Quan Thanh Temple is one of the notable parts that establish the rich culture of Hanoi. With its historical charm and impressive architecture, this ancient attraction will be perfect for your journey to Vietnam.

If you want to prepare the best, this guide by Vietnamtour.in is your savior. Keep reading and gain the first insights into this significant destination.

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The Legend Of Quan Thanh Temple

Quan Thanh Temple, also known as Tran Vu Temple, is a historic Taoist temple in Hanoi, Vietnam. According to many documents, this temple was built by Emperor Ly Thai To in the early 11th century to honor Huyen Thien Tran Vu, a guardian deity who fights against evil spirits.

At that time, the Emperor moved the capital city from Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) to Thang Long (Hanoi today). So, this temple, along with three others, formed the Four Sacred Temples, protecting the new capital. More specifically, Quan Thanh Temple is located in the north, Kim Lien Temple is in the south, Bach Ma Temple is in the East, and Voi Phuc Temple is in the west.

While Quan Thanh underwent numerous restorations throughout the centuries, it still preserves its original charm and architectural essence as we see today.

Location

Quan Thanh Temple is located at the intersection of Thanh Nien and Quan Thanh Streets, Ba Dinh District. From this place, you can easily reach the Thang Long Citadel and the North Gate of Hanoi.

Additionally, Quan Thanh Temple joins Van Nien Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and Phu Tay Ho in creating a spiritual significance around the picturesque West Lake.

Opening Hours And Entrance Fee

Opening hours:

Regular hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day
1st and 15th days (lunar calendar): 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Lunar New Year’s Eve: Open all-day

Quan Thanh Temple Entry Fee:

For adults: 10,000 VND/ticket
For students: 5,000 VND/ticket
For children, elderly people, and people with disabilities: free entry

Best Time To Visit

You can visit Quan Thanh Temple Hanoi at any time of the year. However, if you want to experience the bustling atmosphere, arrive here during the Tet Holiday (Lunar New Year) or the full moon each month. Locals gather to seek blessings for health, luck, peace, and prosperity.

More specially, each year, on the 3rd day of the third lunar month, the temple hosts a dedicated festival, which attracts many locals and tourists to pray and witness the traditional rituals honoring the deities.

The Intricate Architecture Of Quan Thanh Temple Hanoi

In general, this temple’s current form leans more towards the styles of the Nguyen Dynasty, though it was initially built in the Buddhist style.

The Quan Thanh temple welcomes you with a grand, three-doored gate (one large in the middle and two smaller on the sides). As you cross through it, you will be impressed by a serene courtyard with massive banyan trees, which you might also see in many other Vietnamese temples.

Other Highlights of This Attraction

Tran Vu statue

The 4-meter black bronze statue of Tran Vu takes center stage in this temple. He stands with a snake and a turtle by his side, symbolizing wealth and protection in Vietnamese mythology. With its exquisite craftsmanship, this giant is considered a masterpiece of Vietnamese bronze casting to this day.

Bronze Gong

The bronze gong, intricately designed and meticulously crafted, is used in various religious ceremonies and festivals. It not only serves as a musical instrument but also as a spiritual object, believed to summon divine presence and blessings.

Delicate carvings and texts

In addition to giant relics, you should pay attention to intricate carvings on doors and columns. There are also poems and couplets written in ancient Vietnamese (chu Nom) and Chinese (chu Han) letters.

Quan Thanh Festival

The traditional festival commemorating the birth of Saint Huyen Thien Tran Vu at Quan Thanh Temple is a significant cultural event in Vietnam. Held annually on the third day of the third lunar month, it celebrates the legendary deity who is believed to have protected the northern gate of ancient Thang Long (Hanoi). The festival features various religious rituals, traditional music, and dance performances, attracting both locals and tourists.

Greenery Landscape

The greenery landscape at Quan Thanh Temple in Hanoi is a tranquil oasis. Lush gardens with ancient banyan trees and vibrant flowering plants create a peaceful ambiance. This verdant setting enhances the temple’s spiritual atmosphere, offering visitors a serene space for meditation and reflection.

How To Get There

Thanks to its central location, you can arrive at Quan Thanh Temple simply no matter your chosen mode of transport.

By bike, car, or taxi: Let’s say you depart from Ba Dinh Square, you can follow Doc Lap – Hoang Van Thu – Hung Vuong – Quan Thanh/Thanh Nien Street
By bus: Take bus number 14, 22A, 33, 45, or 50 to stop near the temple

Notes/Tips When Visiting Quan Thanh Temple In Hanoi

Dress respectfully (Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees)
Carry water with you to stay hydrated
Avoid loud conversations and keep the area clean
Respect the building, relics, and holy atmosphere
Ask for permission before taking photographs
Go with a local guide to learn deeply about the history and culture

As you visit Quan Thanh Temple, you understand better about Vietnamese culture and history. While it is a must-visit, Hanoi offers you more than that. Contact Vietnamtour.in to receive a detailed guide about where to visit and what to enjoy in Hanoi (or any other region). We offer the best Vietnam customized tours to Hanoi!

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