17 Pagodas in Vietnam: Top Religious Sites for Your Trip

Each pagodas in Vietnam tells a story of history, faith, and architecture. I’ve spent years traveling through this incredible country, and the serene atmosphere of these sacred places always stays with me. They offer a peaceful escape from the busy streets and a unique window into local life.

These sacred places are a deep part of the local identity. Understanding more about Vietnamese culture will make your visits to these pagodas even more meaningful. Now, I’m going to share some of my favorite pagodas across Vietnam. We will start in the north and make our way down the country. I hope this guide helps you find the same sense of peace and wonder that I have.

Northern Vietnam’s Pagodas & Temples

The north is the heartland of Vietnamese Buddhism. The pagodas here are some of the oldest and most significant in the country. Let’s look at a few places you should not miss.

These pagodas are just a few of the amazing sights the region has to offer. For more ideas on how to structure your trip, check out our complete Northern Vietnam Itinerary.

1. Trấn Quốc Pagoda

Located on a small island in West Lake in Hanoi, Trấn Quốc Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in the city. Its history dates back over 1,500 years. The towering red stupa, with its eleven levels, is a beautiful sight, especially during sunset. The pagoda’s location away from the city’s noise makes it a peaceful spot for reflection.

Inside the grounds, you will find a Bodhi tree grown from a cutting of the original tree in India where the Buddha found enlightenment. It was a gift from the Indian president in 1959. Standing under its branches, you can feel a real connection to the history of Buddhism. Have you ever visited a place that felt truly ancient?

2. Chùa Một Cột (One Pillar Pagoda)

Just a short walk from the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, you’ll find another Hanoi icon: the One Pillar Pagoda. This small wooden temple is built on a single stone pillar in the middle of a lotus pond. The design is meant to look like a lotus flower, a symbol of purity in Buddhist culture.

The story behind it is quite touching. It was built by an emperor who dreamt of the Goddess of Mercy handing him a son while seated on a lotus flower. He later had a son and built the pagoda to show his gratitude. It’s a small site, but its unique design and story make it a memorable stop.

3. Hương Pagoda (Perfume Pagoda)

Visiting the Perfume Pagoda is a full-day adventure. Located about 60 kilometers from Hanoi, the journey itself is part of the experience. You take a boat ride along the scenic Yen River, passing by limestone karsts and green rice paddies. The main temple is inside a cave on Huong Tich Mountain.

The trip is popular during the Perfume Pagoda festival, which lasts from the first to the third lunar month. It gets very crowded with pilgrims. If you prefer a quieter visit, I suggest going outside of the festival season. The natural beauty and the spiritual atmosphere of the cave temple are worth the trip any time of year.

4. Tam Chuc Pagoda

In Ha Nam province, a short drive from Hanoi, you can find the Tam Chuc Pagoda complex. It is considered the largest pagoda complex in the world. The setting is spectacular, with the pagoda structures situated between a large natural lake and a backdrop of limestone mountains, earning it the nickname “Ha Long Bay on land.”

The scale of the site is its main draw. Visitors often take a boat to cross the lake and enter the main areas. Inside, you’ll find massive halls with giant Buddha statues and intricately carved walls. It is a modern marvel of spiritual tourism and represents a grand vision of Vietnamese Buddhism today.

5. Yên Tử Pagoda

For those who enjoy a bit of hiking with their cultural sites, the Yên Tử Pagoda complex is a perfect fit. Located in Quang Ninh Province, it’s a sacred pilgrimage site where King Tran Nhan Tong founded the Truc Lam Zen Buddhist sect. The pagodas are scattered along the path to the top of Yen Tu Mountain.

You can take a cable car part of the way up, but there’s still a good amount of walking involved. The views from the top are spectacular. Reaching the Dong Pagoda, a small temple cast in bronze at the summit, feels like a real accomplishment. It’s a journey that combines physical activity with spiritual discovery.

6. Bái Đính Pagoda

Bái Đính Pagoda in Ninh Binh province is a site of grand scale. It holds several national records, including the largest bronze Buddha statue and the longest Arhat corridor in Asia. The complex is massive, consisting of both an ancient pagoda area and a newly built, much larger one.

The sheer size of the place is impressive. You can spend hours wandering through the vast halls and courtyards, admiring the hundreds of statues. It’s a very popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. If you are visiting Ninh Binh to see Tam Coc or Trang An, Bái Đính Pagoda is an easy and worthwhile addition to your itinerary.

Central Vietnam’s Pagodas & Temples

Moving down to Central Vietnam, you will find pagodas with a different kind of charm. Many are set against beautiful backdrops of mountains and sea. The imperial history of this region also adds a unique layer to its spiritual sites.

The pagodas in this region are often highlights of any trip here. If you’re looking for more inspiration, we have a full guide on things to do in Central Vietnam.

1. Thiên Mụ Pagoda

Overlooking the Perfume River in Hue, Thiên Mụ Pagoda is an icon of the former imperial capital. Its seven-story Phước Duyên tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Vietnam. The pagoda’s name means “Heavenly Lady,” and legend says it was built after a local lord was told by a holy woman to build a temple on the hill.

Beyond the famous tower, the pagoda has a peaceful garden and several halls with intricate statues. It also houses the car that belonged to the monk Thich Quang Duc, who self-immolated in 1963 to protest the persecution of Buddhists. This adds a powerful, modern historical element to this ancient site.

2. Từ Hiếu Pagoda

Also in Hue, Từ Hiếu Pagoda offers a more secluded and tranquil experience. Tucked away in a pine forest, it is known as the root pagoda of the famous Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh, whose ashes are now interred here. The sound of chanting monks and the scent of incense fill the air, creating a deeply meditative atmosphere.

The pagoda was originally built to serve the eunuchs of the imperial court, who sought a peaceful place for their later years. You can see their graves in the front yard. It’s a place of calm and compassion, and I find it to be one of the most relaxing pagodas to visit in Hue.

3. Linh Ứng Pagoda

There are actually three Linh Ứng Pagodas in Da Nang, each built in a location of spiritual importance. The most famous one is on the Son Tra Peninsula. It features a towering 67-meter-tall statue of the Lady Buddha, which can be seen from almost anywhere along the city’s coastline.

The location offers breathtaking views of the sea and the city below. The sea breeze and the sound of waves make it a refreshing place to visit. It’s a newer pagoda, but its grand scale and stunning setting have quickly made it a must-see spot in Da Nang.

4. Long Sơn Temple

In the coastal city of Nha Trang, Long Sơn Temple is famous for its large white Buddha statue sitting on a lotus blossom on a hilltop. To reach the statue, you have to climb 152 steps. The climb is worth it for the panoramic views of the city and the intricate dragon mosaics on the way up.

The temple at the base of the hill is an active place of worship. You can observe local people praying and making offerings. It provides a great look into the daily spiritual life of the city’s residents.

5. Trung Sơn Cổ Tự Pagoda

Perched on a cliff overlooking the sea near Quy Nhon, Trung Sơn Cổ Tự Pagoda is a hidden gem. It is less crowded than many other pagodas, offering a truly peaceful retreat. The design blends beautifully with the natural landscape of rocky cliffs and blue water.

The main attraction here is the incredible view and the sense of serenity. It’s a fantastic spot for watching the sunrise or just sitting and listening to the ocean. If you are looking for a spiritual site off the main tourist track, this is a wonderful choice.

Southern Vietnam’s Pagodas & Temples

The south of Vietnam has a vibrant mix of cultures, and its temples reflect this diversity. Here you will find everything from serene Zen monasteries in the mountains to colorful, ornate pagodas in the heart of bustling cities.

The south offers a unique energy and its spiritual sites are no exception. You can discover more amazing places in our guide to things to do in South Vietnam.

1. Trúc Lâm Zen Monastery

Set on a hillside overlooking Tuyen Lam Lake in Da Lat, Trúc Lâm Zen Monastery is a working monastery and a popular tourist spot. You can reach it by a scenic cable car ride over the pine forests. The monastery’s clean lines and beautiful gardens create a very calming environment.

Visitors are welcome to walk around the grounds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The fresh mountain air and the quiet setting make it a perfect escape from the city. Have you ever thought about visiting a place just to sit and think for a while?

2. Linh Phước Pagoda

Also in Da Lat, Linh Phước Pagoda is completely different. Every surface of this pagoda is covered in intricate mosaics made from broken pottery and glass. The result is a dazzling, colorful structure that is truly one of a kind. It’s a feast for the eyes.

The pagoda also features a 49-meter-long dragon made from 12,000 glass bottles and a giant bell tower. It’s a very creative and whimsical place. It shows a different, more modern side of Vietnamese pagoda design.

3. Vĩnh Nghiêm Temple

In the busy metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, Vĩnh Nghiêm Temple stands as a large, peaceful sanctuary. It’s a relatively modern structure, built with traditional Vietnamese design and some Japanese influence. The seven-story stone stupa is one of its most impressive features.

The temple is an active center for the local Buddhist community. It offers a quiet space for people to pray amidst the city’s chaos. It’s a great example of how spiritual life continues to thrive in a modern urban setting.

4. Jade Emperor Pagoda

The Jade Emperor Pagoda is one of the most atmospheric temples in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a Taoist pagoda, filled with the smoky haze of incense and elaborate carvings of deities and mythical figures. It feels like you’ve stepped into another world.

The pagoda is dedicated to the supreme Taoist god, the Jade Emperor. It’s particularly famous for its Hall of the Ten Hells, which features intricate carvings depicting the punishments of the afterlife. Former US President Barack Obama visited this pagoda in 2016, which brought it international attention.

5. Chùa Dơi (Bat pagoda)

Located in Soc Trang in the Mekong Delta, this pagoda is famous for its unusual residents: a colony of giant fruit bats. The bats hang from the trees in the temple gardens during the day, creating a unique sight. The pagoda itself is a beautiful example of Khmer architecture.

The local Khmer people believe that the bats are sacred and protect the pagoda. The combination of unique wildlife and distinct architecture makes this a fascinating stop if you are touring the Mekong Delta region.

6. Vĩnh Tràng Pagoda

Near My Tho, Vĩnh Tràng Pagoda is another standout in the Mekong Delta. Its architecture is a curious mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, and European styles. You can see elements of Renaissance and French colonial design alongside traditional Asian motifs.

The pagoda is set in a large, peaceful garden with several giant Buddha statues, including a smiling sitting Buddha and a large reclining Buddha. The unique blend of styles and the beautiful grounds make it one of the most visually interesting pagodas in the south.

Conclusion

From the ancient heartland of the north to the vibrant delta in the south, Vietnam’s pagodas offer a journey into the country’s soul. Each one provides a unique experience, a moment of peace, and a connection to centuries of tradition. I hope this guide inspires you to visit some of these spiritual sites on your next trip.

Seeing these incredible sites with family can create lasting memories. Our Vietnam Family Holidays Tour 14 Days is designed to be enjoyable for all ages. If you have specific pagodas or regions you’d like to see, you can always build your own trip. Let us help you customize your tour for a perfect Vietnamese adventure.

FAQs About Pagodas in Vietnam