Explore Hanoi’s sacred temples and pagodas in Hoan Kiem Ward’s Old Quarter! Discover Bach Ma, Ngoc Son, and more, with pricing and Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours. Book now!
Dive into the historic charm of Hanoi TravelHanoi’s Old Quarter, nestled in Hoan Kiem Ward, is a cultural treasure trove, welcoming over 18 million visitors annually with its 36 guild streets and ancient sanctuaries. Home to iconic temples like Bach Ma and Ngoc Son, these sacred sites, many dating back to the 9th–15th centuries, offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s Buddhist and Confucian traditions, set amidst the bustling markets and colonial charm of Hanoi’s 1,000-year-old Thang Long heritage. Entry is often free or costs $0.50–$1.50 (12,500–37,500 VND), making them accessible for cultural explorers.
These temples and pagodas embody Hanoi’s spiritual life, with eco-friendly practices like biodegradable incense and solar-powered lighting aligning with the city’s “Green Capital” initiative, set in a 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). Legend Travel Group’s sustainable cultural tours guide you through these historic sanctuaries, ensuring a green, immersive 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, simplifying navigation to Old Quarter temples using ward-based maps.
Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering guided eco-friendly cultural tours in Hanoi, tailored for travelers seeking authentic spiritual experiences. Our tours use low-impact transport like electric cyclos or VinBus, led by English-speaking guides who share temple histories, cultural insights, and green 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 Hanoi’s sacred sites responsibly!
Bach Ma Temple - Photograph the timeless allure of Hanoi’s heritage (Source: Source: Internet)Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a 13th-century trading hub, is dotted with temples and pagodas reflecting Vietnam’s Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist traditions. From Bach Ma’s 9th-century origins to Ngoc Son’s 19th-century elegance, these sanctuaries serve as spiritual and cultural anchors, hosting festivals like Tet and lunar rituals for peace and prosperity. Their Nguyen-era architecture, with dragon carvings and red-tiled roofs, blends seamlessly with the Old Quarter’s narrow alleys. Sustainable practices, such as digital guides and local artisan support, preserve these sites, making them vital stops for over 50,000–100,000 annual visitors seeking Hanoi’s soul, steps from Hoan Kiem Lake.
Ngoc Son Temple - Start your Hanoi Travel with serene vistas (Source: Source: Internet)These sacred sites, accessible in Hoan Kiem Ward, offer free or low-cost entry ($0–$1.50) and rich cultural experiences:
Hanoi’s oldest temple, founded in the 9th century, honors the White Horse deity who guided King Lý Thái Tổ’s citadel in 1010, best at 8:00 AM.
Cost: Free; incense $0.20 (5,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–11:00 AM, 2:00 PM–8:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable incense; digital photography reduces waste.
Tip: Admire the White Horse statue; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Temple Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
A 19th-century gem on Jade Island, dedicated to General Trần Hưng Đạo, accessible via Húc Bridge, best at 7:00 AM.
Cost: $1.50 (37,500 VND); free for children under 15.
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Digital tickets; avoid plastic offerings.
Tip: Visit Tháp Bút (Pen Tower); included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Built in 1131 to honor monk Nguyễn Minh Không, who cured King Lý Thần Tông, best at 9:00 AM for vegetarian dishes.
Cost: Free; vegetarian meals $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local plant-based meals; respect sacred statues.
Tip: Explore stone sculptures from 1674; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Spiritual Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Founded under the Lý Dynasty (1010–1225), named for a stone resembling a woman, best at 8:00 AM, a Municipal Buddhist Association hub.
Cost: Free; donations $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable incense; minimal waste.
Tip: Learn its Ho Chi Minh connection; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Temple Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
A Lý Dynasty pagoda with 68 Buddhist statues, including a unique Buddha on a kneeling king, best at 10:00 AM.
Cost: Free; incense $0.20 (5,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Solar-powered lighting; respect relics.
Tip: View the Cửu Long statue; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Honors Trần Thủ Độ of the Trần Dynasty, with 60 18th-century Buddha statues, best at 9:00 AM.
Cost: Free; donations $0.50–$1.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable offerings; digital guides.
Tip: Admire the Tuyết Sơn statue; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Spiritual Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
A 15th-century shrine honoring a patriotic ca trù singer, best at 8:00 AM, celebrating Vietnam’s UNESCO-recognized singing poetry.
Cost: Free; incense $0.20 (5,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Support local artisans; avoid plastic.
Tip: Learn ca trù history; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
A community center on the second floor, worshiping the Five Gods, best at 10:00 AM for 18th-century artworks.
Cost: Free; donations $0.50–$1.
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Minimal waste; respect community events.
