ma Temple from Hanoi Old Quarter
How to get to Bach Ma Temple
Since Bach Ma Temple lies in the heart of Hanoi Old Quarter, visitors who stay in the Old Quarter can easily reach the destination on foot. Just around 10 minutes of walking.
Bach Ma Temple opening hours
From Tuesday to Sunday:
- Morning: 07:00 to 11:00
- Afternoon: 02:00 to 05:00
On the 1st and 15th of every lunar month: 8 am to 9 pm
Bach Ma Temple entrance fee
Free of charge
Regulations
- Dress properly: no shorts, mini skirt or tank-top.
- Don’t smoke.
- Do not bring food or drinks into the temple.
- Only take pictures or film under the allowance.
- Each visitor is only allowed to burn one incense stick.
Altar of The White Horse in the legend about King Ly Thai To move the capital to Thang Long imperial citadel
One of four sacred guardians here?
On December 12, 1986, Bach Ma Temple was recognized as a national historic monument by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
The temple, which lies to the east of the capital, is among the four sacred guardian temples of ancient Thang Long besides Quan Thanh Temple to the north, Kim Lien Temple in the south and Voi Phục Temple to the west.
>>> Check out Top Things to do in Hanoi 2019 – Bucket List
Why do people believe Bach Ma Temple is the oldest one in Hanoi?
Bach Ma Temple was formerly located in Ha Khau Ward, Dong Tho, Tho Xuong District, Hoai Duc, Thang Long. This temple was built in the 9th century to worship God Long Do (God of the Dragon Navel), the original god of ancient Hanoi.
In 1010, King Ly Thai To decided to move the capital from Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) to Thang Long, yet his attempt to build the citadel failed multiple times. Legend has it that a white horse runs out of the temple and showed the King the site for construction.
The temple was renovated in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Explore Hanoi on your own way with Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour!
What special about Architecture in Bach Ma Temple?
With more than a thousand years of history, White Horse Temple is one of the typical architectural relics typical of Hanoi. A wooden framework with big iron-wood columns is typical for the architecture of the temple in the North Delta region.
Interior decoration of Bach Ma Temple
The rafters join to form a weight-bearing structure. Decorative carvings are another attractive design in Bach Ma Temple. The incense-burning house has a unique carapace-shaped roof.
Artifacts – truly shining in Bach Ma Temple Hanoi
The interior of the temple involves incense sticks, Phoenix altars, and shrines to Confucius.
Many valuable ancient artifacts are stone slabs, a statue of the legendary white horse and red-lacquered funeral palanquins, etc.
The temple itself is a rich source for the study of Thang Long – Hanoi.
Booking a Hanoi Free Walking Tour From NOW!!!
The traditional dragon pattern on red-lacquered funeral palanquins
Cultural discovery in Bach Ma Temple Festival
In commemoration of Long Do God, the People’s Committee of Hoan Kiem District annually organizes the festival of Bach Ma Temple on the 12th and 13th day of the second lunar month. Visitors to Hanoi Old Quarter at this time of the year simply cannot miss this special event.
The procession departs from Ma May Temple through the large streets to Bach Ma Temple in Hanoi. The lion dance team takes lead, followed by the flag team and the gong drum team.
Shepherds and a life-size buffalo model also get involved to conduct the Spring Buffalo ceremony. After the sacrifice, the model will be taken to the bank of Red River to be offered to the Spring Buffalo.
Visitors can enter the temple to pray after the sacrificial offerings to Saint.
During the festival, there are also many entertaining such as ethnic arts (ceremonial songs, Vietnamese opera, poem recitation) and martial art performances.
We provide FREE ITINERARY PLANNING. Contact us to start your journey in Hanoi!
Comment (0)