History of Giac Vien Pagoda

Founded in the late 1700s by the monk Hai Tinh Giac Vien, this place used to be a place that Emperor Gia Long of Nguyen Dynasty worshiped and it’s said to have been a center of Buddhism of the six southern provinces in the 19th century. Built such a long time ago, this pagoda has undergone radical changes and restorations but it still exists and preserves countless valuable cultural values. Come to Ho Chi Minh On September is best time to visit vietnam.

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Location

Located at number 161/85/20, Lac Long Quan Street, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City,vietnam Giac Vien Pagoda is one of the oldest pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City. It annually attracts a lot of visitors, who come to this place to worship and learn about Vietnamese culture.

Architecture

What makes this site stand out of the crowd? It is the unique and wonderful architectural style that contributes to its distinct characteristics. There is a large sanctuary to worship Buddha, which is behind the Hai Tinh Giac Vien statue. Also, two corridors to the east and west create generous space and a platform supported by a brass basin gives way to a fierce dragon heads emerging from each side.

The highlight of Giac Vien Pagoda is that the Guardian of the pagoda is set opposite to the platform. This is the symbol of a powerful protector against evils.

Visitors to Giac Vien Pagoda should take notice of 60 wooden engraving plates, each of which portrays different cultural patterns of Vietnamese culture in daily life. With no doubt, these plates are the only ones that have been well-preserved until the contemporary time.

Ways to Giac Vien Pagoda

 Deep inside a small winding lane, the way leading to the pagoda has some remarkable tombs on the right. This is also an ideal playground for local kids. You may face difficulties in finding the road to Giac Vien Pagoda so one way to get there is to find Giac Lam, which is near Giac Vien Pagoda. It’s easier to find Giac Lam and then turn right to Lac Long Quan Street. Go straight and the entrance is just around 200 meters on the right of the street.

To be more convenient, catching a taxi or motorbike is an optimal choice.

Giac Vien Pagoda opens from 7 am until 7 pm every day and the entrance fee is free for everyone.