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Located in a small land protruding out in the West Lake, Tay Ho Palace is a spiritual destination popular not only with local people but also foreign guests. This place worships Princess Lieu Hanh - one of ‘The Four Immortals’ in Vietnam folk.
Carrying great cultural, spiritual, and historical values, on February 13, 1996, Tay Ho Palace was recognized as a Historical-Cultural Relic by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
Tay Ho Palace (Source: Bao Phu nu Viet Nam)
As the legend says, Tay Ho Palace was built around the 17th century, but there was a possibility that the time could be later. According to historical documentaries related to the Thang Long relic in the early 20th century, there was no record of this ancient construction.
Tales said that Lieu Hanh, who is originally Quynh Hoa - the second daughter of Ngoc Hoang (The Vietnamese God), was exiled to the mortal world for breaking a precious jade cup. She traveled everywhere and helped people settle down, eliminate ghosts, and punish corrupt officials.
A picture illustrates Princess Lieu Hanh (Source: Artist Le Dinh Nghien)
When she went through West Lake, enchanted by its charming scenes, she stayed and opened a tea shop as an excuse to enjoy life here. Phung Khac Khoan, a well-known scholar once met her there and they composed the poem ‘Tay Ho ngu quan’ together.
After Lieu Hanh left, Phung Khac Khoan could not find her and decided to build a Palace to commemorate her existence in West Lake.
Inside the yard of Tay Ho Palace (Source: Vinpearl)
Before entering the Palace, visitors will pass through a 2-story three-entrance gate, with an Eastern gazebo above containing meticulously carved lines, carefully imbued with unique Vietnamese cultural features.
The gate with Eastern gazebo (Source: Tay Ho 360)
Tay Ho Palace includes 4 parts: the main palace, Son Trang Palace, Co (The Female) Tower, and Cau (The Male) Tower.
The main palace consists of 3 ceremony spaces. Especially, the third space (known as Harem) is the place worshipping 3 Holy Mothers, from left to right: Mother Thuong Ngan wearing a green scarf; Princess Lieu Hanh wearing red, and Mother Thoai dressing white. These 3 saints represent the peace and lives of every creature.
Princess Lieu Hanh Altar (Source: Tap chi Tinh hoa Dat Viet)
Son Trang Palace is a private place for worshipping Mother Thuong Ngan and her 12 attendants. There are also 5 Tiger statues which imply strength, courage, and the ability to get rid of evil spirits.
Son Trang Palace (Source: Your Vacation Travel)
Co Tower and Cau Tower are places to worship the important servants in the Palace, put in 2 left and right directions in the yard.
Co Tower (Source: Dulich3mien)
Tay Ho Palace opens from 5 am to around 7 pm. On special occasions like the 15th of every month or festivals, the palace will close later since many people are coming to offer incense.
Note that during the Lunar New Year every year, Tay Ho Palace will be very crowded with thousands of visitors arriving every day. Sightseeing tourists should arrange a more reasonable time to go to the spring tour at the beginning of the year than during the days of Tet.
People visit Tay Ho Palace (Source: Dan Tri)
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Tay Ho Palace is most crowded during the 1st and the 15th of every lunar month. Besides, March the third (lunar calendar) annually is the commemoration of Princess Lieu Hanh.
Local people would organize a procession from Tay Ho Palace through Yen Phu and Co Ngu Streets, then back to Quan Thanh to Nghia Lap Temple at 32 Hang Dau Street to get the ritual paper and return.
Crowds of people attend the procession (Source: VinWonders)
On March 6th and 7th, the palace holds art performances and Chau Van Singing in Pho Linh Pagoda which attracts many participants.
Tay Ho Palace is at No.52 Dang Thai Mai Street, Quang An Ward, Tay Ho, Ha Noi, Viet Nam. There are several options for travelers to reach out:
Tay Ho Palace is about 14km from the city center toward the west, which takes approximately 30 minutes. The routes may change according to visitors’ original places. When arriving, visitors can look for a parking lot outside before entering the palace.
Visitors can take bus 146, E09, 55B, etc. However, the bus station is quite far from the final destination (about 2km). Hence, they can consider going there by Grab, Bee, or XanhSM. Tourists who go in groups can call a taxi to save costs.
Tay Ho Palace is one place that cannot be missed when mentioning sacred places in Hanoi. This place gives a deeper insight into the spiritual world and worshipping customs of Vietnamese people. Contact Asia King Travel now and let us guide you to great destinations!
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