Top Sacred and Religious Sites to visit in Ho Chi Minh City - Uncover the Top Temples and Holy Attractions in the Vietna

Occupying pride of place in the heart of Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City, it is difficult to miss the iconic Thien Hau Temple. Known as the Thien Hau Pagoda as well as Cho Lon,] among locals, this conventional Chinese-style edifice is dedicated to the worship of the goddess of the sea, Thien Hau. With a centuries-old history, the venue was first built by Chinese immigrants hailing from the Guangzhou region. It was in 1760, that the foundation for the building was laid but the temple and its main structures have undergone countless renovations and restorations over the years. Some of the oldest elements in the temple include its 1886-era incense burners while the captivating courtyard and the temple's exquisite roof with porcelain figurines are just as picturesque.

Easily accessible to those based at PARKROYAL Saigon or any similar luxury hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is a massive complex that covers nearly 6000 square metres. Considered a striking example of the fusion of Japanese and Vietnamese building styles, the architecture of this 4-storey pagoda is just as stunning as it was when it was first declared open to the public. As a cultural epicentre for the Buddhist path, nuns and monks not only study and meditate at the venue but also offer classes and mediation sessions to visitors. The best time to visit the temple is during the Lunar New Year when a host of celebrations are conducted within the temple grounds.

Dating back to 1744, the Giac Lam Pagoda is another ancient sacred space in the city. As one of the oldest pagodas in Ho Chi Minh, the locale attracts hundreds of visitors daily. The key features of this temple include its towering, seven-storey high stupa, which is encircled by a scenic garden. Offering panoramic views of the city from its summit, the climb up to the top of the stupa is not for the faint of heart. The elderly and the ailing often walk this steep path as a spiritual offering as ringing the bronze bell at the summit is known to answer the prayers of those who make the journey to the top.

Although it is a less well-known religious landmark in the Vietnamese capital, this pagoda is no less worthy of deeper exploration than some of the city's best-loved highlights. Constructed in 1839, the brainchild of the temple was Cho Lon Fujian Congregation and is revered for its elaborate ornamental features. Dedicated to the worship of the Goddess of Fertility or Mother Sanh, women make up the majority of those who visit the temple regularly as most are hoping to conceive children by appeasing the deity.

Chua Van Phat is a multi-tiered temple. This somewhat hidden temple is popularly known for its many ornate statues. One can find this secluded temple down an alleyway that's surrounded from all sides by residential buildings – make sure you visit this temple to enjoy the vibrant and detailed decorations.