Top 11 Famous and Spiritual Temples in Ho Chi Minh City

1. Buu Long Pagoda

Perched on a hill west of the Dong Nai River, Buu Long Pagoda is located at 81 Nguyen Xien, Long Binh Ward, District 9, about 20 km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City. Recently, Buu Long Pagoda (Ho Chi Minh City) was named among the 10 most beautifully designed temples in the world. This sacred place attracts visitors with its splendid and beautiful architecture.

Established in 1942, by 2007, Buu Long Pagoda was invested in construction and renovation, becoming an architectural masterpiece that combines the essence of Nguyen dynasty architecture and Southeast Asian culture. The pagoda is about 20 km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City. From a distance, visitors can identify it by the vibrant golden tower, standing out against the sky.

This place is quite unique, resembling the architecture in the land of golden temples, so the locals call it the Thai Pagoda. However, the colors of Vietnamese culture are still prominent in every detail, from the intricate carvings to the majestic dragon statues. The pagoda welcomes visitors from morning until 11 a.m., then reopens at 2 p.m. You should take advantage of the cool and fresh morning air for the most beautiful check-in photos. Buu Long Pagoda has a grand and modern architecture, carrying the distinctive ancient features of temples in Southeast Asia. Especially, this is the largest incense-free pagoda in Saigon.

DETAILS:
Address: 81 Nguyen Xien, Long Binh, District 9, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 9:00 - 21:00

2. Pho Quang Pagoda

Pho Quang Pagoda, initiated by Venerable Nguyen Viet Tao (Dharma name Thanh Canh), began construction in 1952 with initially simple architecture. Despite many ups and downs, Pho Quang Pagoda still preserves the original poetic beauty. The curved pagoda tiles under the afternoon sunlight, harmonized with the gentle breeze, create a serene landscape, escaping from the hustle and bustle. The current temple grounds cover over six thousand square meters with rows of trees providing shade in front of the temple yard and main hall.

This is a well-known ancient temple in Tan Binh District. Amidst the daily hustle and bustle of the city, Pho Quang Pagoda resembles a utopia, exuding a mystical charm and bringing a serene atmosphere to anyone who sets foot here.

DETAILS:
Address: 21 Huynh Lan Khanh, Ward 2, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 6:00 - 20:00

3. Hoang Phap Pagoda

Hoang Phap Pagoda is situated in Hoc Mon district, Ho Chi Minh City, and has existed for over half a century. The pagoda has undergone various stages of reconstruction and upgrades. It now features a spacious campus with tall trees providing shade throughout the year. At the entrance, there are three gates inscribed with the words 'Hoang Phap Pagoda,' and two auxiliary gates with the words 'Compassion' and 'Wisdom.' All inscriptions and couplets are in Vietnamese.

The pagoda is famous for attracting Buddhist followers for visits and participation in Buddhist retreats. In particular, the summer retreat program draws thousands of participants. It undoubtedly provides a spiritually healthy environment, helping people balance material and spiritual aspects of life.

DETAILS:
Address: 96 Tan Thoi 3 Hamlet, Tan Hiep, Hoc Mon, Ho Chi Minh City

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.chuahoangphap.com.vn

4. Vinh Nghiem Pagoda

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is a famous architectural landmark located at 339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia (near Cong Ly Bridge), in Ward 7, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The stone tower at Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is recognized as the tallest and most elaborate stone tower in Vietnam, with 7 floors and a height of 14m.

The pagoda was built from 1964 to 1971 based on the design of architect Nguyen Ba Lang. The main pagoda is constructed in the shape of the letter 'C,' facing Northeast, consisting of a ground floor and an upper floor. The ground floor includes a lecture hall, Ancestor hall, office, living room, monk's room, bronze Dharma items store, and a store for publishing scriptures…

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is a large and well-known pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City. The road in front of the pagoda was once the site of the final battle of the hero Nguyen Van Troi in 1964.

DETAILS:

Website: www.vinhnghiemvn.com

Opening hours: 8:00 - 18:00

5. Jade Emperor Pagoda - The most famous 'child bridge' pagoda in Saigon

Jade Emperor Pagoda or Phuoc Hai Tu carries a beauty of mystical sacredness that no one can explain. This is the pagoda that former President Obama visited during his trip to Vietnam in April 2016.

With a distinct ancient architecture, yin-yang tiled roof, this pagoda was once classified as a 'National Architectural Artistic Relic' in 1994. Jade Emperor Pagoda spans about 2,300m2, designed with three main worship areas featuring the main hall dedicated to Buddha, Jade Emperor. The temple of Kim Thoa Holy Mother, Mr. To Ba Nguyet, and 12 goddesses is located on the left side. Inside, there is a shrine dedicated to the God of Wealth, career, and success.

DETAILS:
Address: 73 Mai Thi Luu, Da Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: 8:00 - 17:00

6. Xa Loi Pagoda

Xa Loi Pagoda is one of the well-known landmarks for many travelers visiting Ho Chi Minh City. The pagoda features modern architecture while still embracing the cultural essence unique to Saigon. Moreover, it holds historical significance in the struggle of Buddhism against the discriminatory and oppressive regime of Ngo Dinh Diem.

Commenced on August 5, 1956, covering an area of 2500 m2, it was transferred to the Dong Duong Club for a symbolic amount of one Vietnamese dong. The purpose was to worship the patriarch Xa Loi and serve as the official headquarters of the Southern Vietnam Buddhist Association. Xa Loi Pagoda underwent a single renovation from 1999 to 2001 while preserving its original architectural charm.

