Quan Thanh Temple: A Historical Expedition to 2024 Hanoi

One of the important components that establishes Hanoi's rich culture is Quan Thanh Temple. This historic site is ideal for your trip to Vietnam because of its striking architecture and historical charm.

The Legend Of Quan Thanh Temple

Located in Hanoi, Vietnam, Quan Thanh Temple, also called Tran Vu Temple, is a historic Taoist temple. Several records state that Emperor Ly Thai To erected this temple in the first part of the eleventh century as a tribute to the guardian deity Huyen Thien Tran Vu, who drives out evil spirits.

At that time, the Emperor moved the capital city from Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) to Thang Long (Hanoi today). Thus, this temple guarded the new capital as one of the Four Sacred Temples, together with three other temples. To be more precise, the locations of Quan Thanh Temple, Kim Lien Temple, Bach Ma Temple, and Voi Phuc Temple are in the north, south, and west, respectively.

Despite multiple restorations over the years, Quan Thanh has managed to retain its original charm and architectural integrity as it is today.

Location

In the Ba Dinh District, Quan Thanh Temple can be found at the intersection of Thanh Nien and Quan Thanh Streets. The North Gate of Hanoi and the Thang Long Citadel are both conveniently accessible from this location.

Furthermore, Quan Thanh Temple contributes to the spiritual significance surrounding the picturesque West Lake, along with Van Nien Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and Phu Tay Ho.

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

Quan Thanh Temple in Hanoi is open to visitors throughout the year. But if you want to be in on the action, come here around the full moon every month or during Tet Holiday (Lunar New Year). Locals assemble to ask for blessings in the areas of prosperity, peace, health, and luck.

More specifically, the temple holds a devoted festival every year on the third day of the third lunar month, drawing a large number of visitors and locals to pray and observe the customary ceremonies honoring the deities.

The Intricate Architecture Of Quan Thanh Temple Hanoi

Although this temple was originally constructed in the Buddhist style, its current design generally reflects the styles of the Nguyen Dynasty.

A magnificent gate with three doors—one large in the center and two smaller on the sides—welcomes you to the Quan Thanh temple. You will be struck, as you will be by many other Vietnamese temples, by the calm courtyard with enormous banyan trees as you pass through it.

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 elaborately carved and painted bronze gong is utilized in a number of religious rituals and celebrations. It is used as a musical instrument as well as a spiritual object that is thought to call forth blessings and the presence of God.

Delicate carvings and texts

Giant relics aside, detailed carvings on doors and columns are worth noticing. Poems and couplets in ancient Chinese (chu Han) and Vietnamese (chu Nom) script are also present.

Quan Thanh Festival

One important cultural event in Vietnam is the traditional festival held at Quan Thanh Temple to honor the birth of Saint Huyen Thien Tran Vu. Celebrated every year on the third day of the third lunar month, it honors the mythical figure thought to have guarded the northern gate of the ancient Thang Long (Hanoi). The festival draws both locals and visitors with its array of religious rituals, traditional music, and dance performances.

Greenery Landscape

Hanoi's Quan Thanh Temple's verdant surroundings are a peaceful haven. A serene atmosphere is produced by lush gardens filled with old banyan trees and colorful flowering plants. This lush environment adds to the temple's spiritual ambiance and provides guests with a calm area for contemplation and meditation.

How To Get There

Quan Thanh Temple is easily accessible by any means of transportation due to its strategic location.

• 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

You gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese history and culture when you visit Quan Thanh Temple. Though it is a must-see, Hanoi has more to offer. For a comprehensive itinerary of places to see and things to do in Hanoi (or any other region), get in touch with HanoiTravel. We offer the best Vietnam customized tours to Hanoi!