Bach Ma Temple, Hanoi

Temple in Hanoi

Bac Ma Temple – There’s The White Horse
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Greg Willis

Located in the heart of Hanoi Old Quarter, Bach Ma Temple is a significant historical monument linked to King Ly Thai To’s capital relocation. It is one of the Four Guarding Temples of Thang Long Citadel, established to form a protective boundary around the city and defend against potential threats.

I. History of Bach Ma Temple

Bach Ma Temple, built in the 9th century, serves as a place of worship for Long Do, the ancient god of Hanoi. According to legend, Long Do played a crucial role in overcoming the witchcraft practiced by Cao Bien, a general of China’s Tang Empire.

Originally named Lon Do, the temple was renamed Bach Ma (meaning “white horse”) to commemorate the relocation of the imperial capital by King Ly Thai To from Hoa Lu to Thang Long (now Hanoi) in 1010 AD. Historical records recount that the king faced repeated failures in building the new citadel until a white horse emerged from the Lon Do temple, leaving tracks that guided the successful construction of the citadel walls.

II. Highlights of Bach Ma Temple

Bach Ma Temple has been recognized as an outstanding structure, restored during various dynasties. Its layout resembles the Chinese character for “Three,” and from the outside, it looks like an eight-roof communal village house adorned with ancient patterns reminiscent of Hoi An fine arts. The well-carved pillars and wooden beams, along with antique pictures, give the temple a nostalgic grandeur.

The temple’s sacred status deterred French colonialists and soldiers in the 19th century from vandalizing or relocating its property, preserving its Nguyen Dynasty architectural features. The interior hall features an intricate tie-beam composition made of ironwood, serving both decorative and structural purposes. Numerous altars showcase sophisticated engravings, alongside valuable antiques such as paintings, imperial titles, ancient weapons, stone stelae, metal bells, and palanquins.

III. What to Do in Bach Ma Temple?

Visitors often come to Bach Ma Temple to admire its ancient engravings and serene ambiance. However, visiting during the annual traditional celebration from Feb 12th to Feb 13th (Lunar Calendar) offers a unique experience. The event features a procession with palanquin bearers, a unicorn dance team, a drum crew, and more, starting from Ma May street to Bach Ma Temple. The sacrificial rite, a key part of the ceremony, is performed before visitors can enter and participate in various activities. The second day continues with more sacrificial rites, entertainment, and cultural celebrations, including Vietnamese folk games like tug of war, cock-fighting, human chess, and festival song competitions.

IV. How to Get to Bach Ma Temple

Situated in the center of Hanoi Old Quarter, Bach Ma Temple can be challenging to find due to narrow and crowded streets. A common route for tourists is: Nguyen Thai Hoc Str. – Cua Nam Str. – Phung Hung Str. – Hang Vai Str. – Hang Buom Str. – Bach Ma Temple at No.76.

Transportation options include:

  • Motorbike/Car: Traveling within the city takes about 30 minutes on average, depending on traffic.
  • Bus: Suitable for larger groups, with buses numbered 18 or 32 stopping at Tran Nhat Duat station, just 500 meters from the temple.
  • Pedicab: Ideal for leisurely sightseeing, with riders knowledgeable about the city’s streets.

The Bach Ma Temple, Hanoi appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Hanoi!

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Visiting Bach Ma Temple, Hanoi

Hours:

8:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM every day


Price:

Free

Address: Bach Ma Temple, Phố Hàng Buồm, Old Quarter, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam

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