Vietnam's Top Buddhist Temples - Self Guided Tours

Buddhism is deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture, from which thousands of temples and pagodas scatter throughout the country. For spiritual experiences or at least supposed visits to historical and architectural attractions, visiting the temples is a must. Below are some of the best Buddhist temples in Vietnam, with important practical information that will enable you to start planning your tour.

Bai Dinh Pagoda (Ninh Binh Province)

Bai Dinh pagoda is highly reputed as one of the biggest temple complexes in Southeast Asia. Its impressive architecture combined with serenity is the highlight for many visitors. Once you are already in Ninh Binh and are looking for the best things to do in Ninh Binh like the Tam Coc tour then check out our Ninh Binh tour guide.

Note that it's a pretty spread out area and to complete most of the attractions, might take you around 3 hours on foot. Depending on weather and your personal preference you can use the option of hop on and off an electric car. Decide before starting the tour and choose option 3 for this service at entrance.

Just so you know, the Stupa is 13 floors so you would get plenty of exercise but it's the main attraction so definitely worth it I think. And Google rating of 4.6 stars with over 5000 reviews speaks for itself!

Location: Google Maps link to reach Bai Dinh Pagoda

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM, daily

Entrance Fee: Entrance is free but there are some other costs below

Other Costs

Electric Car: 60,000 VND/person/trip (until 8:00 PM)

Bao Thap Tower Ticket: 50,000 VND/person

Parking: 40,000 VND for cars; 15,000 VND for motorbikes

Giac Lam Pagoda (Ho Chi Minh City)

As one of the oldest temples in Ho Chi Minh City, Giac Lam Pagoda offers an oasis of serenity from the frantic urban bustle. It's one of the oldest pagodas in Ho chi minh city so we highly recommend you to visit it!

Pro tip: If you have more days in Ho Chi Minh city and are a foodie, then you have to check out the Tan Dinh Market!

Location: Google Maps link to reach Giac Lam Pagoda

Opening Hours: From 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, every day

Entrance Fee: Free

Tips: Late afternoon creates a serene atmosphere with ample time to explore the back and peaceful gardens, also less crowded at that time.

Tran Quoc Pagoda (Hanoi)

Located on the tiny island in West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest temple of Hanoi, particularly famous for its historic value and stunning landscape.

It is one of the highest visited temples of Vietnam which can be seen from over 22000 combined reviews from google and tripadvisor.

Location: Google Maps link to reach Tran Quoc Pagoda

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM every day

Entrance Fee: Free

Dress Code: Be sure to dress modestly and not violate the sacredness of the temple.

Perfume Pagoda (Chua Huong) - Hanoi

This is a broad complex of temples of Buddha that was carved into the limestone Huong Tich Mountains. It is a very famous place of pilgrimage, particularly during the spring festival of the perfume Pagoda.

Plan a whole day for this- about 7 or 8 hours if you are coming from Hanoi. Would take around 1 and half hours from Hanoi by car/bus and then almost an hour more to reach the main area by boat. There is also a cable car on the way in the middle of the jungle!

Tours: Several tours from different operators cover this pagoda, often with boat trips and guided trekking. After finishing this tou, you can also do a self guided walking tour in Hanoi  the next day if you have some time to spare and would love to gorge on local Vietnamese street food!

Location: Google Maps link to reach Perfume Pagoda

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Price: Prices for tours vary; some can be from $250, depending on group size and what may be included.

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is the largest Mahayana pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, quite impressive for its traditional Vietnamese architecture merged with modern inspirations.

This is one of the highly rated Pagodas of Vietnam with 4.6 star average with over 5000 generally positive google reviews.

Location: Google Maps link to reach Vinh Nghiem Pagoda

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM, daily

Entrance Fee: Free

Highlights: The seven-storey Kwan-Yin tower and various Buddha statues.

Ho Quoc Pagoda

Ho Quoc Pagoda is located on a hill that faces the sea. This pagoda is enjoyable, having terrific sea views and an aura of peace appreciated by tourists and locals alike.

Location:  Google Maps link to reach Ho Quoc Pagoda

Opening Hours: Daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Entrance Fee: Free

Insider Tip: A visit to this pagoda early in the morning is the best time to avoid crowds and affords the opportunity of viewing the sunrise over the ocean.

Vietnamese Buddhist Temple Travel Tips

• Dress Appropriately: Make sure shoulders and knees of both men and women are properly covered. Loose long-sleeved shirts are the best to wear to keep cool and respectful.

• No Shoes Inside: Take your shoes off upon entering the central areas used for worship. Most times, there are places to store your shoes.

• Silence: Minimize conversation and avoid loud talking to preserve the serenity of the surroundings.

• Use Side Doors: Traditionally, the central door is for the use of the monks or for some ceremonial purposes. When going inside or outside, one should use the side doors.

• No Physical Display of Affection: Temple grounds do not allow for public displays of affection.

• Photography Etiquette: One must seek permission before clicking pictures, especially inside the worship areas. Sometimes, photography can be restricted in some temples.
  

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time: For visiting temples, the comfortable time is between December and March because of pleasant weather.

• Getting There
  In Cities: These places are easily accessible by taxis, ride-sharing services, and pedicabs or cyclos. Use the Grab app which is the Uber of Vietnam and pretty convenient if you are used to Uber in your country.
  Between Cities: Domestic flights, trains, or buses are options. Depending on how far it is, one may choose either or any one of them.
  Guided Tours: Going on a guided tour provides greater insight into the history and culture behind these miracles of architecture.

These Buddhist temples in Vietnam are a lot more than places of worship; they are conduits to understand the country's cultural and spiritual being. From the grandness of the Bai Dinh Pagoda to the serenity of the Tran Quoc Pagoda, these sacred sites promise an experience that one will always remember.

One honourable mention which didn’t make it in our list above is Buu long pagoda of Saigon which is a thai style pagoda in the center of the capital of Vietnam!

Now get ready, put on your walking shoes, respect the local traditions, and come aboard into this journey smelling of beauty, history, and tranquility. Safe travels!