Explore Giac Lam Pagoda: Saigon’s Spiritual Heritage

Giac Lam Pagoda, built in 1744, is the oldest Buddhist temple in Ho Chi Minh City and a treasured symbol of Southern Vietnamese heritage. With its traditional chữ Tam architecture, 98 carved pillars, a seven-story relic stupa, and centuries-old statues, the pagoda offers an authentic spiritual journey. Recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Site, it welcomes visitors to explore rare artifacts, sacred rituals, and peaceful gardens. Join Vietpower Travel for an expertly guided tour that connects you with the cultural heart of a Pagoda Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam.

1. Key Facts About Giac Lam Pagoda

Location: 565 Lac Long Quan Street, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City – around 7 km west of the city center, in a quiet neighborhood away from the main tourist crowds.

Founded: Built in 1744 by Ly Thuy Long, a lay Buddhist from the Minh Huong community.

Religious Affiliation: Belongs to the Lam Te (Linhji) Zen Sect of Buddhism, known for meditation practice and monastic discipline.

Heritage Status: Recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Site in 1988 for its age, artistry, and religious importance.

Architectural Style: Traditional Southern Vietnamese architecture in a chữ Tam (three-section) layout, featuring wooden frames, tiled roofs, and open courtyards for light and ventilation.

98 Carved Pillars with Buddhist Phrases: The pagoda houses exactly 98 wooden pillars, each engraved with meaningful Buddhist verses — a rare and precise feature not often documented in other temples.

Opening Hours: Opens from 5:00 or 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. Rare Attribute 5 – Lunch Break Closure: The main hall closes from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM for midday rest.

Entrance Fee: Free of charge for all visitors.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning for a serene atmosphere, or during major Buddhist festivals such as Vesak, Vu Lan, or the Lunar New Year to experience vibrant local traditions.

2. A Brief History of Giac Lam Pagoda

From Cam Son to Giac Lam

Originally named Cam Son Pagoda, it was built atop Cam Son Hill in 1744. In 1774, under the abbacy of Venerable Vien Quang, the temple was renamed Giac Lam, meaning “Awakening in the Forest,” reflecting its spiritual mission to guide practitioners toward enlightenment. Over the centuries, it became a leading Buddhist training center in Southern Vietnam, preserving and copying rare scriptures for the Lam Te Zen tradition.

• Relic Gem Journey: The sacred Buddha relic, gifted along with a Bodhi tree by Sri Lankan monk Narada in 1953, was temporarily housed in Long Van Pagoda (Dong Nai) inside a small golden stupa before being enshrined in Giac Lam’s seven-story stupa.

Historical Milestones and Renovations

• 1798–1804: Major restoration by Venerable Vien Quang, establishing the current wooden structure and engraved pillar system.
• Early 1900s: Renovation under Venerable Hong Hung, adding decorative porcelain plates and a distinctive inner gate.
• 1930–1945: Structural reinforcements, expanded gardens, and additional boundary walls.
• 1970–1994: Construction of the 32-meter seven-story stupa, now a key visual landmark.
• Present Day: The temple remains one of the most respected religious sites in the Pagoda Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam network, preserving its rare architectural and spiritual heritage while welcoming both pilgrims and travelers.

3. Architectural Highlights of Giac Lam Pagoda

The Triple Gate and Courtyard

Built in 1955, the Triple Gate (Cổng Tam Quan) marks the formal entrance to Giac Lam Pagoda. Each of its three arched doorways represents one of the Buddhist “Three Gates of Liberation.”

No Direct Gate Alignment: Unlike many temples, none of the gates are positioned in a straight line with the main hall. This intentional design reflects a traditional belief that spirits or harmful energies travel in straight paths, so the offset alignment serves as a spiritual safeguard.  Beyond the gate, a landscaped courtyard leads visitors toward the main structures, providing a calm transition from the bustle of the city.

The Inner Gate – Nhi Quan

Passing through the courtyard, visitors arrive at the Nhi Quan, or inner gate.

• Crown Prince O Quan Legend: The gate’s wooden panels are carved with Chinese characters referencing the Tang Dynasty story of Crown Prince O Quan, a symbol of filial devotion and moral integrity.
• Western-style Guardian Lions: Instead of the typical Asian-style temple lions, the inner gate is flanked by guardian lions carved in a Western-influenced style, a rare feature in a Pagoda Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam setting.

The Main Ceremonial Hall (Chính Điện)

The main hall follows the tứ trụ (four-pillar) layout, with intricately carved wooden columns supporting the roof. Inside, you’ll find revered statues of Amitabha Buddha, Shakyamuni Buddha, Maitreya Buddha, and the Four Great Bodhisattvas.

Bronze Bell Healing Ritual: In one corner hangs an ancient bronze bell. Visitors and worshippers often strike the bell and make a wish, believing its resonant sound carries prayers for good health and longevity.

The Stupa of Buddhist Relics

Rising 32 meters high with seven hexagonal stories, the stupa is the most visible landmark in the complex. Completed in 1994, it houses a sacred relic of the Buddha gifted by Sri Lankan monk Narada in 1953.

