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The 7 most mysterious temples & pagodas in Saigon

By Karl-Heinz Kronpass

By Karl-Heinz Kronpass

The 7 most mysterious temples & pagodas in Saigon

The temples and pagodas in Saigon are at the heart of Vietnamese culture. Important relics are kept here as a center of worship and serve to make the mysterious traditional writings known.

Faith is expressed here with breathtaking beauty and a great sense of aesthetics. Statues, writings, detailed carvings and colorful mosaics create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, which is enhanced by the ubiquitous scent of aromatic incense.

Most pagodas and temples in Vietnam are built according to Chinese tradition. The ones listed below are definitely worth a visit as they show inspiring beauty and provide valuable insights into Vietnamese culture and history.

The best time to visit the pagodas and temples in Saigon is early morning. It is cooler and you can see the monks starting their day with prayers and morning chores.

Bà Thiên Hậu Pagoda

The Ba Thien Hau temple in Saigon, located in Chinatown, was built in 1760 in honor of Mazu, the “Lady of the Sea”. It is believed to protect and save ships and people at sea.

Mazuism is linked to traditions and beliefs of both Taoism and Buddhism. Mazuism is therefore the inclusion of various aspects and traditions that have come together to form a new faith.

The dioramas in the temple show scenes from a Chinese city of the 19th century and contain colorful figures such as actors, demons, animals as well as Persian and European seafarers and traders. In one scene, actors show a duel on horseback between revered halberd-wielding General Guan Yu from the novel Three Kingdoms and another fighter. Another scene shows three Taoist ways that represent longevity, fertility and prosperity.

Opening times: 8 a.m. - 4.30 p.m.

Address: 710 Nguyen Trai Street, District 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City

General Lê Văn Duyệt's Tomb

Lê Văn Duyệt (1763 or 1764 - July 30, 1832) was a Vietnamese general who helped Nguyễn Ánh - the future emperor Gia Long - to quell the rebellion of Tây Sơn, unite Vietnam and establish the Nguyễn dynasty.

“Because of Duyệt's military capabilities, he quickly rose through the ranks of the Nguyễn army and became a marshal when the Tây Sơn-Nguyễn war ended. After the establishment of the Nguyễn Dynasty, Duyệt served as a high-ranking Mandarin and later as Viceroy of southern Vietnam.

His reign greatly contributed to the development of the southern third of Vietnam, making it a rich and peaceful region. In addition, Duyệt opposed the rise of Emperor Minh Mạng and defended Christian missionaries and converted from the Emperor's isolated and Confucian policies.

These attitudes brought Duyệt into conflict with Minh Mạng and led to the posthumous desecration of Duyệt's grave, which provoked his adoptive son Lê Văn Khôi to rebellion against the court. Emperor Thiệu Trị, the successor of Minh Mạng, later rehabilitated Duyệt and restored his grave.

Source: Wikipedia

Opening times from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Address: Tomb of Le Van Duyet, District 1, Bình Thạnh District.

Ông Bổn Pagoda

Chùa Ông Bổn is a temple that was built by two Chinese Fujian communities in Cho Lon around 1730 to worship Zheng He. Other revered gods are Yù Huáng (Jade Emperor - Ngọc Hoàng), Guānyīn (Goddess of Mercy - Quanm), Guan Di (Quan Đế) etc. The temple was renovated in 1875, 1901 and 1990.

Ong Bon is also the god of wealth, which is why followers put ghost money as an offering in the oven of the pagoda. This ritual serves to bring financial blessings to individuals and their families. 

Address: 264 Hai Thuong Lan Ong, Phuong 14, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.

Phung Son Tu Pagoda

A small temple built by Fukien Chinese in 1940. Incense coils hang in the open fountain of the pagoda dedicated to Ong Bon, the guardian of happiness and virtue.

The temple is a good place to relax from the hectic city.

Address: 338 Nguyễn Công Trứ, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh

Bửu Long Pagoda

Wenn Sie nach einem ruhigen und schönen Ort in Ho-Chi-Minh-Stadt suchen, sollten Sie die Buu Long Pagode in Distrikt 9 besuchen. Diese Pagode ist eine der berühmtesten Sehenswürdigkeiten in diesem Vorort, der etwa 20 km vom Stadtzentrum entfernt liegt. Die Pagode hat einen einzigartigen architektonischen Stil, der Elemente aus Indien, Myanmar und Vietnam kombiniert. Sie ist mit goldenen Stupas und Türmen geschmückt, die sich vom Himmel abheben.

Die Buu Long Pagode liegt auf einem Hügel westlich des Dong-Nai-Flusses und bietet einen malerischen Blick auf die Landschaft. Sie können den Fluss und die grünen Felder von der oberen Etage der Pagode aus sehen. Die Pagode ist auch von einem großen Garten umgeben, in dem Sie spazieren gehen oder meditieren können. Es gibt auch ein vegetarisches Restaurant vor Ort, das günstige vietnamesische Gerichte anbietet.

