Recently updated on October 10th, 2022 at 03:58 pm
Bach Ma Temple is the oldest temple in Hanoi. This Buddhist temple was originally built in the ninth century by King Ly Thai To in honor of Bach Ma.
According to a sign inside the temple, originally the site of the temple was Long Do Mountain. The temple was moved to its current location in the Old Quarter of Hanoi in the 18th century, during the Ly Dynasty; to guard the east side of Thang Long.
Bach Ma Statue
The translation of Bach Ma is “White Horse” and this refers to a story behind the construction of the Temple.
King Ly Thai To had been struggling to build the temple as its walls kept collapsing. It is said that a white horse delineated the best area to build the temple with its hooves to help the king in constructing the temple.
On June 18, 2022, Bach Ma Temple was recognized as a special national monument.
A traditional procession was held on June 18 to celebrate the day of receiving the Certificate of Special National Monument of “Thang Long Tu Tran” – Bach Ma Temple.
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The architecture
Currently, the temple has a large architectural scale, facing south; including Nghi Mon, Phuong Dinh, Dai Bai, Thieu Huong, Cung Ban, and the council house in the back. These items are arranged vertically; in a closed space.
The temple architecture remaining today mainly carries the Nguyen art style (19th century). Prominent in the architectural structure of the temple is the entire wooden house frame with a system of large ironwood pillars, the roof supports are made of the type “gong rack stacked with two children”; especially the “3-way fortification system” at the local house is both a force-bearing effect and works of art and is used to hang lights during festivals, and a “crab-shell arch” structure supporting burnt eaves.
On the wooden taper, lettuce, and crossbeams, the piles of rattan have many decorative pieces with rich themes and strong and strong features.
Where is Bach Ma Temple
Bach Ma Temple is located at 76 Hang Buom Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
How to get to Bach Ma Temple?
From the city center of Hanoi, you can travel by car or motorbike; it takes about 30 minutes to go from Nguyen Thai Hoc to the South gate, then turn to Phung Hung street, Hang Vai street about 2km; You will find Bach Ma temple, Hang Buom street.
Or you can also go by bus, with only about 8,000 VND / way; taking bus number 18, number 32, and number 34 takes about 40 minutes; you stop at the bus stop Tran Nhat Duat; Then you will walk about 500m to arrive.
What to do in Bach Ma Temple?
Photo: Công Hùng
On the full moon day of the month, or the 1st of the lunar calendar, or at the beginning of the new year, people often go to Bach Ma Temple to pray for peace, good luck, and good fortune.
Festival at Bach Ma Temple
Bach Ma Temple Festival is held on the 13th day of the 2nd lunar month. This is both a festival with royal rites and an important folk custom.
It has been maintained for thousands of generations, contributing to bringing the atmosphere of joy, excitement, and optimism of spring day as well as wishing for a year of luck and peace.
Bach Ma Temple opening hours and entrance fee
Bach Ma Temple welcomes guests from 8 am – 11 am and 14 pm – 20 pm on weekdays, except Monday. Particularly on New Year’s Eve, the temple will be open all night for the convenience of visitors.
Visitors do not need to pay anything. It’s FREE
Tips
- You need to prepare yourself with appropriate attire when visiting the temple.
- If you like to go to the festival, buy things from home to avoid being bought expensive and slashed.
- Do not make noise or talk too loudly when entering the temple.
