Top 11 Most Beautiful Temples in Vietnam

Truc Lam Zen Monastery is a Zen temple of the Truc Lam Yen Tu sect, located 5 kilometers from the center of Da Lat, near the picturesque Tuyền Lâm Lake, on the Phụng Hoàng Mountain. The monastery offers a serene escape from the bustling city of Da Lat, surrounded by tranquil forests and scenic landscapes. Established between 1993 and 1994, this architectural gem holds deep Buddhist significance. To reach the monastery, visitors must ascend 140 stone steps, flanked by tall green pine trees leading to the main hall's entrance.

From the main hall, the view of Tuyền Lâm Lake below is breathtaking, with clear waters reflecting the green pine trees of Thanh Lương Hill. Nestled halfway up the hill, near Tĩnh Tâm Lake, is a two-story guesthouse surrounded by lush gardens. This is a place where women can come for short-term meditation retreats. In front of the guesthouse, a vibrant bamboo forest adds to the serene atmosphere. Standing in the courtyard, visitors can gaze upon the majestic Phụng Hoàng Mountain, its peak casting a shadow over Tuyền Lâm Lake.

With its unique design and the romantic, picturesque scenery typical of Da Lat's climate, the monastery attracts many tourists every year, especially during festivals, for sightseeing, photography, and purchasing pinecone souvenirs.

Address: The monastery is located 5 kilometers from Da Lat city center, on Phụng Hoàng Mountain, above Tuyền Lâm Lake.

Linh Ung Pagoda, Son Tra is often described as a Buddhist paradise on earth. Situated atop Ba Na Mountain on the Son Tra Peninsula in Da Nang (often referred to as Linh Ung Bai But or Linh Ung Son Tra Pagoda, as Da Nang is home to three Linh Ung Pagodas), it overlooks the East Sea, with views of Cu Lao Cham Island on one side and the Hai Van mountain range on the other, while the Han River flows serenely towards the sea. Construction began in July 2004, and the pagoda was completed in July 2010, with ongoing expansion projects to this day.

Perched 693 meters above sea level, covering 20 hectares, the pagoda sits between the mountains and the sea. Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda is a complex featuring several structures, including the main hall, the ancestral house, lecture halls, monks' quarters, and a library. Besides being known as one of the most beautiful and largest pagodas in Da Nang, it is also famous for housing the tallest statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Quan The Am) in Vietnam.

Visitors and pilgrims are drawn to the base of the statue to pray and admire the unique beauty of this one-of-a-kind monument. Inside the statue, there are 17 levels, each containing a shrine with 21 different depictions of Buddha in varying poses and expressions, known as “Buddhas within Buddhas.” The statue stands with its back to the mountain, facing the sea, its gentle eyes gazing down, one hand in the mudra of meditation, and the other holding a vase of ambrosia, symbolically offering peace and blessings to fishermen venturing into the ocean. The panoramic view from the main hall, paired with the statue, creates a serene and sacred scene reminiscent of a heavenly abode. Visitors to Linh Ung Pagoda also get a chance to view the sweeping landscape of a rapidly growing city. From the pagoda, the eyes are met with endless stretches of sea and sky, with the white sandy beaches curving gently around the foot of the mountain, sparkling under the mild sun of the peninsula.

Address: Linh Ung Pagoda, Hoang Sa, Tho Quang, Son Tra, Da Nang

When mentioning Hue, Thien Mu Pagoda immediately comes to mind, as it is one of the most beautiful landmarks in the city. Surrounded by lush green mountains and tranquil waters, the peaceful atmosphere of this place brings serenity to the soul. The pagoda was originally constructed in 1601 during the reign of Lord Nguyen Hoang. It was later expanded and rebuilt in a grander and more beautiful style during the reign of Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu. With its natural beauty and expanded grandeur, Thien Mu became the most stunning pagoda in Central Vietnam.

One of the highlights of the pagoda is the iconic Phuoc Duyen Tower, a seven-story structure that stands as a famous symbol of Thien Mu Pagoda. At 21 meters high, the tower features a statue of Buddha on each level. Inside, a spiral staircase leads to the top, where a golden Buddha statue was once housed. This golden Buddha statue is famous for a legend about its theft. After the thief was discovered and punished, a monk passing by the pagoda heard of the incident and, upon reflection, decided to release the spirit of the golden statue by meditating. It’s said that the statue’s soul now flows down the Perfume River, and visitors to Hue can learn more about this fascinating story when they visit.

Thien Mu Pagoda is considered one of the holiest and most significant temples in Hue. It is located on the left bank of the Perfume River, atop the Ha Khe Hill, about 5 kilometers west of the city center. This place has inspired many poets and writers over the years, with its tranquil beauty and cultural significance.

