Bach Ma temple Hanoi (or White Horse Temple) is one of the recommended tourist destinations in Hanoi Old Quarter because of its special meaning and architecture. This is also believed to be the oldest temple in Hanoi.
You might want to visit some attractions nearby:
>>> Hanoi Ancient House — Ma May heritage house
>>> French quarter Hanoi attractions
>>> Dong Xuan market — The biggest market in the old quarter
>>> Water puppet show in Hanoi
1. Bach Ma temple history
This was built in the 9th century to worship Long Do (Navel Dragon). This is one of the four sacred protecting temples of Thang Long ancient citadels.
• Voi Phuc temple (Protect in the West)
• Kim Lien temple (Protect in the South)
• Quan Thanh temple (Protect in the North)
• Bach Ma temple (Protect in the East)
After leaving the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long in 1010, the King asked the troops to build the citadel higher, but whenever they built the citadel, it’s collapsed.
He sent someone to ask local people to know there was a sacred land, so the King organized the ceremony.
The King held a ceremony to worship Long Do God. Then, he saw the white horse coming out of the temple. The King traced the horse’s footsteps and then built a citadel.
The citadel was built very firm. To express the gratefulness to the deity, the King asked for carving a white horse for worship and conferred the title of “Thang Long tutelary god.” The white horse has become a sacred symbol, and Bach Ma (or white horse temple) has been known from that.
At present, this still preserves many valuable antiques such as stone stele, ordination, bronze bell, procession, incense, altar crane. The unique vase is decorated with elaborately crafted altars with red-yellow and white-black contrasts as the primary colors.
During the resistance war against the US, B52 bombs were scattered in the North of Vietnam. Everything around the old quarter is destroyed except this temple. Currently still kept original architecture event restored and renovated many times.
Nowadays, the Bach Ma temple still organizes a festival on February 12th and 13th of the lunar month, meaning seeing off the winter and welcoming the new spring. People pray for a bountiful harvest and a happy and prosperous life for the people and commemorate the merit of the Long Do God.
2. Bach Ma temple opening hours and entrance fee
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
Visitors do not need to pay anything. It’s FREE
3. Bach Ma temple address and how to get there
Address number 76–78 Hang Buom Street, right at the center of Hanoi’s old quarter. Very easy to find. Just a few minutes if you are staying in the old quarter.
The main gate
4. Bach Ma temple dress code
Like other worship areas in Vietnam, visitors should wear formal clothes, not smoke, and bring food and drinks.
With all information above, we hope you will have a great tip visit to Hanoi. If you need any more help, please do not hesitance to contact us.
>>> Read more: What to see in Hanoi old quarter
