Kim Ngân Communal House @ Hanoi [Vietnam]

For a city that's more than a thousand years ago, temples dotted the cityscape and it's impossible for us to step into one every single time! But, this one with a tree outside that had numerous hanging yellow lanterns piqued our interest.

Known as Đình Kim Ngân / Kim Ngân Communal House, its original purpose is like a community center where residents come together for festivals, worship of the guardian deity and is the de-facto head office. 

Kim Ngân was built in the 15th century by "silversmiths from Chau Khe village" who had settled in the capital to "silver casting" for the court. Aside from the purposes as mentioned above for communal houses, it was also a "place to exchange and trade in compressed silver".

Frankly, I couldn't find much information in English on site about the place although stepping into the house seemed like an entirely different environment from the scene right outside; it was peaceful with an air of calmness. 

The above artifacts also beautified the place, dotting an otherwise pretty normal looking premises with splashes of colors and uniqueness (the above are not commonly found in temples).

Main joss sticks holder. It was said that the main dragon king has nine sons and each of them has a personality /feature that result in their images being used on religious / royal items. The one for incense sticks was Suanni, who was said to love smoking and sitting down. 

Inside the main chamber which was pretty spacious with ancient looking wooden beams supporting the structures. Maybe because it was almost closing time, the place was quite empty except for the curious tourists like me, who were drawn to the place.

One thing I noticed from Vietnamese temples is that they often had a pair of gigantic cranes flanking the main altar. If you need closely, the cranes were standing on top of tortoises! There was supposedly a legend which can read here and it was said that their partnership symbolizes "long-lasting friendship and loyalty".

There was also a pair of life sized wooden horses in Đình Kim Ngân! Sometimes, you do see horses being worshipped alongside this general known as the white horse general.

I was more curious about the above; dressed like a god with a headdress and attire, you can see that it wasn't a statue. According to online info, this communal house worships "Mr. Hien Vien, ancestor of all traditional crafts" and also, Mr. Luu Xuan Tin, who was instrumental in moving and settling in the silversmiths from Chau Khe village.

My peers were bored and I guess it's time to go!

We were the last group as the caretaker came out within a minute to lock up the communal house. Very nice of him not to chase us though as insensitive me didn't realize it was closing time!

Last look at the mesmerizing yellow lanterns.

Noticed this information plaque that's likely showing the entry guidelines and rules. Might be helpful to have it in English or other languages for the benefit of foreigners. 

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Address

44 P. Hàng Bạc, Hàng Buồm, 

Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Map

As above.

Operating Hours

8.00 am till 5.00 pm

(Till 9.00 pm on 1st and 15th day of lunar month)

(Closed for lunch from 12.00 - 1.00 pm)

More Information

Scan QR code as above.

Click here for the Week-Long Itinerary to Hanoi - City of Lakes @ Vietnam