The Most Beautiful Temples and Pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City

In the midst of Ho Chi Minh City aka. Saigon's bustling energy, with its vibrant boulevards and modern skyscrapers, lie hidden oases of peace where time seems to stand still. The city's temples and pagodas are much more than just places of worship, they tell the story of a community, reflect ancient traditions, and offer visitors a deep dive into the spiritual soul of Vietnam. Among the most remarkable sanctuaries, these 12 Ho Chi Minh City temples and pagodas located around city center deserve special attention.

1. Vinh Nghiem Pagoda

Built in the 1960s, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is one of Saigon's largest and most impressive Buddhist temples. Located on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St., it spans over 6,000 square meters and immediately catches the eye with its towering seven-story stone pagoda. Its architecture is inspired by traditional pagodas of Vietnam's Northern region but also incorporates modern lines, creating an atmosphere that is both solemn and open.

Inside, you'll find a grand sanctuary dedicated to the Buddha and the Bodhisattvas of Wisdom and Compassion. In the courtyard, a peace bell, donated by a Japanese temple, symbolizes the spiritual friendship between the two nations. Vinh Nghiem isn't just a place of prayer; it's also a Buddhist cultural center where major ceremonies and traditional festivals take place. For travelers, it's an ideal stop, easily accessible from the city center, where you can feel the grandeur and serenity of Vietnamese Buddhism.

• Address: 339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

2. Phap Hoa Pagoda

Following the Nhieu Loc Canal, you'll discover the discreet but charming Phap Hoa Pagoda. Founded in 1928 and rebuilt multiple times, it has been officially recognized as a historical site by the Center for Monument Conservation and the Ho Chi Minh City Heritage Council.

Phap Hoa Pagoda is particularly known for its luminous ceremonies: during major Buddhist festivals, devotees release lanterns onto the water, transforming the canal into a shimmering river. Visitors find a peaceful atmosphere here, perfect for contemplation and meditation. The architectural style, inspired by Northern Buddhism, remains simple, with a main hall where golden Buddha statues stand out in the soft light. It’s a perfect place for a spiritual break after exploring Saigon's bustling streets.

• Address: 870 Truong Sa Street, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 11:30 AM; 1:30 PM - 9:00 PM

3. Xa Loi Pagoda

Also in the same district of Phap Hoa Pagoda, Xa Loi Pagoda stands out as one of Saigon's most important Buddhist sanctuaries. Inaugurated in 1956, it covers an area of about 2,500 square meters and is famous for its seven-story bell tower, considered one of the tallest in the city. Its slender silhouette is visible from afar and symbolizes the spiritual quest for elevation.

But Xa Loi is more than just its architecture. In the 1960s, it was at the heart of the Buddhist movement against the authoritarian regime of the time, becoming a place of spiritual and political resistance. Today, visitors will find a space steeped in contemplation: a vast main hall, frescoes depicting the life of the Buddha, and devotees reciting sutras. By visiting Xa Loi Pagoda, you're not just discovering a temple, but a living page of Vietnam's contemporary history.

• Address: 89 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM; 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM

4. Candaransi Pagoda (Theravāda Buddhism)

Located along the Truong Sa Canal, Candaransi Pagoda (or Wat Chantaransay) is one of the few Khmer temples in central Saigon. Founded in 1947, it has become a major spiritual center for the Khmer community living in Ho Chi Minh City. Upon entry, you are immediately struck by the typical Khmer architecture: stairs lined with Naga serpents, richly decorated multi-tiered roofs, and vibrant colors reminiscent of Cambodian pagodas.

Inside, the main altar shines with gilding, and the atmosphere feels different from Vietnamese Buddhist pagodas. The place blends influences of Theravāda Buddhism, Brahmanic traditions, and popular Khmer culture. The walls are adorned with paintings of the Buddha's life and the great legends of Khmer cosmology. For travelers, Candaransi is a rare and valuable immersion into a neighboring culture, enriching the spiritual mosaic of Saigon.

