Ba Kieu Temple

In front of you is Ba Kieu Temple, a centuries-old temple set back on the east bank of Hoan Kiem Lake. The first thing you notice, under the shade of a centuries-old banyan tree, is the old gate facing the lake. Originally, the entire sanctuary stretched across this area, but at the end of the nineteenth century, colonial roadworks split the temple in two along Dinh Tien Hoang Street. Today, the gate remains on the lakeside, while the main hall stands on the other side, at the corner of Lo Su Street. The temple is dedicated primarily to Saint Mother Lieu Hanh, a key figure in the Mother Goddess tradition and one of Vietnam pantheon’s four legendary immortals. She appears with two celestial fairies, Quynh Hoa and Que Hoa, as well as other protective deities. This form of worship, deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture, centers on protection, fertility, and maintaining harmony between heaven, earth, and water. Compared with Ngoc Son Temple, Ba Kieu feels quieter and more intimate, set back from the busy lakeside.