Tip: Attend monthly gatherings if invited; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Temple Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Ly Quoc Su Pagoda - Capture the sacred essence of Hanoi’s spiritual gem (Source: Source: Internet)Visit from November to April for cool, dry weather (15–28°C or 59–82.4°F), ideal for walking Hoan Kiem Ward’s alleys. The rainy season (May–October) adds serene ambiance but requires umbrellas. Early mornings (7:00–9:00 AM) offer tranquility with fewer visitors (50–200 daily/site) than afternoons (500–1,000), especially on the 1st and 15th lunar days or Tet (January/February), when crowds peak at 2,000–5,000 for festivals like Bach Ma’s (12th–13th, 2nd lunar month). Weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) are quieter than weekends, particularly during Hoan Kiem’s pedestrian zone (Friday–Sunday, 7:00 PM–midnight).
Ba Da Pagoda - Capture the sustainable charm of Hanoi’s ecotourism (Source: Source: Internet)Hoan Kiem Ward’s Old Quarter, centered around Hoan Kiem Lake, is accessible in 5–60 minutes from Hanoi’s entry points:
By Walking: 5–15 minutes within Hoan Kiem Ward (e.g., from Hoan Kiem Lake to Bach Ma at 76 Hàng Buồm, 500m). Free, eco-friendly.
By Cyclo: From Old Quarter, 5–10 minutes, $2–$4/hour (50,000–100,000 VND) for 1–2 people, offering scenic rides.
By Motorbike Taxi (Xe Ôm): 1–5 km rides (e.g., Ba Đình to Hoan Kiem), 5–10 minutes, $0.80–$2 (20,000–50,000 VND). Book via Grab/Xanh SM apps; helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).
By Electric Bus (VinBus): Routes 08, 09, 36 to Lý Thái Tổ or Trần Nhật Duật stops (500m walk), 5–10 minutes, $0.30–$0.40 (7,000–10,000 VND). Departs every 10–20 minutes, 5:00 AM–9:00 PM. Use Tìm Buýt app.
By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): To Hàng Buồm or Hàng Trống, 5–10 minutes, $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) one-way; round-trip $4–$8. Use Xanh SM app.
By Bicycle: Rent from Old Quarter shops ($2–$5/day or 50,000–125,000 VND), 5–10 minutes. Eco-friendly; park at Hàng Buồm ($0.20–$1.20 or 5,000–30,000 VND).
By Private Car (Legend Travel Group): $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND) round-trip for up to 4 people, ideal for groups.
By Air (to Hanoi): Noi Bai Airport (HAN), 28 km. Airport Bus No. 86 to Hoan Kiem Ward ($1.40 or 35,000 VND, 50–60 min), then walk; direct taxi/Grab ($12–$15 or 300,000–375,000 VND). 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).
By Train: Hanoi Railway Station (Văn Miếu Ward, 2 km), then VinBus ($0.30–$0.40) or xe ôm ($0.80–$2) to Hoan Kiem Ward, 5–10 min.
By Bus: Mỹ Đình or Giáp Bát stations (6–10 km), then VinBus ($0.30–$0.40) or taxi ($4–$8) to Hoan Kiem Ward, 10–20 min. Navigation Tip: Save “76 Hàng Buồm, Hoan Kiem Ward” or “Ngoc Son Temple, Hoan Kiem Ward” in offline maps (Maps.me); use St. Joseph’s Cathedral as a landmark. Pedestrian zone (Friday–Sunday, 7:00 PM–midnight) restricts vehicles.
Eco-Friendly Note: Walking, cycling, or VinBus reduce emissions; carpool for private cars.
Safety: Watch for pickpockets on Hàng Buồm; secure valuables. Confirm fares via apps to avoid scams.
Hoe Nhai Pagoda - Begin your Hanoi Tours with a scenic adventure (Source: Source: Internet)Pack these essentials for a sustainable cultural experience:
Clothing: Light layers, closed-toe shoes; modest attire (cover shoulders/knees, no shorts or tank tops) for temple respect; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for rainy season.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat (remove in worship areas).
Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), hand sanitizer ($0.50 or 12,500 VND).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab/Xanh SM/Tìm Buýt apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).
Photography Gear: Camera or smartphone for courtyard shots; extra batteries.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for offerings ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Notebook for cultural notes; cash for donations and food.
Tip: Carry small VND notes for incense ($0.20), donations ($0.50–$1), or street food ($1–$2); secure valuables in crowded alleys.
Cau Dong Pagoda - Embrace the vibrant spirit of Hanoi Travel adventures (Source: Source: Internet)Entry and Activity Fees
Bach Ma, Lý Quốc Sư, Bà Đá, Hòe Nhai, Cầu Đông, Đồng Hương, Nam Hương: Free; incense $0.20 (5,000 VND); donations $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Ngoc Son Temple: $1.50 (37,500 VND); free for children under 15.
