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

  • Lan Ha Bay

    Located adjacent to Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay is a peaceful bay in Cat Ba Islands system. Lan Ha Bay has about 400 large and small islands covered with green trees and...

  • 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...

  • Hue Imperial Citadel

    Famously being one of Vietnam’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Imperial City of Hue has long been a must-see attraction for tourists visiting a hidden charm of...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • Thien Cung Cave

    Thien Cung Cave is considered the most beautiful primitive cave of Halong Bay with complicated interior structure, many floors, and high ceiling. Thien Cung Cave...

  • Phong Dien Floating Market

    Phong Dien floating market is not only a palce for selling and exchanging products but also a popular attraction in Can Tho . Phong Dien floating market has many different...

  • Dau Be Island

    Located in the southeast of Ha Long Bay, Dau Be Island is 500 m to the east of Hang Trai Island, 28km from Bai Chay Cruise Port, in an archipelago located in the bay outside...

  • Bãi Dài (Long Beach)

    Bãi Dài (Long Beach) in Vân Đồn District, Quang Ninh Province is one of the most beautiful beaches in the North of Vietnam. It is known for the...

  • Ponagar Tower

    The Po Nagar Towers is one of the many relics of the Champa Kingdom, which was the most significant power in South Vietnam from 200 - 1720 AD. The architectural complex of...

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