Explore the Impressive Architectural Style of Ba Thien Hau Pagoda

Ba Thien Hau Pagoda

If you plan to visit this place on your upcoming Saigon trip, check out the information shared by Mytour in the article below. These travel tips are sure to be helpful for your journey.

The unique architecture of the pagoda. @VnExpress

Introduction to Ba Thien Hau Pagoda

This temple is one of the oldest Chinese temples in Ho Chi Minh City. It has long been a spiritual place known for its significant influence on the local people's spiritual life. The temple is dedicated to Lady Thien Hau, whose real name is Lam Mac Nuong, born on Matsu Island, Fujian, China.

At just 14 months old, Lady Thien Hau showed extraordinary talents in various fields, and later, the Chinese community worshipped her to express gratitude. According to legend, when the Chinese migrated from Guangdong, China to Vietnam for a better life, their journey was smooth and safe. Therefore, they believe that Lady Thien Hau's divine presence helped them overcome obstacles and settle prosperously.

In 1760 (18th century), the temple was built by a group of Chinese from Tuyet Thanh. After 261 years, the temple has undergone several renovations while maintaining its unique architectural features. This place was recognized as a national architectural and artistic monument on January 7, 1993.

A glimpse inside Ba Thien Hau Pagoda. | Credit: Internet

Exploring the Temple - Tips and Tricks

Where is Ba Thien Hau Pagoda?

Situated in the bustling heart of Saigon, the temple offers a serene escape, contrasting with the luxurious and hectic cityscape. Specifically located at 710 Nguyen Trai Street, District 5, in the central area of Cholon. Next to the temple is the Tuyet Thanh Assembly Hall, a vibrant area where many Cantonese Chinese reside.

The temple sits amidst the bustling heart of Saigon. @Wikipedia

Getting to Ba Thien Hau Pagoda

If you're traveling from northern or central provinces, booking a flight to Saigon is the most convenient and quickest way. Upon landing at Tan Son Nhat Airport, opt for Mytour's airport transfer service for a direct journey to the temple.

If traveling from your accommodation, you can take a taxi, ride-hailing motorbike, or rent a self-drive scooter for more flexibility. To reach this destination, follow Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, turn onto Hung Vuong, continue on Hong Bang Street, and make a left turn at Luong Nhu Hoc Street.

Opening Hours

This spiritual destination welcomes international visitors every day from Monday to Sunday. The temple's visiting hours are from 6:00 AM to 11:30 AM in the morning and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM in the afternoon. Note that during festivals and Tet (Lunar New Year), the opening hours may vary from regular days. Therefore, plan your travel schedule accordingly and avoid visiting the temple too early or too late!

Unmissable Experiences at Ba Thien Hau Pagoda

Explore the unique architectural style of the Chinese community

As you step into this place, you'll be captivated by the impressive square-shaped architecture, consisting of a complex of four interconnected buildings forming the shape of the letter 'mouth' or 'country.' In the first area - the front hall, you'll find the altars of Phuc Duc Chanh Thanh on the right and Mon Quan Vuong Ta on the left. The stone steles depicting the legends of Thien Hau Holy Mother and the paintings of her divine appearances on the water surface are also eye-catching attractions for tourists.

Entering the Middle Palace of the temple, you'll encounter the exquisite Five Buddhas set, intricately carved and displaying scenes of a dragon boat and a palanquin adorned with golden silk threads on both sides. These are the two items commonly used to parade Thien Hau on the main ceremony day of the temple.

The Main Palace area, also known as Thien Hau Palace, consists of three buildings. In the center is the altar dedicated to Thien Hau Holy Mother, Kim Hoa Goddess, Long Mother Goddess, and the two side buildings house the altars of Dia Tang, Quan Thanh, and Than Tai. All the statues in the temple are adorned with luxurious embroidered robes, leaving visitors in awe.

All statues in the temple are adorned with luxurious embroidered robes. @Go2Joy

Admire the precious artifacts preserved in the temple

Thien Hau Temple

The ceramic statues and bas-reliefs on the roof of the temple. @internet

Additionally, this place houses a wealth of agarwood, eaglewood, and valuable aloeswood. When visiting, tourists are astonished by 41 raised paintings, 10 horizontal lacquers, 7 deity statues, 9 stone steles, 2 small bells, and countless other priceless treasures. Especially, all of them are meticulously crafted by artisans with delicate carved lines.

Capture the perfect Instagram moment

If you appreciate architectural spaces with a nostalgic touch, then you should definitely bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery of this temple. It not only impresses tourists with its grandeur and solemnity but also features a time-honored, captivating atmosphere.

