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Giac Lam Pagoda - a unique gem in the pilgrimage journey to Ho Chi Minh City. This ancient pagoda, with its centuries-old history, offers a close-up view of Buddhist architecture from the 17th century and a rare meditation space.
For spiritual enthusiasts in Saigon, Giac Lam Pagoda is perhaps the most magnificent destination in the journey to explore Saigon. Apart from its unique architecture and fascinating formation story, Giac Lam Pagoda attracts visitors from all over the world for worship, prayer, and to enjoy its serene atmosphere.
Over three centuries, many ancient pagodas have disappeared, but fortunately, Giac Lam Pagoda still stands majestically, bearing witness to the ups and downs of Saigon - Gia Dinh, deserving its status as a national historical and cultural relic of Vietnam. Join #teamKlook to discover this national treasure!
Overview of Giac Lam Pagoda in Saigon
Giac Lam Pagoda, also known as Giac Lam Tu, is an ancient pagoda located in Tan Binh District. With nearly 300 years of history, Giac Lam Pagoda has witnessed all the changes and transformations of this land; moreover, it is the Mother Temple of Lam Te lineage in Southern Vietnam. In 1988, Giac Lam Pagoda was recognized as a national historical and cultural relic and became a famous pilgrimage site for visitors from all over the world.
Where is Giac Lam Pagoda Located?
Giac Lam Pagoda is situated at 565 Lac Long Quan Street, Ward 10, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, approximately 8km from downtown District 1.
Detailed Directions to Giac Lam Pagoda
From downtown Ho Chi Minh City, you can reach Giac Lam Pagoda by car or motorbike via Nguyen Du Street towards Cach Mang Thang 8 Street. Then, turn onto Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ly Thai To, 3/2 Street to reach Ward 9 area. Continue along Le Dai Hanh Street, Au Co Street, and finally Lac Long Quan Street in Ward 10, Tan Binh District.
If you prefer to save costs by taking the bus, note that routes 145 and 148 have stops closest to the pagoda.
Alternatively, simply hire a private car with a driver for a relaxing journey through the streets before arriving at your destination. It's safe and allows you to manage your time effectively, making it particularly suitable for groups of friends and families traveling together.
Operating Hours of Giac Lam Pagoda
Giac Lam Pagoda welcomes visitors from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day of the week. During holidays and festivals, closing hours may be extended.
History of Giac Lam Pagoda
In the early 17th century, the Vietnamese expanded their territory to Dong Nai and Gia Dinh regions. To serve religious activities and beliefs, wherever villages were established, temples and pagodas were built; and one of the influential pagodas in the Southern region since then is Giac Lam Pagoda.
According to records, in the spring of 1774, under the reign of Lord Nguyen Phuc Khoat, monk Ly Thuy Long, a Minh Huong person, donated money to build a temple named Son Caan.
Later on, the temple was called Cam Son because it was located on Cam Son hill. Additionally, the temple was also known as Cam Đệm, named after Cam – the personal name of monk Thuy Long, and based on his profession of weaving mattresses.
Later, Zen Master Phat Y – Linh Nhac, who was then the abbot of Tu An Pagoda, sent his disciple Zen Master Master - Vien Quang to serve as the abbot of Son Can Pagoda and officially renamed the pagoda as Giac Lam.
From its establishment until Zen Master Vien Quang became the abbot, the pagoda had existed for over 30 years but did not develop, entirely lacking in propagating the Dharma, only serving as a spiritual refuge for the locals. However, under Zen Master Vien Quang's tenure, Giac Lam Pagoda became a center for teaching scriptures, the first Buddhist legal system for monks in Gia Dinh and the Southern region.
When Zen Master Tien Giac – Hai Tinh succeeded, around 1844, he vigorously expanded the training of monks at the pagoda by opening incense schools and lecture halls to teach Buddhist scriptures and laws, and established debate halls for monks, creating a strong momentum in the Buddhist community.
In 1873, under Zen Master Hoang An – Minh Khiem's tenure, inheriting the existing Buddhist activities, the pagoda also served as a place for printing, copying scriptures, carving wooden blocks for Buddhist scriptures, laws, and translating Buddhist texts into Nom script.
In 1909, Zen Master Hong Hung – Thanh Dao renovated Giac Lam Pagoda for the second and third times, significantly altering the pagoda's architecture.
During the period from 1939 to 1945, Zen Master Nhat Dan – Thien Thuan, along with some monks, participated in the resistance against invaders. Giac Lam Pagoda was used as a logistical base and a sanctuary for many revolutionary activists conducting surveillance activities in the city.
In 1953, Giac Lam Pagoda received a Bodhi tree and a precious gemstone of the Buddha given by Ven. Narada Maha Thera from Sri Lanka to the Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhist Sangha. Initially, the precious gemstone was temporarily kept at Long Van Pagoda in Dong Nai province in a small golden stupa. After the completion of the gemstone stupa at Giac Lam Pagoda, the precious gemstone was transferred there.
On November 16, 1988, Giac Lam Pagoda was recognized as a national historical and cultural relic.