This pagoda can be considered the pioneer of the new architectural style of Buddhism in Vietnam. Traditional curved roofs are found on the Three-door gate, the seven-story bell tower, the main hall, the lecture hall, the library, the administration office, the guesthouse, the monks' quarters, the family hall for Buddhist families, the book distribution room, restrooms, and scenic gardens.

DETAILS:
Address: 89 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan, Ward 7, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.chuaxaloi.vn

7. Giac Lam Pagoda - the oldest 'aged' pagoda in Saigon

Giac Lam Pagoda stands as one of the oldest pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City. It is the spiritual home of the Lam Te Zen sect in Southern Vietnam. Located at 565 Lac Long Quan Street, Ward 10, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, it was recognized as a national historical and cultural relic of Vietnam by the Ministry of Culture - Information in 1988.

The pagoda was funded by monk Ly Thuy Long, a Ming immigrant, in the spring of the Year of the Rat (1744) under the reign of Nguyen Phuc Khoat. Initially named Son Can (son means mountain, cang means hill), it was later known as Cam Son due to its location on Cam Son hill.

Visitors to the pagoda experience a serene atmosphere with the temple nestled amid tall, shady trees. The moss-covered roof is neither extravagantly curved nor adorned with tile ridges challenging nature. Instead, it features rows of tiles forming gutters, efficiently draining rainwater during storms. The spacious and harmonious structure integrates seamlessly with nature. Positioned on a high hill, the name Son Can reflects the indigenous belief that a temple should be near water, symbolized by the phrase 'Ming road, water gathers,' signifying prosperity and vitality. Particularly noteworthy is the temple gate facing South, a direction considered auspicious for Southern temples: 'Marry a gentle wife, build a house facing South.'

DETAILS:
Address: 565 Lac Long Quan, Ward 10, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City

Website: www.chuagiaclam.com

Opening Hours: 8:00 - 21:00

8. Bà Ấn Độ Pagoda - sharing sentiments with stone statues

The Mariamman Hindu Temple is located right next to Ben Thanh Market, standing out as one of the oldest and most renowned temples in this land. Within the Mariamman Rain Goddess temple, the sacred deity of the Indian Hindu followers, the stone walls and peculiar stone columns have the ability to 'communicate' with humans. Here, anyone with concerns, especially regarding illness, children, or safety, can bow down to confide in the stone walls and receive the soothing sounds of tranquility and peace for themselves.

The temple features architecture in the Indian style and is managed by Vietnamese of Indian origin. It is not only a heritage of those Indians who once lived in this land but also a spiritual haven for those Indians far from their homeland during their time in Saigon.

DETAILS:

Address: 45 Truong Dinh, Ben Thanh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

In the heart of the bustling Chinatown, situated on the main street of District 5, Minh Huong Temple stands serenely amidst the crowd – amidst the hustle and bustle of people and traffic. This is the spiritual haven for the Chinese community and Vietnamese alike who come to pray daily, drawn by the reputation of its peculiar and sacred atmosphere. Minh Huong Temple is the spiritual center for both the Chinese community and Vietnamese, attracting daily prayers.

Not grand in scale, but with a solemn and transcendent spiritual space, coupled with frequent sacred stories, the temple always seems to don a mysterious and captivating cloak.

Especially during the Lunar New Year, everyone excitedly gathers at the temple to worship and pray. It's a place for couples in love to seek blessings, hoping for a happy and fulfilling outcome.

DETAILS:

Address: 184 Hung Vuong, Ward 12, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening Hours: 7:00 - 17:00

Van Duc Pagoda is currently situated at 502 Tô Ngọc Vân Street, in Ward 5, Tam Phu Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This is one of the two major pagodas in Thu Duc City. Van Duc Pagoda is one of the large-scale religious architectural works in Ho Chi Minh City. Beyond its aesthetic value, the structure also serves as a model for sculptural art in modern architecture.

Van Duc Pagoda has the tallest main hall among pagodas today, standing at 43.5 meters. From a distance, it resembles a nine-story tower with two small five-story towers, housing two main floors inside. Additionally, the pagoda features bas-reliefs of Bodhisattvas sculpted in cement on the walls, surrounded by carvings of guardian deities... It took over 2 years for more than 60 craftsmen to complete this project. Besides its aesthetic value, the structure also serves as a model for the sculptural art of modern architecture.

DETAILS:

Address: 502 To Ngoc Van, Tam Phu Ward, Thu Duc District, Ho Chi Minh City

Phone: 0283 896 2388

Website: http://chuavanduc.vn/

Opening Hours: 7:00 - 19:00

Sung Duc Pagoda is located at 50, Street 3, Truong Tho Ward, Thu Duc District, Ho Chi Minh City. The pagoda, built since 1806, has retained its ancient charm and style over 200 years, featuring a traditional structure with wooden pillars, yin-yang tiled roof, constructed in the shape of the Chinese character 'tam.'

Enduring two struggles against foreign invasions, Sung Duc Pagoda is a revolutionary base nurturing officers and soldiers, gathering numerous monks and devotees who sacrificed for the nation's independence, such as Venerable Phap Linh and Lieutenant General Dao Son Tay...

The pagoda preserves valuable artifacts and artistic objects meticulously carved and crafted by skilled artisans. It is recognized as an architectural and artistic heritage site at the City level, according to Decision No. 3040/QD-UBND dated June 20, 2009, by the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City.

DETAILS:
Address: 50 Street 3, Ward 6, Thu Duc, Ho Chi Minh City

Website: www.chuasungduc.com