Top 9 Temples to Visit in Ho Chi Minh City

Van Duc Temple is located at 234 To Ngoc Van Street, Tam Phu Ward, Thu Duc District, Ho Chi Minh City. The temple was founded in 1954 by Venerable Thich Tri Tinh, the 41st generation of the Lam Te Gia Pho lineage, and currently serves as the First Deputy Dharma Master and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha. The temple originated from a house donated by benefactor Nguyen Thi Huong. After receiving the donation, the Venerable rebuilt it into a temple and named it 'Van Duc'. Since then, the temple has expanded in 1964, 1989, 1993, and undergone major renovations from 2003 to 2005, giving it the majestic appearance it has today.

Situated on a spacious plot of land, the temple blends architectural artistry with natural beauty. The temple's architecture includes a three-tiered gate, a main hall, and a lotus-shaped platform. The gate features blue-glazed tiles with lotus petal motifs on the ends and a dragon-and-dharma-wheel design on the roof. Beyond the gate, a vast courtyard with bonsai plants and decorative trees creates a tranquil and refreshing atmosphere. To the left of the courtyard stands a large Bodhi tree offering shade. Directly opposite the Bodhi tree is a lotus pond with a lotus platform rising above the water, where a statue of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva is enshrined. Behind the courtyard, rows of palm trees and lush bamboo bushes resemble a living watercolor painting.

Van Duc Temple is constructed using durable materials and modern techniques. The entire temple is made of reinforced concrete, with brick walls and piled foundations. The floors and altars are covered with grey granite. All doors and staircases are made of white steel. The decorative motifs are crafted from cement or glazed tile pieces, combining traditional aesthetics with modern innovation. The main hall of the temple stands 4 meters tall, making it the tallest main hall of any temple in Vietnam. From a distance, it resembles a nine-tiered tower with two smaller five-tiered towers, though inside there are only two main floors.

Beyond its aesthetic value, the temple is a model for modern architectural design. Notably, the tallest main hall in Vietnam has set a Vietnamese Buddhist record...

DETAILS:

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

Phone: 0283 896 2388

Website: https://chuavanduc.vn/

Opening Hours: 07:00 AM - 08:30 PM

Xá Lợi Temple is one of the most famous landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City, well-known among tourists. The temple is designed with modern architecture, yet it retains the cultural essence and distinct features of Saigon. More importantly, it stands as a historical symbol of the Buddhist resistance against the discriminatory policies and religious oppression of the Ngo Dinh Diem regime.

Construction of the temple began on August 5, 1956, on a 2500 m² area, donated by the Indochina Club for a symbolic fee of one Vietnamese dollar. The temple was built to house the relics of the Buddha and serve as the official headquarters for the Nam Viet Buddhist Association. The temple underwent its only renovation from 1999 to 2001, but it has preserved its original architectural design.

This temple can be considered the first pagoda in Saigon that initiated a new architectural style for Vietnamese Buddhist temples. The temple features traditional curved eaves on the main hall, lecture hall, and the roof of the main building. Notable features of the temple include: the three-arch gate, a seven-story bell tower, the main hall, lecture hall, library, administration offices, guest rooms, monks' quarters, dining hall, and several peaceful gardens.

For the people of Vietnam and Saigon in particular, Xá Lợi Temple is not just a place of worship, but also a cultural and educational center, as well as a serene tourist destination visited by many.

DETAILS:

Address: 89 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan, Vo Thi Sau, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Website: http://chuaxaloi.vn/

Opening Hours: 06:00 AM - 11:30 AM; 02:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Visiting temples and offering prayers is a cultural tradition deeply ingrained in the Vietnamese people, dating back through the centuries. Located right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Vinh Nghiem Temple with its vast grounds and impressive architecture attracts thousands of visitors each year.

The temple was first constructed in 1964 and completed in 1971, designed by architect Nguyen Ba Lang. A grand three-arch gate leads into the temple grounds. The temple has two floors: the first floor consists of two parts—the exterior under the roof is 3.2 meters high, while the interior, beneath the Buddha hall, is 4.2 meters high. The first floor houses several important areas including the ancestral hall, lecture hall, office, library, classrooms, and monk’s rooms.

Three wide staircases lead up from the courtyard to the upper floor, where a spacious terrace of about 10 meters awaits. To the right, there is a bell tower. From the terrace, a few more steps lead to the main hall. The main hall, or Bai Dian, is a magnificent building measuring 35 meters in length, 22 meters in width, and 15 meters in height. The columns, beams, and roof are made of reinforced concrete, and the central altar houses the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni, flanked by Bodhisattvas Manjushri (on the left) and Samantabhadra (on the right). Intricate wood carvings are found throughout the temple, including motifs of four sacred creatures, nine dragons, and depictions of famous temples from both Vietnam and other parts of Asia. On either side of the entrance to the main hall, large statues of Vajrasattva stand guard.