Die Buu Long Pagode ist ein Ort der Ruhe und Spiritualität inmitten des hektischen Treibens der Stadt. Sie können hier die Schönheit der buddhistischen Kunst und Kultur bewundern und mehr über die Theravada-Tradition erfahren, die in dieser Pagode praktiziert wird. Die Pagode ist täglich von 7 bis 17 Uhr geöffnet und der Eintritt ist kostenlos.

Um zur Buu Long Pagode zu gelangen, können Sie ein Taxi oder ein Motorrad nehmen. Die Fahrt dauert je nach Verkehr etwa eine Stunde. Wenn Sie mehr Zeit haben, können Sie auch die Nebenstraßen durch die Bezirke 2 und 9 nehmen, um einen Einblick in das moderne Leben der Einheimischen zu bekommen. Sie werden sehen, wie neue Städte neben Reisfeldern und Fischfarmen entstehen.

Die Buu Long Pagode ist ein lohnendes Ziel für alle, die Ho-Chi-Minh-Stadt von einer anderen Seite kennenlernen wollen. Es ist ein Ort der Schönheit, des Friedens und der Erleuchtung, den Sie nicht verpassen sollten.

Address: 81 Nguyễn Xiển, Long Bình, District 9

Chùa Bà Châu Đốc 3 Temple in Saigon

The unique temple is located in the middle of the Dong Nai River near the Bửu Long Pagoda.

It was founded in 1965 under the direction of Venerable Thich Nhat Phat.

From a distance, you can immediately see the temple gate, a picture of the dragon that winds along the river in the deep blue sky. Hearing the temple bells here gives you a feeling of calm and lightness. 

The Chau Doc 3 temple in Saigon is a great destination for anyone who loves peaceful places and nature.

Address: Long Bình, District 9, Ho Chi Minh City

Tran Hung Dao Temple in District 1

This temple in Saigon was built to worship Tran Hung Dao, a famous Vietnamese general. He is known for successfully repelling three Kublai Khan invasions in the 13th century during the Mongolian-Vietnam War. His victories are one of the greatest military successes in Vietnam.

If you love architecture and Asian cultures, you will be impressed by the richness of detail of the artistic decorations.

There is also a gallery from the Tran dynasty to see interesting antiques. Unfortunately, the gallery only opens on Tet Holiday and Gio Ong - a big celebration for Tran Hung Dao on the 20th of the 8th lunar month.

Address: 36 Võ Thị Sáu, Tân Định, District 1, Hồ Chí Minh

Opening times: 8 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. daily

Wie kann man all diese Tempel am besten besichtigen ?

Especially if you are traveling in small groups or with your family and have children, a private vehicle is the best choice. So a private vehicle, or simply combine the visit with a private city tour to visit these mysterious temples in Saigon

travel recommendations

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+84 33 414 4214

The Ho Chi Minh Museum of Fine Arts

The Ho Chi Minh - Fine Arts Museum of Saigon

The fine art museum houses an impressive art collection from Vietnam and beyond. Here you will find all the information you need to know.

The Ho Chi Minh Fine Art Museum of Saigon, with a focus on contemporary local art, offers a surprising variety of artworks by new and established Vietnamese artists, as well as antique pieces from the seventh century.

Oil paintings, ceramics and sculptures (of different quality) by Vietnamese and international artists dominate the first two halls, while the third houses a great collection of ancient Buddhist and Cham art.

 Although the stained-glass windows have faded somewhat, the wide marble staircases and the brightly tiled walls are as impressive today as when the building was built.Unseen Vietnam Tours Kunstmuseum Ho Chi Minh City

The museum is housed in a magnificent mansion from 1929 and was inspired by a combination of Chinese and French architecture.Ausstellung Kunstmuseum Saigon

Here you can admire contemporary works by some of Vietnam's most important artists as well as historical works from the fourth century. Cham art from the 7th to 14th centuries is also exhibited here.Cham Kunst Saigon Fine Arts Museum
 

The building itself is considered a wonderful masterpiece. All in all, this is not only a worth seeing museum for art and history lovers, but also for architecture fans who are interested in buildings.

If you are interested in art and culture in Vietnam, the Saigon Art Museum (Ho Chi Minh City) should be added to your list. It plays an important role in collecting, preserving and exhibiting some of the country's typical works of art.

What alternatives are there to the usual flat-rate travel offers to visit the museum?

Especially if you travel in small groups or with your family and have children, a private vehicle is the best choice. You can rent a private car Book to the art museum in Saigon or simply visit with a private city tour .

The Saigon Art Museum - Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Address: 97A Phó Đức Chính, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh

Entry price: VND 30,000

Karl-Heinz

By Karl-Heinz Kronpass

The Museum of Fine Arts

Museum of Fine Arts location on the map

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+84 33 414 4214

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Fito Museum Saigon

The Fito Museum in Saigon

The Fito Museum in Saigon

The museum is one of the most beautiful and entertaining museums we have been in for a long time.

