Top 17 Ancient Temples for Sacred Destinies in Vietnam

With a history of 1,500 years, this temple, located on an island in the southwest of West Lake, was once recognized by the Far Eastern Institute as the 10th historical site in Indochina. It is considered one of the most beautiful temples in the world.

Tran Quoc Pagoda sits on an island on the eastern side of West Lake (Tay Ho district). The temple's architecture harmoniously combines solemnity, antiquity, and elegance amidst the serene backdrop of a vast lake. Renowned for its historical and architectural values, Tran Quoc Pagoda is famous as a sacred Buddhist gateway for Hanoians. It's no wonder that many people come here to seek destiny. Young people often visit the temple to pray for destiny and luck for the new year with the blessings of the Buddha and their sincere beliefs.

Address: Thanh Nien Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi

Quan Su Pagoda stands as the most ancient architectural relic, situated in the heart of the capital. On the last day of the year and the first day of the new year, many people and Buddhists from Hanoi and nearby areas come to Quan Su Pagoda to pray for a prosperous and fortunate new year for themselves and their families. Young people visit here to seek blessings for a new year free from troubles, with enduring love and bond with their partners. This pagoda was once chosen as the central headquarters of the Northern Buddhist Association in 1934. Besides the Three Jewels, Amitabha Buddha, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, and Shakyamuni Buddha, Quan Su Pagoda also worships the renowned national teacher under the Ly dynasty, Nguyen Minh Khong.

Until now, the Vesak Day of the Vietnamese Buddhist community is still celebrated at the pagoda with the support of numerous volunteers, monks, Buddhists, and people of the capital city. Attendees come to the ceremony to pray for good fortune and express their sincere reverence. The lonely find companionship, and lovers seek luck and enduring bonds at the pagoda, hoping for blossoming relationships.

Address: 73 Quan Su Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

West Lake Palace is situated on a peninsula protruding into West Lake. Located on a large peninsula in West Lake, now belonging to Quang An Ward, Tay Ho District, Hanoi, West Lake Palace worships Princess Lieu Hanh, a legendary figure, a talented woman skilled in music, poetry, and virtue, one of the four immortal saints in the Vietnamese belief system. Because of this, people visit West Lake Palace not only to pray for fortune but also for romance. During the last days of the year, you will encounter many young girls and boys strolling alone, full of emotions.

Young people come to West Lake Palace to seek complete love destiny. They believe that sincerity brings destiny, a saying passed down from generation to generation, urging each other to sincerely visit the palace for worship.

Address: Dang Thai Mai, Quang An, Tay Ho District, Hanoi

Ha Pagoda is one of the most sacred pagodas in Vietnam and is a destination for young people facing many obstacles in their love lives. Hanoi boys and girls often come to Ha Pagoda to pray for love: couples in love come to pray to become husband and wife, while singles come to pray to find a partner.

When it comes to seeking love, people immediately think of Ha Pagoda, a renowned site in Kinh Ky land. For a long time, Ha Pagoda has been a destination for young people facing many obstacles in their love lives. Those in love hope for everlasting love and happiness, while singles hope to find their other half soon. The elderly pray for health and peace for their families. Especially, not only on full moon days, the first day of the lunar month, or the New Year's Day, but seemingly all year round, the pagoda is always crowded with visitors.

Locals believe that the threads of fate of couples are tightly bound, thanks to blessings received at the pagoda, which is why many people are curious to visit the pagoda for sightseeing and to seek fortune.

Address: Ha Pagoda Street, Cau Giay District, Hanoi

Lang Pagoda, also known as Chieu Thien Tu, was built during the reign of King Ly Anh Tong and is the place of worship of the renowned Vietnamese Buddhist monk - Tu Dao Hanh. Lang Pagoda is one of the ancient pagodas, preserving many ancient Buddha statues and other artifacts.

Located in the city center, Lang Pagoda has become a place for sincere meetings, prayers, and worship for many young people and locals. It's so sacred that many couples find each other here, as they pray sincerely for marital happiness. Moreover, the picturesque and tranquil scenery of the pagoda helps calm the mind and find inner peace after busy days at work. Allow yourself to seek happiness in this peaceful place.

Address: Lang Pagoda Street, Lang Thuong Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi

Non Nuoc Linh Ung Pagoda, also known as Linh Ung Ngu Hanh Son Pagoda or Outer Pagoda, is the pride of the people of Central Vietnam. In 1997, Xa Loi Tower was built on the left side of the pagoda, reaching a height of 30m, with about 200 stone statues and 40 bas-reliefs of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Arhats.

Most people come to the pagoda to admire the scenery, to immerse themselves in the beauty of the surroundings, to relax their souls after the hardships of life, and to realize that they are not alone. Everyone who prays for good relationships here will be fulfilled if they sincerely turn to Buddhism and practice good deeds, as good relationships will surely come to them.

Address: Huyen Tran Cong Chua, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang

Bai But Linh Ung Pagoda is located on a hill on Son Tra Peninsula, resembling a turtle facing the sea, with its back leaning against the primeval forest with countless birds and animals. This temple is considered the largest, newest, and most beautiful of the three Linh Ung pagodas. The significant highlight of the pagoda is the highest statue of Quan The Am Bodhisattva in Vietnam, standing at 67m tall.

