Giac Lam Pagoda: Ho Chi Minh City’s Oldest Buddhist Temple

📍 118 Lac Long Quan | Open Daily, Dawn to Dusk | Free Entry

Nestled along Lac Long Quan Street, just a few hundred meters northeast of its intersection with Le Dai Hanh, Giac Lam Pagoda is a historical and spiritual landmark in Ho Chi Minh City. Built in 1744, it is believed to be the city’s oldest Buddhist temple, offering visitors a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich religious heritage and traditional architecture.

A Journey Through Time

Entering through the ornate temple gate, visitors follow a short path past a seven-story stupa—which offers panoramic city views—and a collection of monks’ tombs before reaching the main temple complex. Giac Lam is constructed with 98 hardwood pillars, each adorned with traditional chu nom inscriptions (an ancient Vietnamese script derived from Chinese characters). The temple’s terracotta tiles, intricate chandeliers, and antique wooden furniture create an ambiance of timeless serenity.

The Funerary Chamber: Honoring the Departed

The entrance to the temple leads directly to the funerary chamber, where rows of gilded memorial tablets sit above portraits of the deceased. At the center stands Chuan De, a multi-armed manifestation of Quan Am (Goddess of Mercy), watching over the space. To the right, a courtyard garden is bordered by a roof decorated with blue and white porcelain saucers, adding to the temple’s artistic charm.

The Classroom: A Glimpse into Buddhist Teachings

At the back of the temple complex, the old classroom provides a peaceful retreat, where monks occasionally gather to study on traditional wooden benches. The walls here are adorned with detailed panels depicting the Ten Buddhist Hells, illustrating gruesome punishments for sinners—such as dismemberment, being fed to wild animals, or tortured by fearsome demons.

The Main Sanctuary: A Sacred Space for Worship

To the left of the funerary chamber lies the main sanctuary, where an elaborate multi-tiered altar is adorned with a variety of Buddhist and Taoist statues. Before stepping inside, visitors must remove their shoes as a sign of respect. One of the most unique rituals performed here involves worshippers writing prayers on small pieces of paper and attaching them to an oil lamp stand, shaped like a Christmas tree. As they offer oil to the lamps, they believe their prayers will be carried to the divine. Similarly, across the chamber, a large ceremonial bell allows visitors to ring their prayers toward the heavens.

A Must-Visit Cultural Treasure

With its rich history, spiritual significance, and timeless architecture, Giac Lam Pagoda remains one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most revered Buddhist sites. Whether you come to admire its intricate details, seek spiritual solace, or simply explore Vietnam’s religious heritage, this centuries-old temple offers an unforgettable experience.