The Fito Museum in Saigon is the first museum on traditional Vietnamese medicine. On display are nearly 3,000 Stone Age objects. The exhibits include tools for making medicines, knives, mortars and pestles, as well as documents and items from a traditional pharmacy.

Exponate Fito Museum

Exhibits Fito Museum

The hidden gem, which many locals do not even know, is set in a secluded alley with private homes, small businesses and cafes. Apart from the intense and unique collection of artifacts, the façade itself is a true work of art. The entire building conveys the atmosphere of a traditional North Vietnamese house . The 18 rooms with distinctive architectural charm on 5 floors are connected by a front and a rear wooden staircase.

Fito Bilder

Fito Museum exhibition

In addition, the First Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine (FITO) regularly features a documentary film about the history of traditional Vietnamese medicine entitled "A Century of Healthcare Experience"

The Fito Museum has a large number of old books on traditional medicine, including many rare book series such as: Nam duoc than hieu, Y tong tam tinh, comprising 28 episodes and 66 volumes. Many tourists, even experts from Korea, China and Japan, visited the museum and found it very admirable and interesting.

Traditional costumes in the museum

Conclusion: It is worth a visit to get a fascinating insight into traditional Vietnamese everyday life and medical development through the centuries. At the end of the tour you will be invited to a cup of healthy herbal tea prepared by the nice staff.

Which alternatives are there to the usual travel offers?

 

Private city tour by car

Especially if you travel in small groups or with your family and have children, a private vehicle is the best choice. You can rent a private car to the Fito Museum in Saigon or simply combine with a private city tour .

The museum is open daily from 8:00 to 17:30.

The entrance fee is VND 120,000 for adults and VND 60,000 for children (less than 1,2 m).

Address:
41 Hoang Du Khuong Street,Ward 12, District 10,
Ho Chi Minh City,Vietnam
+84 28 3864 2430

Karl-Heinz

By Karl-Heinz Kronpass

Fito Museum Saigon

Fito Museum location on the map

travel recommendations

Looking for tips?

Accommodations, private cars, travel packages, Vietnam visa, cruises, local food and the best insider tips ...

E-mail address

info@unseenvietnamtours.com

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+84 33 414 4214

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Binh Quoi Village Boat

Binh Quoi Village

Binh Quoi Village - The oasis in Ho Chi Minh City

On a property with lots of lawns, coconut palms, streams and cozy thatched huts, the village takes a look at the past few days in Vietnam's Mekong Delta.
 
Not everything is authentic here, but it reflects the original rural life in South Vietnam.
 
This village is perfect for escaping the hectic city for a few hours.
 
So, if you do not have time to visit the Mekong Delta, this is a great opportunity to take some nice pictures because this village offers beauty, relaxation and the legendary Vietnamese scenes that all Vietnamese visitors dream of.
 
And the entrance is free!

The giant water lilies are an impressive sight.

Fortunately, you can stand directly above them on the Monkey Bridge for a closer look. They are the biggest leaves we have ever seen. Some have a diameter of 2 meters!

And this water wheel is literally fascinating.

The beauty of the bamboo, the flowing water, the rhythmic movement and the soothing sounds literally make stress disappear.

What can you do here?

  • fishing
  • Sightseeing along the river
  • Relaxing in a bamboo hut by the water
  • Strolling through the traditional village and the park / gardens
  • Enjoy a meal in a floating restaurant
  • make many great pictures!
The restaurants are open every day and there is a special buffet dinner on the weekend. It offers a wide selection of classic Vietnamese dishes and costs 290,000 and $ 13.
 
Address:
Binh Quoi Village
Ward 28, Binh Thanh, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
 
The best time to visit is on weekdays in the morning.
Binh Quoi Village is ideal for solo travelers, couples and families.

 

Private tours by car

Especially if you travel in small groups or with your family and have children, a private vehicle is the best choice. For example, a private car Book a visit to Binh Quoi Village in combination with the authentic and little-visited Ben Duoc Tunnels. 

The travel preferences are very different, but we believe that most visitors will like the village of Binh Quoi. It offers a few fun pleasures, but the most outstanding feature of the village of Binh Quoi is its rustic beauty.

We also recommend this place as an oasis of relaxation.

Join our Unseen Vietnam Travel Tips Group for more useful tips on traveling in Vietnam.
Karl-Heinz

By Karl-Heinz Kronpass

Binh Quoi Village

Binh Quoi Village location on the map

travel recommendations

Looking for tips?

Accommodations, private cars, travel packages, Vietnam visa, cruises, local food and the best insider tips ...

E-mail address

info@unseenvietnamtours.com

Call us

+84 33 414 4214

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