From the North to the South, Vietnam houses countless sacred temples and pagodas, each of which are not only beautiful but are expressions of the Vietnamese spiritual life. However, it is important to note that temples and pagodas in Vietnam aren’t the same thing, despite their similar appearances.

Temples, or “Đền”, are typically dedicated to a deity, a genius or national hero with proven virtues. It could be a general who worked for the good of the nation, the village genius (often the one who taught the villagers their specific artisanal skills), or simply a memorial commemorating an exemplary figure or couple. Another type of temple is the family temple, dedicated to the worship of ancestors in the lineage.

Pagodas, or "Chùa”, on the other hand, are dedicated to Buddha and may house a relic. The word "pagoda" possibly comes from the Persian "but-khoda," where "but" means idol and "khoda" means temple. The word "but" likely originates from "Buddha." While it is a place of worship for Buddhists, it is open to everyone who shows respect.

Okay, now that there’s no confusion, without any further ado, let’s dive into our top 10 best temples and pagodas in Vietnam !

Temples and pagodas in the North of Vietnam

Temple of Literature - Hanoi

The construction of the Temple of Literature, dedicated to the Chinese philosopher Confucius, began in the year 1070 on the order of King Ly Thanh Tong. It became the first national university in 1076, under the Ly dynasty. Established on a rectangular ground of 300m in length and 70m in width, it consists of three main parts: Van Lake, Giam Garden, and the interior, all surrounded by brick walls. The site comprises a sequence of five courtyards with distinct symbolism, the third of which houses 82 Doctoral Steles placed on tortoises. These steles bear the names of 1304 laureates of doctoral examinations under the Hau Le and Mac dynasties (1442-1779). North of the fourth courtyard lies the most sacred area of the site, the entrance to which was even forbidden to monarchs: the Temple of Confucius. This national treasure was recognized by UNESCO as a world documentary heritage in 2010.

Just before the Lunar New Year or the National High School Examination, people and students will go to the Temple of Literature and ask calligraphists to write their wishes in Han characters for good luck. If you ever have the chance, stop by this top 10 must-visit temples and pagodes in Vietnam, ask for an art work to bring home with you or to give away as gifts. 

One Pillar Pagoda - Hanoi

One Pillar Pagoda needs no introduction as it’s one of the first things that pops up when you think of Hanoi. But for the sake of the article, I’m going to give you one anyway.

One Pillar Pagoda is also known by other names such as Mat Pagoda, Dien Huu Pagoda, or Lien Hoa Dai (Lotus Tower).

The pagoda was commissioned by King Ly Thai Tong and built in the winter of 1049. Legend has it that King Ly Thai Tong dreamt of seeing Guanyin meditating on a radiant lotus. Upon awakening, the king ordered the construction of the One Pillar Pagoda, resembling a lotus rising in the middle of Linh Chieu Lake in the imperial capital of Thang Long. After the construction, King Ly Anh Tong often retreated to the pagoda for prayers. Not long after, the queen gave birth to a noble prince. Believing it to be the merit bestowed by the Buddha, King Ly had the pagoda renovated and built another adjacent pagoda to express his gratitude.

Then, the complex (including the One Pillar Pagoda and the new one) was named Dien Huu, meaning "long-lasting blessings." The One Pillar Pagoda is one of top 10 best temples and pagodas to visit in Vietnam that boasts outstanding architectural work. The pagoda's space is a symphony of creativity in architecture combined with the art of stone carving, painting, wood engraving, and more! The pagoda is shaped like a blooming lotus on the water—a flower symbolizing purity and nobility, which also happens to be the national flower. Therefore, the people commonly refer to the One Pillar Pagoda as the Lotus Tower.

Perfume Pagoda - Huong Tich Mountain, 70 km from Hanoi

Situated on the banks of the Yen River in a picturesque setting, Chua Huong is a prominent Buddhist pagoda in Vietnam that attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees each year, starting from mid-February in the lunar calendar.

In fact, it is a complex of temples and pagodas scattered across the slopes of Huong Tich Mountain or along the Yen River. Access is only possible by boat and then on foot (or by cable car). The visit includes many sacred sites, beginning with the Trinh Temple – the first one you’d see – followed by the Thien Tru Pagoda, and most notably, the Huong Tich Cave, considered the epicenter of the Perfume Pagoda. This pagoda is located within the Huong Tich Cave and venerates the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara.

