Phù Châu Floating Temple – A Sacred Sanctuary on the Vam Thuat River in Saigon

The Phù Châu Floating Temple, situated in Gò Vấp district, is built on a small islet spanning approximately 2,500 square meters amidst the Vam Thuat River. Constructed over 300 years ago during the reign of Emperor Gia Long, this temple exudes profound spirituality, attracting numerous visitors seeking its divine aura.

Phù Châu Floating Temple – A Spiritual Haven on the Vam Thuat River in Saigon

The Phù Châu Floating Temple occupies an area of around 550 square meters, encompassing a petite islet shaped like a footprint on the Vam Thuat River. Its distinctive location gives rise to its name 'floating temple,' as one must take a short 5-minute ferry ride to reach it.

On either side of the river banks surrounding the floating temple, the western bank belongs to a residential area (part of Ward 5, Gò Vấp), while the eastern bank encompasses agricultural fields (part of An Phú Đông Ward, District 12). This includes both ferry docks for the floating temple and Ben Cat, preserving the historical charm of the Gia Dinh region.

The front facade of Phù Châu Floating Temple faces south and follows a three-word script style, consisting of three interconnected buildings separated by two narrow celestial courtyards with tiled roofs. The temple's roofs, adorned with yin-yang motifs and glazed in emerald green, feature two closely stacked tiers. Each building's roof is embellished with dragon motifs, including dragons guarding precious gems, dragons supporting nine-story towers, and dragons coiling around scrolls. The four swordheads are adorned with symbols such as dragons, lyres, tortoises, and phoenixes, along with decorative patterns like chrysanthemums, grape leaves, and flowing rivers.

In the heart of the temple dedicated to Buddha, flanked by altars for the Buddha of the Past and Mother Earth, a majestic scene unfolds. At the forefront, sits Quan Am Chuẩn Đề on a lotus throne, adorned with 18 arms wielding divine implements. Adorning the surroundings are reliefs depicting the Eighteen Arhats. The central hall venerates Tề Thiên Đại Thánh. Embracing the central and main halls is a celestial courtyard adorned with two skillfully crafted incense burners.

The main hall of the Phù Châu Temple honors the Five Elemental Mother Goddess, housing five statues representing Metal, Water, Fire, Earth, and Wood. In front, the shrine to Lady Châu Đốc and the Nine Wonders. Surrounding it are wooden panels with intricate dragon carvings, inscribed with the words: 'Sacred Family Treasure Temple.' To the right of the main hall, a shrine for General Quan Công, and to the left, one for Bao Công. Opposite the shrine to the Five Elemental Mother Goddess stands altars dedicated to Lady Kim, Mother Earth, Dragon God, and Guardian Spirit.

Due to the spiritual significance of the temple, many locals and tourists bring coconuts, betel leaves, and chrysanthemums to seek love and prosperity. In the past, the temple regularly hosted festivals on the first day and full moon day. However, these festivities are now streamlined, taking place only on the full moon of January, February, and July.

As per Mytour

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour