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Include Bach Ma Temple, Hanoi in your sightseeing plan if you want to admire the timeless beauty of the capital. Below are some 'very this and that' facts about Bach Ma Temple, Hanoi.
#teamKlook, fond of traveling in Hanoi, is probably familiar with the cultural relics that have colored the ancient charm of the thousand-year-old capital. However, did you know that during the first days of the year, people in Hanoi have a custom of visiting the Four Sacred Temples of Thang Long? These are the 4 sacred temples: Bach Ma, Voi Phuc, Kim Lien, Quan Thanh that guard the 4 vital positions of the Thang Long citadel, protecting the capital from calamities and unrest.
Klook Vietnam has previously introduced Quan Thanh Temple located in the North, today we will take you to Bach Ma Temple located in the East, to together listen to stories rich in legends, depicting the historical and cultural picture of the Vietnamese nation since ancient times.
Insights Into Bach Ma Temple, Hanoi
Thang Long – Dong Do – Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam with a fairly large scale right from its inception in 1010. Many architectural works reflect the richness of spiritual culture during the Ly dynasty, typified by the Four Sacred Temples of Thang Long, where gods who contributed to the nation's protection were worshiped, built, and preserved the Thang Long citadel. Among them, Bach Ma Temple is dedicated to Long Do - Bach Ma Dai Vuong, the Imperial Lord of Thang Long, occupying an extremely important position in the Dai Viet culture at that time.
Nestled amidst Hang Buom Street, amid the moss-covered tiled roofs, Bach Ma Temple becomes a beautiful highlight in the picture of Hanoi's Old Quarter. The temple, also known as the mysterious Bach Ma Temple, is not only the oldest temple in Hanoi but also a rare relic with a recorded construction date, dating back to 866, namely the 9th century.
In the old days, during Tet holidays, kings often offered sacrifices at Bach Ma Temple and the other 3 temples in the Thang Long Four Sacred Temples group to pray for national prosperity, favorable weather, and prosperity. This tradition has been maintained by Hanoians to this day, as during the first days of the new year, the Thang Long Four Sacred Temples are always bustling with people coming to worship and pray for peace.
In 1986, Bach Ma Temple was classified as a national historical monument and became a valuable source of material for researching and understanding Thang Long – Hanoi.
Every year, Bach Ma Temple hosts the Bach Ma Temple Festival on the 12th and 13th of the lunar month, to honor the Long Do deity with many meaningful activities symbolizing the nation's gratitude and humanity.
After more than a thousand years, the temple has been renovated several times but still maintains its solemn landscape and rare ancient relics, bearing extremely special historical and cultural values, and is an unmissable destination when visiting Hanoi.
Where is Bach Ma Temple Located?
Bach Ma Temple, in the past, belonged to the territory of Ha Khau precinct, Dong Tho district, Tho Xuong district, Hoai Duc prefecture, Thang Long imperial city. This location was situated on the banks of the Red River, next to the mouth of the To Lich River, on the eastern side of the imperial city. Now, Bach Ma Temple is located at 76 Hang Buom Street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi.
Guide on How to Get to Bach Ma Temple in Hanoi
Getting to Bach Ma Temple is not difficult at all, as the temple is located in the heart of Hoan Kiem district, right in the Old Quarter.
If using personal transportation, from Hoan Kiem Lake, you take Le Thai To Street towards Hang Trong Street. Then, turn left at Hang Khay Street, followed by Dinh Tien Hoang Street. Pass the roundabout, continue along Hang Dao Street until you reach Hang Buom Street, then turn right.
If traveling by bus, you can choose one of the following routes: 01, 14CT, 18, 22A, 34, 18, 43 with stops near Bach Ma Temple.
Furthermore, Klook's private car service with a driver will take you to any sight you want, with a completely flexible schedule and time. Exploring Bach Ma Temple and other cultural landmarks, historical sites of Hanoi on a red double-decker bus is also a great idea. You can join the Hanoi city tour bus by quickly booking tickets conveniently and economically on the Klook platform.
