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To prepare for your Tet journey combined with temple visits, check out these 10 famous Vietnamese temples!
1. Yen Tu Heritage Site
Yen Tu Heritage Site is closely associated with the birth, formation, and development of the Truc Lam Zen sect in Vietnam - an ancient Buddhist sect founded by King Tran Nhan Tong in the 13th century. It is also one of Vietnam's famous temples, attracting many international pilgrims every year.
Yen Tu rises over 1000 meters with numerous scattered temples. @internet
Most visitors come here to pray to the Buddha, seek peace, admire the temples, or go on New Year pilgrimages. Stretching from the foot to the summit, Yen Tu boasts many famous temples, monasteries, and pagodas such as Dong Temple, Quynh Lam Temple, Giai Oan Pagoda, Van Tien Temple, Bao Sai Pagoda, Thanh Long Pagoda, Hoa Yen Pagoda, and Cam Thuc Temple.
Dong Temple atop Yen Tu. @internet
As a recognized heritage site, Yen Tu is divided into several distinct relic areas for management and visitation convenience, including: The historical relics of the Tran dynasty (including Tru Phong Pagoda, An Sinh Temple, Ngọa Vân Monastery, Quynh Lam Pagoda...), Western Yen Tu relics (Am Vai Pagoda, Suoi Mo scenic spot, Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda, ...), Eastern Yen Tu relics, Con Son - Kiep Bac - Thanh Mai relics (Con Son relics, Kiep Bac relics, and Thanh Mai Pagoda), and the historical relics of Bach Dang (Yen Giang stake field, King Ba shrine, Tran Hung Dao temple...).
Among them, the Eastern Yen Tu relic area is where many pilgrims worship Buddha and various forms of religious tourism flourish. This is the location of famous landmarks and temples in Vietnam such as Dong Temple, Giai Oan Pagoda, One-Roof Temple, Suoi Tam Temple, and Am Ngự Dược Monastery...
The pilgrimage route to Yen Tu (on foot). @internet
The Yen Tu cable car system. @internet
Address: Thượng Yên Công commune, west of Uong Bi town, Quang Ninh province
2. Huong Pagoda Complex
The Huong Pagoda Complex is one of the oldest temple complexes in Northern Vietnam. Huong Pagoda is located quite far from the center of Hanoi and its festival season begins in the lunar month of January every year. It would be a miss not to include Huong Pagoda in the list of famous temple destinations in Vietnam. The name Huong Pagoda is the colloquial term, used for brevity and convenience in communication. In reality, Huong Pagoda (or Huong Son) is a long-standing religious and cultural complex in our country, with dozens of temples, not to mention scattered shrines and communal houses.
The scenery of the Huong Pagoda complex with the gentle Yen stream. @internet
One of the famous temples in this complex, and also a spiritual tourism destination attracting many international visitors for prayers and sightseeing, is Trong Pagoda, located within Huong Tich Cave. Additionally, other temples, shrines, and pagodas like Thien Tru Pagoda, Thanh Son Pagoda, Bao Dai Pagoda... are scattered along the gentle Yen stream.
International visitors often flock to admire the temples or pray, especially during the Huong Pagoda Festival in January. @quynhanh.886
When visiting Huong Pagoda, you will often hear about taking a boat ride to enjoy the scenery, providing relaxation and a sense of peacefulness as your soul gently drifts along with the stream. Here's a tip for you: try some of the local specialties when visiting Huong Pagoda, such as arrowroot salad, cassava sweet soup, apricots...
Enjoying a boat ride to admire the scenery when visiting Huong Son. @travel_journal_photo
Address: Huong Son Commune, My Duc District, Hanoi
3. Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex
Before the rise of popular tourist destinations in Ninh Binh like Mua Cave, Trang An... this area was already renowned for the Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex since the early 2010s – when it hosted the first grand ceremony to welcome sacred Buddhist relics from India to Vietnam.
Panoramic view of the Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex. @internet
Located at the western gateway of the ancient capital Hoa Lu heritage area, in Gia Vien district of Ninh Binh province. Bai Dinh Pagoda is a Vietnamese temple that has been inscribed in the record books for the largest temples in the S-shaped land strip with an area of about 539 hectares. Not stopping there, this Vietnamese temple also holds other major records in Asia and Vietnam such as: the temple with the largest bronze gilded Buddha statue in Asia, the temple with the longest corridor of Arhat statues in Asia, the temple with the largest bronze Di Lac statue in Southeast Asia...
The temple holds the most records in Vietnam. @emese_ollari
The concept of 'Bai Dinh Pagoda' actually includes two areas: the new Bai Dinh Pagoda (about 80 hectares) and the ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda (with an area of about 27 hectares). With majestic architecture bearing the mark of East Asian architecture, this place always ranks among the most sacred Vietnamese temples. Every year, at Bai Dinh Pagoda, there is the Bai Dinh Pagoda festival, which starts on the evening of the first day of the Lunar New Year, and lasts until the end of the third lunar month (around April or May in the Gregorian calendar).
