Incense coils hanging from the ceiling of the Jade Emperor Pagoda in Saigon

Jade Emperor Pagoda (Phước Hải Tự), Saigon

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

SpiritualHistoryArts Culture
Would you do this?
Duration1 hr
EffortEasy
BudgetBudget
PriceFree
StyleSelf-Guided
Best monthsNov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr

About This Activity

The Jade Emperor Pagoda (Phước Hải Tự), built in 1909 by the Cantonese community, is the most alive and beautiful temple in Ho Chi Minh City. Elaborate carved reliefs line the walls depicting Taoist heavens and hells; devotees burn incense coils before statues of the Jade Emperor, Kim Hua (Goddess of Birth), and generals of the underworld. A courtyard tortoise pond represents longevity. Graham Greene described the pagoda in The Quiet American. Entry is free; late afternoon offers the best atmospheric light through incense smoke.

Seasonal note: Year-round free attraction. Busiest during Lunar New Year (Jan/Feb) when worshippers pack the pagoda.

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