Ong Ba Chieu Temple sits on a piece of land that is shaped like a turtle’s back and slightly higher than its surroundings. The temple’s location is considered supreme in feng shui terms.

It is located next to Ba Chieu Market in Binh Thanh District and is where hero and high-ranking mandarin of the Nguyen Dynasty, Le Van Duyet (1764-1832), is buried along with his wife Do Thi Phan.

The temple has four gates named after the cardinal directions, with the Southern Gate now used as the main one.

According to the monument management board, 100-200 locals and foreigners visit every day. During Tet (Lunar New Year), 100,000 people visit to pay their respects. 

VNS/Kienthuc

Old temple on Truc Bach Lake worships dogs

The Puppy Temple or Thuy Trung Tien Temple on Truc Bach Lake was originally built during the reign of King Ly Thai To (1010 to 1028).

Four guardian god temples of Thang Long-Hanoi

Thang Long’s four guardian god temples have vital locations in Hanoi. They were built as soon as King Ly Cong Uan established the country’s capital in Thang Long (now Hanoi).