Address: Ha Khe Hill, Hương Long, Hương Hòa, Hue

Xiem Can Pagoda is one of the most architecturally unique temples in the Southeast, representing the rich Khmer culture of Southern Vietnam. Built in 1877, it is a complex that includes the main hall, sala, monk’s quarters, a stupa containing relics, and other smaller buildings. The main hall, positioned at the center of the grounds, is elevated 1.5 meters and is surrounded by a corridor.

Inside the temple, visitors can see a grand altar featuring a towering Buddha statue, exuding a sense of solemnity and reverence. The walls are adorned with vibrant murals, making the interior a visual spectacle. The temple grounds are vast, offering an atmosphere rich in Khmer heritage. Visitors are often struck by the temple’s magnificence and the fresh, unique feeling it evokes as they explore the sacred space.

Upon entering the temple, visitors are required to remove their hats and shoes, respecting the local customs. The pagoda is a reflection of the welcoming spirit of the Khmer people, where hospitality is extended with warmth, and the cultural identity of the southern Khmer community is evident.

Address: DT31, Vinh Trach Dong, Bac Lieu

Ba Den Mountain is the highest peak in Southern Vietnam, standing at an elevation of approximately 986 meters, and serves as a symbol of both the land and the people of Tay Ninh. Many visitors regularly come here to visit Ba Pagoda, located on Ba Den Mountain, also known as Linh Son, Tien Thach, Phat Pagoda, or Thuong Pagoda. Together with Hang Pagoda (Linh Son Long Chau) and Trung Pagoda (Linh Son Phuoc Trung), Ba Pagoda is one of the most famous temples in the Ba Den Mountain area and one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Vietnam.

The pagoda was originally built in the 18th century and has been renovated several times. Annually, large numbers of pilgrims come to Ba Den Mountain to pray, especially during the Lunar New Year festival in January and the Ba Festival on the 5th and 6th days of the 5th lunar month (around June).

When visiting, you can take the cable car, which is about 1,225 meters long, to reach Linh Son Tien Thach Pagoda. For those seeking adventure, you can also climb the mountain on foot to reach the temple.

Address: Northeast of Tay Ninh City, in Thanh Tan Commune, approximately 11 km from the city center.

Hoang Phuc Pagoda is an ancient temple dating back to the early 18th century in Quang Binh. Originally known as Tri Kien Am, it was later renamed Kinh Thien Pagoda, also known as the 'Royal Pagoda' because King Phat Hoang Tran Nhan Tong once visited here to offer incense during a trip to Central Vietnam. The pagoda was eventually renamed Hoang Phuc by Emperor Minh Mang.

The temple also houses a bronze bell cast during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang, marking the official renaming of the pagoda to Hoang Phuc. Therefore, when visiting, you not only admire the ancient architecture but also have the opportunity to explore the historical and religious significance of this site.

Today, Hoang Phuc Pagoda has been restored, so visitors will notice many 'modern' elements in its grounds. However, it remains one of Vietnam's most famous pilgrimage sites and is definitely worth a visit.

Address: My Thuy, Le Thuy, Quang Binh

Ba Thien Hau Pagoda, also known as Ba Cho Lon Pagoda, is a Chinese-style temple dedicated to the worship of the Heavenly Mother. Located at 710 Nguyen Trai Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, this pagoda is often referred to as the Tuet Thanh Assembly Hall (穗城會馆) due to its proximity to the Tuet Thanh Guild, a gathering place for the Cantonese Chinese community in the city.

Founded around 1760 by a group of Chinese immigrants, Ba Thien Hau Pagoda is over 250 years old and remains a significant spiritual landmark in Saigon. The temple is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, especially during major occasions such as the Lunar New Year, the Full Moon Festival, and the festival honoring Ba Thien Hau (the 23rd of the 3rd lunar month, usually falling in April). During these times, the temple sees an influx of worshippers offering prayers and participating in the vibrant ceremonies.

If you prefer a quieter visit, the temple is also a peaceful place to explore during regular days, where you can delve into its rich historical and cultural heritage.

Address: 710 Nguyen Trai, Ward 14, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City

Visiting temples and offering prayers is a long-standing tradition in Vietnamese culture. Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda attracts thousands of tourists with its vast grounds and imposing architecture.

If you pass by this temple a few times, you’ll quickly realize that Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is almost always busy. While it’s not usually overcrowded, there are always visitors arriving to pray or pay their respects, which speaks to the temple’s significant reputation in Saigon.

On full moon days or major Buddhist holidays, especially Vesak, the pagoda sees a large influx of people offering incense, praying for peace, or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere. Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is not only known for its spiritual value but also for its remarkable architecture, which spans 6,000 square meters. The temple features a grand entrance gate, a central hall, and several notable stupas, including the seven-story Quan The Am Tower, the Community Stupa, and the Vinh Nghiem Stone Stupa.

