Quan Am Pagoda - Historic Buddhist Temple of Saigon​

I backpacked my way up north, beginning in the south, and absolutely adored the energetic atmosphere surrounding the Chinatown, Cholon, in Ho Chi Minh City. Surrounded by all the hustle and bustle on the streets and the markets, I happened upon Quan Am Pagoda, and it was a mellow little place where I could immerse myself in the city's amazing cultural and religious heritage.

Historical Significance

Quan Am Pagoda, also known as On Lang Pagoda, was established in 1740 by Chinese immigrants from Fujian province. Originally serving as a communal gathering place, it evolved into a temple dedicated to Quan Am (Guanyin), the Goddess of Mercy. Over the centuries, the pagoda has undergone several restorations, notably in 1828, 1867–1869, 1897, 1993, and 1995, reflecting its enduring importance to both the Vietnamese and Chinese Buddhist communities. 

Mind-Blowing Buildings

The architecture of the pagoda completely combines Chinese and Vietnamese atmospheres, attracting visitors with its cool aesthetics and vibrant hues.

It has these incredibly detailed carvings and amazing traditional designs on the entrance. The building has the form of a classic Chinese dragon boat, and it has interesting curved eaves using broken ceramic fragments, perfectly embodying that Fujian style. And on top, there are god or general statutes that add greatly to the imposing mood.

You step inside and you're immediately bombarded with this amazing mixture of paintings, decorations, and sculptures. The assembly hall’s lined with altars and statues, all incredibly detailed to fully capture the mood and character of the saints. Seriously, wherever you turn, the temple’s adorned with beautiful things like carved wooden lotus flowers and those elegant red lacquered golden urns. And on top of that, all these lanterns surrounding the pagoda make the whole thing so warm and whimsical-looking.
Just visit it for the architecture and to revisit history rather than just as a religious site, you will most likely love it like we did!

Visitor Information

• Address: 12 Lao Tu Street, Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City. 

• Opening Hours: Daily from 6:15 AM to 5:00 PM.

• There isn't an entrance fee, but they'd greatly appreciate any little donations for the upkeep, etc. No one will force you, just donate if you feel like, no pressure!

Reaching There

Quan Am Pagoda lies in Cholon, about 6 kilometers outside District 1. This is how you go: 

• A taxi from District 1 will cost you around 60,000–100,000 VND, depending on traffic, and takes about 20 minutes.

• Buses: Buses number 6, 7, 8, 17, 54, 56, 62, 68, 139, and 150 all pass through here. Jump off at the stop called Cho Ray Hospital (google maps location), and the pagoda’s only a brief walk away.

Visitor Tips

• Dress Code: It is preferable to dress conservatively. Cover your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect.

• Photography: You may normally take photographs, but it is polite to ask permission, particularly when you are photographing people who are worshiping or ceremonies.

• Best Time to Visit: The mornings are ideal for absorbing the relaxed atmosphere of the pagoda before it becomes too full in the afternoons. Besides that in summer it can get super hot in Ho chi minh city so reach early morning if you can.

Cultural Practices

One of the best parts about Quan Am Pagoda is that they do this ceremony called "beating the villains." People basically beat up these cardboard "dolls" with their shoes that symbolize all the evil out in the world, so it has less chance to cause havoc. This whole process takes place in front of the Tiger altar on the 5th and 6th of March annually.

Nearby Attractions

Exploring Cholon offers a deeper insight into the cultural mosaic of Ho Chi Minh City. Nearby attractions include:​

• Thien Hau Temple: Dedicated to the Sea Goddess Mazu, this temple showcases intricate architecture and rich history.​

• Cha Tam Church is a rather awesome ancient Catholic parish that absolutely captures the distinct character of the religious scene in the area. Google maps location for the temple here.

What to eat

It's Cholon food that's hugely popular. While you visit the pagoda, be sure to sample the local food at the surrounding restaurants, such as delectable dim sum and traditional Vietnamese food.

Final Thoughts

Spending the day at Quan Am Pagoda is the ideal getaway from the chaos that permeates the streets of Ho Chi Minh City. This is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in some peaceful spirituality and observe the blend of cultures that Vietnam has in store for you. If you're interested in the past, need some good karma, or are simply wondering about the place, you absolutely must visit this pagoda when you're visiting Vietnam.

It might sound a bit touristy to you if you are more of a backpacker in Vietnam but trust me, it's worth it!