Centuries pass, dynasties of kings change, and Bach Ma still stands, untouched by time and the elements. It is already more than a thousand years old! The temple is the oldest religious structure in Hanoi.
The story of Bach Ma's construction is quite interesting: it all began in the 11th century, when Ly Thai To decided to found a new capital for his state. Back then it was not yet Hanoi, but Thang Long. But the builders' work was not going well at all: the walls collapsed, the roofs caved in… Then a white horse appeared before Ly Thai To and pointed out the place where the fortifications should be built. Having listened to it, the construction site was moved to a new location, and immediately everything started to go smoothly. Since then, the white horse has been an unofficial talisman of Hanoi. And Bach Ma Temple was built in gratitude; its name translates as "Temple of the White Horse".
Bach Ma looks very modest, but elegant. This small structure is always filled with both tourists and local residents bringing gifts and donations.
