Built in 1744, Giac Lam Pagoda is one of the oldest pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City. Giac Lam Pagoda is located at 118 Lac Long Quan Street, Tan Binh District.

Location & History

Although built in 1744 by a Chinese settler named Ly Thuy Long, it was only in 1772 that it was converted into a Buddhist temple under the management of the first abbot Thich Vien Quang. .

With nearly 300 years of age, Giac Lam Pagoda is one of the oldest pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City, a place to keep precious antiques, preserving cultural, historical and architectural values. important. 20 minutes away from the city center.

Those unfamiliar with city streets should get there by taxi.
Photo: guidevietnam.org

What to watch

The hall of this temple includes many traditional Asian elements, reflecting Taoist and Buddhist Astronomy, such as the Bagua ceiling.

There are 113 statues, most of which are made of wood and only eight are made of bronze. As this is a Theravada Buddhist temple, Bodhisattvas and the Eighteen Arhats are also venerated here.

In addition, the goddesses in the folk religion of Vietnam are also worshiped in this temple. Although religious practices are not uniform, the main focus of reverence is still placed on the Buddha.

Like any other Buddhist temple, this Giac Lam pagoda has a multi-storey stupa in which there are Buddhist relics. Do not forget to climb to the 7th floor to receive blessings from those relics when you have the opportunity to visit this 300-year-old temple.
Photo: saigonlocaltour.com
Photo: asiaopentours.net

How to get there

You can get to Giac Lam Pagoda in many ways: taxi, motorbike or passenger car (see HCMC bus guide). If you take a bus, you just need to take bus number 27 at Ben Thanh Ben Thanh and get off at the Lac Long Quan – Au Co intersection, then you can find your way to Giac Lam Pagoda.

Useful information

• Location: Lac Long Quan, Tan Binh District, HCMC

• Best for: Families, couples, alone

• Free admission

• Hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm

• Distance to city center: 4.8km (3.0 mi)