Address: 339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ward 14, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Tam Chuc Pagoda – Ha Nam is located in Ba Sao Town, Kim Bang District, Ha Nam Province, about 70km from Hanoi and 30km from Bai Dinh Pagoda (Ninh Binh), and only 4.5km from Huong Pagoda (Hanoi). Known as the largest pagoda in the world, it is situated within the picturesque Tam Chuc tourism complex, which spans over 500 hectares and is a growing spiritual tourism destination in Vietnam, attracting numerous visitors in recent years. The pagoda honors influential Buddhist figures such as the patriarchs Da Ma, Nguyen Minh Khong, Khuong Viet, Thich Thanh Tu, and Do Phap Thuan, who greatly contributed to the development of Vietnamese Buddhism.

The best time to visit Tam Chuc Pagoda is during the spring, especially from the 10th day of the lunar new year to the end of the 3rd lunar month. The weather is cool, and visitors can join in prayers for wealth and prosperity. The pagoda is also lively during major Buddhist holidays like Vesak (15th of the 4th lunar month), Vu Lan (15th of the 7th lunar month), and Mid-Autumn Festival (15th of the 8th lunar month), as well as the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month and the Lunar New Year.

Tam Chuc Pagoda is part of a vast spiritual tourism complex, divided into four main zones: the Reception Area, Spiritual Zone, Experience Zone, and Natural Reserve. Popular sites include the Thuy Dinh Guesthouse, the Three-Gate Entrance, the Kinh Column Garden, the magnificent Tam Dien Temple, and the Dharma Master Hall.

Address: Ba Sao, Kim Bang, Ha Nam

One Pillar Pagoda has become one of the most iconic symbols of Hanoi. In addition to its original location in Hanoi, a replica of the One Pillar Pagoda can also be found in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, and another version was constructed in Moscow, Russia, at the "Hanoi - Moscow" Cultural, Commercial, and Hotel Complex. This pagoda also represents the pure and transcendent spirit of the Vietnamese people.

When mentioning Hanoi and its pagodas, the first place that comes to mind is undoubtedly the One Pillar Pagoda, renowned for its unique and impressive architecture. Shaped like a blooming lotus flower, it stands on a single central pillar. The wooden pagoda houses a statue of the Bodhisattva of Mercy, Quan Am. In 1105, Emperor Ly Nhan Tong expanded the pagoda complex to include the Linh Chieu pond. Over time, the pagoda was reduced to its current size, remaining as a small structure perched on a stone pillar.

Beside the One Pillar Pagoda, there is another pagoda with a three-gate entrance, featuring the wooden sign inscribed with "Dien Huu Tu". This was originally built in 1049 to expand the space for Buddhist rituals and monastic activities. Due to its one-of-a-kind design, the pagoda has become a national symbol of Vietnam and is depicted on the reverse side of the 5000 VND banknote.

Address: One Pillar Pagoda Street, Doi Can, Ba Dinh, Hanoi

The name Bai Dinh Pagoda refers to the mountain of Dinh, which is historically significant in Vietnam. It was here that King Dinh Tien Hoang held rituals to pray for favorable weather, and later, King Quang Trung chose this site for a ceremony to rally his soldiers before the great victory over the Qing army in Thang Long. During the 16th century, the mountain became a contested area between the Le-Trinh dynasties and the Mac family, with the Mac government only controlling the lands from Ninh Binh northward.

Bai Dinh Pagoda is a vast complex that holds several Asian records, including the largest gold-plated bronze statue of Buddha in Asia, the longest corridor of Arhat statues in Asia, and the largest bronze statue of Maitreya in Southeast Asia. The pagoda complex, which was expanded and modernized, had its first phase inaugurated during the 2008 World Vesak ceremony. It also hosted the first-ever transfer of Buddhist relics from India to Vietnam in 2010 and the United Nations Vesak 2014. Located near the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Trang An, Bai Dinh is easily accessible, situated about 15 km from Ninh Binh City and 95 km from Hanoi.

The entire Bai Dinh Pagoda complex spans 539 hectares and includes various sections like the ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda (27 hectares), the newly constructed Bai Dinh Pagoda (80 hectares), cultural parks, Buddhist academies, and other attractions like the Dam Thi Lake, Fish Sanctuary Lake, and more. The complex is the result of developments across three dynasties: the Dinh, the Early Le, and the Ly. While visiting Bai Dinh, you can explore not only the pagoda but also other historical sites such as the Ngoc Well, the Temple of Saint Nguyen, the Temple of Cao Son, and the Bright and Dark Caves, which showcase unique and captivating architecture.

Address: Gia Sinh Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province