The Most Beautiful Temples in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Vinh Nghiem literally translated means “ever solemn.” Built over a span of seven years, this pagoda, unlike the others in Ho Chi Minh City, was constructed using concrete. The structures of the pagoda fuse Vietnamese architecture with that of the Japanese. The complex has an area of around 6,000 square metres and consists of the pagoda itself, a four storey-tower that stands behind the pagoda, and a building with classrooms and housing for the monks and nuns. It serves as a centre for Buddhist beliefs and practices, while is also one of the most beautiful attractions for tourists to stop by and explore.

You can visit the pagoda all year around, but the best time is during Lunar New Year or the 15th of every month. You will be surrounded by many other people, so you will get a chance to witness their rituals and have a chat or two.

Tam Son Hoi Quan is a relatively lesser known pagoda located on a small less-travelled street. It was built in 1839 by the Fujian Congregation in Cho Lon, and since then has retained its rich ornamentation.

You will notice that the majority of the visitors to the pagoda are women. This is because this temple is dedicated to Mother Sanh, the Goddess of Fertility. Women pray to the altar of the goddess and provide offerings in hopes of conceiving a child. Many other deities are represented here as well, such as the Goddess of the Sea, Thien Hau and the Guardian of Happiness, Ong Bau.

The origins of Caodaism is right here in Vietnam. The religious movement that incorporates Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Catholicism started in 1926. The Cao Dai temple on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City was built between 1933 and 1955, with influences from all the aforementioned religions when it comes to architecture. The building is a combination of Neo-Gothic, Baroque and Oriental design, and there are square towers, a long central pathway like in a cathedral, as well as extravagant décor, including dragon-wrapped pillars, seven-headed cobras and ceilings painted sky blue.

Witnessing the Caodaist rituals is one of the most interesting parts of visiting this temple — the men and women are separated, their attire long and flowing, while the bishops have the Divine Eye embroidered on their headpieces.