Opening Hours of Bach Ma Temple Reference
Currently, Bach Ma Temple welcomes visitors from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM every day of the week. On New Year's Eve, the temple remains open all night for visitors to explore and enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere as they welcome the first day of the new year.
Legend of Bach Ma Temple Hanoi
Bach Ma Temple is the oldest historical temple in Thang Long, intertwined with many legends and fascinating stories about the deity Long Do. One of the most popular folk tales is the story of Cao Bien's rebellion suppression.
According to ancient books: Lĩnh Nam chích quái and Việt điện u linh tập, towards the end of the Tang dynasty, as the resistance of the Dai Viet people against the Northern domination increased, Cao Bien was appointed by the Tang court as the governor of Giao Chau to rule the Viet people and build the Dai La citadel.
Cao Bien, the governor, was believed to possess immense magical powers, capable of suppressing all rebellious areas (good land) to subdue the Viet people forever.
Once, as Cao Bien was strolling at the East Gate of the citadel, a deity appeared riding majestically on a golden dragon circling around the city. Cao Bien deemed it to be a demon and wished to establish a ritual to suppress its influence.
That night, Cao Bien dreamt of the deity claiming to be Long Do, an auspicious spirit, not a demon. Long Do expressed curiosity about the newly built citadel. Despite his doubts, Cao Bien proceeded with the ritual, erected statues, and used a thousand pounds of iron as a charm for suppression.
The following night, amid fierce storms and darkness, the iron charms turned to dust. Outraged, Cao Bien decided to return North, while the people erected a temple to worship the deity Long Do.
Nearly 200 years later, during the reign of King Ly Thai To, as the capital shifted from Hoa Lu to Dai La, renamed Thang Long, attempts to expand the citadel faced constant collapses. Seeking divine intervention, the king turned to the Long Do temple for supplication.
Indeed, that very night, King Ly Thai To dreamt of a white horse departing from the temple towards the West, circling back East, and returning to its starting point. The king ordered construction along the horse's path, ensuring stability henceforth.
True to the vision, after successful fortification, King Ly Thai To sculpted a statue of the white horse for worship and bestowed the deity as the Guardian Deity of the Thang Long Citadel. Henceforth, the temple became known as Bach Ma Temple.
Who is Worshipped at Bach Ma Temple Hanoi?
In Hanoi specifically, and Vietnam generally, there are many historical sites dedicated to multiple deities, but few exclusively worship a single deity like Bach Ma Temple. Here, the sole deity worshipped is Long Do - Bach Ma Great Lord.
An interesting fact is that the deity Long Do is not only worshipped at Bach Ma Temple but also appears at several other historical sites. In Hanoi's inner city alone, there are 11 sites dedicated to this revered deity, highlighting the significant role of Bach Ma Temple in the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people and the nation's culture.
Rituals at Bach Ma Temple
On the full moon days of the lunar month, or the first day of the lunar new year, people often visit Bach Ma Temple to pray for their families' peace, luck, and prosperity. After offering prayers and lighting incense, you can recite rituals in front of the altars, or simply place the ritual papers on a small plate and place them on the offering tray. When performing the ritual of turning papers into gold, you must transform the rituals first. Then, while waiting for the incense to burn out, you can explore the Bach Ma Temple grounds.
Marveling at the Unique Architecture of Bach Ma Temple Hanoi
When visiting Bach Ma Temple, you will be overwhelmed by the architectural beauty that encapsulates the wisdom and rich spiritual life of ancient Vietnamese people.
Through many restoration phases, the temple's architecture predominantly reflects the Nguyen dynasty's 19th-century artistic style with a vertically structured layout, including: ceremonial gate, front courtyard, outer sanctuary, inner sanctuary, altar (dedicated to the deity Bach Ma), and council hall.
