An 11th century Buddhist temple, which is arguably the oldest temple in the city, stands in Hanoi’s Old Quarter! While some of the temple’s elements hail from the 18th century, including a shrine for Confucius, the history of the temple dates back to the rule of the Emperor Ly Thai To. The Emperor had this temple constructed in honour of his famed white steed, who had led the Emperor to the site where he subsequently established his city walls. As such, you’ll be able to see a huge white horse statue in the honour of this legendary horse and Bach Ma literally translates to “white horse” in the locla tongue.

As you enter the temple through ancient wooden gates, you will be greeted by an intricately-designed interior. Inside, you’ll find both, a Confucius and Phoenix shrine, to which you can give you offerings to. There is also a grand red-lacquered funeral palanquin on display. Though it is located in the centre of Hanoi, and is therefore surrounded by restaurants, bars, hotels, and even old city sites including the Weekend Night Market, worshippers at the Bach Ma Temple are hardly deterred by the hustle and bustle around them as they go about paying their respects. A truly wonderful temple in the heart of Hanoi, it certainly is worth a visit.