Buu Long Pagoda, one of the most beautiful temples in Ho Chi Minh City, stands out with its unique architecture and serene surroundings. The dazzling Gotama Cetiya Stupa, surrounded by elegant bronze spires, creates a breathtaking sight that attracts visitors to admire its beauty.

1. A quick look at Buu Long Pagoda

Buu Long Pagoda, also known as Buu Long Patriarchal Monastery, is situated at 81 Nguyen Xien Street, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City. Spanning 11 hectares, it sits atop a secluded hill overlooking the Dong Nai River. Despite its lively surroundings, the temple grounds remain a haven of tranquility. In 2019, the National Geographic recognized Buu Long Temple as one of the world’s 10 most outstanding Buddhist architectural sites. Today, this gem captivates tourists and locals alike, drawing many for sightseeing and worship.

2. What to know about Buu Long Pagoda?

2.1. History

Buu Long Pagoda was originally a small meditation retreat built in 1942 by Vo Ha Thuat (1901 - 1969). In 1958, he donated it to Venerable Ho Tong, the first Supreme Patriarch of the Vietnamese Theravada Buddhist Sangha Congregation, to establish Buu Long Patriarchal Monastery. Today, it is recognized as the patriarchal monastery of Theravada Buddhism, one of the nine Buddhist sects in Vietnam.

Buu Long Buddhist Temple has been carefully restored and expanded over the years. Initially, its structures were built in the architectural style of the Nguyen dynasty. By 2007, several key structures were completed, including the main hall, ancestral house, dining hall, monks’ quarters, the Ascetic Bodhisattva Cave, the Reclining Buddha Statue, and the serene Bodhi Garden.

2.2. Architecture

Buu Long Pagoda features several areas, including the main hall, monks' quarters, dining hall, guest hall, ancestral house, meditation retreat for monks, and dedicated spaces for nuns and lay practitioners.

Designed by the abbot, Venerable Thich Vien Minh, the main hall and surrounding structures draw inspiration from the traditional Theravāda Buddhist architecture originating in India. This design seamlessly blends ancient styles with cultural elements of Vietnamese pagodas from the Nguyen dynasty, creating a harmonious aesthetic.

The pagoda's architecture also bears a strong Thai influence, featuring pointed spires and intricate carvings that exude an elegant beauty. Visitors will be captivated by the breathtaking stupa rising into the sky, while the gentle chimes of wind bells at its summit fill the air with tranquility. The temple grounds, shaded by lush greenery, offer a peaceful retreat where nature and spirituality intertwine.

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3. Things to do at Buu Long Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City

3.1. Contemplate the Gotama Cetiya Stupa

The Gotama Cetiya Stupa stands majestically in the serene temple, with a height of 56 meters and an area of 2,000 square meters, capable of holding up to 2,000 people. It was once known as the largest stupa in Vietnam, cloaked in pure white, with sparkling gold accents on the spire. Each of its four sides is adorned with statues of Buddha Shakyamuni, embodying compassion.

Inside, visitors will find a solemn main hall. At the top of the central tower, wind chimes produce a melodious sound that enhances the atmosphere. More than an architectural wonder, this stupa is a revered symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism and a must-see spiritual destination. Here, visitors can enjoy its peaceful ambiance while capturing picturesque Buu Long Pagoda photos.

3.2. Explore sacred memorials and the Sarira areas

Within the temple grounds, visitors can explore many sacred sites including the Bodhi Garden, the stupa dedicated to Venerable Lao Tam, the ascetic cave commemorating Bodhisattva Siddhartha’s six years of austerity, and the Reclining Buddha Statue carved from granite.

Buddhists can pay homage to the relics of the Buddha and the Holy Sangha. They can also listen to Dharma teachings and recite scriptures in the ancient Pali language. Together with the Bodhi tree, these elements offer a profound connection to the roots of Buddhism.

3.3. Immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings

In front of the stupa stretches a serene 280-square-meter pond, its jade-green water glistening year-round. Encircling the pond are stone lanterns and statues of cranes standing gracefully on turtle backs, symbols often seen in Vietnamese temples. The presence of a pond before the main hall reflects a traditional feature of Vietnamese temple architecture. This thoughtful design beautifully showcases the fusion of Theravāda Buddhism with Vietnamese Buddhist culture, creating a harmonious blend of spiritual and architectural influences.

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4. Guide for first-time visitors to Buu Long Pagoda

4.1. When to visit?

Buu Long Temple is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM. However, between 11 AM and 2 PM, tourists can only visit the grounds outside the temple. Additionally, there is no need for Buu Long Pagoda tickets. Therefore, this is a great attraction in Saigon for those who want to explore culture while saving money.

4.2. How to get there?

There are many ways to get to Buu Long Pagoda. You can either hail a taxi, take a bus, or rent a motorbike and get there yourself. If you have a bike and are departing from District 1, make your way to Vo Van Kiet Street. Follow the street northeast all the way to Thu Duc City (about 20 kilometers). Turn right onto Nguyen Xien Street, go for another 2.5 kilometers, and the pagoda will be on your right.

4.3. What to eat?

Within the temple grounds, there are rest stops for eating and drinking, and there is a vegetarian food stall that is well worth experiencing. Some must-try specialties include vegetarian beef noodle soup, vegetarian crab noodle soup, and ice cream. The prices are also very affordable, starting at 20,000 VND per serving.

4.4. What to note?

Dress modestly, wear long pants or skirts, and avoid revealing clothing.
Take off your shoes before entering the stupa and the hall.
Keep the noise down and avoid photography inside.
Respect those who are praying.
Do not litter within the temple grounds.

In addition to Buu Long Pagoda, on your trip to Saigon, you should consider visiting other temples in the city such as Xa Loi Buddhist Temple, Thien Hau Pagoda, Quan Am Pagoda, Mariamman Hindu Temple, Ong Bon Temple, etc.

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Buu Long Pagoda is a serene retreat in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, boasting breathtaking architecture and tranquil atmosphere. Here, you can leave your worries behind and immerse yourself in a peaceful spiritual sanctuary. Be sure to add this marvelous site to your itinerary in Vietnam's largest city!

While you are in Saigon, don't miss out on the entertainment complex of Grand Park in Thu Duc City. Grand Park features world-class attractions, from modern water parks and romantic lakeside beaches to vibrant shopping streets like no other.

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