Ky Quang II Pagoda in Go Vap – A Pagoda Without Any Roofs and Walls

Of all the pagodas in Vietnam, Ky Quang II Pagoda is remarkably different. Located in a small alley of Ho Chi Minh City, the pagoda is not only known for its “5-nos” structure but also where love is infinite.

General Information about Ky Quang II Pagoda

Location: 154/4A, Le Hoang Phai, Ward 17, Go Vap District

Opening Hours: 6 AM – 6 PM

Entrance Fee: None

How To Get There:

The entrance of the pagoda.

By motorbike/car: It will take you around 30 minutes to come to Ky Quang II Pagoda from District 1. You can follow this route: District 1 – Hai Ba Trung street – Phan Dinh Phung street – Nguyen Kiem street – Nguyen Thai Son street – Nguyen Van Luong Street – Le Hoang Phai Street. It is located in a small alley.

By bus: You can find bus number 59 or number 3 and get off at the Le Hoang Phai Crossroad bus stop (“Tram Nga Ba Le Hoang Phai” in Vietnamese).

The History of Ky Quang II Pagoda

This pagoda is nearly 100 years old.

Started in 1924, Ky Quang II Pagoda was a place of worship, but a single occurrence changed its role when a blind boy and his disabled brother went into the pagoda’s grounds to sell lottery tickets. Touched by their misfortune, the former Dieu Hanh Nun offered them home. Since then, more than 200 abandoned children have been raised in this pagoda.

The Amazing Structure of Ky Quang II Pagoda

Ky Quang II Pagoda embraces the solemn atmosphere. Inside the three-arched-entrances gate stands a small yellow pool that’s attached with various Buddhist symbols, portraiting the sacred life in the sky.

The worshipping area of Hung King.

At a corner, it is a worshipping place for King Tran Nhan Tong, who  made significant contributions to Vietnam’s success against the Mongolian invasions in the 13th century.

Ky Quang II Pagoda was constructed with stones only, following the unique “5-nos” structure that represents the belief of Buddhism. The pagoda has no walls, doors, roofs, and pillars.

The architecture is a harmonious mix of Buddhist values and Vietnamese culture.

First, the entrance of the main hall replaces doors with two standing gold-plate statues, which means the kind-hearted welcome to all sentient beings. Second, there is no roof to see the “9 firmament directions and 10 Buddha directions”. Lastly, “no walls and no pillars” symbolizes the unlimited union and mercy.

Prepare to be amazed by the enormous numbers of marble Arhats statues inside the Great Hall.

The Great Hall is where visitors come to burn incenses and pray. The scene of Buddha meditating around his students among lotus and cloud creates a peaceful and sacred atmosphere.

Ky Quang II Pagoda – A Shelter for Abandoned Infants

As soon as you walk behind the pagoda, you’ll hear the vibrant noise of children crying, laughing, and playing.

Ky Quang II Pagoda is home to more than 250 children who were left by their parents, only half of whom are in a normal state. Many suffered from congenital disabilities, mental or physical disabilities, and were abandoned here.

A caregiver is playing with her children.

A classroom inside the pagoda for teaching children how to read and write.

These children grow up with the care of 40 caregivers and Thich Thien Chieu abbot. They are encouraged to pursue higher education and their dreams. Additionally, the infants here receive a lot of help from many people throughout Vietnam for their future journey.

Local Tips When Visiting Ky Quang II Pagoda

• Visitors are not allowed to wear revealing clothes.
• Remember to take off your hat, shoes, and umbrellas upon entrance to show respect.
• You shouldn’t speak loudly, and no inappropriate joke is allowed.
• Ask for permission beforehand, and follow the regulations if you wish to visit the children.
• Avoid visiting the children from noon to 2 PM, for that is their afternoon rest.
• Sign up for an insurance plan to explore more of Ho Chi Minh:

Summary on Ky Quang II Pagoda

For those who are interested in spiritual sites in Ho Chi Minh City, this pagoda is a must-visit destination on any Ho Chi Minh City tour. Once you’re here, you can feel the true meaning of love and family.