• Address: 164/235 Tran Quoc Thao Street, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

5. Ngoc Hoang Pagoda (Jade Emperor Pagoda)

Among the city's most famous temples, Ngoc Hoang Pagoda, also known as the "Jade Emperor Pagoda," is a must-see. Built in the early 20th century by the Chinese community, it is dedicated to the Taoist deity Ngoc Hoang, but it primarily attracts devotees who come to pray for family, fertility, and prosperity.

The temple stands out with its impressive Sino-Vietnamese architecture: curved roofs, dragon sculptures, hanging lanterns, and painted wooden frescoes. The atmosphere is both mystical and vibrant, filled with the scent of incense and the whispers of prayers. Its fame has even spread beyond Vietnam's borders. In 2016, then-US President Barack Obama visited, giving this sanctuary international visibility. For travelers, a visit to Ngoc Hoang is a fascinating dive into Saigon's popular spirituality.

• Address: 73 Mai Thi Luu Street, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

6. Mariamman Temple (Tamil Hinduism)

Just a short walk from Ben Thanh Market, in the heart of District 1, is Mariamman Temple, one of Saigon's most impressive Hindu sanctuaries. Dedicated to Mariamman, the goddess of rain and fertility from southern India, this temple is a symbol of the city's cultural and religious diversity.

Its colorful facade immediately catches the eye: towers covered with statues of Hindu deities, sculpted columns, and vibrant frescoes. The interior, though smaller, maintains the same intensity: Indian and Vietnamese devotees come here to make offerings of flowers, coconuts, and incense. Every day, two fire ceremonies (homa) are celebrated in honor of Mariamman, a spectacular ritual where flames symbolize purification and divine protection.

Visiting Mariamman Temple is a chance to discover an atmosphere completely different from the Vietnamese Buddhist pagodas, a spiritual journey transporting the visitor to little South India in Ho Chi Minh City.

• Address: 45 Truong Dinh Street, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

7. Subramaniam Swamy Temple (Tamil Hinduism)

Discreet yet of great importance to Saigon's Indian community, Subramaniam Swamy Temple is located on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Avenue, a stone's throw from the city center. Considered one of the oldest Hindu sanctuaries in the city, it is dedicated to Subramaniam (also called Murugan or Skanda), the god of youth, war, and victory in the Tamil tradition.

Its architecture faithfully follows the style of temples in southern India, with a gopuram—a monumental tower-gate—covered in multi-colored statues representing deities and their mythological tales. Inside, the main hall is more understated, but the atmosphere is filled with fervor. Here, you feel a community deeply attached to its roots, perpetuating its rituals right in the heart of Saigon. For visitors, it's an intimate dive into Tamil Hinduism, far from the tumult of the neighboring streets.

• Address: 98 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening hours: All day

8. Sri Thenday Yutthapani Temple (Tamil Hinduism)

Continuing your discovery of Saigon's Hindu sanctuaries, it would be a pity to miss Sri Thenday Yutthapani Temple, located on Ton That Thiep Street in District 1. Cited by international Hindu associations as a true treasure, it embodies a unique cultural bridge between India and Vietnam.

Its colorful architecture, with finely sculpted towers and facades adorned with traditional motifs, immediately attracts the eye. But what stands out most is the devotion of the faithful: vibrant ceremonies are regularly celebrated here, where chants, drums, and flower offerings fill the space with spirituality. This temple is less known to tourists than Mariamman, but it’s well worth the detour for those who want to discover the richness of Hindu heritage in Saigon in a more intimate and authentic setting.

• Address: 66 Ton That Thiep Street, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM

9. Viet Nam Quoc Tu

At the border between Districts 3 and 10 stands Viet Nam Quoc Tu, one of Ho Chi Minh City's largest Buddhist complexes. Built on over four hectares, it is the headquarters of the Buddhist Church of Vietnam in the south of the country and plays a central role in the city's religious and cultural life.

