Bach Ma Temple, Hanoi: the Old Quarter's Oldest Temple (Hours and Ticket)
Bach Ma Temple, the "White Horse Temple", stands at 76 Hang Buom Street in the Old Quarter. Its foundation is said to date back to the 9th century; it was reportedly rebuilt in the 11th century by Emperor Ly Thai To when the capital moved to Thang Long (today's Hanoi). According to legend, a white horse that came out of the shrine marked the line of the citadel walls. It is one of the four guardian temples of the city, listed as a national historic monument in 1986. The visit takes 15 to 20 minutes. According to a December 2025 article, a 20,000 VND entry fee has been charged since 8 December 2025 (discounts for children under 16 and people over 60); before that, entry was free. See also: the Old Quarter, Dong Xuan Market and the weekend night market.
Highlights
The entrance gate and courtyard
The temple opens onto busy Hang Buom Street through a low gate and a small courtyard between shops. The contrast between the calm of the shrine and the noise of the district is striking.
The altar
At the back, the altar of the god Long Do is gilded and lacquered, with incense and offerings. Respect the place of worship: proper dress, low voices, no flash.
The white horse
A statue of a white horse is kept in the temple, referring to the legend of the founding of Thang Long.
Practical info
Tips
- Sources disagree on opening hours: a December 2025 article gives 8:00-12:00 and 13:30-17:30 every day, with evening opening from 19:00 to 21:00 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday; older guides give other slots and a closing day. The 20,000 VND fee is recent: confirm on site. No guided tour is needed: the temple can be seen quickly, between two stops in the Old Quarter. The temple festival is held on the 12th and 13th days of the second lunar month (check the exact dates each year; February or March depending on the source).
How to get there
76 Hang Buom Street, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi. On foot from Hoan Kiem Lake (10 to 15 minutes); easy to reach while visiting the weekend night market.
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
Nearby
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