Local people often say that since the appearance of the Quan The Am Bodhisattva statue here, there have been no more storms, disasters, or misfortunes, and people have found peace and prosperity. Therefore, they believe that Quan The Am Bodhisattva witnesses and approves of their prayers and good deeds. Many young people come here hoping for confirmation of their love and wishing for a perfect relationship to quickly come to them. Because of its sanctity, many young tourists come here to visit and pray wholeheartedly for liberation from suffering.

Address: Bai But, Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang

Established since 1930, Tam Thai Pagoda is considered an ancient temple, a national pagoda, and a Buddhist relic. Tam Thai Pagoda sits atop Thuy Son Mountain, one of the five Marble Mountains (Kim – Moc – Thuy – Hoa – Tho). Today, the temple still preserves the royal edict praising the boundless compassion of Buddha for saving sentient beings.

With its stunning scenery, imbued with ancient charm and allure, the pagoda is a popular spot for many beautiful wedding photo shoots. It is also a place where young people seek the rumored beautiful fate connections. Each year, the temple welcomes numerous visitors who come to admire the scenery, offer prayers, seek fortune, and even love. Those feeling lonely often come here seeking confirmation for the desire of finding true love.

Address: Hoang Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang

Ba Na Linh Ung Pagoda sits at an altitude of nearly 1,400m, atop Ba Na Mountain. The pagoda houses a solemn statue of the Buddha, towering amidst the swirling clouds and mountain winds, standing 27m tall, meditating on a 6m high lotus platform.

If you're visiting Ba Na, you definitely can't miss this spot. The pagoda is not only a place to admire the scenery but also the most sacred place for seeking blessings and connections. Many young people come here hoping for enduring relationships. If your journey brings you here, sincerely pray to the Buddha for a fulfilling relationship if you're still single. And if you've already found your significant other, pray together for a blissful outcome for your love story!

Address: Ba Na Eco-Tourism Area, Nui Chua, Da Nang

Van Duc Pagoda - This temple has been recognized as the tallest main hall in Vietnam and houses the largest embossed lotus tree sculpture in Vietnam. The main hall stands at 43.5m tall, took two years and over 60 craftsmen to complete. Besides its religious significance, Van Duc Pagoda also serves as a model for sculptural art in Vietnamese temple architecture.

Aside from being a famous sightseeing spot in Ho Chi Minh City, people also visit Van Duc Pagoda for worship and seeking blessings. Couples pray for a blissful ending, married couples pray for enduring unity, lonely individuals pray for love, and some even pray for enlightenment... all of which are witnessed by the Buddha if done with sincerity.

Address: 23/4 To Ngoc Van, Thu Duc District, Ho Chi Minh City

Giac Lam Pagoda, established in 1744, is one of the oldest pagodas in Saigon. It is the most prestigious ancestral temple, featuring typical Southern architecture, adorned with 113 ancient statues and housing valuable materials on history, architectural art, religion, and more.

The breathtaking scenery along with the auspicious tales of seeking divine connections annually draw numerous locals and tourists to the pagoda for sightseeing and worship, praying for a fulfilling love destiny.

Address: 118 Lac Long Quan, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City

Xa Loi Pagoda is located at 89 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan Street, Ward 7, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. The pagoda construction started on August 5, 1956, and was inaugurated on May 2-4, 1958. The seven-story bell tower was commenced on December 15, 1980, and inaugurated on December 23, 1961. The main bell was brought up to the tower on October 17, 1961, under the witness of the late Venerable Thich Tinh Khiet.

The pagoda was designed by architects Tran Van Duong and Do Ba Vinh, featuring the Main Hall and the seven-story Bell Tower right at the entrance. The Main Hall is spacious, well-ventilated, with excellent natural light thanks to high windows and walls adorned with eye-catching yellow stone.

This pagoda marks the beginning of a new architectural style in Buddhism: with the Main Hall above the Bai Duong and the Lecture Hall below, along with the famous seven-story bell tower. Xa Loi Pagoda, with its Buddhist tradition, is also the only Northern Buddhist pagoda in Vietnam preserving the oldest Pali palm-leaf scriptures. Due to its age and reverence, people believe that visiting the pagoda for prayers and worship will bring happiness, especially in matters of love and relationships.

Address: 89 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

One of the most sacred temples in Vietnam, also known as Ba Cholon Temple, called Pho Mieu (temple of the Lady) by the Chinese. Ba Thien Hau Temple is one of the oldest temples built by the Chinese community. Its architectural style, typical of the Chinese, makes the temple not only a place of worship but also a gathering and mutual support for the Vietnamese-Chinese community.

Most people come to the temple to pray and worship, while some come for sightseeing. But everyone knows that the temple is auspicious for relationships; just pray sincerely and do good deeds, and loneliness will never come near, only happiness remains.

