Bach Ma temple

Bach Ma Temple is a temple in Hanoi's Old Quarter featuring traditional Vietnamese wooden architecture with carved beams and intricate decorative patterns throughout. The interior is divided into three distinct sections, each containing different altars that organize the sacred space.

This temple was built in the 9th century as one of four protective shrines guarding the Thang Long Citadel and the ancient capital. Its role in this defensive system made it essential to the city's early development.

The temple honors a white horse spirit that locals believe guided the founding of Hanoi according to long-standing records. Visitors can observe this connection through the altars and depictions dedicated to this protective figure.

The temple is located in the Old Quarter and remains open daily to visitors, though it becomes crowded during lunar new year celebrations in early spring. Arriving early in the day helps you explore the space more comfortably and observe the details.

French colonial forces avoided damaging this temple in the 19th century, preserving many of its original architectural features. This makes it one of the few surviving examples of Nguyen Dynasty woodwork in a neighborhood that has otherwise transformed significantly.