In 1992, Most Venerable Thich Hue Sanh initiated a major renovation of the Giac Lam Monastery, which lasted for 6 years until 1999 when it was completed.
Architecture of Giac Lam Pagoda
Giac Lam Pagoda features the typical Tam quan architecture of Southern temples, with 3 parallel connected houses on a rectangular layout, including the main hall, lecture hall, and monks' quarters. Through major renovations, the pagoda has added structures such as the Ancestral Tower Area, Precious Gemstone Stupa Area, Lecture Hall Area, Core House, etc.
One of the distinctive features in Giac Lam Pagoda's architecture is the double gate built in 1945, notable for its two lion statues at the corners of the gate following Indian culture and Naga serpent heads characteristic of Khmer Theravada Buddhism. The double gate does not have a straight path leading directly to the main hall but only two side paths because it was believed by ancient people that spirits often travel straight paths.
By 1955, Giac Lam Pagoda had its triple gate facing south, located near today's Lac Long Quan Street. The columns on either side are carved with Han script couplets, symbolizing a warm welcome to those seeking enlightenment.
The pagoda roof has four slopes, a straight ridge, and atop the roof are twin dragons playing with pearls, commonly seen in Vietnamese temple architecture. The Eight Immortals on the pagoda roof reflect the influence of Taoism within the Buddhist temple.
The main hall is constructed with two wings and four pillars, arranged in the style of 'before Buddha, after Saints.' The Buddha hall is solemnly furnished with three altars, arranged from high to low: the altar of Amitabha Buddha, the assembly table, and the Triple Gem altar.
Particularly noteworthy is the top of the main hall walls adorned with about 7,000 plates. Most of these products come from the Lai Thieu pottery kiln in Binh Duong, while some others originate from Japan and China. With such a vast number of plates, Giac Lam Pagoda holds the record for 'the pagoda with the most decorated plates in Vietnam.'
Following the main hall is the ancestral altar area to commemorate the venerable monks who have served as abbots of Giac Lam Pagoda. Next is the lecture hall area, where monks attend important events or major ceremonies in the pagoda.
Furthermore, within the grounds of Giac Lam Pagoda are notable structures such as the 7-story precious gemstone stupa, the ancient tomb tower area, and valuable artifacts that vividly depict the development of Buddhism in the Southern region.
Retreat at Giac Lam Pagoda
If you've never attended a retreat or experienced meditation and mindful eating, seize the opportunity to join short retreats at Giac Lam Pagoda. Listen to Dharma talks and cultivate virtuous qualities.
Festival at Giac Lam Pagoda
On full moon days, festivals, and during Lunar New Year, Giac Lam Pagoda welcomes numerous monks, Buddhist followers, and pilgrims to participate in rituals, prayers, and admire the ancient beauty of the pagoda. Locals also visit to request blessings, seek auspicious dates for weddings, or ask for fortune-telling.
Hotels Near Giac Lam Pagoda
While there aren't many hotels or homestays around Giac Lam Pagoda, you can still consider some prominent options. It's best to book accommodations in the city center for convenience in transportation and entertainment. Remember to book through Klook for exclusive deals.
1. Athena Hotel
- Address: 280 To Hien Thanh Street, Ward 15, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
- Price: 1,043,000 VND/night
2. Bamboo Saigon Hotel
- Address: 581 Su Van Hanh Street, Ward 12, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
- Price: 606,000 VND/night
3. C’Lavie Saigon Airport Hotel
- Address: 548A Cach Mang Thang 8 Street, Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
- Price: 582,000 VND/night
4. Leaf Hotel
- Address: 62 Ngô Quyền Street, Ward 5, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
- Price: 606,000 VND/night
5. Ngoc Lan Hotel 3
- Address: 293 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Ward 15, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City
- Price: 700,000 VND/night
Tourist Attractions Near Giac Lam Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh City
When in Tan Binh District, take some time to stroll around Hoang Van Thu Park - a green oasis in the heart of Saigon, and indulge in shopping at Parkson C.T Plaza Tan Son Nhat Shopping Center. Additionally, you can visit some popular tourist spots in District 10 such as White Rabbit Park, Vietnamese Wax Museum, Nhat Tao Japanese Flea Market, Museum of Vietnamese Medicine, Vietnam National Pagoda Vạn Hạnh Mall. Still not enough? Check out the list of fun activities in Saigon and plan your trip now!
When visiting Saigon, there's never a dull moment. After a busy week at work, unwind at serene cafes, dine at enticing restaurants, or take a short trip to nearby destinations around Saigon.
Moreover, Ngoc Hoang Pagoda, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, and Ba Thien Hau Pagoda are prominent pilgrimage sites in the city named after Uncle Ho. On cool days, take a leisurely stroll and enjoy snacks around Tao Dan Park, Ho Thi Ky Market, or Bui Vien Pedestrian Street. Nguyen Hue Walking Street is also a good option. Check out more travel suggestions for Saigon or other exciting activities on Klook Vietnam's Blog.
Now, hurry up and plan a visit to Giac Lam Pagoda.