The temple is constructed in a 'tam' shape on a land area of nearly 600m2, facing south. Upon entering, you encounter the front courtyard, created from the late 19th to early 20th century, featuring 4 columns, 2 tiers with 8 roofs, a triple gate, and over 13 horizontal rafters. The intricate carvings on the temple's door panels resemble the architectural style of the Cantonese Assembly Hall in Hoi An, with many reliefs bearing traces of Chinese influence still present in Bach Ma Temple. Additionally, on either side of the front courtyard are shrines dedicated to Princess Tề and Mountain Pond.
Inside, Bach Ma Temple retains many traditional architectural elements displayed through finely carved ironwood columns and supporting roofs, forming the 'bell atop roof, fence below' and 'triangular' architectural styles. This ancient architectural style has helped Bach Ma Temple withstand the test of time.
Notably, few temples retain a coherent underground network like Bach Ma Temple. There is a well on the right side of the temple, an essential component based on the belief in the coexistence of yin and yang, with the well representing the yin. Bach Ma Temple preserves 15 stone steles documenting the temple's renovations, Trinh lords' tax exemptions, regulations for temple caretakers, along with valuable artifacts such as seals from the Le, Tay Son, and Nguyen dynasties, ceremonial sedan chairs, pedestals, incense burners, and more.
Nearby Tourist Attractions Around Bach Ma Temple Hanoi
Since its inception, Hang Buom has been a gathering place for many upscale eateries, most famous in Hanoi, especially in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Nowadays, Hang Buom Street is a culinary paradise with countless Hanoi delicacies, bustling cafes. The atmosphere here is always lively and vibrant, especially on weekends when Hanoi's pedestrian street lights up.
Besides, it only takes a 3-minute walk to reach the bustling street of Ta Hien, where you can enjoy a few glasses of beer, some bites, and then head back.
After indulging in the culinary delights of the Old Quarter, you can take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake to admire the Turtle Tower, Hanoi Opera House, Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, Ngoc Son Temple, and many other fascinating attractions.
Accommodations Near Bach Ma Temple
If you want to stay near Hoan Kiem Lake, it's quite easy. There are many luxurious Hanoi hotels, homestays with modern amenities, and affordable prices for you to choose from. Just book a Hanoi hotel room and apply the exclusive discount code for #teamKlook, and you'll have a truly luxurious place to stay. Staying in this area, #teamKlook can experience the nostalgic side of the capital and immerse in the unique lifestyle of Hanoians. Of course, you can't miss out on delicious food, exquisite handicrafts, and the frequent cultural and artistic events held nearby.
1. Scent Premium Hotel
- Address: 31 Hang Hanh Alley, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City
- Price: from 591,000 VND/night
2. Maya Boutique Hotel & Spa
- Address: 20 Dao Duy Tu Street, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City
- Price: from 781,000 VND/night
3. Hanoi Esplendor Hotel and Spa
- Address: 80 Hang Ga Street, Hang Bo Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City
- Price: from 553,000 VND/night
4. Hanoi Prime Center Hotel
- Address: 36 Hang Huong Alley, Hang Ma Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City
- Price: from 195,000 VND/night
5. Ancient Paradise Hotel
- Address: 95 Hang Chieu Street, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City
- Price: from 426,000 VND/night
Perhaps nowhere else in Vietnam has as many temples, pagodas, shrines, and temples as Hanoi. This land of a thousand years of civilization has witnessed the changes of the Vietnamese people through many historical periods. If you have the opportunity to stroll around Hanoi in a day, #teamKlook can take a tour of the Four Thang Long Preserves, including: Bach Ma Temple, Quan Thanh Temple, Kim Lien Temple, Voi Phuc Temple, and especially the Thang Long Imperial Citadel – the place where the history of this magical land began.
Follow the call of the ancestors to explore Hanoi's Bach Ma Temple!
