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

  • Hanoi Ancient House at 87 Ma May Street

    Located within Hanoi Old Quarter, the ancient house at 87 Ma May street which was built at the late of the Twentieth century, is quite intact with typical architecture of...

    Read more

  • Hanoi Opera House

    Undoubtedly, Hanoi Opera House is the most famous cultural and architectural monuments of Hanoi. Also, it is the biggest theater in Vietnam built in 1911. There have been so...

    Read 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...

    Read more

  • An Bang Beach

    An Bang Beach is one of the few stretches of beach in Hoi An that’s relatively unspoiled by development, making it a popular option for soaking up the sun and enjoying...

    Read more

  • Nam Nha Pagoda

    Nam Nha pagoda is famous not only by the beauty of elegant architect, peaceful and quiet palace but also by the historical – cultural relic. So it becomes a popular...

    Read more

  • Hanoi Old Quarter

    Getting to know more about the culture, custom and tradition of Hanoi absolutely will impress you so much while visiting Hanoi. One of the hottest spots in Hanoi that can...

    Read more

  • Ganh Dau - the wild beauty landscape

    If Phu Quoc seems as a big fish that is waving its tail, Ganh Dau is considered as a fish’s mouth . Ganh Dau has a fresh air, smooth sand and peaceful scene and...

    Read more

  • Thu Le Park

    Also known as Hanoi zoo, Thu Le Park is a popular place for families, especially those with young children.

    Read more

  • Tra Que herb village

    For tourists who come from big cities and who are curious about the Asian countryside, Tra Que village in Hoi An i s obviously a good choice. One of the great things about...

    Read more

  • Dong Xuan Market

    There are so many interesting things and stunning places in Hanoi that you can enjoy the chance to take a visit to, one of the must – see places in Hanoi that you...

    Read more

Destinations

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