Bach Ma Temple

Introduction

Bach Ma Temple is located at 76 Hang Buom Street in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter. Built in the 9th century (around 866), the temple is dedicated to the deity Long Do, also known as the To Lich River God. It is famously known as one of the "Four Guardian Temples of Thang Long," protecting the eastern side of the ancient capital. In 1010, King Ly Thai To named the temple "Bach Ma" (White Horse) after a legendary white horse guided him in successfully constructing the city's citadel. Recognizing its significance, the site was classified as a National Historical and Architectural Art Monument on December 12, 1986.

Things to See

• Unique Architecture: The temple's design bears the strong imprint of the Nguyen Dynasty. It features a ceremonial triple gate, a pavilion with eight columns and eight curved roofs, and several interconnected halls.

• Crab-shell Roofs: A highly distinctive and rare architectural feature of the temple is its system of crab-shell-shaped roofs that connect the various structures together, creating a seamless, closed space.

• Indoor Incense Burner: Unlike many other traditional temples that place the incense burner outdoors, Bach Ma Temple uniquely positions its incense burner inside the pavilion.

• Statues and Altars: Inside the main hall, visitors can see a statue of the White Horse and the central altar dedicated to the Dragon God of Long Do. There is also a shrine to Confucius and a Phoenix-shaped altar.

• Ancient Artifacts: The temple is home to many valuable relics, including an intricately carved ancient eight-person palanquin (used as the deity's throne), ancient stone steles, 21 royal decrees, and historic weapons.

• Geomantic Well: On the right side of the temple grounds lies a well. This is considered a rare geomantic energy point representing "yin" (in the concept of left-yang, right-yin), a feature almost no other temple retains.

Tips

• Opening Hours: The temple is open to visitors every day from 09:00 AM to 05:30 PM. However, on New Year's Eve, the temple remains open all night so visitors can enjoy the festive and nostalgic atmosphere.

• Annual Festival: If possible, time your visit to coincide with the annual Bach Ma Temple festival, which takes place on the 12th and 13th of the second lunar month.

• Grand Ceremony: Every five years, the temple holds a grand ceremony featuring the Spring Buffalo Offering, a unique ritual where a life-sized buffalo model is carried to the Red River.

• Directions: Traveling from the city center takes about 30 minutes by car or motorbike. You can start from Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, turn onto Phung Hung Street, continue to Hang Vai Street, and after about 2km, you will arrive at the temple on Hang Buom Street.

📍 Location
76 Hang Buom Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi (Old Quarter)

🕒 Opening Hours
Daily: 09:00 – 17:30
(Open all night on Lunar New Year’s Eve)