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

  • Pac Ngoi Village

    Visiting Pac Ngoi village, you not only enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Ba Be lake , forest and mountains but also explore the culture of Tay people. Pac Ngoi village is...

    Read more

  • Cua Dai Beach in Hoi An

    Cua Dai is one of just five Vietnamese UNESCO World Heritage Sites offering an unrivalled seaside escape from the ancient streets of Hoi An. This 3km stretch of fine white...

    Read more

  • Ngang Pass

    Ngang Pass is one of the most famous attractions in Quang Binh .  Ngang Pass is the mark of the history and become a legend. The image of Ngang pass appears in many...

    Read more

  • Binh Thuy Ancient House

    Binh Thuy ancient house was built 100 years ago and used as a backdrop to many famous films. The house has an unique architect which is the...

    Read more

  • Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh

    In a quiet corner of bustling downtown Ho Chi Minh City stands Notre Dame Cathedral, the one remaining stronghold of Catholicism in the largely Buddhist Vietnam.

    Read more

  • Museum of History of Vietnamese Military

    Also popularly known as Military Museum, this is one of the oldest museums in Hanoi.

    Read more

  • Yen Tu Mountain

    Yen Tu Mountain is one of the highest peaks in the Dong Trieu Mountains in the north-eastern area of Vietnam, located within the area of Uong Bi Town, Quang Ninh Province....

    Read more

  • Saigon Opera House

    The Saigon Opera House in Ho Chi Minh is an elegant colonial building at the intersection of Le Loi and Dong Khoi Street in District 1, very close to the famous Notre Dame...

    Read more

  • Bac Lieu Sanctuary

    Bac Lieu bird sanctuary is one of the most attractive eco-tourism in Mekong Delta and Bac Lieu province . Bac Lieu bird garden always makes visitors surprised by the...

    Read more

  • Sapa market

    In the early morning, streets in Sapa downtown are filled with hundreds of Hmong and Red Dao people in colorful ethnic attire heading to Sapa market. The traditional Sunday...

    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