1. VINH NGHIEM PAGODA
Inaugurated in 1971, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is the biggest pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City. Built in modern style,but the structure draws its inspiration from traditional Vietnamese culture and a touch of Japanese architectural style. The pagoda features vast sanctuary and an 8 strorey tower.
On the first and fifth of lunar month, believers throng the pagoda to pay their respects , make offerings and pray for blessings.
2. XA LOI PAGODA
Xa Loi Pagoda is a famous Buddhist temple in Ho Chi Minh City. Its modern architecture has still maintained the identity of national culture. The building is in a Saigon style and also a scenic spot with an imprint of the historical struggle of Buddhists who fought against Ngo Dinh Diem's dictatorial regime that persecuted Buddhism.
3. GIAC LAM PAGODA
Built in 1744, Giac Lam , the oldest pagoda in HCMC , reflects the architectural style of pagodas in southern Vietnam.
The pagoda impresses visitors with remarkale 98 carved wooden pillars , gilded descriptions in old Vietnamese characters and 113 Buddha statues made from jackfruit wood. The Buddha statues of Giac Lam pagoda are famous for their fine sculpture.
On the left of the pagoda 's main gate is a 7 storey built in 1994 in which each level is reserved to worship a Buddha and the top level for the sacred relics of the Sakyamuni Buddha.Giac Lam Pagoda is acknowledged as National Heritage.
4. NGOC HOANG PAGODA
Built in 1909 by Cantonese and being on of the most colourful and beautiful pagodas in HCMC, Ngoc Hoang Pagoda boasts Buddhist and Taoist grotesque statues of phantasmal divinities and heroes and exquisite woodcarvings decorated with gilded Chinese characters.
5. SAIGON CENTRAL MOSQUE
Constructed by south Indian Muslims in 1935 on the site of an earlier Mosque , Saigon Central Mosque is an immaculately clean and well kept island of calm in the middle of bustling central Saigon.
Saigon's Muslim population is small and visitors are welcome . As at any mosque, remove your shoes before entering . In front of the sparkling white and blue structure with its 4 non functional minarets is a pool for ritual ablutions before prayers.
6. QUAN AM PAGODA
Cho Lon has a wealth of wonderful Chinese Temple including Quan Am Pagoda, founded in 1816 by the Fujuan Chinese community.
The roof is decorated with fantastic scenes rendered in ceramic from traditional Chinese plays and stories. The tableaux include ships , people and several ferocious dragons.
The door are decorated with old gold and lacquer panels.
7. MARIAMMAN HINDU TEMPLE
This is the only Hindu temple still in use in HCMC. Known as Chua Ba Mariamama in Vietnamese , it was built at the end of the 19th century and dedicated to the Hindu Goddness Mariamman.
Originally from Southern India , the Goddess is now also revered here by many ethnic Vietnamese and Chinese. In the sanctum, she flanked by the guardian is deities, Maduraiveeran and Pechiamman.
Remember to take off your shoes before stepping onto the slightly raised platform. Favourite offerings to bring here are stick incese, jasmine , lilies and gladioli.
8. THIEN HAU TEMPLE
Dating back to the early 19th century , the temple is dedicated to Thieu Hau, who protects fisherman , sailors, merchants and other seafarers.
Though there are guardians to either side of the entrance, it is said that the real protectors of the pagoda are the 2 land turtles living here.
The temple's interior courtyard with intricate ceramic friezes is worth seeing with beautiful ceramic figurines and antiques , commenmorating the arrival of the first Chinese immigrants from Canton.
On the 23rd days of the 3rd Lunar month, the biggest ceremony is held in Thieu Hau temple the honour. People pray to her for happiness, prosperity and solidarity.
9. REUNIFICATION PALACE
This is one of the most fascinating sights in HCMC because of its striking modern architecture and the eerie feeling you get as you walk through the deserted halls. The building is President almost as it was on the last day of Republic of Vietnam in 1975. A statue of Ho Chi Minh and a viewing room are the latest additions.
Located in the heart of downtown Saigon the building was built on an area of 12 hectares, surrounded by immense walls and high trees in its gardens, the palace 's main building is a modern magnificent example of the 1960's architecture - airy and open, with spacious chambers and tasteful modern decorations. The building is still used for official functions.
The most interesting section of the Reunification Palace is the basement - a network of tunnels and rooms, including a war room and a telecommunication room. One of the tunnels stretches all the way to Gia Long Palace, now known as the Revolutionary Museum.
