Explore Đình Nam Hương in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward! Discover spiritual activities, historical art, prices, and Legend Travel Group’s eco-tours. Book now!
Đình Nam Hương, or Nam Huong Temple, is a hidden cultural treasure nestled at 80 Hàng Trống, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi, just 200 meters from Hoan Kiem Lake. This ancient communal house, built in the 17th century to worship the Five Gods (Ngũ Vị Thần), serves as a spiritual and social hub for the Hàng Trống community, offering free entry and a serene escape from the Old Quarter’s bustle. Renowned for its historical artworks and role in preserving Hanoi’s cultural heritage, the temple attracts travelers seeking an authentic glimpse into Vietnam’s spiritual traditions and artistic legacy.
As a former cultural center of Hàng Trống village, famous for its woodblock prints and folk paintings, Đình Nam Hương blends Confucian and folk beliefs, hosting monthly community events like lunar festivals. Its eco-friendly practices, such as waste-free offerings and pedestrian-friendly access, align with Hanoi’s “Green Capital” initiative. Ideal for Hanoi’s tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 15–28°C or 59–82.4°F; rainy season: May–October, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F), the temple’s shaded courtyard offers tranquility. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly tours guide travelers to Đình Nam Hương, ensuring a sustainable, enriching experience. Book via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has reclassified Hanoi’s districts as wards or communes, with former Hoan Kiem District now Hoan Kiem Ward under Hanoi City’s administration. This simplifies navigation to Đình Nam Hương using ward-based maps.
Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering guided eco-friendly cultural tours across Hanoi, tailored for travelers seeking authentic experiences. Our tours use low-impact transport like cyclos or electric taxis, led by English-speaking guides who share the temple’s history, spiritual significance, and sustainable practices, ensuring a safe, enriching journey. Supporting local communities, we align with Hanoi’s green initiatives. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we make planning effortless. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and explore Đình Nam Hương responsibly!
Đình Nam Hương, established in the 17th century, is a communal house (đình) in Hàng Trống, one of Hanoi’s historic craft villages known for its woodblock printing and folk art. Located on the second floor of a traditional building at 80 Hàng Trống, the temple worships the Five Gods, protectors of the village, reflecting Vietnam’s syncretic blend of Confucian, Taoist, and folk beliefs. It served as a cultural hub during the Lê Dynasty, fostering poets, artists, and scholars, with its preserved artworks—18th-century wood carvings and paintings—showcasing Hanoi’s artistic heritage.
As a community center, the temple hosts monthly events, such as lunar day ceremonies and the annual Hàng Trống Festival, strengthening local bonds. Its proximity to Hoan Kiem Lake (200 m) and the Old Quarter’s “36 Streets” makes it a vital part of Hanoi’s cultural tapestry. Eco-friendly initiatives, like minimal incense use and waste-free offerings, preserve its sanctity, making Đình Nam Hương a must-visit for those exploring Hanoi’s spiritual and artistic roots.
Đình Nam Hương offers a rich cultural experience with these eco-friendly activities, all free unless noted:
Light incense ($0.20 or 5,000 VND) and pray for peace, health, or prosperity at the altar, adorned with intricate carvings, embracing Vietnamese spiritual traditions.
Cost: Free entry; incense $0.20.
Hours: 7:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use minimal incense to reduce smoke; respect sacred spaces.
Tip: Remove shoes and wear modest clothing (no shorts).
Explore the temple’s woodblock prints, lacquered carvings, and folk paintings from the Lê Dynasty, showcasing Hàng Trống’s artistic legacy, best viewed at 10:00 AM.
Cost: Free.
Hours: 7:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.
Eco-Friendly Note: Avoid touching artifacts; use digital photos.
Tip: Ask guides about woodblock printing history for insights.
Participate in monthly lunar ceremonies (e.g., 1st and 15th lunar days) with locals, featuring prayers and traditional music, best at 8:00 AM, per temple schedule.
Cost: Donations $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND).
Hours: Varies; check with temple staff.
Eco-Friendly Note: Offer waste-free items like flowers; respect rituals.
