Going to the pagoda in the first days of the lunar year is a tradition deeply rooted in the spiritual culture of the Vietnamese. People go there to pray for the whole family, hoping for health, happiness, luck and prosperity.
Then discover with Mekong Villages 5 of the most venerated pagodas in Sai Gon, and the most visited during this period.
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Ngoc Hoang (Jade Emperor) Pagoda
In other words Phuoc Hai, this pagoda is the oldest in Sai Gon, built at the beginning of the 20th century.
With its traditional architecture of red brick tiles, it was listed as a national architectural heritage in 1994.
Spread over 2300 m2, the Ngoc Hoang pagoda has 3 rooms, the main one of which is dedicated to the Buddha and the God, the one on the left reserved for the Goddesses and the 12 Midwives, the one on the right for the Divinities of Prosperity and Success.
In the past, it had venerated the Chinese emperor. Its architecture is notably influenced by that of China. Today, the pagoda still preserves very precious wooden statues.
Due to the veneration of 12 Midwives, it also makes a sacred place for visitors who aspire to have a child.
Vinh Nghiem Pagoda
Vinh Nghiem Pagoda holds several records. It was the largest in Ho Chi Minh City and its stone tower was the tallest in Vietnam. It has 7 floors and is 14 meters high.
This famous tower is admired for its remarkably and sumptuously engraved decorations in the style of the Ly-Tran dynasty (12th, 13th century )
Giac Lam Pagoda
Built in 1744, Giac Lam Pagoda is a fine example of typical Cochinchina architecture which is arranged in the whole in the shape of the letter « Three » in Chinese, with 98 pillars as well as 113 ancient statues in several different materials as the decoration. Here still exist large archives of history, art, culture, religion and sculpture.
Pho Quang Pagoda
Pho Quang Pagoda is one of the most revered pagodas in Tan Binh district. Strolling in its airy garden, listening to the birds singing and meditating in the very relaxed atmosphere, attending the mantra recitation session with the monks was a real delight for souls seeking tranquility and deep meditation.
Xa Loi Pagoda
This pagoda is the first pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City that follows the new architecture with the prayer space on the upper floor and the institute on the ground floor where Buddhists and monks take classes.
On the top floor, visitors can admire its grandiose 2-ton bell.