Inaugurated in 1971, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is the biggest pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City. Built in modern style,but the structure draws its inspiration from traditional Vietnamese culture and a touch of Japanese architectural style. The pagoda features vast sanctuary and an 8 strorey tower.
On the first and fifth of lunar month, believers throng the pagoda to pay their respects , make offerings and pray for blessings.
2. XA LOI PAGODA
Xa Loi Pagoda is a famous Buddhist temple in Ho Chi Minh City. Its modern architecture has still maintained the identity of national culture. The building is in a Saigon style and also a scenic spot with an imprint of the historical struggle of Buddhists who fought against Ngo Dinh Diem's dictatorial regime that persecuted Buddhism.
3. GIAC LAM PAGODA
Built in 1744, Giac Lam , the oldest pagoda in HCMC , reflects the architectural style of pagodas in southern Vietnam.
The pagoda impresses visitors with remarkale 98 carved wooden pillars , gilded descriptions in old Vietnamese characters and 113 Buddha statues made from jackfruit wood. The Buddha statues of Giac Lam pagoda are famous for their fine sculpture.
On the left of the pagoda 's main gate is a 7 storey built in 1994 in which each level is reserved to worship a Buddha and the top level for the sacred relics of the Sakyamuni Buddha.Giac Lam Pagoda is acknowledged as National Heritage.
4. NGOC HOANG PAGODA
Built in 1909 by Cantonese and being on of the most colourful and beautiful pagodas in HCMC, Ngoc Hoang Pagoda boasts Buddhist and Taoist grotesque statues of phantasmal divinities and heroes and exquisite woodcarvings decorated with gilded Chinese characters.
5. SAIGON CENTRAL MOSQUE
Constructed by south Indian Muslims in 1935 on the site of an earlier Mosque , Saigon Central Mosque is an immaculately clean and well kept island of calm in the middle of bustling central Saigon.
Saigon's Muslim population is small and visitors are welcome . As at any mosque, remove your shoes before entering . In front of the sparkling white and blue structure with its 4 non functional minarets is a pool for ritual ablutions before prayers.
6. QUAN AM PAGODA
Cho Lon has a wealth of wonderful Chinese Temple including Quan Am Pagoda, founded in 1816 by the Fujuan Chinese community.
The roof is decorated with fantastic scenes rendered in ceramic from traditional Chinese plays and stories. The tableaux include ships , people and several ferocious dragons.
The door are decorated with old gold and lacquer panels.
7. MARIAMMAN HINDU TEMPLE
This is the only Hindu temple still in use in HCMC. Known as Chua Ba Mariamama in Vietnamese , it was built at the end of the 19th century and dedicated to the Hindu Goddness Mariamman.
Originally from Southern India , the Goddess is now also revered here by many ethnic Vietnamese and Chinese. In the sanctum, she flanked by the guardian is deities, Maduraiveeran and Pechiamman.
Remember to take off your shoes before stepping onto the slightly raised platform. Favourite offerings to bring here are stick incese, jasmine , lilies and gladioli.
8. THIEN HAU TEMPLE
Dating back to the early 19th century , the temple is dedicated to Thieu Hau, who protects fisherman , sailors, merchants and other seafarers.
Though there are guardians to either side of the entrance, it is said that the real protectors of the pagoda are the 2 land turtles living here.
The temple's interior courtyard with intricate ceramic friezes is worth seeing with beautiful ceramic figurines and antiques , commenmorating the arrival of the first Chinese immigrants from Canton.
On the 23rd days of the 3rd Lunar month, the biggest ceremony is held in Thieu Hau temple the honour. People pray to her for happiness, prosperity and solidarity.
9. REUNIFICATION PALACE
This is one of the most fascinating sights in HCMC because of its striking modern architecture and the eerie feeling you get as you walk through the deserted halls. The building is President almost as it was on the last day of Republic of Vietnam in 1975. A statue of Ho Chi Minh and a viewing room are the latest additions.
Located in the heart of downtown Saigon the building was built on an area of 12 hectares, surrounded by immense walls and high trees in its gardens, the palace 's main building is a modern magnificent example of the 1960's architecture - airy and open, with spacious chambers and tasteful modern decorations. The building is still used for official functions.
The most interesting section of the Reunification Palace is the basement - a network of tunnels and rooms, including a war room and a telecommunication room. One of the tunnels stretches all the way to Gia Long Palace, now known as the Revolutionary Museum.
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