Quan Thanh Temple

Richard Mortel from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia · CC BY 2.0

The northern guardian of old Thang Long, holding a four-metre black bronze statue cast in 1677.

The old citadel of Thang Long had four temples guarding its four directions — the four wards — and Quan Thanh is the guardian of the north. It is dedicated to Huyen Thien Tran Vu, the deity who subdues water demons and evil spirits. What people remember is the black bronze statue in the rear sanctuary: nearly four metres tall, around four tonnes, cast in 1677, showing the god seated with his hair loose, one hand resting on a sword hilt wound about by a snake, his feet on the back of a turtle. The statue's left foot is polished bright against the rest, worn by generations of hands touching it for luck. The temple stands on the corner of West Lake, a few minutes' walk from Tran Quoc Pagoda.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Quan Thanh Temple?

Morning; busy on the full moon and first of the lunar month

How much does it cost to visit Quan Thanh Temple?

10,000d (indicative)

How long do you need at Quan Thanh Temple?

30 - 45 minutes

What are the opening hours of Quan Thanh Temple?

08:00 - 17:00

Did you know

The temple is the northern guardian among the four wards of the old Thang Long citadel.
It is dedicated to Huyen Thien Tran Vu, subduer of water demons and evil spirits.
Its black bronze statue is nearly 4m tall, weighs around 4 tonnes and was cast in 1677.
The temple stands at the southern corner of West Lake, near Tran Quoc Pagoda.

Travel tips

Pair Quan Thanh with Tran Quoc Pagoda — they are a few minutes apart on foot.
This is an active place of worship: dress modestly and keep quiet.

Source: https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C4%90%E1%BB%81n_Qu%C3%A1n_Th%C3%A1nh

Updated: 2026-08-16