Top 5 Beautiful Temples near Saigon for Tet

Remember these 5 beautiful temples for a lucky and peaceful start to the year for your family.

Explore 5 Beautiful Temples near Saigon for Tet

1. Chau Thoi Temple

Chau Thoi Temple, located in Di An district, Binh Duong province, is about 4km from Bien Hoa city (Dong Nai) and approximately 24km from Ho Chi Minh City. It is one of the beautiful temples not too far from Saigon.

The temple is situated 82 meters above sea level, making it the best spot to admire the beauty of Binh Duong from above. To reach Chau Thoi Temple, you will have to climb 200 steps. Although the journey is a bit challenging, the reward is a breathtaking panoramic view from the top.

Chau Thoi Temple features ancient architecture with captivating yellow tones. The roof structure on the main hall follows the quadrilateral style. The temple uses ceramic pieces sculpted onto dragon motifs at the ends of the temple's roof eaves. At the roof's pinnacle, nine dragons face various directions. The front facade is adorned with ceramic sculptures depicting mythical creatures, heavenly guardians, and the Buddha's birth. Surrounding the temple are numerous artificial ponds, lush greenery, and rocky formations, creating a simultaneously rugged and picturesque landscape.

Address: Binh An Commune, Di An District, Binh Duong Province

2. Buu Long Pagoda

Recognized as one of the beautiful temples in Saigon, Buu Long Pagoda attracts numerous tourists and Buddhists. Located on Nguyen Xien Street, District 9, it was built in 1942. The pagoda occupies an expansive 11-hectare hillside along the Dong Nai River, approximately 25 km from the city center.

From a distance, visitors can identify the pagoda by the vibrant yellow spire standing out against the sky. Many locals in the vicinity refer to it as the Thai Pagoda, as its appearance might give you the sense of being in Thailand.

The highlight of Buu Long Pagoda is the Gotama Cetiya Stupa, constructed in 2007 and completed after 6 years. This stupa is dedicated to venerating the Buddha and various enlightened monks. The 2,000 m2 stupa stands at a height of 70 meters, reflecting the cultural influences of the Funan Kingdom. Surrounding it are smaller stupas, all made of shiny golden bronze.

Address: Nguyen Xien, District 9, Ho Chi Minh City

3. Khanh An Monastery

Khanh An Monastery, initially a small temple built by Master Tri Hien in 1905, exudes the distinctive style of Northern Buddhism and Eastern Asian architecture. The ascent to the main hall features stone steps adorned with intricate lotus patterns.

The monastery displays architectural elements reminiscent of Japanese temples. Noteworthy are the monk's quarters and guest hall, constructed with wood or faux wood-colored paint, displaying the characteristic red hues of the rising sun. Atop these buildings are towers with red and phoenix-shaped roofs. A standout feature is the towering yellow spire against the sky, a design often seen in Japanese shrines.

Around the premises are wooden and hexagonal paper lanterns, commonly seen in Japanese festivals or at the entrances of shrines. Along the corridors, the main hall, and monk's quarters, various types of lanterns are hung. According to the monks, during full moons, ancestral commemorations, or meditation retreats, lanterns will illuminate the entire monastery.

Address: 3D QL1A, An Phu Dong, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City

4. Truc Lam Chanh Giac Zen Monastery

Truc Lam Chanh Giac Zen Monastery is a relatively new spiritual destination with unique cultural and architectural features, situated in Hamlet 1, Thanh Tan Commune, Tan Phuoc District, Tien Giang Province.

It is also the most beautiful and largest Zen monastery in Vietnam that many are unaware of in Tien Giang. The monastery exudes a solemn ambiance while radiating a dazzling and mystical beauty.

Here, you can explore the secluded areas of the inner and outer sanctums. Notably, the temple features architectural elements reminiscent of many Indian temples, attracting the younger generation for check-ins and exploration.

Address: Hamlet 1, Thanh Tan Commune, Tan Phuoc District, Tien Giang Province

5. Linh Son Buu Thien Tu (Ancestral Pagoda)

6. Linh Son Buu Thien Tu (Mountain Pagoda)

Linh Son Buu Thien Tu is perched on Thị Vải Mountain, in Phu My town, Tan Thanh district, Ba Ria – Vung Tau province. It stands as one of the beautiful temples near Saigon.

To reach here, you must climb over 1,300 steps. Linh Son Buu Thien Tu is designed like Japanese temples, with the most striking feature being the temple gate resembling the heavenly gate of Linh Quy Phap An Pagoda. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Vung Tau from above.

Additionally, the mountain boasts natural attractions such as caves where the Patriarch meditated, Mr. Hổ's well, Fairy well, Buddha gate, Wind Cave, and numerous other caves where ancient people sought seclusion.

Address: Phu My Commune, Tan Thanh District, Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province

Mystical Experience

Explore: Travel guide from Mytour