Bach Ma Temple

Bach Ma Temple is a historic temple located at 76 Hang Buom Street in the Old Quarter of Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Dedicated to Long Do, a deity represented by a white horse, it is one of the Four Guardian Temples of ancient Thang Long. Founded in the 9th century and rebuilt several times, it is notable for its traditional Vietnamese architecture, wooden carvings, and long-standing spiritual role in the capital.

Visitors can expect a small, historic temple set on a narrow street in Hanoi's Old Quarter. The complex includes a courtyard, incense-filled worship hall, wooden pillars, altars, a prominent white horse statue, steles and ornate carvings. The surroundings are busy with Old Quarter shops and street life. Visitors can explore the main hall, observe worship activities, and view architectural details in a compact, tranquil space amid the urban area.

Bach Ma Temple was originally founded in the 9th century to worship Long Do, the tutelary deity of ancient Hanoi. It became one of the Four Guardian Temples (Tu Tran) of Thang Long, protecting the eastern side of the imperial citadel. Legend associates the temple with King Ly Thai To in the 11th century, when a white horse is said to have helped mark the boundaries for the citadel walls. The temple has been restored and rebuilt through the Ly, Tran, Le and Nguyen dynasties, with current structures reflecting later restorations.

The temple is an important spiritual and cultural site for Hanoi residents, dedicated to Long Do represented as a white horse. As one of the Four Guardian Temples, it holds symbolic protective significance for the capital. It remains an active place of worship where locals offer incense and prayers, and it preserves traditional religious architecture, sculpture and ritual practices of the Old Quarter community.