Quan Thanh Temple: A Historical and Cultural Gem of Hanoi Overview Quan Thanh Temple (Đền Quán Thánh), also known as Tran Vu Temple, is one of Hanoi's oldest and most sacred Taoist temples. Established in the 11th century during the Ly Dynasty, it is part of the "Four Sacred Temples of Thang Long Citadel," guarding the northern entrance of the ancient capital. The temple is dedicated to Huyen Thien Tran Vu (Xuan Wu), the Taoist deity of the north, symbolized by a serpent and turtle. Located near West Lake at the intersection of Quan Thanh and Thanh Nien Streets, it remains a key spiritual and tourist site in Hanoi. Historical Significance - Founding: Built in 1010 under Emperor Ly Thai To to celebrate the relocation of Vietnam’s capital to Thang Long (modern Hanoi). - Sacred Role: One of four temples (alongside Bach Ma, Kim Lien, and Voi Phuc) positioned to protect the city from malevolent spirits and invaders. - Renovations: Restored multiple times, most notably in 1677 (when the iconic bronze statue was added) and 1893, blending Ly, Le, and Nguyen Dynasty architectural styles. Architecctural Highlights 1. Bronze Statue of Tran Vu: - Cast in 1677 by artisans from Ngũ Xã village, this 3.96-meter-tall, 3.6-ton black bronze statue depicts Tran Vu seated on a turtle, wielding a sword entwined by a serpent. It is Vietnam’s second-largest bronze statue and a masterpiece of 17th-century craftsmanship. - The deity’s symbols—the turtle (protection) and serpent (wealth)—reflect Taoist and Vietnamese folklore traditions. 2. Structural Features: - Three-Gate Entrance: Adorned with phoenixes and unicorns, typical of Nguyen Dynasty design. - Courtyard: Shaded by a centuries-old banyan tree, with a brick oven for burning joss paper during festivals. - Ancient Artifacts: Includes a 1.15-meter bronze bell, wood carvings of mythical creatures, and over 60 parallel poems in Chinese characters. Cultural and Spiritual Practices - Festivals: Locals visit during Tet (Lunar New Year) and on the 1st/15th lunar month days to pray for health, luck, and prosperity. - Syncretism: Though Taoist, the temple integrates Buddhist and Confucian elements, reflecting Vietnam’s religious blending. - Martial Arts: Hosts Vovinam classes, honoring Tran Vu’s association with martial prowess. Visitor Information - Location: 190 Quan Thanh Street, Ba Dinh District. - Hours: - Daily: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. - Extended hours on Tet Eve and lunar month days (6:00 AM – 8:00 PM). - Entry Fee: 10,000 VND (adults); 5,000 VND (students/children). - Dress Code: Modest attire covering shoulders and knees. Best Time to Visit: Early morning for tranquility, or during Tet (January–February) for vibrant rituals. Nearby Attractions 1. Tran Quoc Pagoda: Vietnam’s oldest pagoda, located on West Lake. 2. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: 1 km away, housing the embalmed leader. 3. Temple of Literature: Vietnam’s first university, dedicated to Confucius. Conclusion Quan Thanh Temple is a testament to Hanoi’s rich spiritual heritage and architectural ingenuity. Its iconic bronze statue, serene ambiance, and historical depth make it a must-visit for those exploring Vietnam’s cultural legacy. Whether admiring its artistry or participating in age-old rituals, the temple offers a profound glimpse into the soul of Hanoi. #travel #vietnam #hanoi #temple
Ice Lim 33
Popular Trip Moments
Hanoi: dinner buffet at 21st floor (Lotte-west lake)🍽️🥩 | Southeast Asia Travel Must-See List, Avoid the Pitfalls! | Pampering Stay at Grand Mercure Hanoi | Indian Flavors in Hanoi 🍛 | La Siesta Hanoi: A perfect blend of French elegance and casual style: La Siesta Premium | Vietnam 8-Day Tour Guide: A Complete Loop to See It All | Over 1k per person, playing in Vietnam like this is such a great deal! | A new way to experience Vietnam in 4 days: a treasure trove for families with parents and children. | 7-Day Vietnam Travel Guide | Hanoi Opera House Immersive Exhibition - chance to turn back time | Hanoi's Hidden Gem Hotel | La Sinfonía Citadel Hotel & Spa | St. Joseph Cathedral, Hanoi, Vietnam | You ask me what freedom is? It is the fireworks-filled Hanoi | Travel Photography • Hanoi So dirty, so messy, so interesting | Northern Vietnamese Traditional Cuisine | Michelin Tam Vi | Hanoi's Hidden Gem|The "Wizard of Oz" Forest Hidden in the City Center | Oriental Pearl | Tám Café – A 100-Year-Old House Turned Into a Calm Hideaway | Ba Cậu Café – A Cozy Hidden Spot Inside an Old Hanoi House | The Virgin Pub – A Hidden Gem Tucked Behind Quán Thánh | See You Hanoi | Take a cyclo tour of Hanoi Old Quarter: Explore the local charm | The taverns in Hanoi have amazing drinks and tacco! 