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Discover the history, opening hours, and significance of Bach Ma Temple, Hanoi's oldest temple. Learn how it fits with the Four Sacred Temples, the Temple of Literature, and other must-visit pagodas in Hanoi.
Amidst the exhilarating chaos of Hanoi Old Quarter, tucked away on a busy street, lies a gateway to the city's ancient past. It's not the largest or most grand, but it is the oldest. This is Bach Ma Temple, the spiritual cornerstone of Hanoi, and its story is the story of the city itself.
This guide is your key to understanding this incredible place. We'll uncover the Bach Ma Temple Hanoi history, share practical tips for your visit, and show you how it fits into the larger tapestry of Hanoi's most sacred sites, from the Temple of Literature to the famous Hanoi Lake Temple.
If you’re planning a visit, here’s everything you need to know about Bach Ma Temple Hanoi.
Location: 76 Hang Buom Street, Hoan Kiem District.
Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KLhNd2rK7QgGFyJV8
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM -11:00 AM and 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday (Closed on Mondays)
Tickets: Free. Entrance to Bach Ma Temple is free of charge, though small donations are welcomed and appreciated.
Dress Code: Like all active places of worship in Vietnam, modest clothing is required. Please ensure your shoulders and knees are covered and avoid loud or disruptive behavior inside.
How to Get There: Reaching Bach Ma Temple is simple thanks to its prime location in the Old Quarter. You have 3 easy options of transport:
On foot: Just a 10-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. This is the easiest way if you’re already exploring the Old Quarter.
By Grab/taxi: Quick and affordable, fares from Hoan Kiem Lake are usually around 40,000 – 60,000 VND (US$1.50–2.50).
Guided tour: Many Old Quarter tours include Bach Ma Temple as part of their cultural route. With Asia Mystika, you can enjoy the comfort of a private car or even an open-air jeep ride, perfect for families, couples, or anyone who wants a more memorable experience.
Bach Ma Temple is one of the oldest spiritual sites in Hanoi, with origins tracing back to the 9th century, when it was first dedicated to Long Do, the local tutelary god of Dai La Citadel. By the early 11th century, when King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long, he faced difficulties building the new citadel walls, which repeatedly collapsed. Legend tells that after praying at Bach Ma Temple, a white horse appeared, leaving tracks that showed the king where to build.
Following this divine guidance, the citadel was successfully completed. From then on, the White Horse was revered as the guardian spirit of Hanoi, and the temple became its spiritual cornerstone. Over the centuries, the temple has undergone several restorations. Today, visitors can still sense this long, layered history in its solemn halls and incense-filled courtyards.
The significance of Bach Ma Temple lies in its role in “Thăng Long Tứ Trấn”, or the Four Sacred Temples of Hanoi. These four temples were established to guard the ancient capital of Thang Long in each cardinal direction:
East: Bach Ma Temple (White Horse)
West: Voi Phuc Temple (Kneeling Elephant)
North: Quan Thanh Temple (Taoist Deity)
South: Kim Lien Temple (Golden Lotus)
Together, these sacred sites were believed to shield the city and its people, reflecting the deep connection between Hanoi’s history, spirituality, and urban development. Among them, Bach Ma Temple remains the most central and symbolic, right in the heart of the Old Quarter.
The moment you step into Bach Ma Temple, the striking yellow-painted walls and the imposing red wooden doors carved with golden dragon motifs set the tone of solemnity and timeless beauty.
Inside, the entire framework is built from precious ironwood, with massive pillars and a roof structure in the traditional “giá chiêng chồng rường con nhị” style. This system uses stacked wooden beams and interlocking brackets that fit together without nails, creating both strength and elegance. The beams are arranged like tiers, supporting each other while allowing the roof to rise gracefully.
The craftsmanship is evident in the intricate carvings, especially in the Dai Bai Hall, where the altar dazzles with lacquered and gilded dragon–phoenix motifs. Every panel, couplet, and dragon head shine with a lifelike brilliance that reflects Vietnam’s classical artistry.
The temple also preserves centuries-old relics, including royal decrees, bronze bells, ceremonial palanquins, porcelain vases, wooden statues, and 15 engraved stelae that recount legends, rituals, and renovations over the past 1,000 years.
Bach Ma Temple isn’t just about admiring its architecture - it’s also about experiencing its living traditions. Here are some of the best things to do when you visit:
Admire the architecture: Walk slowly through the courtyards and halls to appreciate the wooden carvings and golden details.
Learn from the relics: Take time to read the stelae and view artifacts that document over a millennium of history.
Offer incense: Join local worshippers in making a quiet offering, a way to feel the temple’s spiritual depth.
Photography: Capture the contrast between the temple’s serene interiors and the bustling Old Quarter outside.
Attend the Annual Festival: If you’re lucky enough to be in Hanoi at the right time, don’t miss the temple’s colorful celebration.
The main Bach Ma Temple Festival takes place on the 13th day of the 2nd lunar month each year. The celebration spans two days (12th - 13th), blending solemn royal-style rituals with lively folk traditions, including processions, dragon dances, and ceremonial offerings. For travelers, this is the best time to see the Old Quarter’s spiritual and cultural roots come alive, as locals gather to pray for luck, peace, and prosperity in the year ahead.
