Ho Chi Minh City  Pagodas, Temples

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda

 Location: Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is located at 339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Road, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
Characteristic: The pagoda is noteworthy for its ancient Asian architecture and the seven-storey Kwan-Yin tower.

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda was constructed between 1964 and 1971 in the area of 8,000m² following the design of architect Nguyen Ba Lang.

The Kwan-Yin Tower classic style of 35m seven-storey tower with strong Japanese influences was built with the assistance of the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Association. It is located on the left of the pagoda. This structure is the biggest of the Vietnam Buddhist Association.

A Devotee Relic four-storey Tower (Thap xa loi cong dong) with 25m high was erected behind the pagoda in 1982.

Phung Son Pagoda

Location: Phung Son Pagoda is located at 1408 Duong 3 Thang 2, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City.
Characteristic: Phung Son Pagoda was established in the early 19^th century by Bonze Lieu Thong. Since then, it has undergone two major restorations. Many statues found in the pagoda were created by a group of craftsmen from Sa Dec.

Many years ago, it was decided that it should be moved to a different location. All of the ritual objects were loaded on to the back of a white elephant for transportation. On the way to the new site, the elephant slipped and all of the precious objects fell into a nearby pond. This event was interpreted as a sign that the pagoda should remain at its original location. All of the ritual objects were retrieved, except the bell, which locals say was heard ringing whenever there was a new or full moon up until a century ago. A number of valuable statues, such as Di Da Tam Ton, Ngu Hien Thuong Ky Thu, a stone statue of Buddha covered with gold leaves, and a ceramic statue of Tieu Dien are also found in the pagoda. The surrounding area is an archaeological site from which many artifacts were excavated, such as a baked earthen head statues and ceramic items belonging to the Oc-Eo culture. The Ministry of Culture has recognized the pagoda as a historical and cultural relic. People pray three times a day from 4 to 5 am, 4 to 5 pm, and 6 to 7 pm.

 Vietnam tour and Vietnam Travel Guide