What to Do in Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City? Temples, Pagodas & Churches
Article from : 13 mars 2025 - Last update : 20 mars 2025
Discover the spiritual and architectural wonders of Ho Chi Minh City. From ancient pagodas to colonial churches, explore the city's diverse cultural heritage. Click here to learn more!
Temples, Pagodas, and Churches of Saigon: A Spiritual Journey
Ho Chi Minh City, with its unique blend of cultures and traditions, is home to many places of worship representing different religions. Buddhism, Catholicism, Taoism, Hinduism, and Islam coexist in the city, offering visitors a fascinating spiritual and architectural experience. Beyond their religious significance, these buildings are also historical and architectural landmarks worth visiting, even for those who are not believers.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon (District 1)
Built between 1877 and 1880 by the French, this iconic cathedral is made of red bricks imported from Toulouse. Its neo-Gothic architecture and twin bell towers, each 58 meters high, make it a must-see colonial landmark.
Address: 01 Công Xã Paris, District 1
Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (Sunday mass in the morning)
Tân Định Church (District 3)
Also known as the "Pink Church" due to its striking facade, this neo-Gothic church is one of the most remarkable in Saigon. Built in the late 19th century, it remains active and attracts many visitors.
Address: 289 Hai Bà Trưng, District 3
Opening hours: 5:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Jeanne d’Arc Church (District 5)
Less known than other religious buildings in the city, this colonial-style Catholic church offers a peaceful atmosphere and is distinguished by its colorful stained-glass windows.
Address: 116A Hùng Vương, District 5
Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Jade Emperor Pagoda (District 1)
Built in 1909 by the Chinese community, this Taoist pagoda is famous for its carved statues, mystical atmosphere, and spiraling incense hanging from the ceiling.
Address: 73 Mai Thị Lựu, District 1
Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Giac Lam Pagoda (Tân Bình District)
Erected in 1744, this is the oldest pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City. Its traditional architecture and Buddhist statues make it an important place of worship.
Address: 565 Lý Thường Kiệt, Tân Bình District
Opening hours: 5:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda (District 3)
Inspired by Japanese temples, this modern pagoda is one of the largest in the city. Its massive stone tower and impressive Buddha statue make it an important site.
Address: 339 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, District 3
Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Phước Hải Pagoda (District 1)
Often mistaken for the Jade Emperor Pagoda, this Taoist temple is also a popular place of worship known for its rituals and offerings.
Address: 73 Mai Thị Lựu, District 1
Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sri Thendayuthapani Temple (District 1)
Dedicated to Murugan, this colorful Hindu temple is a central place of worship for Saigon’s Tamil community.
Address: 66 Tôn Thất Thiệp, District 1
Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thien Hau Temple (District 5)
Located in the heart of the Chợ Lớn Chinatown, this Chinese temple is dedicated to Thien Hau, the sea goddess and protector of sailors.
Address: 710 Nguyễn Trãi, District 5
Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Cha Tam Church (District 5)
Located in the Chinatown district, this Catholic church stands out with its mix of Asian and European influences.
Address: 25 Học Lạc, District 5
Opening hours: 5:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Bà Chúa Xứ Temple (District 1)
Dedicated to a highly revered local deity in southern Vietnam, this temple is an important pilgrimage site.
Address: 345 Trần Hưng Đạo, District 1
Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Xá Lợi Pagoda (District 3)
The largest pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, famous for being the center of Buddhist protests in the 1960s.
Address: 89 Bà Huyện Thanh Quan, District 3
Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Quan Âm Pagoda (District 5)
An important Chinese Buddhist temple in Chợ Lớn dedicated to the goddess of compassion.
Address: 12 Lão Tử, District 5
Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saigon Central Mosque (District 1)
Built in 1935, this mosque is the most prominent in the city and a key place of worship for the Muslim community.
Address: 66 Đồng Khởi, District 1
Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Al Rahman Mosque (District 1)
Built in 1885, it is one of the oldest mosques in Vietnam, serving mainly the Cham Muslim community.
Address: 45 Nguyễn An Ninh, District 1
Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
A Spiritual and Architectural Journey Through Saigon
Ho Chi Minh City is a religious crossroads where temples, pagodas, and churches coexist, each reflecting a part of Vietnam’s history and beliefs. Their architectural beauty and historical significance make them must-visit sites, even for non-believers.
Whether admiring the stunning Buddhist pagodas, exploring Vietnam’s Catholic roots, or discovering Hindu and Muslim traditions, each visit is an immersion into the city's cultural heritage.
Exploring these sanctuaries offers a deeper understanding of the harmony among different faiths in Ho Chi Minh City while enjoying a serene and mystical atmosphere.