Photography Permit (Professional): $1 (25,000 VND/site).
Vegetarian Meals (Lý Quốc Sư): $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Street Food (Old Quarter, e.g., Phở): $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Drinks (Bia Hơi, Coffee): $0.30–$1.50 (7,000–37,500 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., Buddhist Charms): $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Guided Eco-Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND/day).
Transportation (Round-Trip, from Hoan Kiem Ward)
Walking: Free.
Cyclo: $2–$4/hour (50,000–100,000 VND).
Xe Ôm: $1.60–$4 (40,000–100,000 VND) for 1–5 km.
VinBus: $0.60–$1 (14,000–24,000 VND).
Xanh SM Taxi: $4–$8 (100,000–200,000 VND).
Bicycle Rental: $2–$5/day (50,000–125,000 VND).
Private Car: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Airport Bus No. 86 + Walk: $3.70–$6.40 (92,500–160,000 VND).
Train/Bus Station to Hoan Kiem: $0.80–$8 (20,000–200,000 VND).
Parking: $0.20–$1.20 (5,000–30,000 VND).
SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $5–$15 (walking, incense, street food).
Mid-range: $20–$35 (cyclo, donations, guided tour).
Luxury: $50–$80 (taxi, guided tour, souvenirs).
Tip: Budget for entry ($0–$1.50), activities ($0.20–$2), and transport ($0.60–$8); carry VND for temples and vendors (no cards accepted).
Dong Huong Temple (Source: Source: Internet)Timing: Visit at 7:00–9:00 AM for serenity; November–April for dry weather. Weekdays for fewer crowds (50–200 vs. 500–1,000 on weekends). Avoid 1st/15th lunar days or Tet for quieter visits; join festivals (e.g., Bach Ma’s 2nd lunar month) for rituals.
Booking: No tickets needed except Ngoc Son ($1.50, on-site); reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead for guided visits. Check lunar calendars for festival dates.
Sustainability: Use biodegradable incense; bring reusable bottles to reduce plastic. Support Old Quarter artisans for charms ($1–$5) or vegetarian meals ($1–$2).
Navigation: Save “76 Hàng Buồm, Hoan Kiem Ward” or “50 Lý Quốc Sư, Hoan Kiem Ward” in offline maps; use Hoan Kiem Lake as a landmark. Avoid vehicles during pedestrian zone (Friday–Sunday, 7:00 PM–midnight).
Safety: Watch for pickpockets on Hàng Buồm; secure valuables. Avoid touching altars; confirm fares via apps to avoid scams.
Weather: Dry season for comfort; rainy season needs rain gear ($2–$5) and non-slip shoes. Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees); remove shoes at entries. Maintain silence in worship areas; say “cảm ơn” to monks. Avoid public displays of affection.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); carry hand sanitizer for hygiene.
Nam Huong Temple (Source: Source: Internet)Our eco-friendly tours showcase Hanoi’s Old Quarter temples and pagodas:
Hanoi Temple Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Electric cyclo to Bach Ma, Ngoc Son, and Lý Quốc Sư at 8:00 AM, with street food lunch ($2–$5). Includes guide, transport.
Hanoi Spiritual Tour ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Old Quarter temples, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Tạ Hiện’s bia hơi, homestay ($20–$50/night). Includes meals, guide.
Hanoi & Ninh Bình Immersion ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Old Quarter temples, Ninh Bình’s Bai Dinh Pagoda, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
Hanoi’s Old Quarter in Hoan Kiem Ward, a cultural hub drawing 18 million visitors yearly, enchants with sacred temples and pagodas like Bach Ma Temple and Ngoc Son Temple, offering free or low-cost entry ($0–$1.50, 0–37,500 VND), located steps from Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart of Hanoi. Dating back to the 9th-century Ly Dynasty, Bach Ma’s ancient relics and Ngoc Son’s Nguyen-era artistry embody Vietnam’s spiritual heritage, enhanced by eco-friendly practices like biodegradable incense and local-guided tours. Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Tours guide you through this spiritual tapestry, ensuring a sustainable Hanoi Travel experience with visits to nearby sites like the Weekend Walking Street and Dong Xuan Market. Whether offering incense at Bach Ma or exploring Ngoc Son’s Huc Bridge, Hanoi’s temples promise an unforgettable cultural adventure. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly spiritual journey today!
Ready to discover Hanoi’s Old Quarter temples and pagodas in Hoan Kiem Ward? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable cultural adventure!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Sources:
Hanoi Old Quarter Temples Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, culturetrip.com, hanoilocaltour.com
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