Last Updated on April 23, 2021 by Jim Ferri
In Hanoi, little Bach Ma Temple is the oldest building in the Old Quarter. It’s a small temple, but nevertheless elegant, and revered by the Vietnamese. Visit it and you’ll find it fascinating.
It was built around AD 968 during the founding of Thang Long, the capital city, before the city became known as Hanoi in the 19th century.
According to a Vietnamese legend, when the walls of the city were first built they continued to collapse until a magical white horse appeared and showed where the walls should be placed. The king then built the “White Horse Temple” (Bach Ma) to demonstrate his gratitude. The White Horse remains the guardian spirit of the city.
Editor’s note: you may also enjoy. 2 Days in Hanoi, Best City in Vietnam: Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh?, and Angkor – Cambodia’s Archaeological Treasure.
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