Vietnam is a beautiful Southeast Asian country, a land with instilled natural beauty and deeply rooted spiritual traditions. From the lively streets of Hanoi, bustling with a combination of modern and traditional populations, to the Ninh Binh countryside, you will find serenity and peace in its devout temples and pagodas.
While Vietnamese temples proudly whisper the tales of ancient devotion, look closely and you will find that there are subtle hints of French architecture woven into these beautiful sites. Like arched doorways, colonial touches, and restored facades, all add a unique charm, combining the East and West in the most favorable places.
There is a mystic feel about these temples that instantly soothes the mind and fills the heart with calmness and unwavering devotion. The lingering scent of the burning incense, harmonious chanting of monks, and intricate carving on the walls take you back to some other time when you feel as if the soul is healing and becoming more peaceful.
Feel the thrilling experience of cable car rides above lush jungles to visit the temples located on the majestic mountains or trek through the peaceful valleys to attain a quick escape from the fast-paced world. Each temple has its own charming aura, offering you a lifetime of memories of architectural brilliance and spiritual satisfaction.
Whether you are a history lover or just an avid explorer, these five temples will surely make your trip special and surround you with peaceful energies.
This journey into Vietnam’s sacred spaces reveals not only their architectural beauty and spiritual significance but also their enduring impact on the cultural and social fabric of the nation.
The top Buddhist temples in Vietnam are listed here, along with useful details that may help you begin organizing your trip.
List of Top 5 Temples In Vietnam
- Bai Dinh Pagoda
- Perfume Pagoda
- Thien Mu Pagoda
- Yen Tu Pagoda
- One Pillar Pagoda
Top 5 Famous Temples to Visit in Vietnam
- Bai Dinh Pagoda:-
This unique temple is settled in the verdant land of Ninh Binh, Vietnam, Bai Dinh Pagoda. It is counted as one of the most popular religious sites of Buddhists and visitors alike, the ultimate spiritual and cultural complex with numerous holy statues of Buddha. This famous pagoda covered an area of 1700 acres, the largest of its kind.
This complex was built keeping in mind the true Vietnamese architectural style including Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara temple, dedicated to Lord Buddha and Phap Chu temple. On the other hand the rich culture and ultimate spiritual values, this temple also self-praises the majestic views of the mountains, hills and greenery.
You will get a chance for fabulous trekking trails which lead to the hidden forest of Ba Chua Thuong Ngan, along with opportunities to explore some hidden limestone caves.
The location of this pagoda is Gia Sinh Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province. The opening hours are from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Perfume Pagoda:-
This eventual Pagoda is located about 70 km from Hanoi. This is also known as Huong Pagoda, an important religious site along with a complex of Buddhist temples, grottos and shrines scattered across Huong Tich Mountain. This wonderful creator is an architectural harmony between nature and human adding more sparkling and vivid colors to perfectly identifying the sacred complex.
To attain the Pagoda complex, many tourists have to take a boat ride, which is surrounded by immense rice fields, temples and green lush grass. This is the ultimate site with the maze of Buddhist temples that are built into the amazing cliffs of Huong Tich.
The location of his place is in Huong Son Commune, My Duc District, Hanoi and the opening hours are from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Thien Mu Pagoda:-
Thien Mu Pagoda is considered an ancient Buddhist temple, located in Vietnam and lying on the bank of the perfume river, just 5 kilometers from Hue City. This sacred site is a well-kept tourist attraction, considered as one of the tallest and oldest religious shrines in the whole country.
This site is also serves as sacred home to Buddhist Monk- The Thinch Quang Duc who was brutly killed himself in 1963 to struggle against the torture s Buddhist.
The location of this place is in Kim Long Road, Hue and the opening hours are from 8:00 AM to 6:00 AM.
- Yen Tu Pagoda:-
Yen Tu Pagoda perched on the majestic mountain range in the North side of Vietnam, served as the Buddhist center of Vietnam. This place is highly known for its natural landscapes, historical ruins and ancient Buddhist shrines.
The sacred temple is located at the altitude of 1,068m above the sea level. It generally takes a quick hard trek to reach the top of the mountain with mind-blowing views of White cloud surroundings which is worth watching.
This would be your true pilgrim’s journey which is like no other than a journey to heaven- where every small moment creates memories and inspiration.
The location of this temple is Thuong Yen Cong, Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province and the opening hours are from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- One Pillar Pagoda:-
Rising from one pillar in a tranquil lotus pond, One Pillar Pagoda is considered as an historical temple, located in Vietnam right in Ho Chi Minh Complex in its capital city. The intricate structure of this temple makes Indian tourists think of a lotus flower rising out of the water. Along with a perfume pagoda, this one is the most iconic temple in Vietnam.
The location of this temple is in Doi Can Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi and the opening hours are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
It is extremely important to remain respectful of these sacred spaces on our Vietnam tours.
- Please wear decent clothing when you enter temples, monasteries and pagodas. Do not wear shorts or sleeveless T-shirts at these sacred religious sites in Vietnam. This rule would be applicable for both women and men.
- Don’t make too much noise and don’t talk too loud in these sacred sites.
- When you go to the temple, make sure that you can enter through the right gate and exit through the left gate. The middle gate is for monks only, academic purposes on important occasions.
- Museums, temples, shrines, churches are highly restricted for filming and photography. There is no problem if you are doing it outside of the complex, but inside a temple it is often not allowed.
Also Read: Vietnam Tourist Places- Never Miss To Visit
Conclusion
Vietnam, a land of captivating beauty and rich history, boasts a plethora of ancient temples that stand as testaments to its cultural heritage. Among the most famous is the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, a revered site dedicated to Confucius and scholars, symbolizing Vietnam’s commitment to education. Also in Hanoi, the iconic Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island in Hoan Kiem Lake, offers picturesque views with its red Huc Bridge and serene atmosphere.
FAQs About Famous Temples to Visit in Vietnam
Q1. What is the significance of temples in Vietnamese culture?
Temples play a vital role in Vietnamese culture, serving as places of worship, community gatherings, and repositories of history and tradition. They reflect the country’s diverse religious influences, including Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism.
Q2. What is the dress code for visiting temples in Vietnam?
Visitors should dress respectfully, covering their shoulders and knees. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. It’s often customary to remove shoes before entering the main prayer areas.
Q3. Are there any entrance fees for these temples?
Some temples may have a small entrance fee, while others are free. It’s always a good idea to check beforehand.
Q4. What is the best time of year to visit these temples?
The dry season (generally from November to April) is considered the best time to visit Vietnam, offering pleasant weather for temple visits. However, these temples can be visited year-round.
Q5. How can I get to these temples?
Transportation options vary depending on the temple’s location. Common options include taxis, motorbike taxis, buses, and private cars. For temples within cities, walking or cycling can also be a pleasant option.
Q6. What is the Temple of Literature known for?
The Temple of Literature is Vietnam’s first national university and a symbol of Confucianism and Vietnamese scholarship. It’s known for its beautiful architecture and stele garden.