Tip: Book via Legend Travel Group for guided access.
Stroll Hàng Trống street post-visit, browsing nearby art shops for woodblock prints ($5–$20 or 125,000–500,000 VND), best at 11:00 AM.
Cost: Free; purchases $5–$20.
Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Support local artisans; use reusable bags.
Tip: Visit Đỗ Minh Gallery (84 Hàng Trống) for authentic prints.
Relax in the temple’s shaded courtyard, reflecting on its serene ambiance, best at 4:00 PM when crowds thin, offering a calm retreat.
Cost: Free.
Hours: 7:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.
Eco-Friendly Note: Maintain silence; avoid littering.
Tip: Bring a notebook to journal your thoughts.
To immerse in the temple’s spiritual and cultural ambiance, follow these practices:
Dress Respectfully: Wear modest clothing (long pants, covered shoulders) and remove shoes to honor the sacred space.
Offer Mindful Prayers: Light one or two incense sticks ($0.20), praying quietly for blessings, mirroring Vietnamese customs.
Engage with Locals: Chat with temple caretakers or festival attendees about Hàng Trống’s history; many speak basic English.
Explore on Foot: Walk Hàng Trống’s alleys to nearby craft shops, soaking in the village’s artistic heritage.
Eco-Friendly Tip: Use reusable water bottles and avoid plastic offerings to support Hanoi’s sustainability efforts.
Enhance your temple visit with these sustainable activities in Hoan Kiem Ward, all within 1 km:
Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake (200 m away) at 7:00 PM, enjoying Turtle Tower’s lights and the turtle legend, free entry.
Cost: Free; Ngoc Son Temple entry $1.20 (30,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 6:00 PM–10:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Pedestrian-friendly; avoid littering.
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Join the car-free Walking Street (100 m away) on Friday–Sunday at 8:00 PM, playing folk games like ô ăn quan, free entry.
Cost: Free; food $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Hours: Friday–Sunday, 7:00 PM–midnight.
Eco-Friendly Note: Walkable; biodegradable plates.
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Nightlife Tour ($100–$150).
Enjoy a puppet show at 57B Đinh Tiên Hoàng (300 m away) at 5:00 PM, showcasing folklore for $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Cost: $5–$10 per ticket.
Hours: Daily, 3:00 PM–8:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local artisans; minimal waste.
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Cultural Eco-Tour ($100–$150).
Browse eco-friendly crafts at Đồng Xuân Market (700 m away) at 10:00 AM, buying souvenirs ($0.50–$3 or 12,500–75,000 VND).
Cost: Free entry; purchases $0.50–$3.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Reusable bags; local sourcing.
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Taste cà phê trứng ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND) at Café Giảng (39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, 500 m away) at 6:00 PM, using reusable cups.
Cost: $1–$2 per drink.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local coffee; reusable cups.
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Đình Nam Hương, at 80 Hàng Trống, Hoan Kiem Ward, is accessible in 5–15 minutes from central Hanoi:
By Bus: Routes 08, 09, 14, 31, 36, or 86 to Hoan Kiem Lake (5–10 min, $0.30–$0.50 or 7,000–12,000 VND). Walk 5 minutes. Every 10–20 minutes, 5:00 AM–9:00 PM.
By Cyclo or Electric Cart: From Old Quarter (5–10 min, $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).
By Bicycle or Walking: Bicycle rental ($1–$3/day or 25,000–75,000 VND); walk 5–10 minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake.
By Electric Taxi (XANH SM): To Hàng Trống, $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) one-way; round-trip $4–$8 (100,000–200,000 VND). Eco-friendly VinFast cars.
By Private Car (Legend Travel Group): $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND round-trip for up to 4 people).
By Air (to Hanoi): Noi Bai Airport (HAN), 25 km. Flights: Ho Chi Minh City ($80–$150 or 2,000,000–3,750,000 VND), Da Nang ($60–$120 or 1,500,000–3,000,000 VND), Bangkok ($200–$600). Airport Bus No. 86 ($1.40 or 35,000 VND); taxi/Grab ($12–$15 or 300,000–375,000 VND).[](https://www.hotels.com/go/vietnam/best-things-to-do-hanoi) Navigation Tip: Use offline maps (Maps.me) with “80 Hàng Trống, Hoan Kiem Ward”; look for the temple’s second-floor entrance.