👍👍 | 🇻🇳 Vietnam National Museum of History (Bảo tàng Lịch sử Quốc gia) | Hanoi! I'm staying at a beautiful French-style hotel! | Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum | Hanoi French Vintage Hotel Experience is Great: La Siesta Premium Hang Be | 🎭 Step into 1920s Opera Glamour at Capella Hanoi ✨ | 🇻🇳✨ Vietnam: A Journey Through Mountains, Lanterns & Emerald Waters
Recommended Attractions at Popular Destinations
Popular Attractions in Bangkok | Popular Attractions in Manila | Popular Attractions in Tokyo | Popular Attractions in Taipei | Popular Attractions in Hong Kong | Popular Attractions in Seoul | Popular Attractions in Kuala Lumpur | Popular Attractions in Los Angeles | Popular Attractions in Shanghai | Popular Attractions in New York | Popular Attractions in Shenzhen | Popular Attractions in Osaka | Popular Attractions in Singapore | Popular Attractions in London | Popular Attractions in Guangzhou | Popular Attractions in San Francisco | Popular Attractions in Beijing | Popular Attractions in Macau | Popular Attractions in Bali | Popular Attractions in Jakarta | Popular Attractions in Paris | Popular Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City | Popular Attractions in Istanbul | Popular Attractions in Phuket | Popular Attractions in Chicago | Popular Attractions in Seattle | Popular Attractions in Toronto | Popular Attractions in Orlando | Popular Attractions in Cebu | Popular Attractions in Chiang Mai
Popular Restaurants in Hanoi
Cau Go Restaurant | ERA RESTAURANT | Essence Restaurant | Quan An Ngon | Highway4 Bar Restaurant | Cha Ca Thang Long | Maison Sen | Bun Cha Dac Kim | Pho Ga Nguyet | The Gourmet Corner | Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su | Tầm vị | Xoi Yen | LE BEAULIEU | Pho Thin | Pho Bo, Ga | Nhà hàng 1946 Cửa Bắc | Phở Bò Ấu Triệu | Chè 4 Mùa Hàng Cân | La Badiane | Banh Mi 25 | El Gaucho Argentinian Steakhouse | HOME Vietnamese Restaurant | Bun Cha Huong Lien | Tiem Com Mot Ngay Moi New Day Restaurant | Old Hanoi Restaurant | Hemispheres Steak & Seafood Grill | Oc Nong Ha Trang | Hanoi Food Culture | Cloud Nine Restaurant
Popular Ranked Lists
Popular Premium Hotels in Exeter | Top 10 Best Things to Do in Gyeongju | Top 50 Must-Visit Restaurants in Wenzhou | Top 50 Must-Visit Restaurants in Urumqi | Top 10 Local Restaurants in Lushan Global Geopark | Popular Best Things to Do in Pokhara | Popular Premium Hotels in Suffolk Park | Popular Premium Hotels in Villanueva de Tapia | Top 10 Best Things to Do in Aswan | Top 20 Best Things to Do in Seville | Popular Premium Hotels in Mlini | Top 50 Must-Visit Restaurants in Nan'ao | Top 20 Must-Visit Restaurants in Huizhou | Popular Premium Hotels in Pokolbin | Top 50 Best Things to Do in Bangkok | Top 50 Must-Visit Restaurants in Dongguan | Top 50 Must-Visit Restaurants in Zhanjiang | Popular Premium Hotels in Paihia | Popular Premium Hotels in Floriana | Top 20 Must-Visit Restaurants in Qingyuan | Top 50 Must-Visit Restaurants in Shangri-La | Popular Best Things to Do in Northern Territory | Popular Best Things to Do in Tel Aviv | Top 20 Luxury Hotels near Tihany | Popular Luxury Hotels in Rhineland-Palatinate | Top 50 Must-Visit Restaurants in Wuyuan | Top 50 Must-Visit Restaurants in Zhoushan | Top 10 Best Things to Do in Yogyakarta | Popular Premium Hotels in York | Top 50 Luxury Hotels near Muak Lek
About
Payment methods
Our partners
Copyright © 2025 Trip.com Travel Singapore Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved
Site Operator: Trip.com Travel Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Site Operator: Trip.com Travel Singapore Pte. Ltd.
