The path to the temple. @vinu_prasad
The temple boasts a unique architecture. @melo.malaquias
Typically, visitors will combine a visit to Trang An with a trip to Bai Dinh Temple in Ninh Binh. @internet
The Bai Dinh Temple festival consists of 2 parts: the ritual of burning incense to commemorate the merits (ritual part) and the festival part which includes folk games, temple sightseeing, enjoying the art of Cheo and Xam folk songs...
Address: Gia Sinh commune, Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province
4. Tay Ninh Lady Temple
Mount Ba Den is the highest mountain in the southern region of Vietnam, with an altitude of about 986 meters, and it is a symbol of the land and people of Tay Ninh. Many people regularly visit here to pay respects to the Tay Ninh Lady Temple, situated on Mount Ba Den, also known as Linh Son, Tien Thach, Upper Temple, or Upper Pagoda. Along with Hang Temple (Linh Son Long Chau Temple) and Trung Temple (Linh Son Phuoc Trung Temple), Tay Ninh Lady Temple is one of the famous temples in the Mekong Delta region and throughout the country.
Tay Ninh Lady Temple. @internet
The temple was built in the 18th century and has undergone several renovations. Every year, pilgrims flock to Mount Ba Den to visit the temple for prayers, especially during the Lunar New Year which lasts the entire first month of the year, and during the Lady Temple festival on the 5th - 6th day of the 6th lunar month (around June in the Gregorian calendar).
Cable car system on Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh. @champparinyaart
Upon arrival, you can utilize the cable car system (about 1225 meters long) to ascend from the foot of the mountain to Linh Son Tien Thach Temple, or for those who enjoy challenges and adventure, you can also hike up to the temple.
Ba Den Temple. @lanhh27
Address: Ninh Trung Hamlet, Ninh Son Commune, Tay Ninh Town, Tay Ninh Province
5. Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda - Da Nang
In Da Nang, there are currently three Linh Ung pagodas, and it's quite coincidental that all three are located in prime locations. The first one is Linh Ung Non Nuoc Pagoda, situated on the Marble Mountains; the second is Linh Ung Ba Na Pagoda. And finally, there's Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda, Son Tra Peninsula, nestled on the mountainside of Son Tra Peninsula. Among these three pagodas, Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda stands out as one of the most well-known pagodas in Vietnam. Perhaps partly because it's the largest, newest, and most beautiful among the three pagodas.
Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda seen from above. @internet
Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda is also quite a special Vietnamese pagoda because it houses the tallest statue of Guan Yin in the country. When standing anywhere in the coastal city of Da Nang, you can catch a glimpse of the Lady Buddha Statue. It's currently the tallest Buddha statue in Vietnam, standing at 67 meters tall with a lotus-shaped base measuring 35 meters in diameter, equivalent to a 30-story building.
The tallest Buddha statue in Vietnam resides in this famous pagoda. @internet
In a tourist-oriented city like Da Nang, having a renowned pagoda that exudes both spirituality and grand architecture, Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda has long become a prominent Vietnamese pagoda in the Central region. Every year, numerous international visitors come here to pray, especially during festive occasions. Moreover, seeing the serene face, facing towards the sea, of the Guan Yin statue also brings a sense of tranquility and peace to many.
From atop Linh Ung Pagoda, you can capture the entire panorama of the city. @lenhat25
From atop Linh Ung Pagoda, you can perfectly admire the entire view of the city, the mountains, and the Son Tra Peninsula seascape; in the distance, Marble Mountains and the surrounding beaches with long stretches of white sand become apparent. At night, if you stand at the temple gate and look down, you can marvel at the beauty of Da Nang city as the night falls, with the shimmering lights illuminating the entire coastal street.
Address: Linh Ung Pagoda, Hoang Sa, Tho Quang, Son Tra, Da Nang
6. Thien Mu Pagoda - Hue
It would be a great oversight not to mention Thien Mu Pagoda in the list of famous pagodas in Vietnam. Thien Mu Pagoda, also known as Linh Mu Pagoda, sits atop Hà Khê Hill along the banks of the Perfume River, about 5 km west of the city center of Hue.
Thien Mu Pagoda. @trinh1090
When mentioning Thien Mu Pagoda, one immediately recalls the image of the Phuoc Duyen Tower, formerly known as Tu Nhan Tower; built in 1844 by King Thieu Tri. The tower stands 21 meters tall with an octagonal shape and seven stories. Each story of the Phuoc Duyen Tower venerates a different Buddha. In front of the tower is the Huong Nguyen Pavilion.
