Giac Lam Pagoda

Giac Lam Pagoda, built in 1744, is the oldest Buddhist temple in Ho Chi Minh City and as such was listed as an important historical site by the Vietnamese Department of Culture in 1988.

Situated in Binh Than District, the pagoda is surrounded by spacious, walled garden and fronted by statues of mythical dragons, the protective guardians to many temples here.

 

Giac Lam Pagoda

Inside, this richly decorated shrine is comprised of three areas: the ceremonial hall, the chanting hall and the refectory. This large and sprawling establishment houses beautifully rendered images of Buddha in various incarnations, along with numerous Taoist deities, each with own altar. All the wooden pillars are decorated with red-and-gold Chinese characters.

The ceremonial hall is dominated by the large statue of Amitabha Buddha, who is surrounded by five smaller Buddha images. Also in the main hall is the ‘nine dragon altar’ depicting the birth of Prince Sidharta, the future Buddha Gotama.

Outside, a new addition, the 32-metre tall stupa dominates the temple grounds. This seven-story high, hexagonal structure contains a Buddha relic housed on the top floor. Visitors can climb up to the top floor for panoramic views of the city. In front of the stupa stands the white statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy on an open lotus flower, a symbol of purity.

Opening Hours: 05:00 – 12:00 and 14:00 – 20:00 daily

Location: 118 Lac Long Quan, District 3

See more

  • Temple of Literature

    Known as the first Vietnam’s national university, Temple of Literature (Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam) is the most famous traditional and cultural place in Hanoi in particular...

  • Hoang Yen Chao Castle

    Hoang Yen Chao Castle is a unique architectural construction combining Eastern style and Western style. Built in the 20th century, it belongs to Na Hoi Tho Village, Bac Ha...

  • Bach Ma National Park

    With close proximity to both Hue and Danang, Bach Ma national park is simple a cannot-afford-to-miss for nature lovers and especially bird-watching enthusiasts.

  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

    Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of the most historical attractions in Hanoi , knowing for the final resting place and holding the embalmed remains of President Ho Chi Minh, the...

  • Long Son Pagoda

    Long Son Pagoda, also well known as White Buddha Temple (Behind the pagoda is a huge white Buddha seated on a lotus blossom) is one of the most beautiful pagoda with an...

  • Luon Cave

    Luon cave is the paradise of spectacular nature and dreaming landscapes. Moroever, Luon Cave is the perfect combination of lime-stone mountains and jade-green sea makes Luon...

  • Fansipan mountain Sapa

    The Mount Fasipan is located in Lao Cai province, about 9km southwest of Sapa town. It belongs to the mountain range Hoang Lien Son, located in the northwest of Vietnam and...

  • Fifth Military Division Museum of Da Nang

    The Fifth Military Division Museum of Da Nang was built in 1977, offering visitors a glimpse of Vietnam’s tumultuous past with extensive displays of war relics, news...

  • Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park

    Mother land gives Quang Binh a spectacular and pristine landscape, Phong Nha – Ke Bang national park. It is the harmony of the primeval forest and Son River, along...

  • Water Puppet Shows in Ho Chi Minh

    Traditional Vietnamese Water Puppet Shows remain one of the cultural draws for most travellers to Ho Chi Minh City. 

Most popular tours

Business info

  • Vietnam Local Guide

  • Address: 18th Floor, VTC Online Tower, 18 Tam Trinh Str.,Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi, Vietnam
  • Email: info@vietnamguider.com
  • Phone: (+84) 0904989890
  • Hotline: (+84) 0904989890