1st Bà Thiên Hậu Pagoda
Located in Chinatown, the Ba Thien Hau Temple in Saigon was built in 1760 in honour of Mazu, the "Lady of the Sea". It is believed that she protects and saves ships and people at sea.
The dioramas in the temple show scenes from a 19th century Chinese city and include colourful figures such as actors, demons, animals as well as Persian and European sailors and merchants. In one scene, actors show a duel on horseback between the revered halberd-wielding General Guan Yu from the novel Three Kingdoms and another fighter. Another scene shows three Taoist sages who symbolise longevity, fertility and prosperity.
Opening hours: 08:00 - 16:30
Address: 710 Nguyen Trai Street, District 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
2nd General Lê Văn Duyet's Tomb
Lê Văn Duyệt (1763 or 1764 - 30 July 1832) was a Vietnamese general who helped Nguyễn Ánh - the future Emperor Gia Long - put down the Tây Sơn uprising, unify Vietnam and found the Nguyễn dynasty.
"Due to Duyệt's military prowess, 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 contributed greatly 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, converting from the emperor's isolationist and Confucian policies.
These attitudes brought Duyệt into conflict with Minh Mạng and led to the posthumous desecration of Duyệt's tomb, which provoked his adopted son Lê Văn Khôi to revolt against the court. Later, Emperor Thiệu Trị, Minh Mạng's successor, rehabilitated Duyệt and restored his tomb.
Source: Wikipedia
Opening hours: 8.00 am to 4.00 pm
Address: Tomb of Le Van Duyet, District 1, Bình Thạnh District.
3. Ông Bổn Pagoda
Chùa Ông Bổn is a temple built around 1730 by two Chinese Fujian communities in Cho Lon to worship Zheng He. Other gods worshipped include Yù Huáng (Jade Emperor - Ngọc Hoàng), Guānyīn (Goddess of Mercy - Quanm), Guan Di (Quan Đế). The temple was renovated in 1875, 1901 and 1990.
Ong Bon is also the god of wealth, which is why devotees place spirit money in the pagoda's furnace as an offering. This ritual serves to bring financial blessings to the individual and their family.
Address: 264 Hai Thuong Lan Ong, Phuong 14, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
4th Phung Son Tu Pagoda
A small temple built by Fukien Chinese in 1940. Incense spirals hang in the open well of the pagoda, which is dedicated to Ong Bon, the guardian of good fortune and virtue.
The pagoda is very uncrowded and a good place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Address: 338 Nguyễn Công Trứ, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh
5th Bửu Long Pagoda
The Buu Long Pagoda is located in District 9 and, with its unique architecture, is one of the most beautiful pagodas in Vietnam.
The pagoda is well known throughout Vietnam due to its many influences from several Southeast Asian countries such as Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. It is also referred to as a "Thai temple" by some locals.
As in the other temples mentioned above, you can still find peace and quiet here.
Address:81 Nguyễn Xiển, Long Bình, District 9
6 Chùa Bà Châu Đốc 3
The unique temple is located in the middle of the Dong Nai River near the Bửu Long Pagoda, and was founded in 1965 under the leadership of the Venerable Thich Nhat Phat.
Even from a distance, you can immediately see the temple gate, an image of the dragon winding its way 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 those who love peaceful places and nature.
Address: Long Bình, District 9, Ho Chi Minh City
7th Tran Hung Dao Temple in Saigon
This temple in Saigon was built to honour Tran Hung Dao, a famous Vietnamese general. He is known for having successfully repelled three invasions by Kublai Khan in the 13th century during the Mongol-Vietnam War. His victories are among Vietnam's greatest military successes.
If you love architecture and Asian cultures, you will be impressed by the wealth of detail in the artistic decorations here.
There is also a gallery from the Tran dynasty here, where interesting antiques are on display. 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 hours: 8.00 - 16.30 daily