Pack these essentials for a sustainable Hanoi visit:
Clothing: Modest attire (long pants, covered shoulders); comfortable walking shoes. Waterproof jackets for rainy season.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat.
Travel Essentials: Mosquito repellent, reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with offline maps (Maps.me), portable charger.
Documents: Passport, travel insurance, tour confirmations, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote bag, water bottle to minimize waste.
Extras: Notebook for temple notes; cash for offerings.
Tip: Carry small VND notes for incense ($0.20 or 5,000 VND); avoid plastic bags.
Entry and Activity Fees
Temple Entry: Free.
Incense Offering: $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND).
Ceremony Donations: $0.20–$0.50.
Woodblock Prints: $5–$20 (125,000–500,000 VND).
Guided Cultural Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Nearby Attractions (e.g., Ngoc Son Temple): $1.20 (30,000 VND).
Street Food (e.g., cà phê trứng): $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Transportation (Round-Trip, from Central Hanoi)
Bus: $0.60–$1 (14,000–24,000 VND).
Cyclo/Electric Cart: $4–$10 (100,000–250,000 VND).
Bicycle: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Walking: Free.
Electric Taxi: $4–$8 (100,000–200,000 VND).
Private Car: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND).
Airport Bus No. 86 + Taxi: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND).
Accommodation (Per Night, Double Occupancy in Hoan Kiem Ward)
Homestays: $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND).
Hotels: $30–$80 (750,000–2,000,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $10–$25 (bus, food, homestay).
Mid-range: $35–$60 (cyclo, tour, hotel).
Luxury: $80–$120 (private car, premium hotel).
Tip: Budget for incense, a snack, and nearby attractions; carry cash as cards are rarely accepted.
Timing: Visit early (7:00–9:00 AM) for tranquility; 8:00 AM on lunar 1st or 15th days for ceremonies. Spring (January–March) for festive events.
Booking: Reserve tours 3–5 weeks ahead for peak seasons; no temple entry fee, but check ceremony schedules with staff.
Sustainability: Walk or use electric taxis ($2–$4); bring reusable bottles. Support artisans with eco-friendly purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps with “80 Hàng Trống, Hoan Kiem Ward”; note the second-floor entrance above shops.
Safety: Watch for pickpockets in the Old Quarter; secure valuables. Carry a first-aid kit.
Weather: Dry season for comfortable visits; rainy season needs waterproof gear ($2–$5). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Say “cảm ơn”; donate $0.20–$0.50 respectfully. Silence phones in the temple.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); stay hydrated. Apply mosquito repellent.
Our sustainable tours showcase Đình Nam Hương and Hanoi’s heritage:
Hanoi Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Cyclo ride to Đình Nam Hương at 8:00 AM, visiting Hoan Kiem Lake and Đồng Xuân Market. Includes guide, cyclo.
Hanoi Cultural Nightlife Tour ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Temple visit, Weekend Walking Street, homestay ($20–$50/night). Includes meals, guide.
Hanoi & Ninh Binh Immersion ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Đình Nam Hương, Trang An Grottoes, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers.
Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
Đình Nam Hương, a cultural jewel at 80 Hàng Trống in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, offers free entry and a spiritual retreat, honoring the Five Gods with 17th-century artworks. From praying at the altar to exploring Hàng Trống’s craft heritage, the temple blends Vietnam’s spiritual traditions with artistic legacy, supported by eco-friendly practices like waste-free offerings. Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Tours guide you to this serene sanctuary, ensuring a sustainable Hanoi Travel experience filled with cultural immersion. Whether meditating in the courtyard or strolling to Hoan Kiem Lake, Đình Nam Hương promises an unforgettable Hanoi adventure. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your journey today!
Ready to explore Đình Nam Hương in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable adventure!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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