You can admire the Perfume River from above while standing at the Phuoc Duyen Tower. @phanxipang
Today, surpassing the difficult and painful periods of the past, Thien Mu Pagoda shines peacefully beside the Perfume River, becoming a place where travelers come to pay respects, offer incense, and pray for peace. Moreover, Thien Mu Pagoda has become a symbol associated with the gentle beauty of the ancient capital of Hue, becoming a renowned spiritual tourism destination for Hue tourism and Vietnamese tourism in general.
Thien Mu Pagoda peacefully stands by the Perfume River, becoming a place for people to seek blessings and contemplation. @internet
Address: Ha Khe Hill, Huong Long Commune, Huong Hoa District, Hue City
7. One Pillar Pagoda - Hanoi
Beyond its spiritual significance, One Pillar Pagoda is renowned in Vietnam for its ancient age and is one of the symbols of the capital city of Hanoi. Also known as Dien Huu Pagoda or Lotus Pagoda, One Pillar Pagoda is part of the Dien Huu Pagoda complex located in the western part of the ancient Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Currently, One Pillar Pagoda is situated in Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.
One Pillar Pagoda - an icon of Hanoi capital. @unknown_maru
One Pillar Pagoda is one of the well-known Buddhist destinations in Vietnam, familiar to both domestic and international tourists. Rarely does anyone visit the capital city without taking the opportunity to explore this ancient pagoda. With its unique structure relying entirely on a single pillar resembling a blossoming lotus, deep spiritual value, and rich history and culture, One Pillar Pagoda unquestionably becomes an unmissable tourist attraction in Hanoi.
The staircase leading up to the main hall of One Pillar Pagoda. @sasha_poletaeva
Additionally, you can combine a visit to the Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in the same day as these attractions are not too far apart.
Address: One Pillar Pagoda Street, Doi Can Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
8. Vinh Nghiem Pagoda – Ho Chi Minh City
If you have the chance to pass by this pagoda a few times, you'll notice one thing... Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is always bustling. Although it's not always packed with people, almost any time of the day, there are visitors coming to pray for blessings and admire - enough to attest to the reputation of this large pagoda in Saigon.
Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is currently located at 339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia (near Cong Ly Bridge), District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. @chuanoitieng
During the spring days, many people from Saigon and nearby provinces come here to pray for blessings, offer incense, or simply admire the pagoda. Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, besides its spiritual significance, is also known for its unique, solemn, and grand structure covering an area of up to 6,000 square meters. The pagoda features a triple gate, a central hall area with the main hall and various towers (the 7-story Quan The Am Tower, the Community Unity Tower, and the Vinh Nghiem stone tower).
An architectural angle of Vinh Nghiem Pagoda in Saigon. @mapio
Vinh Nghiem Pagoda shines brightly during Vesak. @hoangbach.br
Address: 339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ward 14, District 3, HCMC
9. Ba Thien Hau Pagoda – Saigon
Ba Thien Hau Pagoda in Saigon is one of Vietnam's centuries-old temples. It was built around 1760 by a group of Chinese immigrants. On the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month, Lunar New Year, the Lantern Festival, and especially on the Lady's Commemoration Day (23rd of the 3rd lunar month, usually falling in April), many Saigonese and tourists alike come here to pray and immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere.
If you prefer a less crowded experience, you can visit on weekdays to explore all the historical landmarks here. @internet
The interior architecture of Ba Thien Hau Pagoda. @pinterest
Incense smoke fills the air at this famous temple. @internet
Address: 710 Nguyen Trai, Ward 14, District 5, HCMC
10. Hoang Phuc Pagoda - Quang Binh
Hoang Phuc Pagoda is also a quite ancient Vietnamese temple, dating back to the early 18th century in Quang Binh. Formerly known as Am Tri Kien, later changed to Kinh Thien Pagoda, or also known as 'King's Pagoda' (because once Emperor Tran Nhan Tong visited the temple to offer incense during a trip to the central region) or Hoang Phuc Pagoda (renamed by King Minh Mang).
The ancient gate of Hoang Phuc Pagoda. @thanhnien
Here, there is also a bronze bell cast during the reign of King Minh Mang when the main temple was officially renamed Hoang Phuc. So, when you come here, you are not only admiring the ancient temple, offering incense for blessings, but also exploring and learning more about a historical and religious aspect of our country.
Hoang Phuc Pagoda is one of the oldest temples in the Central region, located in Thuan Trach village, My Thuy commune, Le Thuy district, Quang Binh province. @internet
Currently, Hoang Phuc Pagoda has been restored, so you will see many 'brand new modern' features within the temple grounds. However, Hoang Phuc remains one of the famous temple visitation spots in Vietnam and is worth a visit.
The restored scene of Hoang Phuc Pagoda. @thanhnien
Address: Mỹ Thủy, Lệ Thủy, Quảng Bình
Above are 10 sacred and famous Vietnamese pagodas for you to visit with your family at the beginning of the year. Mytour also hopes that your spring trips will be truly fulfilling!