While Bach Ma Temple is the oldest and most storied temple in Hanoi, it’s best appreciated as part of the city’s wider spiritual landscape. Hanoi is home to dozens of remarkable temples and pagodas, each adding another layer to the city’s thousand-year history. If you’re planning a temple tour, these two sites are unmissable companions to Bach Ma.
Do you know what temple in Hanoi, Vietnam hosts the Imperial Academy? It’s The Temple of Literature. Known as Vietnam’s first national university, this temple was built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius. This sprawling complex of courtyards, pavilions, and gardens is a serene retreat in the middle of Hanoi’s busy streets. Stelae of stone turtles record the names of ancient scholars who passed imperial exams here, making it a symbol of Vietnam’s devotion to learning.
If you plan on visiting here, you may wonder, is there a dress code for the Temple of Literature Hanoi? The answer is yes. Visitors should note that the temple enforces a strict dress code - shorts and sleeveless tops are not allowed. So, plan your outfit accordingly.
Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Dong Da District, Hanoi
Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VKeWi4sSJ8TNVbme7
Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee: 70,000 VND (~$3)
Located on a small island in Hoan Kiem Lake and connected by the bright red Huc Bridge, Ngoc Son Temple is one of Hanoi’s most iconic landmarks. The temple is dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao, a national hero, and houses a preserved giant turtle that links to the famous legend of Emperor Le Loi and the “Returned Sword.” Its central location makes it one of the easiest temples to visit while exploring the Old Quarter.
Address: Hoan Kiem Lake, Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hanoi
Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4SzbCXAtAxuaQpee9
Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entrance Fee: 30,000 VND (~$1.20)
Visiting Bach Ma Temple can be a quick stop or part of a larger cultural walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Here’s how to make the most of your visit:
Bach Ma Temple is small and easy to explore on your own, especially if you’re already wandering the Old Quarter. You can spend about 30 – 45 minutes admiring the architecture and soaking in the incense-filled atmosphere.
That said, joining a guided Bach Ma Temple Hanoi tour can make the experience far richer. Many Old Quarter tours include the temple along with nearby sites such as Ngoc Son Temple and Dong Xuan Market. With a local guide, you’ll hear fascinating stories about the White Horse legend, Hanoi’s history, and hidden details most visitors overlook.
At Asia Mystika, our private guides and drivers specialize in crafting journeys that go beyond the surface. We combine famous landmarks like Bach Ma Temple with hidden gems you won’t find in guidebooks. If you want a trip that’s personal, stress-free, and filled with authentic local experiences, let us help you design your perfect custom trip to Vietnam.
Since Bach Ma is still an active place of worship, it’s important to show respect during your visit:
Dress modestly: Wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Light, breathable fabrics are best for Hanoi’s heat while still showing respect.
Respect local worshippers: Keep your voice low and avoid blocking areas where people are praying.
Don’t touch artifacts or altar items.
Mind your photography: Photos are generally allowed, but avoid flash and be discreet around altars.
Offer incense respectfully: If you’d like to take part in the ritual, you can buy incense sticks at the entrance or nearby stalls. Light one or three sticks (never an even number), bow slightly three times, and place them in the main altar’s incense burner. This simple act is a way to show respect, even if you’re not religious.
Carry small cash: Entrance is free, but it’s customary to leave a small donation in the wooden boxes near the main altar (usually labeled “HÒM CÔNG ĐỨC” - or OFFERING BOX). Locals often give 10,000 - 50,000 VND (about $0.50–$2), which is considered polite and respectful. Your contribution helps with the upkeep of the temple and the preservation of its centuries-old heritage.
While it has been rebuilt over the centuries, Bach Ma Temple is considered the oldest temple in Hanoi, with its foundation dating back to the 9th century.
They are Bach Ma (East), Voi Phuc (West), Quan Thanh (North), and Kim Lien (South), which were believed to protect the ancient city.
It is typically open from 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM every day, but closed on Mondays.
Yes. A general rule for all temples and pagodas is to cover your shoulders and knees. The Temple of Literature is particularly strict about this rule.
That is Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island in the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake.
A visit to Bach Ma Temple is more than just ticking an item off a list; it's a step back in time. It offers a moment of peace and a direct connection to the legends that founded this incredible city. It's the perfect starting point for exploring the rich spiritual heritage woven throughout the streets of Hanoi.
Use this guide to discover Bach Ma's quiet beauty, and let it be the beginning of your journey to understanding the history and soul of Vietnam's captivating capital.
At Asia Mystika, we believe the best way to experience Hanoi is with stories, not just stops. Our local guides bring legends like the White Horse to life, while our custom-designed tours connect you with hidden alleys, authentic food, and the city’s most meaningful landmarks.
Ready to go beyond the guidebook? Tell us what you’re looking for in your Vietnam trip and let Asia Mystika craft you an experience that’s personal, authentic, and unforgettable.
