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
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...
Sharpen your bargaining skills and head south east to Hoi An Central Market, one of Vietnam’s best, offering an unmissable shopping experience. Rich in the smell of...
Being shaped like a dragon’s head dimly looming in the thin veil of the early morning, Ham Rong (Dragon Jaw) Mountain that is fine combination of man-made and natural...
Tra Su Indigo Forest symbolizes for the beauty of An Giang's flooding season with flooded mangrove forest habitat and abundant flora and fauna. Tra Su Indigo Forest...
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...
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...
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.
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...
If you are touring along Tran Quang Khai road or Tong Dan street, chances are that you will be stopped out of curiosity and admiration by the unique French style architecture...
Pham Ngu Lao Street in Ho Chi Minh City is on the western edge of District 1 and is renowned as the place where most backpacking travellers stay during their holiday.
Price from: 640 US$
Price from: 900 US$
Price from: 25 US$
Price from: 20 US$