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28/12/2022
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Bach Ma Temple – the oldest temple in Hanoi, Vietnam (Source: Collected)
During your Hanoi travel journey, besides enjoying exquisite Vietnamese traditional food, visiting Bach Ma Temple should be one of the top activities on your bucket list. As the oldest Buddhist landmark in the capital, the unique architecture of this temple always makes a great impression on tourists’ minds. This article will provide you some interesting information about this Buddhist monument in Hanoi.
1. Where is Bach Ma Temple Hanoi? How to get there?
- Location: No. 76, Hang Buom Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Opening hours
From Tuesday to Sunday:
-
- Morning: 8.00 am – 11.00 pm
- Afternoon: 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm
On the 1st and 15th days of every lunar month: 8.00 am – 9.00 pm
Bach Ma Temple Festival takes place from the 12th to the 13th days of the second lunar month (Source: Collected)
- Entry fee: Free
- Directions
Situated in the center of Hanoi Old Quarter, Bach Ma Temple can be easily reached from any part of the city. There are numerous means of transportation that tourists can choose from to move to this ancient temple, such as bus, car, and motorbike.
It will take you about 30 minutes on average to travel to Bach Ma Temple by car or motorbike if the streets are slightly crowded. If you are traveling in a large group, you can take bus No. 18, 32, or 34, get off at Tran Nhat Duat bus stop, then walk 500 meters to Bach Ma Temple.
Visiting Bach Ma Temple offers tourists an opportunity to see the locals practicing their beliefs (Source: Collected)
2. The history and significance of Bach Ma Temple in Hanoi
Bach Ma Temple (formerly known as Long Do Temple) was constructed in the 9th century to worship Long Do, an ancient deity of Hanoi. When King Ly Thai To relocated the imperial capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long (Hanoi nowadays), he decided to change the name of this religious landmark to Bach Ma, which means white horse in Vietnamese. According to legend, King Ly Thai To’s attempts to construct the new citadel kept failing several times. However, after having his courtier pray at this temple, the King saw a white horse emerging from the temple, meandering and leaving tracks on the ground before disappearing. The king immediately ordered the construction of walls alongside those tracks and was successful in building the citadel.
The statue of a white horse at Bach Ma Temple (Source: Collected)
Bach Ma Temple is one of the four temples located in the four cardinal points of Hanoi: Quan Thanh Temple in the North, Bach Ma Temple in the East, Kim Lien Temple in the South, and Voi Phuc Temple in the West. It is said that these four temples served not only as places of worship but also key fortifications for the city’s spiritual defenses.
The ceremony to promote Bach Ma Temple to a National Special Relic (Source: Collected)
With its historical value and cultural significance, on January 18, 2022, Bach Ma Temple was recognized as a National Special Relic.
3. The unique ancient architecture of Bach Ma Temple
Bach Ma Temple has been recognized as an extraordinary structure and restored throughout the reigns of several dynasties. This ancient temple is so sacred that French colonialists in the nineteenth century dared not vandalize it. As a result, Bach Ma Temple still retains some special characteristics of the Nguyen Dynasty’s architectural aesthetics.
The design of Bach Ma Temple is sophisticated and meticulous (Source: Collected)
From the outside, the temple appears to be an 8-roof communal house adorned with antique designs. Entering the temple, you will be greeted by magnificently adorned interiors and a spectacular red-lacquered palankeen. Furthermore, there are numerous altars with exquisite engravings, not to mention precious artifacts such as paintings, imperial decrees, ancient weapons, stone stelae, metal bells, and palankeens displayed inside the temple.
The main entrance of Bach Ma Temple (Source: Collected)
Bach Ma Temple is divided into three different blocks, which was inspired by the shape of the letter “three” in Chinese. The wooden frames and ironwood columns are the highlight of this temple’s design. Constructors join the frames to make a sturdy structure that is carved beautifully and meticulously.
Inside Bach Ma Temple (Source: Collected)
4. Extra tips for your sightseeing trip to Hanoi Bach Ma Temple
Before visiting Bach Ma Temple, take note of the following:
- Mind your personal belongings and valuables, especially when participating in Bach Ma Temple’s annual celebration
- It is highly recommended that tourists visit the temple on the 1st or 15th day of any lunar month, or on the 9th or 10th day of the second lunar month, as there are more local rituals carried out on these days
- Dress politely (no shorts, mini skirts, or tank tops)
- Do not smoke
- Do not bring food or drinks into the temple
- Only take pictures or film with permission
- Burn only one incense stick per visitor
People praying at Bach Ma Temple (Source: Collected)
Bach Ma Temple is unquestionably a must-visit destination in Hanoi. After coming here, you can also visit many nearby temples in Hanoi, such as the Temple of Literature, Ngoc Son Temple, Quan Thanh Temple, etc.
Besides Bach Ma Temple, you should also visit Vinpearl Aquarium and VinKE, which are both located in Vincom Mega Mall Times City and widely regarded as the most appealing attractions in the city for young families and teenagers.
Vinpearl Aquarium and VinKE, a complex for both entertainment and education
At Vinpearl Aquarium, you can immerse in a colorful world of the mysterious ocean. This place has set numerous records and is now home to almost 30,000 sea creatures. Meanwhile, VinKE is an ideal place for children to try their dream jobs while having fun with their parents.
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In addition to Hanoi, Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc are among top renowned tourist destinations of Vietnam. There, it is highly recommended that travelers enjoy a luxurious stay at the system of Vinpearl hotels and resorts. You will experience world-class accommodation and all sorts of amenities, such as outdoor swimming pools, children’s playgrounds, babysitting services, restaurants, bars, gyms, and so on. Moreover, you can unwind at the world-class VinWonders parks in these beautiful cities. They will promisingly bring you and your beloved many interesting experiences.
A luxurious villa at Vinpearl Nha Trang
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Vietnam’s longest, steepest, and highest zipline at VinWonders Nha Trang
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Bach Ma Temple is one of the must-visit destinations in Hanoi Old Quarter because of its extraordinary architecture. Here, you can escape from the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in the serene spiritual life of Hanoi’s people.
