Giac Lam Pagoda: Discover the Ancient Temple in the Heart of Saigon

Giac Lam Pagoda

Where is Giac Lam Pagoda Located?

Giac Lam Pagoda

Visit Giac Lam Pagoda to immerse yourself in the quiet and sacred space of one of the oldest temples in Ho Chi Minh City. With the marks of time, Giac Lam Pagoda helps us reminisce about days gone by. It's an ideal place for travelers to explore the history and culture of old Saigon, especially the younger generation.

Entrance gate of Giac Lam Pagoda. @battrangvn.vn

Ideal time to visit Giac Lam Pagoda

Giac Lam Pagoda

Giac Lam Pagoda

A corner of Giac Lam Pagoda. @laodong.vn

How to get to Giac Lam Pagoda

Giac Lam Pagoda

If you're coming to Giac Lam Pagoda from accommodations within the city, you can take a taxi or a bus. Bus routes to Giac Lam Pagoda include: Route 145 from Cholon Bus Station to Hiep Thanh Market, Route 148 from Mien Tay Bus Station to Go Vap, Route 38 from Tan Quy residential area to Dam Sen Park, Route 08 from National University Bus Station to District 8 Bus Station...

What makes traveling to Giac Lam Pagoda appealing

Explore the ancient architectural charm of Southern pagodas

As of now, Giac Lam Pagoda still retains the distinctive architecture of ancient Southern pagodas. The overall architecture of the pagoda follows the Tam (Ξ) character, consisting of three main buildings: the main hall, lecture hall, and monks' quarters, excluding auxiliary buildings. Originally, the pagoda didn't have a triple gate; the triple gate of Giac Lam Pagoda was only constructed in 1955. When visiting Giac Lam Pagoda, don't forget to capture some nostalgic-style photos in front of the pagoda courtyard to cherish the memories.

The temple exudes the ancient charm of Southern Vietnam. @laodong.vn

The roof of Giac Lam Pagoda is designed in the popular pyramid shape, commonly found in Southern temple architecture. The roof consists of four straight sections, without the V-shaped edges seen in Northern temples. At the top of the roof, there is a depiction of the 'Twin Dragons Playing with Pearls,' contributing to the solemnity of Giac Lam Pagoda.

Giac Lam Pagoda

The interior of the main hall at Giac Lam Pagoda is exceptionally splendid. It houses many large and beautiful statues such as the Buddha Amitabha, Shakyamuni Buddha, Maitreya Buddha; the Bodhisattvas Manjusri, Avalokiteshvara, a set of Nine Dragons cast in bronze... Notably, Giac Lam Pagoda houses two sets of Eighteen Arhats and two sets of Ten Yama Kings sculptures.

Inside the main hall. @battrangvn.vn

Behind the main hall of Giac Lam Pagoda is the area dedicated to the ancestral altar, where the abbots of Giac Lam Pagoda from different eras are revered. Opposite the ancestral altar are altars for the Perfected Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, and the Ten Yama Kings.

Giac Lam Pagoda

Explore some impressive structures within the pagoda. Discover the remarkable architecture and spiritual significance of various sections, including the altar dedicated to the founders and the worship area for revered deities like Perfected Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, and the Ten Yama Kings.

Three ancient tomb towers: The tomb towers at Giac Lam Pagoda were constructed from the early 19th century to the early 20th century. These are dedicated to venerating meditation masters, abbots, and monks who wished to be buried at the pagoda.

Bao Thap Xa Loi: This hexagonal-shaped tower consists of seven levels. Construction began in 1970 by architect Vinh Hoang, paused in 1975, and resumed in 1993. Bao Thap Xa Loi at Giac Lam Pagoda was completed in 1994, standing at a height of 32.7m, with a floor area of over 600m2, facing north.

In front of Bao Thap Xa Loi. @laodong.vn

Admire ancient artifacts: There are 119 Buddha statues preserved at Giac Lam Pagoda, including the notable wooden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, the bronze infant Shakyamuni Buddha, Eighteen Arhats statues, and Five Benevolent Deities. Particularly, the set of Eighteen Arhats vividly illustrates the development of Buddhism in the Southern region, bearing the distinctive characteristics of the Vietnamese people. Additionally, the pagoda showcases various exquisite wood carvings such as bamboo curtains, horizontal lacquered boards, gilded couplets, altars, and numerous ancient worship items.

Some sculptures inside Giac Lam Pagoda. @laodong.vn

Hotels near Giac Lam Pagoda

Long Son Hotel

Located just 1.3 km from Giac Lam Pagoda, approximately a 5-minute drive away, Long Son Hotel offers budget-friendly accommodation for visitors exploring Giac Lam Pagoda. Designed with modern architecture, the hotel provides a clean and comfortable environment with various amenities.

The reception at Long Son Hotel is always ready to serve 24/7. Guests can choose between standard rooms or family rooms. Each room in this hotel is equipped with air conditioning, wifi, and complimentary toiletries.

Tu Phuong Hotel

Chua Giac Lam

Spacious room environment. @suutam

Hong Phat Hotel

Chua Giac Lam

Inside each room at Hong Phat Hotel is exceptionally clean. Each room comes with air conditioning, flat-screen TV, telephone, work desk, wardrobe or closet, bathtub or shower, hairdryer, and more.

Ken 2 Hotel

Chua Giac Lam.

Ideal accommodation choice.@suutam

Inside the hotel, there is a parking lot, elevator, mini bar, and free wifi. Rooms at Ken 2 Hotel are equipped with various amenities such as cable TV, work desk, and a bathroom with a shower.

Additionally, you can explore other hotels in Saigon to find accommodation that suits your needs.

Tips for visiting Chua Giac Lam

Chua Giac Lam

Chua Giac Lam

Chua Giac Lam

Chua Giac Lam

If you're planning a trip to Chua Giac Lam, don't forget to book your hotel with Mytour. With Mytour, you can quickly and easily reserve a room at a super discounted rate. What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and explore Chua Giac Lam now!

Explore more: