Vietnam is home to countless religious sites, shrines, and pagodas. You will find all these in enchanting temples, which forms the basis of tourists visits religious sites in Vietnam. There are different temples in Vietnam including Hindu shrine temples and Buddhist monasteries which form part of the religious history of Vietnamese heritage. If you are planning your next visit to Vietnam, expect to visit these temples and have a great way to experience Vietnam’s ancient heritage, intricate architecture, and rich religious culture. Therefore, this article exclusively highlights some of the temples you should visit in Vietnam on your next trip.
1. Tran Quoc Pagoda
Tran Quoc Pagoda is located in the heart of Hanoi City dating back to the 6th century. Hence, it is among the oldest in Vietnam. However, throughout the years, the pagoda has been undergoing several changes until in the 17th century when it was renamed from An Quoc to its current name Tran Quoc, to mean, “Protecting the country.” The main pagoda for doing the warship is 15 meters high with 11 levels. It has other surrounding structures that include a museum that keeps historical relics.
2. Bai Dinh Pagoda
This is a complex of several temples and a home of about 500 statutes of Buddha. Situated along Gia Sinh Commune, Bai Dinh Pagoda is undoubtedly one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Vietnam. While in the pagoda, you will get an inspiring, unobstructed view of the surrounding Trang An Mountains, explore limestone grottoes and trails for hiking.
3. Cao Dai Temple
Cao Dai Temple is one of the famously known temples in Vietnam. It is located in Long Hoa village, about 100 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. Its construction began back in the 1930s and completed in 1955. Being one of 1,000 other Ca Dai Temples in Vietnam; it attracts thousands of visitors from both native Vietnamese and wide. Caodaists believe in equality of all religions, whether Hinduism, Taoism, Islamic, Judaism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism. At Cao Dai Temple daily worship ceremonies are being held every 6 hours with priests, bishops and devotees. The pagoda has a combination of architectures including pillars wrapped with the dragon, seven-headed cobra and sky blue ceiling decoration.
4. Emperor Jade Pagoda
Emperor Jade Pagoda is located in Mai Thi Luu district in Ho Chi Minh City. It is also a well-known temple in Vietnam with the most historically important shrines in Ho Chi Minh City. It was built in the 20th century by the Cantonese community that migrated from China. It represents the Buddhist’s Mahayanist branch which is practices all over Vietnam. It has curves of Kim Hau, the goddess of fertility and the goddess of mercy. Although Emperor Jade Pagoda is often overcrowded, it is still a nice place to visit in your next visit to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.
5. Temple of Literature
Temple of Literature is among the oldest temples in Vietnam, founded in the 1070s and home of the first university in Vietnam. This Confucian temple has five courtyards having a Well of Heavenly Clarity and the other courtyard houses the altars of Confucius; another yard is where Imperial academy or Quoc Tu Giam stand. The other courtyard has some resting areas and studying areas for varsity scholars. This temple is the perfect place for a Zen-like experience for your next trip to Vietnam.
6. Mariamman Hindu Temple
Located in Ton That Thiep in Ho Chi Minh City, Mariamman Hindu Temple is the most famous Hindu temple in Vietnam. It founded in the 19th century as a dedication to the Hindu goddess called Mariamman. The temple is situated in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City and very close to Ben Thanh market for ease of location. This is a place to visit in your next trip to Vietnam to explore the beautifully crafted status of Amman, Lakshmi, Ganesha, Muruga and other sculptures of goddess Amman in her various avatars.
7. Thien Mu Pagoda
Thien Mu Pagoda is a beautiful temple located in the village of Huong Hoa, in Hue city, Vietnam. It is just at the banks of Perfume River and is preserved for tourist attraction. Thien Mu Pagoda is known to be one of the most beautiful sites in Vietnam that is a must-visit for in your next visit to the country.
