Get this. There are roughly 17 000 pagodas and religious buildings in all of Vietnam. Now, that’s a lot. And although I’ll never be able to visit them all, I’ve been able to tick a couple of these beautiful local spots off my ever growing pagoda-bucket-list! Especially in District 5! So I put in the work for you and am about to let you in on Ho Chi Minh City’s best pagodas.
District 5, also known as Saigon’s Chinatown is home to some of the most beautiful and ornate pagodas around. If you’re looking for a fun Sunday afternoon, then take your motorbike over to District 5 and checkout some of Saigon’s amazing pagodas and churches that date back to over 100 years ago!
These pagodas and churches will definitely leave you wanting to hop around even more! So, to start you off on your pagoda adventure, here are some of the best spots in District 5!
Ba Thien Hau Pagoda
It’s easy to spend an afternoon wandering through Ba Thien Hau Pagoda. This beautiful Buddhist temple, lined with pretty pink donation notes was built in 1760 to honour Mazu the ‘Lady of the Sea.’ When you enter through the mighty iron gates you will be greeted with the beautiful stone incense burners! Follow the smoke up to the traditional curvy roof which showcases the intricately carved figures symbolizing Chinese legends.
📍 710 Nguyễn Trãi, Phường 11, Quận 5, Hồ Chí Minh City
St. Francis Xavier Church
St. Francis Xavier was inaugurated on January 10, 1902. Walking the grounds surrounding this beautiful church you will see Father Tam Asson had built a school, kindergarten and boarding houses surrounding the church. Sadly in 1934 Father Tam passed away and was buried at the entrance of the church and that’s why it is often referred to as Cha Tam (Father Tam) Church!
A bit of a story also took place here on November 2, 1963. The Southern Vietnamese President, Ngo Dinh Diem and his brother, Ngo Dinh Nhu were captured here in the church after fleeing the Presidential Palace following a coup!
Aside from a rich historical past, this church’s tropical vibes can be felt as you enter through the gate! The gorgeous yellow facade, palm trees and a mint green interior make this a must visit! Inside the church, holy water is also dispensed from huge clam shells!
📍 25 Học Lạc, Phường 14, Quận 5, Hồ Chí Minh City
Quan Am Pagoda
This pagoda is easily one of District 5’s most active and colourful temples around. I mean, it’s absolutely stunning from top to bottom!
Founded in the early 19th century and built by Fujianese visitors, it was named after the Goddess of Mercy, which has a literal translation to ‘the Bodhisattva Who Listens to the Cries of the World.’ As you wander through the beauty of Quan Am Pagoda, its gorgeous wooden features and golden panels are sure to leave you in awe of its beauty.
📍 12 Lão Tử, Phường 11, Quận 5, Hồ Chí Minh City
Tam Son Pagoda
The hues of pink and rich ornamentation at Tam Son Hoi Quan Pagoda are not to be missed if you’re galavanting around Saigon’s District 5. Although a quieter pagoda, its beauty is worth a peek!
Built in 1839 by the Fujian Congregation this pagoda was dedicated to Mother Sanh, the Goddess of Fertility. Over the ages many women have come to Tam Son Hoi Quan in hopes of conceiving a child.
📍 118 Triệu Quang Phục, Phường 11, Quận 5, Hồ Chí Minh City
Ong Bon Pagoda, Nhi Phu Temple
Ong Bon Pagoda or Nhi Phu Temple are the names of this stunning pagoda! Built in the end of the 17th century, Chinese worshipers from Quanzhou and Zhangzhou in the Fujian Province of China traveled to Ho Chi Minh City to build this pagoda to honour the main god of worship Ong Bon. It also honours Phuc Duc Chinh Than, the god who protects land and people bringing luck and happiness to the community.
The pagoda’s grounds are 2,500 square meters of absolute beauty! Showcasing beautiful shrines, the guild headquarters and a lovely courtyard, this pagoda offers up circular passages that are exquisitely executed!
📍 264 Hải Thượng Lãn Ông, Phường 14, Quận 5, Hồ Chí Minh City
St. Joan of Arc Church
Almost as old as Saigon’s Chinatown itself, Nga Sau Church or Church of St. Joan of Arc has one of the best locations in Ho Chi Minh City! Surrounded by a 6-way intersection the church pays worship to a Christian female saint and was built on a former Chinese cemetery.
After the cemetery was removed and turned into green space, the land was bought thanks to its low price. Father Huynh Tinh Huong began building St. Joan of Arc in 1922 and construction finished May 1928.
Not gated, this beautiful church is surrounded with parks and streets lined with towering old trees. The exterior facade painted a peachy pink, was used to make the church appear sacred and slightly mysterious!
📍 116A Đường Hùng Vương, Phường 9, Quận 5, Hồ Chí Minh City
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If you have any questions or just want to see some more travel content find me on Instagram at @agirl.enroute! I’m always happy to chat!
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After living in Vietnam for over 4 years, a piece of my heart will always be left in Ho Chi Minh City! Vietnam should be a top destination for all travelers! White sand beaches, limestone mountains, terraced rice fields and incredible street food make Vietnam a bucket-list destination! From foodies to beach hoppers, arts & culture buffs to adventure seekers, Vietnam has something for everyone! Checkout more of my Vietnam blogposts below!
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