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If you are interested in spiritual beliefs, especially the worship of the Mother Goddess, Tay Ho Temple is a must-visit destination. With BDATrip, you can explore one of the most sacred temples in Hanoi, where many people believe their prayers will be answered when they come to offer incense and ask for blessings.
Tay Ho Temple is located at 52 Dang Thai Mai Street, Quang An Ward, Tay Ho District, Hanoi. Visitors can choose between using personal vehicles or public transportation to visit the temple.
If traveling by personal vehicle, such as a motorbike or car, Tay Ho Temple is about 14 km west of Hanoi's center, taking around 30 minutes to reach. There is a parking area outside the temple with a fee of 5,000 VND per vehicle. Depending on your starting location, visitors can choose from various routes to the temple, which can easily be found using Google Maps. On the way to the temple, you will pass by West Lake, with its romantic scenery adding to the trip's charm.
For public transportation such as taxis, buses, or ride-hailing services, visitors can take bus routes 13, 33, or 51 to get near Tay Ho Temple. However, the distance from the bus stop to the temple is still around 5 km, so it’s advisable to combine your journey with a ride-hailing service to save time. If traveling in a group, a taxi may be a reasonable option, as the cost can be shared. To avoid being overcharged, it is recommended to use reputable taxi companies or book through apps like Grab, Bee, or Gojek to know the fare in advance.
To date, the exact time when Tay Ho Temple was built remains uncertain. Some speculate that the temple may have been constructed around the 17th century, though it could be later. Interestingly, in the earliest records of the Thang Long relics, there is no mention of Tay Ho Temple.
Many people wonder which deity is worshiped at Tay Ho Temple. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Lieu Hanh, a revered saint of the Nguyen Dynasty, who was honored with the title "Mother of the Nation" She is one of the four immortal saints in Vietnamese folk beliefs, which include:
According to legend, Goddess Lieu Hanh was the daughter of the Jade Emperor. After accidentally breaking a precious jade cup, she was banished to the mortal world. After traveling to many places, she was enchanted by the poetic beauty of West Lake and decided to settle there, helping the locals ward off evil spirits and corrupt officials, bringing peace and prosperity to the community.
Tay Ho Temple is most crowded on the 1st and 15th days of each lunar month, when people come to perform rituals. Especially, the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month is considered the death anniversary of Goddess Lieu Hanh. On this day, locals hold a procession of the Goddess’s palanquin from Tay Ho Temple through streets like Yen Phu and Co Ngu, then reverse along Quan Thanh Street to Nghia Lap Temple at 32 Hang Dau Street to collect offerings before returning to Tay Ho Temple. On the 6th and 7th of the 3rd lunar month, Tay Ho Temple also hosts cultural performances and "chau van" singing at Pho Linh Pagoda in Tay Ho village, attracting many visitors and locals.
Tay Ho Temple is open from 5 AM to about 7 PM daily. However, during holidays and full moon days, the temple may stay open later due to the large influx of visitors, especially on the 13th of August and the 3rd of March in the lunar calendar—the death anniversary of Goddess Lieu Hanh. With its unique beauty and sacredness, Tay Ho Temple has become a familiar destination for Hanoi residents. Due to its cultural, spiritual, and historical significance, Tay Ho Temple was officially recognized as a Cultural and Historical Monument by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism on February 13, 1996.
Before entering Tay Ho Temple, visitors pass through a two-story three-gate entrance, adorned with intricately carved details reflecting Vietnamese culture. Many visitors often stop at the gate to take photos, capturing beautiful moments to share with friends.
Tay Ho Temple consists of three main areas: the Main Temple, Son Trang Shrine, and the Cô (Maiden) and Cậu (Boy) Pavilions.
According to folk beliefs, Tay Ho Temple is a sacred place to pray for health, career, fortune, and luck. During the Lunar New Year, if you plan to visit the temple, be mindful of its opening and closing times to avoid interrupting your plans.
When visiting Tay Ho Temple to seek blessings, visitors should prepare offerings carefully, including:
As Tay Ho Temple is a sacred place, visitors should dress appropriately, wearing respectful and neat attire, avoiding sleeveless tops or shorts and skirts above the knee. Visitors should also refrain from placing money, votive papers, or cooked offerings on the Buddhist or Bodhisattva altars. Instead, it's acceptable to prepare small bills to place in donation boxes.
When burning votive papers, follow the order of starting at the main altar and then moving to the other altars. When collecting offerings, begin at the outer altars and finish at the main one. During the Lunar New Year or full moon days, the temple is often crowded. If you prefer a quieter and more peaceful atmosphere, choose a suitable time to visit.
When visiting Tay Ho Temple, shrimp cake is a specialty you shouldn’t miss. With a fresh shrimp filling encased in a crispy fried batter, the shrimp cake offers a unique flavor. It is typically served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce, creating a harmonious combination of savory, sweet, and crunchy.
Some famous places near Tay Ho Temple for delicious shrimp cakes include:
Though snail vermicelli is familiar to many, the most renowned place for this dish is at Tay Ho Temple. With its sweet broth, tender, juicy snails, and crispy tofu, the dish offers an unforgettable flavor.
With tender chicken stewed in a hot bowl of noodles, this dish is a perfect choice for chilly winter days in Hanoi. However, since the shop is on the sidewalk, it's best to visit on dry days to avoid the rain.
West Lake ice cream has long become a famous treat in Hanoi. Visitors can enjoy cool ice cream while admiring the poetic beauty of Truc Bach Lake. There is a wide variety of flavors, from vanilla and chocolate to young green rice, catering to many preferences.
Tay Ho Temple is one of the most famous spiritual destinations in Hanoi. During traditional festivals or full moon days, the temple is always crowded with people offering incense and praying. If you have the chance, be sure to visit Tay Ho Temple to learn more about the unique culture and history of this sacred site.
Some other Hanoi tourist destinations:
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