Thien Hau Temple is a favorite 'Instagrammable' spot for the younger generation. @Trang An

Every corner of the temple exudes its own beauty, allowing you to freely choose a background for your photos. Especially, spaces like the sturdy green fence, pink noticeboard, and antique brick walls are the most beloved check-in points for many travelers.

Capture a stunning photo corner at the temple. @Vinpearl

Offering heartfelt prayers

Thien Hau Temple

Additionally, it's rumored among the youth that seeking fortune telling at this temple is quite mystical. Therefore, during the Lunar New Year, you can come here to draw lots, gaining insights into some challenges you might face in the future and fostering belief in positive outcomes.

Many travelers come here for prayers. @Go2Joy

Join the festival of 'Via Ba'

You can visit this temple at any time of the year as each season brings a unique beauty to the place. However, if you want to immerse yourself in the lively festival atmosphere, visit from the 22nd to the 24th of the lunar March. This is the time when the 'Via Ba Thien Hau' festival is held, attracting a large number of international tourists for worship. Some come here to pray for luck, love, and wealth, while others come to experience the distinctive spiritual and cultural atmosphere.

Vibrant atmosphere at the 'Via Ba' festival. @Go2Joy

On this day, a statue of Lady Thien Mau is placed on a palanquin and paraded around the temple. You can also participate in other interesting cultural activities such as dragon dances, lion dances, unicorn dances, and enjoy performances of unique ethnic arts.

The statue of Lady Thien Mau is placed on a palanquin and paraded around the temple. @aFamily

Some other Chinese temples and assembly halls in Ho Chi Minh City

Tam Son Assembly Hall

Address: 118 Trieu Quang Phuc Street, Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Opening Hours: 06:00–22:00 daily

Tam Son Assembly Hall is located in the Trieu Quang Phuc Street area of District 5, where many Chinese people currently reside. No one knows when it was built, but based on what is written on the stone steles here, Tam Son Assembly Hall probably appeared sometime during the reign of Gia Khanh King (1796) and was first renovated in 1887. The name Tam Son refers to three mountains, including Binh Son, Cuu Tien Son, and Viet Vuong Son in Phuc Chau - the homeland of Chinese immigrants here.

The assembly hall is a place of worship for Kim Hoa Holy Mother, Thien Hau Holy Mother, Quan Am, Ngoc Hoang, Tam Thanh, Thanh Tai Am Phu, Thai Tue Long Vuong, and Quan Cong.

Quan Am Pagoda - On Lang Assembly Hall

Address: 12 Lao Tu Street, Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening Hours: 6:15 - 17:00

Located on Lao Tu Street, near Hong Bang Street leading to the Chinese community in Ho Chi Minh City, On Lang Assembly Hall (also known as Quan Am Pagoda) often attracts many devout men and women for worship. Especially on major festivals such as January 26 for Quan Am Khai Kho Festival and the Lantern Festival.

In the 18th century, the assembly hall was constructed and later became a gathering place for the native Chinese community from Tuyen Chau prefecture (Fujian province). It serves as a place of worship for Thien Hau Holy Mother, Bodhisattva Quan Am, Phuoc Duc Chinh Thanh (Mr. Bon), Lady Thai Sinh, Quan Vu, Bao Cong, one side is Thanh Hoang, Tuong Dan Lao family.

Phuoc An Assembly Hall

Address: 184 Hung Vuong, Ward 12, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Opening hours: 07:00–17:00 daily

Located on Hung Vuong Street in the Chinese community of District 5, Phuoc An Assembly Hall was built by the Hoa Minh Huong Chinese, originally from the provinces of Fujian, Guangdong, and Zhejiang, who settled in the Cholon area.

With a spacious campus of nearly 1,000 square meters, this assembly hall is divided into three main areas for visitors to explore: the main hall in the north, the front hall in the south, and the central hall; dedicated to worship Quan Thanh De Quan, Buddha, Bodhisattva Quan Am, Ngu Hanh Nu, and Ong Bon. Starting as a shrine, this assembly hall has evolved into a religious site honoring both deities and Buddha. In 2009, it was recognized as a city-level architectural and artistic monument.

Mieu Ong - Nghia An Assembly Hall

Address: 678 Nguyen Trai Street, Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Opening hours: 07:00–18:00 daily

Located on Tran Hung Dao Street, Nghia An Assembly Hall (also known as Ong Pagoda or Quan De Temple) was established by the Chinese community from Chaozhou who migrated to Vietnam.

