Quan Thanh Temple

Hanoi, being a culturally prominent Asian metropolis, is home to a multitude of cultural and historical sites. Quan Thanh Temple (also known as Tran Vu Temple) is one of them, and it is located next to the beautiful West Lake. Quan Thanh Temple, only a 15-minute drive from the Old Quarter, is another must-see destination for a truly Hanoian experience.

According to legend, Quan Thanh Temple was established during Emperor Ly Thai To’s reign (1010–1028). The emperor chose in 1010 to relocate the capital from Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) to Thang Long (the former name of Hanoi). Quan Thanh Temple was built to commemorate the new establishment as well as the birth of a prince not long after.

The temple was built in honor of Tran Vu, the Taoist Deity of the North, whose power symbols are a serpent and a turtle. The Four Sacred Temples (Thang Long Tu Tran), together with the other three temples in Hanoi, are said to safeguard the city from evil spirits. Tran Vu Deity is worshipped in the north (Quan Thanh Temple), Bach Ma Deity is worshipped in the east (Bach Ma Temple), Linh Lang Deity is worshipped in the west (Voi Phuc Temple), and Cao Vuong Deity is worshipped in the south (Voi Phuc Temple) (Kim Lien Temple).