Address: 710 Nguyen Trai, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City (now Binh Duong New City)

Am My Nuong is located within Co Loa Citadel (Hanoi). Inside the citadel, there is a small shrine dedicated to a beautifully decorated and elegant statue without a head, traditionally believed to commemorate Princess Mi Chau, who was beheaded by her father, the king, for betrayal in ancient times. The legend of the iron-hearted love story between My Nuong and Trong Thuy has touched many, leading them to believe that coming here to seek blessings will yield results.

As such, people flock here in search of happiness. Due to this belief, Am My Nuong is renowned among locals for its efficacy in matchmaking and family happiness. Every spring, people visit Am My Nuong seeking luck, goodness, and happiness for themselves and their families.

Address: Co Loa Commune, Dong Anh District, Hanoi

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda was constructed from 1964 and completed in 1971, situated at 339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia (near Cong Ly Bridge), Ward 7, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, designed by architect Nguyen Ba Lang in collaboration with architects Le Tan Chuyen and Co Van Hau. The temple grounds cover about 6,000 square meters, including 3 main areas: Tam Quan, Central Building, and Towers. The curved tile roof architecture, intricate carvings, and engravings are meticulously crafted and exquisite.

The wood carvings here feature a variety of subjects, including the Four Supernatural Creatures, the Nine Dragons, and various Arhats statues. Particularly noteworthy are the reliefs on the temple's walls depicting famous temples in Vietnam and across Asia. The artisans Nguyen Van Phuc, Nguyen Van Du, Ba Nham, and a group of craftsmen in the 1960s achieved significant accomplishments in wood carving here.

The road in front of the pagoda witnessed the final battle of hero Nguyen Van Troi in 1964. Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is also home to the tallest and most sophisticated stone tower in Vietnam, inaugurated in 2003, standing at 7 stories tall and 14 meters high. The pagoda offers a serene and peaceful ambiance, attracting many tourists for sightseeing. Surrender to the tranquil space, contemplate, and see the beautiful destiny awaiting, understanding that only by practicing virtuous deeds can one seek a beautiful destiny.

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

Yen Tu Mountain is a mountain range located in northeastern Vietnam, in Thượng Yên Công commune - Uông Bí, Quảng Ninh province. The Yen Tu Mountain Scenic Area rises 1068 meters above sea level, with about 6000 meters of road, traversing thousands of stone steps, mountain trails to reach Dong Pagoda.

Dong Pagoda was recently cast by bronze artisans in Y Yen, Nam Dinh, based on the model of Dau Keo Pagoda (Thuan Thanh, Bac Ninh), weighing 70 tons, 4.6 meters long, 3.6 meters wide, and 3.35 meters high from the base column to the roof. The floral motifs, patterns on the sword heads, and roof pillars are in the Tran dynasty style. All horizontal and vertical rafters are cast in the shape of dragon heads. The four corners of the pagoda are shaped like scaled roofs, resembling lotus buds blooming, like a wooden pagoda, then transported and installed directly on the peak of Yen Tu Mountain. On both sides of the pagoda are bell and gong hanging racks. Behind the pagoda is the monk's quarters for the temple's resident monks. Dong Pagoda has long been not only significant for its architecture but also spiritually profound. Dong Pagoda on Yen Tu Mountain is more special than other metal castings in the world, both in architecture and artistic carving. It carries a beauty that is robust, gentle, majestic, and is a source of pride for the people of Quang Ninh, the people of Vietnam.

It is said that if one sincerely worships the Buddha, practices virtuous deeds, and climbs Dong Pagoda for three consecutive years, wishes will come true. Therefore, many young people come to Yen Tu every year to climb the mountain, admire the pagoda, pray for enduring relationships, and seek happiness in love.

Address: Thượng Yên Công commune, Uông Bí, Quảng Ninh.

If you've visited Uong Bi, then you must visit Ba Vang Pagoda - the largest main hall temple in Southeast Asia. This is an extremely attractive destination not only for Buddhists but also for sightseeing tourists. Ba Vang Pagoda, formerly known as Bao Quang Tu ('precious light'), was built in 1676. Ba Vang Pagoda sits on the slope of Thanh Dang mountain, at an altitude of 340m above sea level. The temple is located in a beautiful location to the west of Uong Bi city, facing the river in the front and leaning against the mountain in the back, surrounded by lush green pine forests on both sides. Ba Vang Pagoda has a feng shui vein originating from Dong Pagoda (Yen Tu) with the lower terrain forming the image of a dragon soaring to the left, and a tiger towering to the right.

Ba Vang Pagoda is a sect of Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery, having undergone 4 renovations to present its beautiful and majestic appearance today. The new exterior features typical characteristics of a Northern temple, including 3 worship halls, 1 rear hall, with altars for Buddha, Mother, and the Patriarch. Inside the temple, there is an ancient well of water that never runs dry. It is believed that whoever drinks water from the well will be healthy and free from illness. Therefore, many Buddhists and tourists from afar come here to drink water from the well. It is believed that drinking water together from this well will bring lifelong happiness, beautiful karma, and sincere dedication to goodness.

Address: Uong Bi, Quang Ninh