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

  • Thien Mu pagoda

    If Hanoi has One-pillar pagoda, Hue is renowned for its Thien Mu pagoda. The architecture, location and history makes Thien Mu pagoda among the top attractions to see in Hue.

  • Saint Joseph Cathedral

    Saint Joseph Cathedral, located at 40 Nha Chung street, Hanoi, is a Roman Catholic cathedral with neo- gothic style, which was built about 120 years ago.

  • Cong Do Island

    Located in the southeast of Ha Long Bay, 25km off from Bai Chay cruise port, Cong Do Island is inside Bai Tu Long Bay. The island has an area of ​​23 363 km2 with 172 m...

  • 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...

  • Ta Phin Village

    Ta Phin village is famous as an attractive ecotourism of Lao Cai province and shoul not be missed when traveling to Sapa . Ta Phin village is home to...

  • Ho Chi Minh's Chinatown

    Ho Chi Minh City’s Cholon is Vietnam’s largest Chinatown with roots dating back to 1778; it’s also a place of great historical and cultural importance....

  • Con Dao National Park

    Con Dao is a tourist island and is ranked one of 10 mysterious islands in the world by Lonely Planet. Besides, Con Dao National Park is the 6th Ramsar in the world, and the...

  • Long Bien Bridge

    If Hoan Kiem Lake with special green water and the red bridge named The Huc is the symbol of an elegant and charming ancient city; Red river and Long Bien bridge may be seen...

  • Vietnam War Memorial

    Across from the Ba Dinh Square from Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Building and in between Ho Chi Minh complex and Thang Long ancient city is Vietnam War Memorial.

  • Hai Van Pass

    Hai Van Pass or Sea Clouds Pass offers an impressive landscape of verdant mountains and clear blue skies, overlooking Da Nang City, Tien Sa Port, Son Tra Peninsula, and South...

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