 Temple of White Horse
(Bach Ma Temple)
About Bach Ma
Den Bach Ma, or Temple of the White Horse, is one of the most significant temples is the Old Quarters of Hanoi. It is located on Hang Buom or Sail Street.
Den Bach Ma is truly ancient, being over a thousand years old, having been founded in the 9th century, although nothing remains today from its founding days. The temple itself dates back to its 18th and 19th century reconstruction, and still stands as one of the grandest temples in Hanoi's Old Quarters.
Den Bach Ma was classified a Vietnam national heritage site in 2000. Further restoration and documentation has returned Den Bach Ma to its original architecture, and this can be appreciated by heritage enthusiasts, as the documentation is displayed on the entrance hall of the temple. The present temple consists of six sections, which are the altar curtain, square house, great house of ceremony, incense chamber, sanctuary and meeting hall.
Den Bach Ma is one of the four major temples built during the ancient Thang Long Kingdom. Den Bach Ma is the temple located to the east. It is built to venerate the hero Long Do. In 1010, after moving his capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long, King Ly Thai To elevated Long Do to the position of tutelary deity of his capital. According to the stelae installed within the temple, the deity was "the patron saint of a thousand-mile area, who blesses the country and its people, and who is worshipped by all kings. All the people of the capital and the neighbouring regions enjoy his merit."
Getting there
Den Bach Ma is located on Hang Buom in the Old Quarters of Hanoi. To reach it from the Ho Hoan Kiem, go along Hang Dao Street which eventually links to Hang Ngang Street. Look for Hang Buom on your right, then turn in. Den Bach Ma is on the left side of Hang Buom immediately after its intersection with Hang Giay.
Nearby Sights
38 Hang Dao Heritage House
Dong Xuan Market
Co Luong Temple
Eastern Gate Pagoda
Golden Bell Theatre
Huong Tuong Temple
Nha Tuong Niem Liet Si
Old East Gate
Thanh Ha Communal House
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Bach Ma Location Map
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Bach Ma Temple, entrance (1 September 2006)
© Timothy Tye
Bach Ma Temple, altar (1 September 2006)
© Timothy Tye
Bach Ma Temple, shrine in the wall (1 September 2006)
© Timothy Tye
Bach Ma Temple, worship paraphernalia (1 September 2006)
© Timothy Tye
White Horse statue of Bach Ma Temple (1 September 2006)
© Timothy Tye
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