Bach Ma Temple

Bach Ma Temple, located in Hanoi's Old Quarter, is Vietnam's most revered temple dedicated to the White Horse (Bach Ma), the guardian spirit of the ancient city of Thang Long. Built in the 11th century during the Ly Dynasty, this sacred site holds deep spiritual significance as the place where Emperor Ly Thai To received divine guidance from a white horse to establish Hanoi's foundations. The temple's intimate courtyard setting and traditional Vietnamese architecture make it a peaceful sanctuary amidst the bustling streets of the historic quarter. Visitors to Bach Ma Temple can experience authentic Vietnamese spiritual culture while exploring one of Hanoi's most historically significant religious sites. The temple's location on Hang Buom Street places it at the heart of the Old Quarter's maze of ancient streets, making it an ideal starting point for discovering the area's rich heritage, traditional crafts, and busy street life.

The area around Bach Ma Temple offers exceptional street food experiences, from morning pho vendors to evening bun cha stalls. Hang Buom and surrounding streets feature family-run restaurants serving traditional Northern Vietnamese cuisine at very affordable prices (meals 50,000-150,000 VND). For upscale dining, nearby Hoan Kiem Lake area has international restaurants and refined Vietnamese cuisine. Don't miss trying local specialties like cao lau, white rose dumplings, and fresh beer (bia hoi) at corner establishments where locals gather on tiny plastic stools.

The best time to visit Bach Ma Temple is during Hanoi's dry season from October to April, with ideal weather from November to March (20-25°C, low humidity). Avoid the hot, humid summer months (May-September) when temperatures exceed 35°C. Visit the temple early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) for comfortable temperatures and the most atmospheric lighting. The Lunar New Year period (January-February) offers special ceremonies but also larger crowds.