Giac Lam Pagoda
Built in 1744, Giac Lam Pagoda is one of the oldest pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City. Giac Lam Pagoda is located at 118 Lac Long Quan Street, Tan Binh District.
Location & History
Despite being constructed in 1744 by a Chinese settler named Ly Thuy Long, it was only in 1772 that it was converted into a Buddhist temple under the management of the first abbot Thich Vien Quang.
Being nearly 300 years old, Giac Lam pagoda is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Ho Chi Minh City and is the place that preserves valuable antiques and holds important cultural, historical and architectural values.The temple is located in District 11, which is around 20 minutes away from the city centre.
Those who are not familiar with the city streets are advised to get there by taxi.
Photo: guidevietnam.org
What to see
This temple’s grand hall encompasses many traditional Asian elements, reflecting Taoism and Buddhism’s astronomy, such as the Bagua ceiling.
There are up to 113 statues, the majority of which are made from wood and only eight are made from bronze. Since this is a Theravada Buddhist temple, Bodhisattva and the Eighteen Arhats are also venerated here.
Besides, Goddesses in Vietnam's folk religion are worshipped in this temple. Despite the heterogeneous religious practices, the main focus of veneration is still placed on Buddha.
Like any other Buddhist temple, there is a multi-storey stupa, in which Buddhist relics are venerated, in this Giac Lam Pagoda. Do not forget to climb to the 7th floor to receive blessings from those relics when you have the chance to visit this 300-year-old temple.
Photo: saigonlocaltour.com 
Photo: asiaopentours.net
How To Get There
You can reach Giac Lam Pagoda in many ways: by taxi, by motorbike or by bus (see guide to Ho Chi Minh City Bus). If you travel by bus, all you need to do is catching bus No.27 at Ben Thanh Bus Station and then get off at the crossroad Lac Long Quan – Au Co. Then you can find the way to Giac Lam Pagoda.
Useful Information
- Location: Lac Long Quan Str., Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City
- Best for: Family, couple, solo
- Entrance: Free
- Hours: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
- Distance to city center: 4.8km (3.0 mi)
Thuong Xa Tax
Although the building was demolished in 2016, Thuong Xa Tax merits every mention when one talks of Saigon.
Cu Chi Tunnels
While visiting the War Remnants Museum gives you a theoretical glimpse of the Vietnam War, wandering around a small area of Cu Chi Tunnels, a popular tourist attraction in Vietnam, allows you to have real-life experiences
Saigon Central Post Office
The Central Post Office is at number 2, Paris Commune Street, District 1. This is one of the oldest buildings in Ho Chi Minh City. The Central Post Office was built around 1886 – 1891 based on Villedieu’s design, a famous French architect.