The entire temple complex is divided into three main sections: the Bai Dian, Ban Dian, and Dizang Hall, with a design reminiscent of the traditional “gong” character. The curved roofs follow the Northern style of pagodas, and the front roof features overlapping tiles. At the top of the roof, a Dharma wheel and phoenix head carvings are prominently displayed. In 1982, the temple constructed the community Xá Lợi Stupa.

Vinh Nghiem Temple may be a relatively new temple, but it stands as a remarkable and unique example of Buddhist architecture in Ho Chi Minh City.

DETAILS:

Address: 339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ward 7, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Phone: 0283 848 3153

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chuavinhnghiem/

Pho Quang Temple is located at 64/3 Huynh Lan Khanh Street, Ward 2, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City. Belonging to the Northern Buddhist sect, it sits at the end of a quiet alley and is closely tied to the turbulent history of the region. This serene location attracts many visitors seeking peace and beauty. Amidst the hustle and bustle of city life, Pho Quang Temple offers a tranquil refuge, resembling a mystical paradise that brings a sense of calm to all who visit.

Pho Quang Temple was founded in 1951 by Venerable Nguyen Viet Tao (Dharma name Thanh Nha) with a modest original design. In 1961, the temple was reconstructed based on a design by architect Nguyen Manh Bao, with engineer Dinh Vu Toan overseeing the project. In 1999, the temple was handed over to the Ho Chi Minh City Buddhist Association for management. After enduring years of wear and tear, the temple was substantially renovated in 2010, including the addition of a basement for parking, a Di Da Hall, and a new main hall. The Di Da Hall features a grand statue of Amitabha Buddha, standing nearly 7 meters tall with a diameter of over 5 meters, sculpted by the renowned artist Phuc Dien. The main hall's architecture follows Northern-style Buddhist temple designs, with a golden statue of Buddha standing 5 meters tall, imported from China.

Visitors can observe the ever-present incense smoke rising towards the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara statue from the courtyard outside the main hall. On both sides of the courtyard, East and West wings house the grand lecture halls, where many Buddhist activities such as ordination ceremonies and conferences are held. The temple grounds span over 6,000 square meters, featuring shady trees and a tranquil atmosphere that creates a peaceful escape from the busy city streets.

One of the reasons Pho Quang Temple attracts so many visitors is its serene beauty and peaceful ambiance, which is hard to find in the midst of the bustling city. Visitors can hear birds chirping at any time of day, leaving behind the worries and stresses of life. The temple's harmonious beauty and connection to the surrounding nature make it a popular destination for those seeking spiritual solace and tranquility.

DETAILS:

Address: 21 Huynh Lan Khanh, Ward 2, Tan Binh, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening Hours: 06:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Many visitors coming to Saigon often ask where Phap Hoa Pagoda is located. This well-known spiritual site sits prominently in the bustling and vibrant city. Phap Hoa Pagoda can be found at 870 Truong Sa Street, Ward 14, District 3, right in the heart of the district, making it easily accessible to tourists.

Phap Hoa Pagoda in Phu Nhuan was established in 1928 by its founder, Venerable Dao Ha Thanh. Initially a modest and simple structure, the pagoda has undergone numerous historical challenges and renovations to attain its present grandeur. In 2015, it was officially recognized as a historical site by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. Nestled beside the poetic Nhieu Loc Canal, the pagoda exudes a serene and picturesque charm that captivates visitors from afar.

If you seek peace and tranquility, visit Phap Hoa Pagoda during weekdays and early mornings, when it is less crowded with monks and devotees. Opening hours are from 6:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM to 9:00 PM. For those interested in fortune-telling, the knowledgeable abbot offers insightful readings for those who wish to learn about their destiny.

When visiting Saigon, be sure to add Phap Hoa Pagoda to your list of attractions. Beyond exploring historical sites and tourist hotspots, this pagoda offers a unique and peaceful experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in its spiritual ambiance.

DETAILS:

Address: 870 Truong Sa Street, Ward 14, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening Hours: 06:00 - 11:30; 13:30 - 21:00

This location has become the new headquarters for the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam Quoc Tu Pagoda is situated at 244 3/2 Street, Ward 12, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam Quoc Tu Pagoda is built in the traditional northern Vietnamese architectural style, with a dominant yellow color and brown-red tiled roofs. The pagoda's roof is multi-tiered, with beautifully crafted dragon-head carvings at the top of each tier, adding a touch of elegance.

In addition to being a place of worship, Vietnam Quoc Tu Pagoda also serves as a center for various activities for monks and Buddhist followers, especially during significant religious occasions. The pagoda hosts spiritual gatherings, Dharma lectures, and cultural exchanges. Visitors to Vietnam Quoc Tu Pagoda will be impressed by its unique combination of traditional architecture with subtle modern touches, while still preserving the core essence of religious traditions.

