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Amidst life's hustle, many #teamKlook choose Chùa Hoằng Pháp in Saigon as a place to entrust faith, hope, and deepen their knowledge of Buddhism. A pilgrimage to Chùa Hoằng Pháp is sure to bring you profound moments of contemplation.
Still a vibrant, bustling city day and night, but somewhere within the sacred temples, noise seems to fade, making room for a sense of tranquility and serenity. Temples are not only places of cultural and spiritual activities, prayers, and blessings for the Saigonese, but they also boast unique architectural landscapes that attract many visitors. Chùa Hoằng Pháp is one of the places where incense continually burns, chosen by many Buddhists for spiritual practice. Let's explore Chùa Hoằng Pháp, Saigon, with Klook!
Introduction to Chùa Hoằng Pháp Saigon
Chùa Hoằng Pháp is a temple belonging to the Northern school, founded by Zen Master Ngô Chân Tử in 1957. Not only known for its scenic beauty, Chùa Hoằng Pháp is renowned for the virtuous life of its founder. Thanks to the high moral character of the late Zen Master, many Buddhists gather at Chùa Hoằng Pháp to seek refuge in Buddhism.
After more than half a century, Chùa Hoằng Pháp has become a sanctuary, providing support and aid to those in need, regularly organizing charitable activities. Especially, Chùa Hoằng Pháp is recognized as the first place in Saigon to organize beneficial summer retreats for the youth, attracting thousands of students to meditation sessions each year. With the protection of the Triple Gem and the support of the Buddhists, Chùa Hoằng Pháp now has nearly 50 branches across the country; some of them are under construction or in the planning phase.
Where is Chùa Hoằng Pháp Located?
- Chùa Hoằng Pháp is situated on approximately 6 hectares of land in Tân Hiệp commune, Hóc Môn district, Ho Chi Minh City, about 20km from the city center of District 1.
How to Get to Chùa Hoằng Pháp, Hóc Môn, Saigon
Chùa Hoằng Pháp is located quite far from the city center of Ho Chi Minh City, but reaching it is not difficult. You can easily commute using various means of transportation such as cars, motorcycles, or buses.
Taking the starting point as Ben Thanh Market, follow Truong Dinh Street towards the Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe canal, then continue onto Truong Sa Street. Afterward, proceed straight towards Cong Hoa Street and then Truong Chinh until you pass through the An Suong underpass, entering Xuyen A Street, which is also National Highway 22. From here, travel a bit further to reach Tân Hiệp commune, Hóc Môn district, and ask the local residents or use Google Maps to find Chùa Hoằng Pháp.
If you prefer the economical option of taking the bus, look for routes 74, 94, 04, or 14 with stops closest to Chùa Hoằng Pháp. Additionally, you can explore many attractive destinations in Ho Chi Minh City with the Hop On Hop Off double-decker bus tour.
And don't forget, Klook always provides services for renting a private car with a driver, ready to transport you through every road, to wherever you want. You can just relax and enjoy the trip without worrying about the distant and busy roads anymore.
History of Chùa Hoằng Pháp
In 1957, venerable monk Ngộ Chân Tử founded Chùa Hoằng Pháp in a budding forest. After two years of exploration, the new temple was officially built with nailed bricks, two tiled roofs, facing Northwest, and venerable monk Ngộ Chân Tử became the first Abbot of the temple.
In addition to practicing, receiving and training monks, propagating Buddha's teachings, and constructing the Tam Bảo Tower, Venerable Ngộ Chân Tử always cared for the less fortunate, portraying Chùa Hoằng Pháp as a home ready to shelter and support those less fortunate.
In 1965, during the ravages of war in Đồng Xoài, when many were left homeless, Venerable Abbot welcomed families to the temple for long-term care, later buying land to build houses for them to settle in.
In 1968, out of compassion for children who lost parents, were orphaned, poor, and unable to attend school due to the war, Venerable Abbot continued to establish Dục Anh orphanage at the temple to take in children from 6 to 10 years old for care and education.
Thanks to these volunteer activities, Buddhist followers from various places gathered at the temple more and more. Therefore, to have enough space for preaching, in 1971, Venerable Abbot decided to construct an extension of the main hall, extending it to 28m.