The Perfume Pagoda Festival lasts from the 6th day of the 1st month until the end of the 3rd month in the lunar calendar, but most Buddhists begin their pilgrimage in the first week of the Vietnamese New Year.

Bai Dinh Pagoda - Trang An, Ninh Binh 

Over 1000 years ago, during the feudal dynasties of Dinh, Later Le, and Ly, all of which considered Buddhism as the national religion, many pagodas were built. Among them is Bai Dinh Pagoda, located in the Trang An mountain range. The pagoda has a history dating back to the Dinh dynasty but still retains many architectural details and artifacts bearing the distinct characteristics of the Ly period.

Situated within a complex of several establishments, Bai Dinh is one of the largest pagodas in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. In fact, there are two pagodas: the original Bai Dinh temple and the new one, both connected by a one-kilometer path. Perched on Mount Dinh at an altitude of 187 m, one must climb 300 steps to reach the old pagoda, built in the 12th century under the Ly dynasty. It is flanked by two caves. The one on the right honors Buddha Sakyamuni, while the one on the left venerates the Mother Goddess. Inside, the classic triptych of Buddhas from the past, present, and future can be found, with the backdrop opening to a panoramic view of the valley.

The new Bai Dinh pagoda—nicknamed the record-setting pagoda—dates back to 2003 and boasts multiple national and Southeast Asian records: The largest bronze-gilded Buddha statue in Asia, The largest bronze statue of laughing Buddha in Southeast Asia, The widest temple complex in Vietnam, The temple complex with the longest Arhat corridor in Asia, The temple complex with the highest number of Bodhi trees in Vietnam, etc.

The Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival is held annually, from the 6th day of the 1st lunar month until the end of the 3rd lunar month.

Temples and pagodas in the Center of Vietnam

Quan The Am Pagoda - Da Nang

Quan The Am Pagoda, or Bodhisattva Pagoda, is a historic and culturally significant pagoda in Vietnam that attracts many locals and tourists for sightseeing and worship. Visitors to this famous pagoda will experience the solemnity of the pagoda and learn about the values of Buddhism and spirituality. The complex includes many remarkable architectural structures, among them the crystal statue of Quan The Am Bodhisattva, reaching a height of 25 meters, and a spectacular Bodhisattva silhouette formed naturally in a cave.

The construction of the statue is based on the mystical dream of the late Venerable Thich Phap Nhan, in which he saw Bodhisattva in a sacred cave. He later discovered a similar cave within the Ngu Hanh Son cave system and the pagoda was commissioned. Due to its miraculous and sacred nature, anyone who visits Chua Quan The Am is filled with admiration and profound reverence. Additionally, visitors can explore the Dharma Exhibition Hall, which houses rare and precious artifacts of Buddhism, and discover the mysterious Quan Am Cave within the pagoda. Inside the cave, various stalactites with different colors can be found, and as visitors go deeper, they will feel the cool and refreshing air. Furthermore,Quan The Am Pagoda in Da Nang offers a picturesque and tranquil landscape, providing a sense of peace as the temple grounds overlook the serene Cau Co River.

Thien Mu Pagoda - Hue

Inseparable from the image of Hue, Chua Thien Mu is one of the most beautiful and ancient pagodas in Vietnam. Founded in the 17th century on Ha Khe Hill, it overlooks the romantic Perfume River.

Legend has it that in ancient times, there was often an old lady dressed in a red shirt and green pants appearing on the hill, telling people, "Soon, there will be a noble figure coming to establish a pagoda to gather spiritual energy, strengthen the nation's vitality." In the year 1601, Nguyen Hoang, the first Nguyen lord, came to visit the region. Falling in love with the landscape, he decided to build a pagoda on the heights of Ha Khe Hill, facing the Perfume River, and having heard of the prophecy, he decided to name it "Thien Mu” (Celestial Lady). Since then, the place has attracted hundreds of thousands of pilgrims.

