Voi Phục Temple is one of Hanoi's old guardian temples, tucked into the western side of the city near Thu Le Park. Its name means "kneeling elephants," a reference to the stone elephants at the entrance and to the legend of Prince Linh Lang, who is honoured here as a protective spirit.
The temple is not as central or as busy as Ngoc Son or the Temple of Literature, which is part of its appeal. Incense, old trees, lacquered beams, and small courtyards make it a rewarding stop if you are already exploring Ba Dinh and the western districts. It is a quiet counterpoint to Hanoi's headline monuments.