This place not only possesses meticulously carved architectural details but also holds significant value in calligraphy, stone, and wood carving art from the late 19th to the early 20th century (according to Thanh Nien newspaper). It primarily worships Quan Thanh De Quan, Thien Hau Thanh Mau, and Tai Bach Tinh Quan (God of Wealth). Two major festivals here are Ong's Day on the 24th of the 6th month and the most important, Nguyen Tieu Festival (according to the lunar calendar).

Must-try Chinese delicacies at these dining spots you surely won't want to miss

Ha Ky Sweet Soup

Address: 138 Chau Van Liem Street, Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Opening Hours: 10:00–22:00

Price Range: 25,000 - 40,000 VND

Chè Ha Ky is undeniably one of the iconic Chinese sweet soup spots, deeply rooted through generations and renowned in the heart of Cholon. The place offers a variety of traditional Chinese sweet soups like black sesame sweet soup, Guangzhou-style sweet soup, tea-soaked chicken eggs, white lotus seed sweet soup, and more. Additionally, they serve savory dishes such as vegetarian spring rolls, savory silken tofu cake, savory wet rice paper rolls, all listed in both Vietnamese and Chinese on the menu (a common sight in Chinese eateries in District 5).

Pho Phieu Ky

Address: 21 Nguyen An Street, Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Opening Hours: 13:30–23:00

Price Range: 90,000 - 110,000 VND

Pho Phieu Ky is the next Chinese-Vietnamese eatery that Mytour wants to introduce to you. It stands out as one of the rare original Chinese pho restaurants with a diverse menu and intricate cooking techniques. Notably, the broth is spicy and flavorful, made from finely ground peanuts and lemongrass. A bowl of pho is served with the house-made black soy sauce, not only fragrant but also with a unique taste rarely found elsewhere.

The menu is equally diverse, offering not only beef pho but also options like leaf tripe pho, honeycomb tripe, tongue, squid, and even deer. The pho dishes are served in two styles: one with the normal broth and the other in Saigon style with a spicy and nutty flavor, thanks to the peanuts, making it exceptionally delicious and aromatic.

Ha Ton Quyen Dumplings

Address: Located on Ha Ton Quyen Street

Opening Hours: 11:00–23:30

Price: 65,000 VND

When it comes to noodle dishes, Ha Ton Quyen Street is synonymous with dumplings. Almost every corner along the street focuses on selling Chinese dumplings, so people often refer to this place as Ha Ton Quyen Dumplings.

Some notable noodle shops include: Thien Thien Dumplings, Ngoc Vy Dumplings, Thuan Hao Dumplings, Duc Phat Dumplings,... with a menu mainly serving dry / soup / fried dumplings accompanied by chrysanthemum tea, black tea, cold ginseng, herbal tea,...

Accommodations near Ba Thien Hau Pagoda

To fully explore the beauty of this pagoda and conveniently visit nearby attractions, consider staying at one of the hotels nearby for at least 1 day. Here is a list of suggestions from Mytour for your reference on your trip!

Sao Mai Hotel

Accommodation near Bà Thiên Hậu Pagoda

Sao Mai Hotel offers well-equipped accommodation. @HotelsCombined

The Common Room Hotel

Situated on Nguyen Trai Street, The Common Room Hotel is one of the most luxurious hotels in District 5 with modern design and impressive color schemes. Private rooms are well-equipped with amenities, and the ensuite bathrooms with soaking tubs are a major highlight. Additionally, staying here allows you to indulge in a variety of dishes ranging from European to Asian cuisines.

The Common Room Hotel with modern design and impressive color schemes. @Hotelmix

Dormitory room at The Common Room Hotel. @Hotelmix

Signature Boutique Hotel

Signature Boutique Hotel boasts an impressive decor style and premium furnishings. Therefore, the rooms here provide a luxurious yet comfortable feel. Notably, the hotel offers complimentary breakfast in the restaurant area and provides room service for dining convenience.

Signature Boutique Hotel offers a sense of luxury. @Kayak

The hotel's unique design style. @Klook

Selena Hotel

Bà Thiên Hậu Temple

Spacious, clean rooms at Selena Hotel. @Hotelmix

Hotel Equatorial

Affordable hotel near Bà Thiên Hậu Temple

Equatorial Hotel features European-inspired architectural style. @Kayak

Lam Kinh Hotel

If you're seeking an affordable hotel near this temple, Lam Kinh Hotel is one of the choices you can't miss. With two room categories, Standard Room (Bathtub) and Superior Room (Twin), guests can easily select a room type that suits their relaxation needs and budget preferences.

Rooms at Lam Kinh Hotel are equipped with all modern amenities. @VINASTAY

Chua Ba Thien Hau

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