Vinh Nghiem Pagoda: History, highlights & visitor tips

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is one of the most significant Buddhist temples in Ho Chi Minh City. With construction completed in 1971, it is not only a place of worship but also a cultural center that preserves and promotes Buddhist values.

1. Where is Vinh Nghiem Pagoda? How to get there?

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is located at No. 339, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Xuan Hoa Ward, formerly part of District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Sitting on a spacious ground, it was built in the traditional style of Northern Vietnamese temples. Both the name and the design were inspired by a wooden pagoda in Bac Giang, the center of the Truc Lam Zen sect.

To reach Vinh Nghiem Pagoda from the city center, just follow Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street northwest. You can reach the pagoda by taxi or bus. The Xanh SM taxis are a convenient choice for those who prefer a smooth ride. For a more affordable option, you can take buses 109, 04, or 72-2B, all of which have stops near Vinh Nghiem Pagoda.

2. History of Vinh Nghiem Buddhist Temple

Construction of Vinh Nghiem Pagoda began in 1964 under the guidance of two monks from the North, Venerable Thich Thanh Kiem and Venerable Thich Tam Giac, who had come to the South to spread Buddhism. After 7 years of work, the pagoda was officially completed in 1971. Its design was modeled after the original Vinh Nghiem Pagoda in Duc La Village, Bac Giang Province, which is considered one of the most important centers of the Truc Lam Zen sect.

Beyond its impressive architecture, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda holds an important role in the spiritual life of Ho Chi Minh City. It serves not only as a place of worship but also as a center for moral education and community learning. The temple actively promotes Buddhist teachings on compassion, mindfulness, and filial piety through lectures, study courses, and social activities. It is both a sanctuary for personal reflection and a hub for preserving Buddhist values.

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3. Highlights of Vinh Nghiem Pagoda (Ho Chi Minh City)

3.1. Stunning architecture

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is built in the shape of the Chinese character gong, giving the complex a harmonious layout. Visitors are greeted by a grand triple-arch gate with a curved red-tile roof, which opens into a spacious courtyard. Inside the pagoda grounds, the architecture impresses with several key structures:

The Main Hall: This hall have two floors. The first floor houses an ancestral worship hall, a lecture hall, offices, a library, and monks’ quarters. There are three wide staircases that lead up to the rooftop and the Buddha Hall. At the right corner of the rooftop sits a bell tower, which contains a large bronze bell gifted in 1969 by Japanese Soto Zen Buddhists.
Quan The Am Tower: This is a square-shaped structure rising 35 meters over 7 stories to the left of the main hall. Its rooftop is adorned with nine Dharma wheels and spherical forms known as Long Xa and Quy Chau.
Vinh Nghiem Stone Tower: Built from 80 cubic meters of stone and modeled after the Pen Tower in Hanoi, this tower reaches 14 meters high across 7 stories. It serves as a memorial to Venerable Thich Thanh Kiem and was the tallest stone tower in Vietnam until 2013.
The Community Relic Tower: This tower sits behind and to the left of the Buddha Hall. Standing 25 meters tall with 4 floors, it features staircases leading up from the courtyard. It houses the remains of departed Buddhists, where their family members and followers can pay their respects.
The Buddha Hall: This hall reflects has two layers of curved roofs forming elegant eaves. Inside, the hall enshrines statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, Manjushri Bodhisattva, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.
A three-story building: Located on the left side of the pagoda grounds, this building serves multiple purposes. The first floor is a vegetarian dining hall, the second floor is a guest hall, and the top floor is a meditation hall.

3.2. Special events

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is a vibrant center for cultural and spiritual events throughout the year. One of the most notable occasions is the Buddhist Book Exhibition, where visitors can explore a wide collection of scriptures, commentaries, and publications that highlight the depth of Buddhist philosophy.

Another important celebration is the Vu Lan Festival, which honors parents and ancestors. During Vu Lan, the pagoda becomes especially lively with rituals, chanting ceremonies, and offerings that draw large crowds of worshippers and visitors alike.

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4. Tips for first-time visitors to Vinh Nghiem Pagoda

To help you make the most of your visit, here are a few useful tips to keep in mind:

Plan your visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense heat.
Wear modest clothing.
Remove your shoes and hats if you wish to participate in Buddhist rituals.
Enter through the right door and exit through the left door when passing through the entrance gate.
Bow respectfully before entering the main hall or towers.
Don’t take photos or record videos inside.

5. Must-see attractions near Vinh Nghiem Buddhist Temple

A trip to Vinh Nghiem Pagoda can easily be combined with other famous attractions in Ho Chi Minh City:

Phap Hoa Pagoda (950 meters away): A peaceful Buddhist temple surrounded by a lotus-filled pond, known for its tranquil atmosphere.
Tan Dinh Church (1.7 kilometers away): Famous for its pink façade, this church is one of the most photographed landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City.
War Remnants Museum (2.2 kilometers away): A powerful museum documenting the Second Indochina War through photographs, artifacts, and exhibits.
Independence Palace (2.7 kilometers away): This historical site was once the home and workplace of the South Vietnamese president.
Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral (2.9 kilometers away): Built in the late 19th century, this red-brick cathedral is a symbol of the city’s colonial heritage.

There are many attractions to visit near Vinh Nghiem Pagoda

FAQs about Vinh Nghiem Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City

Is it free to enter Vinh Nghiem Buddhist Temple?

Yes, admission is free for all visitors. Donations are welcome but not required.

When is the best time to visit Vinh Nghiem Pagoda?

The pagoda is open year-round, and it is especially lively during major Buddhist festivals. Notable times include the Lunar New Year, the Vu Lan Festival in the 7th lunar month, and Vesak (Buddha’s Birthday) in the 4th lunar month.

What should I wear when visiting Vinh Nghiem Pagoda?

Clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is recommended, ideally in loose, lightweight fabrics suitable for warm climate. Avoid shorts, short skirts, tank tops, or any attire that is overly casual or revealing.

Where and what to eat around Vinh Nghiem Pagoda?

Within the pagoda grounds, you can enjoy a wholesome vegetarian meal at Vinh Nghiem Vegetarian Restaurant. It serves a variety of traditional Vietnamese vegetarian dishes in a peaceful setting. Opening hours are 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM.

Visiting Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is an opportunity to step into one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most meaningful spiritual sites. Whether you come to admire the architecture, join in a festival, or simply enjoy a quiet moment of reflection, this pagoda will leave a lasting impression.

Your journey in Vietnam does not have to end at Vinh Nghiem Pagoda. For a change of pace, you can combine your visit with a fun-filled day at Grand Park.

Book tickets to Grand Park

Extend your fun in Ho Chi Minh City by visiting Grand Park

Beyond Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam offers many other destinations worth exploring such as Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc. For a comfortable stay in those destinations, consider the resorts and hotels of Vinpearl, which offer luxurious amenities, excellent services, and prime locations. You can also explore the thrilling world of VinWonders, a series of entertainment complexes perfect for families and solo travelers alike.