Its most striking symbol is the Viet Nam Quoc Tu, the tallest pagoda in Vietnam, which dominates the skyline. The architectural style combines tradition and modernity: large superimposed roofs, vast prayer spaces, and manicured gardens. During major Buddhist festivals like Vesak or Vu Lan, thousands of devotees gather here, transforming the place into a vibrant spiritual center. For travelers, Viet Nam Quoc Tu is an impressive stop that illustrates the living, contemporary dimension of Vietnamese Buddhism.

• Address: 244 3/2 Street, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening hours: 7:30 AM - 11:00 AM; 3:00 PM - 7:30 PM

10. Thien Hau Pagoda (Chinese style, Hoa community)

In the heart of the Cho Lon area is Thien Hau Pagoda, one of Ho Chi Minh City's most iconic sanctuaries. Dedicated to Thien Hau, the protective goddess of sailors and travelers, it holds a central place in the religious and cultural life of Saigon's Chinese community.

Built in the 19th century by Cantonese merchants, the pagoda is distinguished by its roofs decorated with ceramic reliefs depicting dragons, phoenixes, and mythological scenes. Inside, incense spirals hanging from the ceiling create a mystical and soothing atmosphere, while altars are filled with ancient statues and precious ritual objects. Each year, from the 22nd to the 24th day of the 3rd lunar month, the festival of the goddess Thien Hau attracts thousands of devotees and visitors, transforming the pagoda into a place of intense and colorful devotion.

Visiting Thien Hau Pagoda is a chance to dive into the living heritage of the Hoa people community in Saigon and feel the spiritual force that still connects this city to the sea and its ancestral traditions.

• Address: 710 Nguyen Trai Street, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 5:30 PM

11. Van Phat Pagoda

Van Phat Pagoda, or the "Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas," is one of the city's most astonishing sanctuaries. Its most impressive treasure is a large hall where all four walls are completely covered with more than 10,000 perfectly aligned Buddha statues. The visual effect is breathtaking: a golden sea of small effigies that envelops visitors in an atmosphere of devotion and solemnity.

Built by the Chinese community, the pagoda features a traditional architectural style, with roofs adorned with ceramic motifs, red lanterns, and richly decorated columns. Devotees come here to pray for peace and prosperity, while visitors are often amazed by the sheer scale of the statue collection. Visiting Van Phat Pagoda, you can feel both the religious fervor and the aesthetic power of a unique place in Saigon.

• Address: 66/14 Nghia Thuc Street, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

12. Buu Long Pagoda (Thai style)

Located about 20 kilometers from central Saigon, Buu Long Pagoda is a surprising sight. Unlike traditional Vietnamese pagodas, it adopts an architectural style inspired by Thai temples, with large golden roofs, graceful lines, and refined geometric patterns. Its masterpiece is the Gotama Cetiya stupa, considered one of Vietnam's most majestic stupas, which stands proudly in the middle of a vast green space.

The site has been mentioned by the American magazine National Geographic among the most beautiful temples in the world, and it attracts both Vietnamese pilgrims and foreign travelers. The atmosphere is serene: peaceful gardens, a lake reflecting the golden silhouettes of the roofs, and prayer halls bathed in natural light. Visiting Buu Long is a spiritual and aesthetic getaway, far from the city's hustle and bustle, while discovering a different side of Vietnamese Buddhism, one rooted in the Theravāda style of Southeast Asia.

• Address: 81 Nguyen Xien Street, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Exploring Ho Chi Minh City's temples and pagodas is an immersion into a spiritual mosaic where Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, and folk traditions intersect. Each of these eleven sanctuaries, with its own unique story and atmosphere, reveals a more intimate side of the city. For travelers seeking authenticity, it’s an invitation to slow down, contemplate, and soak up a spiritual dimension often missed. Discover these unique places with IZITOUR and let your trip become a truly meaningful and serene journey.

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