Explore Temples of Southern Vietnam

BySamiran Nandi

Cao Dai Temple –

A Vietnamese religious movement in the 1920s which incorporates Buddhism, Taoism, Catholicism & Confucianism. Cao Dai temple itself was built sometime between 1933 – 1955, using influences from cathedrals in the temple’s architecture. Here, see square towers & a central pathway in hall along side aisles. Cao Dai is an extravagantly crafted pagoda.

Travel tips for Cao Dai

From outside Ho Chi Minh, it’ll take 3 hrs to get there. Plan to make a nice day out of it and explore, given that Cao Dai only takes 30 mins for exploration. Vajra Travel suggests you to check out the Cu Chi Tunnels since it is in the same direction. If you’re in a group, you’ll explore the site with a vehicle, for a more exciting excursion & to save time.

  • Location: Long Thanh Bac Commune, Hoa Thanh District, Tay Ninh 730000, Vietnam
  • Hours: 06:00 – 18:00, daily

2. Jade Emperor Pagoda

Like many shrines of Asia, the Jade Emperor Pagoda is active. A refreshing atmosphere of humbleness, patience, and spirituality engulfed with a commercial zone enhances the site.

  • Jade Emperor Pagoda has green ceramic tiles & dragons at each corner
  • There is a spot cordoned off for sacred turtles which represents symbols of great fortune

Suggestions: Jade Emperor Pagoda

At a sleepy, Dakao ward of Ho Chi Minh, explore Cuc Gach, a Vintage Emporium, Bunker Bed & Breakfast

  • Location: 73 Mai Thi Luu St., Dakao Ward, Ho Chi Minh
  • Hours: 07:00 – 18:00, Everyday

3. Vinh Nghiem Pagoda

Most pagodas in Vietnam are made out of natural materials, whereas Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is the first temple in Vietnam which used concrete as material for construction. As a Mahayana site, Gautama Buddha, Samantabhadra & Manjusri are worshipped here.

Travel tips for the Vinh Nghiem Pagoda

If you’re looking for a meal, look ex Cuc Gach Quan. A minute walk from Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, find one of the top-rated meals in Ho Chi Minh. It’s towards the airport, so it is a good spot to stop before heading out for your flight. I recommend you to get a vehicle for reaching at site. This temple is open from 8am to 5pm everyday, except in Lunar New Year.

  • Location: 339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ward 7, District 3, Ho Chi Minh
  • Hours: 08:00 – 17:00, Everyday

4. Thien Hau Temple

Inside Cho Lon, the Chinatown at Ho Chi Minh shows a Chinese temple dedicated to Thien Hau, the Chinese sea goddess, also called the Lady of the sea. Originally created in 1760, it has went restorations. If you find yourself at Chinatown, you might as well make the temple as a site in Ho Chi Minh exploration.

Travel tips for the Thien Hau Temple

A closer attraction is a bazaar- Binh Thay, in Chinatown. The Cho Lon is quite large, before 1931, it was separate from Saigon. As borders merged, the government brought these two cities together.

  • Location: 710 D Nguyen Trai, District 5, Ho Chi Minh
  • Hours: sunrise to sunset

5. The Vinh Trang

Inside the Mekong Delta, the Vinh Trang Temple can be called one of the nicest temple. Architecture or colors instantly displays unique character compared to many old temples in Vietnam. Vinh Trang resembles an Indian Raj Mahal having decorations of mosaics. Set among huge Buddha figures, a laughing & reclining version and another lifesize sitting Buddha, with gardens filled with lotus pools and flowers, the Vinh Trang Temple has ornate arched gates. In Vinh Trang, there are tombs of many monks who lived here.

Travel tips for the Vinh Trang

Vinh Trang is easily accessible from Ho Chi Minh. It’ll take around 3 to 4 hour, so have a budget for sightseeing or better yet make it as part of sightseeing of the Mekong Delta.

  • Location: Nguyen Trung Truc, My Phong, My Tho
  • Hours: 09:00 – 11:30 and 13:30 – 17:00, daily

6. Giac Lam Pagoda

Built in 1744, the Giac Lam Pagoda is one of the oldest pagodas that went under renovations twice, modernizing with times, each renovation has enhanced aura of Giac Lam. Despite its urban location, you’ll notice about the expansive grounds in which the Giac Lam stands. One of the landmarks in the complex is a 7 storey stupa, accessible for everyone. You can climb and get a nice view too.

Travel tips for the Giac Lam Pagoda

It is located a bit far out from the city center, so 25-30 mins to get there by a taxi. I recommend at least an hour to check out the entire area. See amenities at this area.

  • Hours: 06:00 – 12:00 and 14:00 – 20:30
  • Location: 565 Lac Long Quan, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh

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