The pagoda boasts an extraordinary exterior, with its golden eaves and natural stone materials, while the interior features modern furnishings that complement the overall design without disrupting the sacred atmosphere.

Its prime location on a major avenue ensures high traffic flow, making it a prominent spot in the city. In the future, this pagoda will continue to serve as a central hub for Buddhist activities, hosting ceremonies and gatherings for monks and lay Buddhists alike.

DETAILS:

Address: 244 3 Thang 2 Street, Ward 12, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening Hours: 07:00 - 11:00; 15:00 - 19:30

Located in Tan Hiep Commune, Hoc Mon District, Hoang Phap Pagoda is a popular destination where Buddhist followers gather for meditation and spiritual retreats, such as the weekly meditation sessions and one-day peaceful retreats held quarterly. The serene atmosphere, along with the sound of monks chanting in the evening, helps visitors release their stress and find inner peace.

Additionally, many young people fondly remember Hoang Phap Pagoda for the Summer Meditation Retreat. This free program, held for seven days, teaches young participants self-care, self-love, and acceptance of life's challenges as inevitable. To maintain a peaceful and distraction-free environment, all external communication is cut off during the retreat, allowing participants to live independently and disconnect from worldly attachments.

What's more, the pagoda is open every day of the week, making it a must-visit spot in Ho Chi Minh City. Don’t miss out on the delicious vegetarian dishes meticulously prepared by the monks, which will surely leave you with a lasting memory.

DETAILS:

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

Phone: 0283 713 0002

Website: http://www.chuahoangphap.com.vn/

Opening Hours: 05:00 - 20:30

Just 20 km from downtown Saigon, Buu Long Pagoda is an easy destination to visit, especially on weekends. From a distance, the golden spire of the pagoda stands out against the sky, guiding visitors toward this beautiful site. The pagoda's architecture is quite unique, resembling famous temples in Thailand, earning it the nickname "the Thai pagoda" from locals.

However, the pagoda also preserves traditional Vietnamese architectural features, such as intricate dragon carvings on the walls and columns at the entrance to the main hall. The temple grounds were designed by the abbot Thich Vien Minh, and include a peaceful jade-green lake in front of the main hall, as well as the Gotama Cetiya stupa, the largest in Vietnam, towering at 56 meters, with four smaller stupas surrounding it.

The most impressive feature of Buu Long Pagoda is the massive Gotama Cetiya stupa, the tallest in Vietnam, standing at 56 meters high. The stupa complex includes four smaller stupas: the Birth Stupa, the Enlightenment Stupa, the Dharma Wheel Stupa, and the Nirvana Stupa, which together can accommodate over 2,000 visitors at a time to come and pay respects to the Buddha’s relics.

A visit to the pagoda feels like stepping into Thailand, with its distinct architectural style and the chance to listen to monks explain the legends of Bodhisattvas and Arhats.

The spacious grounds also offer plenty of room for visitors to explore and take stunning photos.

DETAILS:

Address: 81 Nguyen Xien, Long Binh, District 9, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening Hours: 08:00 - 18:00

Giac Lam Pagoda is one of the oldest temples in Ho Chi Minh City. It is the main temple of the Lam Te Zen sect in Southern Vietnam. Located at 565 Lac Long Quan Street, Ward 10, Tan Binh District, it was officially recognized as a national historical and cultural heritage site by the Ministry of Culture and Information in 1988.

The pagoda was funded by the layman Ly Thuy Long, a Chinese-Vietnamese, in the spring of the year Giap Ty (1744) during the reign of Lord Nguyen Phuc Khoat. Originally named Son Can (Son meaning mountain, Can meaning hill), it was later known as Cam Son after being built on Cam Son Hill.

Visitors to the pagoda are often struck by its peaceful, serene atmosphere, with the temple nestled under tall trees. The roof, covered with green moss, does not boast the grand, sweeping curves typical of other pagodas, but instead features a series of roof tiles designed to drain rainwater quickly, blending harmoniously with the natural surroundings. Situated on a hill, the location reflects local religious beliefs: pagodas are traditionally built near water, symbolizing prosperity, with the entrance facing south, considered the most auspicious direction for Southern temples.

Over the years, the pagoda has undergone several restorations, each adding new elements that reflect the cultural and historical influences of the time. Notably, decorative ceramic dishes in blue and white glaze line the walls of the pagoda, both inside and outside, as well as around the door arches. These creative patterns and placements enhance the decorative lines, giving the temple a more dynamic, lively feel while still retaining elements of traditional local pottery from Binh Duong, characterized by the predominant blue-and-white color scheme.

DETAILS:

Address: 565 Lac Long Quan, Ward 10, Tan Binh, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 0283 865 3933

Opening Hours: 05:00 - 12:00; 14:00 - 20:00