Visiting religious sites like temples and pagodas has become an important part of Vietnam travel and is usually included in many Ho Chi Minh City tours. This guide will list out a few of the best temples and pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City where you can study Vietnamese religions and admire these beautiful and sacred architectures.
Jade Emperor Pagoda
73 Mai Thi Luu, District 1
Jade Emperor Pagoda is a famous place for many locals coming and praying for fertility. The pagoda is also known for its old and unique paper statues. It was recognized as a National Architectural Heritage in 1994 and visited by Barack Obama when he was still in office in 2016.
Vinh Nghiem Pagoda
339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 3
This pagoda is famous for its tallest and most sophisticated stone towers in Vietnam. The tower is 7-story and 14-meter high. As one of the largest pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is often crowded with followers on the Vesak (Buddha’s Birthday).
Xa Loi Pagoda
89 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan, District 3
Xa Loi is not only famous for its tallest bell tower which was finished in 1961 but also known for its part in a Vietnamese historical event. It was the place for individuals and Buddhism followers that protested against actions to suppress religious practice during the Vietnam War, commonly known as the Buddhist crisis of 1963.
Tran Hung Dao Temple
36 Vo Thi Sau, District 1
This place is a memorial and temple in Ho Chi Minh City for Tran Hung Dao, a great general in Vietnamese history. In the temple, there are two statues of Tran Hung Dao; one is made of concrete and put in the garden, and the other copper statue is put in the worship place.
Phap Hoa Pagoda
220A Le Van Sy, District 3
Another name for this pagoda is Lotus Pagoda, in which the lotus is a symbol of purity. The pagoda is located by Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe Canal with a lot of visitors on the Vesak and Thich Thien Chieu Monk’s death memorial date.
Nhi Phu Temple
264 Hai Thuong Lan Ong, District 5
The temple was established with the sponsorship of the Chinese who came from two prefectures, and thus it was named Nhi Phu (two prefectures). It is one of the oldest Chinese temples in Ho Chi Minh City of the Fujian people in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City before 1976).
Thien Hau Temple
710 Nguyen Trai, District 5
The Cantonese who lived in the Cho Lon area (District 5, District 6, District 10 and District 11) in Saigon had built this place to pay appreciation to Mazu for giving them the blessing in their immigration journey. And since 1993, Thien Hau Temple in Ho Chi Minh City has been one of the National Architectural Heritages.
| To have fun trips in Ho Chi Minh City, check out our authentic motorbike tours with professional local guides! |
An Quang Pagoda
243 Su Van Hanh, District 10
An Quang Pagoda is one of the Buddhist study institutions in Southern Vietnam. It is also the place for many followers to come to pray and give incense on Vesak and Tet holidays.
Giac Vien Pagoda
161/85/20 Lac Long Quan, District 11
The pagoda’s design represents traditional Southern Vietnam architecture. There are several statues and sculptures from the 19th and 20th centuries in this place. It was also recognized by the Cultural Department as National Historical and Cultural Heritage in 1993.
Phung Son Pagoda
1408 Ba Thang Hai, District 11
Phung Son Pagoda has been a National Historical and Cultural Heritage since 1988. In this pagoda, archaeologists have found clays and chinas from Oc Eo time (from the 1st to 7th century). A Thai brass Buddha statue and a Japanese wooden Buddha statue are also worshiped in this pagoda.
Van Hanh Monastery
750 Nguyen Kiem, Phu Nhuan District
Van Hanh Monastery is an important place for the study and teaching of Vietnamese Buddhism. Many representatives of Buddhism from other countries and visitors from all over the world are coming here to work and pray, especially during the Vesak and Ghost Festival.
Floating Temple
Vam Thuat River, District Go Vap
Floating Temple is a 300-year-old temple in Ho Chi Minh City with Vietnamese and Chinese architectural style. The temple is located on an islet of the Vam Thuat River, but that’s not the only impressive thing about it. The place has massive dragon sculptures fencing the front of the temple.
Giac Lam Pagoda
118 Lac Long Quan, Tan Binh District
As one of the earliest pagodas that were established in the 18th century, Giac Lam Pagoda is famous for its old statues and various valuable documents about Vietnamese history, culture, architecture, sculpture, and religion.
Le Van Duyet Temple (Lang Ong)
1 Vu Tung, Binh Thanh District
Because it is located near Ba Chieu Market, the locals usually call it by the name Lang Ong Ba Chieu. This temple is originally a tomb of a hero in Vietnamese history, Le Van Duyet, a renowned marshal in the Nguyen Dynasty. Before 1975, this place is considered one of the symbols of Saigon-Gia Dinh.
Nam Thien De Nhat Tru Pagoda
511 Dang Van Bi, Binh Tho Ward, Thu Duc District
Not many people know there is a one-pillar pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City. Nam Thien De Nhat Tru Pagoda was built from 1958 to 1977 as a small replica of One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi. Its location is quite far from the city center, so it is not usually crowded with visitors and preserved a tranquil atmosphere.
Van Duc Pagoda
23/4 To Ngoc Van, Tam Phu Ward, Thu Duc District
Van Duc Pagoda is the pagoda with the tallest main hall in Vietnam. The 43.5-meter tall main hall is divided into two stories for worshipping and teaching Buddhism. It is an art of a sacred place and a representation of the modern architectural techniques.
Hoang Phap Pagoda
Tan Hiep Ward, Hoc Mon District
Hoang Phap is famous in Vietnam for its Spontaneous Loss Retreat. This pagoda is a 7-day meditation course for people who want to relieve stress and find inner peace. There will be no TV, no cell phones, and no internet connection in the 7 days. It is a free course and popular among teenagers with fun lessons about Buddha’s teaching.
Summary of The Best Temples and Pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City
The South of Vietnam, especially Ho Chi Minh City, has many old temples and pagodas from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries across the area. Each of them has its history and unique factor that can offer different experiences when you get a chance to visit and study them all.
Get a travel insurance plan for your trip to Vietnam:
Have you visited any of these temples and pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City? What do you think is the best of them? Share with us in the comment section below.
Check out and explore Ho Chi Minh City temples, pagodas, and other famous attractions with Saigon’s Other Side Tour, Day Adventure Motorbike Tour, or our Customized Tour.
You may also like:
8 Amazing Vietnam Pagodas You Have to See