You will see not only an important part of Hanoian's local everyday

life but also learn more about how religion is practiced in the city.
Below are among the top list for visitors:
1. Bach Ma Temple:
Legend has it that when the mighty citadel was first built in Thang
Long (now Ha Noi) in 1010, no matter how carefully the laborers
constructed the wall, it always collapsed due to the marshy soil on
which the wall was built on. One day, when the king was praying, a
white horse suddenly appeared in his dream and pointed to an area
with its hoof prints. King Ly Thai To understood that the white horse
was indicating a good site for the construction of the citadel, so he
immediately chose such area to build his wall. Surprisingly, the wall
no longer collapsed afterwards and the citadel was thus successfully
constructed. Therefore, Bach Ma Temple, which is located around
the center of Ha Noi Old Quarter, was built to honor the white horse
that gave him such important guidance. Since the temple was
severely damaged by flooding and other natural disaster throughout
hundreds of years, it was rebuilt in the 18th century but still
maintained its unique feature such as the statue of the legendary
white horse and the palanquin.
2. Dong Huong Temple:
Dong Huong Temple, which is located on Hang Trong Street, was
built to worship a Ca Tru singer (Ca Tru is Vietnams unique form of
singing poetry, recognized as a UNESCO heritage in 2009) who
helped fighting invaders in the 15th century. According to the story,
under the Le dynasty, Ming aggressors brought a lot of soldiers to
occupy the country. Then a beautiful singer lured many of the
invaders with her voice and tricked them into sleeping in sleeping
bags. Then she and others threw those bags carrying those invaders

into the river to kill them. After the country regained its peace and
independence, her patriotism and bravery were recognized by the
king and the temple was built to honor her as a result. Dong Huong
Temple modestly lies inside Ha Noi Old Quarter, representing the
locals pride in their vigorous patriotic tradition.
3. Nam Huong Temple
Located on the second floor on Hang Trong Street, Nam Huong
Temple was built to worship the Five Gods. Nam Huong Temple is
also the community center of Hang Trong village, where local people
organize monthly community events. The area where Nam Huong
Temple was built used to be the cultural center of the city, home to
many well-known poets and writers. Inside the temple, visitors can
have a look at many works of art dating from the 18th century.
4. Cau Dong Temple
Located at 35B Hang Duong Street, Cau Dong Temple was built to
worship Buddha and to honor General Tran Thu Do and his wife Tran
Thi Dung, who significantly contributed to the prosperity of the Tran
Dynasty. Cau Dong Temple has over 60 Buddhist statues, and
noticeably many stone steles, some dated back to the Le Dynasty in
1624, as well as the Tay Son Bell since 1800. As Cau Dong Temple is
the witness of numerous historical changes, its architecture reflects
the quintessence of different dynasties that contributed to its
multiple restorations. Although the current architecture bears a
heavy imprint of the Nguyen Dynasty, the influence of the carving
art of the Le Dynasty still lingers in the patterns of clouds, flowers,
dragons that were carved on its doors and frames. Observing these
exquisite details, visitors understand more about the locals life as
well as the social class in the past.
>> Hanoi Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

5. Hoe Nhai Pagoda

Hoe Nhai Pagoda, or Hong Phuc Pagoda, which is located at 19 Hang
Than Street, used to be one of the biggest Buddhist pagodas under
the Ly Dynasty (1010-1225). Hoe Nhai Pagoda has about 68
Buddhist statues, which include the historic statue of new-born
Shakyamuni (called Cuu Long), displayed in six layers and 28 stone
steles, dating from the 18th century. Especially, the Pagoda contains
a uniquely-shaped statue of Buddha sitting on the back of a kneeling
king. According to legend, after King Le Hy Tong dismissively sent
many Buddhist monks to mountainous areas, a monk named Tong
Dien showed him the philosophy of Buddhism thus making the King
understand his wrong-doing. The statue was then sculpted to show
the Kings repent. Hoe Nhai Pagoda is also considered the cradle of
Soto sect (Tao Dong), one of the two main Buddhist sects in
Vietnam.
6. Ba Da Pagoda
Ba Da Pagoda, located at 3 Nha Tho Street, was first built under the
Ly Dynasty (1010 1225) and then reconstructed several times. The
story recounted that during the construction of Thang Long citadel,
the local found a big stone that curiously resembled a woman.
Believing that this was a sacred sign sent by the Goddess of the
land, the local people decided to build a pagoda named Ba Da (The
Stone Lady) to worship the stone and show gratitude to the
Goddess. After so many times the stone was lost due to rebuilding
and then found, the stone was finally lost during the 1900s when the
pagoda caught fire. After restoring the pagoda, the stone was
replaced by a statue of Buddha, but the original name remained to
be used. Ba Da Pagoda has both religious and historical significance
as it was visited by Ho Chi Minh in the the 20th century to engage
the monks into his revolution against the French. Ba Da Pagoda is
now the headquarters of Municipal Buddhist Association.

7. Ly Quoc Su Pagoda
Located on Ly Quoc Su Street, Ly Quoc Su Pagoda was first erected
in 1131 in order to honor Nguyen Minh Khong, a famous Buddhist
monk under the Ly Dynasty. Nguyen Minh Khong was the only one
who managed to cure King Ly Than Tong of a serious disease, thus
he was then given the title Ly Quoc Su or the Great Monk under Ly
Dynasty. Throughout his life, Ly Quoc Su significantly contributed to
the development of not only the Buddhism in the country, but also
medicine and bronze casting. When he died, the King built this
Pagoda in recognition of his devotion to the people. Visiting Ly Quoc
Su Pagoda, tourists not only have the chance to admire the
architecture as well as numerous historic statues inside the pagoda,
but also have the opportunity to try vegetarian dishes made by the
monks here.
8. Phu Ung Temple
Phu Ung Temple was built by Phu Ung villagers to worship Pham Ngu
Lao, the national hero. Phu Ung Temple, which is located on Ly Quoc
Su Street, is also an interesting site to visit. Visitors experience a
peaceful, sacred atmosphere inside the temple and have the
opportunities to admire beautiful Buddhist statues inside the temple.
9. Ngoc Son Temple
One of the most famous and even iconic place of interest in Ha Noi,
Ngoc Son Temple lies on a small island on Hoan Kiem Lake.
Dedicated to the Confucian philosopher and national leader, Tran
Hung Dao, Ngoc Son Temple is one of the most-visited temples by
both the local and tourists. Crossing the beautiful scarlet bridge
named Huc Bridge, visitors enter the Ngoc Son Temple peacefully
surrounded by the water and huge, hundreds-year-old trees. During
special occasions such as Tet Holiday, the local often visit the temple
to wish for a lucky new year, especially for progress in work and

study. Going to see Ngoc Son Temple, tourists can also visit nearby
historical spots such as Thap But (the Pen Tower), a five-story tower
representing the love of learning of the Vietnamese, as well as the
Martyrs Monument erected in remembrance of those who died
fighting for independence in Vietnam.
+ Vietnam best time to visit