Pilgrimage in Saigon through the famous temples

To ensure prosperity and abundance in the coming year, visit Ngoc Hoang Pagoda on Mai Thi Luu Street, District 1, and light incense. For peace of mind, head to Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, Vietnam Quoc Tu...

Visiting temples in the early days of the year is a tradition of the Vietnamese, reflecting their faith towards their roots. The Southern region, home to many sacred temples steeped in folk culture, is always a spiritual destination for travelers worldwide.

1. Giac Lam Pagoda

Giac Lam Pagoda, a renowned ancient temple in Ho Chi Minh City (District 11), attracts a large number of visitors. Its architecture is considered exemplary in the Southern region, featuring a three-section layout connected horizontally. The main hall, with its traditional Vietnamese house design and four main pillars, is known as the Quadrangular Pavilion.

The temple grounds are spacious and tranquil, ideal for Buddhists and pilgrims. Visitors can explore the historical, cultural, architectural, and sculptural values preserved within the temple to this day.

2. Ngoc Hoang Pagoda

Formerly known as Ngoc Hoang Palace, dedicated to the deity Hoang revered by the Chinese community. Thus, the architecture of the pagoda bears the hallmark of Chinese influence. Within the pagoda, there are beautifully carved wooden statues that are both exquisite and rare.

Stepping into the pagoda, visitors will be fascinated by the lotus pond, with incense smoke permeating the courtyard. Inside the pagoda, there is a pond inhabited by thousands of turtles. Visitors often release turtles into the pond as an act of merit-making.

3. Vinh Nghiem Pagoda

Situated on a spacious and airy campus, following the typical architectural style of temples in the North. Both the name and architecture of the pagoda are derived from a wooden temple in Bac Giang, the heart of the Truc Lam Yen Tu sect.

The unique feature of the pagoda is a 14-meter-high stone tower with 7 floors, constructed and adorned with motifs and patterns in the style of the Ly – Tran cultural period. Located on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street in the city center, the pagoda is always a bustling destination for tourists and pilgrims.

Source: Travel guide by Mytour – According to Vnexpress