Within the pagoda is the Phuoc Duyen Tower, a tall octagonal tower with 7 stories, symbolizing the 7 reincarnations of Buddha. Resting on the hill resembling a dragon, the entire Thien Mu complex is surrounded by a stone wall shaped like a tortoise.

Classified by UNESCO, the Celestial Lady Pagoda is not only a spiritual sanctuary but also a work of perfect harmony in the serene countryside of the ancient imperial city.

Phuc Kien Assembly Hall - Hoi An

Next up in our List of “Pagodas and Temples in Vietnam” is neither one nor the other, ironically, but a place of worship / assembly hall. Legend has it, the precursor to the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall was a small temple dedicated to the worship of Thien Hau Thanh Mau, the tutelary deity of sailors and fishermen, salvaged at the Hoi An sea gate in 1697. Later, the assembly hall became a gathering place for the Phuc Kien people—the first people living in Hoi An.

Access to the Phuc Kien assembly hall is through a gate flanked by two dragons. After crossing a bonsai terrace, you reach three beautiful altars, including one dedicated to the three Lords of Fertility and the 12 celestial midwives—one for each month of the year. Their mission is to oversee the proper development of each child and teach them how to behave correctly. The rooms are meticulously decorated with intricately carved wooden frames, coated with golden lacquer, and the roofs feature ornaments of colorful glazed porcelain animals.

Functioning both as an assembly hall and a place of worship, Phuc Kien assembly hall is one of the distinctive features of Hoi An's remarkable heritage.

Temples and pagodas in the South of Vietnam

Cao Dai Temple - Tay Ninh

Not an orthodox church, temple, or pagoda, the Caodaist temple is an anomaly in the religious landscape of Southeast Asia. Caodaism is indeed a peculiar religion! Founded by a bureaucrat named Chien Van Ngo, this new religion was officially recognized in 1925. It professes the idea that fundamentally all religions are similar and has committed itself to promoting tolerance and peace in the world. Caodaism incorporates elements from Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, mixed with Christianity and even traces of Islam. Jesus Christ, as well as Chinese deities, coexist with Confucius, Joan of Arc, and Shakespeare. The church claims 5 million followers, all concentrated in South Vietnam.

The Cao Dai temple in Vietnam is designed similarly to a Christian cathedral with side aisles and an altar, along with a long central nave, all positioned as they would be in a Christian church. The decoration is rather kitschy, colorful and excessive, with the whole ensemble dominated by the sign of Caodaism: divine eye in a triangle with the yin and yang symbol in the pupil.

Ngoc Hoang Temple or Jade Emperor Temple - HCM city

Located in the 1st district of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), Ngoc Hoang Temple was built in 1909 by a Chinese man named Liu Ming. It is said that he, fleeing China after killing his brother, sought redemption and had this temple constructed in Vietnam on the site of a struck tree.

It is frequented by believers who come to pray for peace and fertility, burn incense, and pour oil into the candlesticks on the main altar. The site houses beautiful wooden statues, some made of ceramic or papier-mâché. There are also religious paintings (particularly stunning panels depicting hell), worship tablets, and in the courtyard, under the enormous banyan tree, there is a turtle pond surrounded by benches.

Bat Pagoda (Chua Doi) - Soc Trang

Last but not least on our Top 10 Best Temples and Pagodas in Vietnam is the Bat Pagoda, also known as Seraytecho Mahatup in the Khmer language, meaning “created by merit and virtue”, a gem of Khmer Buddhist architecture. Over 400 years old, it earned its nickname from the thousands of bats that have taken up residence in fruit trees surrounding the pagoda. It is noteworthy that these charming creatures show reverence to the sacred by not eating the fruits from the pagoda's gardens but instead fly off every evening to seek their food elsewhere.

Typical of Khmer religious constructions, the pagoda is characterized by a golden roof on two levels, lotus-shaped bas-reliefs, and the famous nagas—sacred serpents—at the four corners of the roof. Mural frescoes depict the life of Shakyamuni. Behind the temple, there are peculiar graves, each marked with a drawing of a pig. These are five-toed pigs (normal pigs typically have three toes). 

Bat Pagoda boasts a blended architecture representing the cultural fusion of Vietnam and Cambodia, and is one of the most interesting pagodas in Vietnam.

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