In 1974, Venerable Abbot purchased 45 hectares of land in Tân Tạo commune, Bình Chánh district, with the intention of opening an orphanage to accommodate disadvantaged children and establishing a temple dedicated to Hùng Vương.
After April 1975, when the construction was underway, Venerable Abbot donated that land to the new economic zone administration of Lê Minh Xuân.
At that time, the Dục Anh orphanage was disbanded as many children were reunited with their relatives. Venerable Abbot continued the compassionate work of rescuing suffering beings, adopting and nurturing elderly individuals living alone with difficult circumstances.
In 1988, Venerable Ngộ Chân Tử peacefully passed away at Chùa Hoằng Pháp, and Venerable Thích Chân Tính, a disciple of Venerable Abbot, became the Abbot of Chùa Hoằng Pháp, continuing the propagating of the true Dharma, following the legacy of Venerable Abbot until today.
In 1995, the temple initiated the reconstruction of the main hall after a period of severe deterioration.
March 1999 marked the event when Venerable Abbot collaborated with the Representative Board of Buddhism in Hóc Môn district to organize the first Buddhist retreat in Saigon at Chùa Hoằng Pháp.
In 2005, the temple began organizing annual summer retreats for students and young people.
Today, Chùa Hoằng Pháp is regarded as a center for Buddhist studies and the largest Buddhist cultural center in Vietnam.
Distinctive Architecture of Chùa Hoằng Pháp
After more than half a century, Chùa Hoằng Pháp has undergone numerous renovations. Overall, the architecture of Chùa Hoằng Pháp harmoniously combines modern colors and traditional lines from ancient temples in the North. Still featuring the two-story red tiled roof and graceful curves, Chùa Hoàng Pháp brings a more artistic and stylized touch compared to its predecessors.
1. Triple Gate
The triple gate of Chùa Hoằng Pháp, a newly constructed structure in 1999, bears the inscriptions 'Chùa Hoằng Pháp' on the main gate, 'Wisdom' on the right auxiliary gate, and 'Compassion' on the left, alternating with couplets inscribed in Vietnamese.
Passing through the temple gate leads to a spacious courtyard leading to the main hall, adorned with tall trees, creating a cool and tranquil space for the temple. It is also an ideal location for Buddhist families to engage in outdoor activities and camping.
2. Main Hall
The current main hall was rebuilt by Venerable Abbot Thích Chân Tính in 1995. From a distance, the hall is constructed in a solid 'Công' shape. The two-story, eight-roofed structure is supported by a robust system of columns. The three-tiered porch features large lion statues made of yellow cement, and a copper top with captivating patterns.
Notably, the floor is paved with granite imported from Spain, while all doors, columns, and altar are crafted from precious wood, intricately carved. Flanking the main hall are two exquisite bas-reliefs of the Diamond Realm Deities, while the interior is arranged according to the chronological order of Buddhas and Patriarchs.
The front hall venerates a bronze statue of the Buddha Shakyamuni seated on a lotus, meditating, and the Patriarchs. Above the walls are seven bas-reliefs illustrating the life of the Buddha from birth to enlightenment. The rear hall pays homage to Venerable Abbot Ngộ Chân Tử, the founding patriarch of Chùa Hoằng Pháp. On the walls are two bas-reliefs depicting his spiritual journey, flanked by ancestral altars.
3. Other Striking Architectural Features
One notable structure at Chùa Hoằng Pháp is the Twin Virtues Pagoda, where the venerable Abbot Ngộ Chân Tử's remains are enshrined, located to the left of the main hall. The pagoda has a wide circular base, three levels high, with the circumference narrowing as it rises. The top of the pagoda bears the inscription 'Vạn' (Infinity), symbolizing boundless merits and eternal cosmic virtue.
A short distance away is the pagoda for deceased nuns of the temple. Next are the dining hall, parallel to the elderly women's housing, and finally, the meditation hall.
To the right of the main hall is a garden with a prominent large rockery, featuring a central statue of the Compassionate Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara made of white marble. This is considered the largest and most beautiful rockery in the temples of Ho Chi Minh City. Following that is the Enlightenment Pagoda, a place for preserving relics of noble persons.
Behind the main hall is the Monk's Hall, also used as a lecture hall. In front of the monk's hall are two lawns with ancient banyan trees.
Summer Retreat at Chùa Hoằng Pháp - A 'Must-Try' Experience for the Youth
You can visit Chùa Hoằng Pháp anytime to enjoy the scenery, listen to sermons, and find peace within. However, if you wish to cultivate your mind, attain spiritual enlightenment, and improve your well-being for a noble lifestyle, participate in the annual retreats at Chùa Hoằng Pháp.
There are various retreats catering to different groups, but the most prominent is the summer retreat, especially suitable for students. Here, you'll experience meditation and independent activities at the temple. After the summer retreats, participants often adopt a more disciplined lifestyle and cultivate a peaceful, tolerant mindset. The summer retreat usually spans 7 days and nights in July, targeting individuals aged 17 to 25.
Travel Tips for Chùa Hoằng Pháp
- According to #teamKlook's experience, when visiting Chùa Hoằng Pháp, make sure to find the Bodhi tree, also known as the sala, to seek good fortune. This ancient tree, with its beautiful red flowers cascading to the ground, is commonly planted in many temples across Vietnam.
- The sala is most beautiful from February to May, emitting a delightful fragrance as it blooms.
- Tourists and Buddhists often gather under the Bodhi tree at Chùa Hoằng Pháp to pray for peace and good luck for their families.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Hóc Môn is one of the outskirts of Saigon offering several exciting tourist destinations and numerous delicious local eateries - affordable and tasty.
- After exploring Chùa Hoằng Pháp, take some time to visit RinRin Park, a Japanese rock garden with a koi pond and hundreds of beautiful ancient bonsai trees.
- Adjacent to that, Nhi Binh Flower Field along the Saigon River will be a colorful check-in point with various standout flowers against the blue sky.
- If you love the simple beauty of Southern countryside scenes, head to Villa H2O Ecotourism Area to immerse yourself in nature with many entertaining, relaxing, and enticing activities.
- And of course, with the list of interesting activities in Saigon compiled by Klook Vietnam below, you'll have to 'walk tired' to experience all the fun spots in Saigon.
Accommodations Near Chùa Hoằng Pháp
To make your exploration of Chùa Hoằng Pháp complete, choose a conveniently priced accommodation. With Klook's booking system and a variety of exclusive Klook discount codes, you have no reason not to find a suitable hotel in Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon homestay.
1. California Hotel Hóc Môn
- Address: 45 Nhà Vuông Street, Trung Chánh Ward, Hóc Môn District, Ho Chi Minh City
- Reference Price: from 384,000 VND/night
2. RedDoorz Tô Ký
- Address: 330 Tô Ký Street, Tân Chánh Hiệp Ward, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City
- Reference Price: from 308,000 VND/night
3. Khang Bảo Viên
- Address: 36 Võ Thị Nhúa Street, Tân Phú Trung Ward, Củ Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City
- Reference Price: from 266,000 VND/night
4. Saigon Garden Homestay
- Address: Tam Nông Farm, Group 33, Ward 2, Thạnh Xuân Ward, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City
- Reference Price: from 600,000 VND/night
5. Hoang Anh Star Hotel
- Address: 31/3 Song Hành Street, Trung Mỹ Tây Ward, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City
- Reference Price: from 342,000 VND/night
Besides Hoang Phap Pagoda, Giac Lam Pagoda, Ngoc Hoang Pagoda, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda or Ba Thien Hau Temple are also significant religious places in the spiritual life of Saigonese. On cool evenings, invite your buddies for a stroll and snacks around the areas of Ben Thanh Market, Ho Thi Ky Market or Bui Vien Walking Street, Nguyen Hue Walking Street to explore Saigon at night.
Your Ho Chi Minh City trip will never be boring with a plethora of shared experiences, travel tips, and detailed reviews on Klook Vietnam's Blog. Refer and plan your city exploration now.
Are you planning to visit Hoang Phap Pagoda this weekend?
