Local Heritage Ep.16: The Four Sentries of Thang Long

The Four Sentries of Thang Long came into existence very early, associated with the founding of the capital Thang Long during the Ly Dynasty in 1010, where they were worshiped to protect the four cardinal directions on the Thang Long land, ensuring peace for the ancient capital of Thang Long and the present-day capital Hanoi. They are the Bach Ma Temple guarding the East, the Voi Phuc Temple guarding the West, the Kim Lien Temple guarding the South, and the Quan Thanh Temple guarding the North.

 

These are considered the most sacred temples in the capital because of their historical significance and cultural beauty in the beliefs of the Vietnamese people, representing the unique spiritual aspect of Thang Long and embodying the beauty of Vietnamese folk culture.

 

1. Bach Ma Temple in the East, worshiping the Long Do deity

Location: 76 Hang Buom Street, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Opening hours: 9 AM - 5:30 PM

Admission: Free

 

The Bach Ma Temple is one of the famous historical landmarks in Hanoi, known as the "guardian of the eastern citadel of Thang Long," a favorite destination for many tourists.

 

You can travel by private means such as car or motorbike. Starting from Nguyen Thei Hoc Street, visitors head to the South Gate, then turn onto Phung Hung Street, and finally Hang Vai Street. From Meritel Hanoi, it's about 1 kilometer to Bach Ma Temple.

 

2. Voi Phuc Temple in the West, worshiping Linh Lang deity

Location: 306B Kim Ma, Ngoc Khanh Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

Opening hours: 8 AM - 5 PM

Admission: Free

 

The Voi Phuc Temple is one of the temples in Thang Long Four Guardians recognized as a cultural relic by the Ministry of Culture - Information in 1962. It's a famous pilgrimage site in Hanoi visited by many tourists for sightseeing and worship. Especially for those who love nostalgic beauty, the temple is an unmissable destination.

 

Located in the heart of Hanoi, about a 15-minute drive from Meritel Hanoi, it's very convenient for many visitors to come and experience this sacred temple.

 

3. Kim Lien Temple in the South, worshiping Cao Son deity

Address: 144 Kim Hoa, Phuong Lien Ward, Dong Da District

Opening hours: 8 AM - 5 PM

Admission: Free

 

Kim Lien Temple (also known as Kim Lien Communal House) is the southern guardian in The Four Sentries of Thang Long. It worships Cao Son deity, a protective deity believed to guard against calamities and preserve the peace of life. Visitors come here to pray for everything to go smoothly.

 

4. Quan Thanh Temple in the North, worshiping the Huyen Thien Tran Vu deity

Location: Thanh Nien Street, Quan Thanh Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

Opening hours: 8 AM - 5 PM

Admission: 10,000 VND/adult, free for children

 

Quan Thanh Temple is one of The Four Sentries of Thang Long, becoming a cultural and spiritual symbol of Hanoi. Especially during the Lunar New Year, the temple attracts many visitors for peace prayers. For tourists, it's an impressive destination not to be missed.

 

All four temples are located at vital locations in the heart of Hanoi, an indispensable part of the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Capital. Situated in the city center, it's very convenient to visit the cluster of The Four Sentries relics from Meritel Hanoi, attracting many foreign tourists when visiting Hanoi.