Electronic Clock Tower: Integrated into the stupa’s base is an 18-meter-high digital clock that displays the time, date, and temperature, blending traditional architecture with modern utility.

The Abbot’s Stupa Complex

Adjacent to the main hall lies a cluster of stupas dedicated to past abbots.

Ngo Nhan Tinh's Triple Burial: Among them is the memorial to Ngo Nhan Tinh, a historical figure whose remains were interred three times due to tragic political events, a story still retold by local guides.

4. Religious Artifacts and Treasures

Giac Lam Pagoda safeguards an impressive collection of 119 statues crafted from wood and bronze. These include the Eighteen Arhats (Thập Bát La Hán), each with unique expressions and gestures representing spiritual virtues, and the Ten Kings of Hell (Thập Điện Diêm Vương), which depict moral lessons from Buddhist cosmology.

Intricate altar screens, lacquered ceremonial objects, and centuries-old ceramics from Vietnam, China, and Japan further enrich the temple’s heritage.

Red-nosed Temple Dogs: Adding a warm, local touch to the sacred grounds, a small group of red-nosed temple dogs can often be seen resting in shaded corners or quietly observing visitors. Their gentle presence has become a charming part of the Giac Lam experience, making the temple atmosphere even more welcoming for those exploring the cultural gems of a Pagoda Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam.

5. Festivals and Special Occasions

Vesak – Buddha’s Birthday

• Time: 15th day of the 4th lunar month (usually in May).
• Activities: The pagoda is adorned with colorful lanterns, lotus-shaped decorations, and Buddhist flags. Monks lead chanting ceremonies, processions carry statues of the baby Buddha for ritual bathing, and laypeople offer flowers, incense, and vegetarian food.
• Atmosphere: Joyful yet reverent, with locals and tourists mingling in the courtyard and surrounding streets filled with stalls selling snacks and souvenirs.

Vu Lan – Ullambana Festival (Buddhist Mother’s Day)

• Time: 15th day of the 7th lunar month (usually in August).
• Activities: Worshippers wear roses on their chests—red to honor living mothers, white to remember mothers who have passed away. Prayers are offered for parents and ancestors, with large communal chanting sessions and food donations to the needy.
• Atmosphere: Deeply emotional and reflective, filled with the sound of chanting and the sight of incense smoke curling upward.

First Full Moon Festival (Rằm tháng Giêng)

• Time: 15th day of the 1st lunar month (usually February).
• Activities: One of the busiest days of the year. Locals visit to pray for peace, prosperity, and good fortune for the year ahead. Monks conduct blessing ceremonies, and offerings of fruit, flowers, and rice are made at the main altar.
• Atmosphere: The temple grounds become lively from early morning until evening, with long queues of visitors holding offerings wrapped in red and gold paper.

Tet Lunar New Year

• Time: Late January or February (1st to 3rd day of the lunar year).
• Activities: The pagoda is beautifully decorated with peach blossoms, kumquat trees, and calligraphy banners. Visitors light incense and make donations to start the year with merit. Special chanting ceremonies mark the transition into the new year.
• Atmosphere: Bright, colorful, and full of hope, with families visiting together and children wearing traditional áo dài.

Daily Prayers and Visiting Hours

• Daily Prayer Times: 4:00–5:00 AM, 11:00 AM–12:00 PM, 4:00–5:00 PM, and 7:00–9:00 PM.
• Lunch Break Closure: From 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, the main hall closes to allow monks and staff to rest and prepare for afternoon ceremonies. Visitors are advised to plan their arrival outside these hours to enjoy the full experience.

6. Visitor Information and Travel Tips

Dress Code & Etiquette

Visitors to Giac Lam Pagoda are encouraged to dress modestly. Clothing should cover shoulders and knees, avoiding sheer fabrics or overly bright, flashy colors that may distract from the temple’s peaceful atmosphere.

When inside the grounds:

• Speak softly and move gently to maintain the sacred environment.
• Do not touch statues, offerings, or altar items.
• Always ask permission before photographing monks, worshippers, or ceremonies.
• Remove your shoes before entering the main hall or any prayer rooms.
• Refrain from smoking or wearing hats inside worship areas.

Opening Hours & Midday Closure

• Opening Hours: 5:00 or 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily.
• Midday Closure: The main hall is closed from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, giving monks and staff time to rest and prepare for afternoon rituals. Visitors can use this time to explore the gardens or photograph the exterior.

Practical Visitor Tips

• Bring a bottle of water and a hat or umbrella if visiting during midday, as shaded areas are limited.
• Donations are voluntary; contribution boxes are placed discreetly throughout the grounds.
• Keep valuables secure and be mindful of personal belongings, especially during festivals or busy weekends.

How to Get There

• Taxi or Ride-hailing: From central Ho Chi Minh City or Cholon, travel time is about 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Bus: Take Bus #27 from Ben Thanh Bus Station for a budget-friendly option.
• Motorbike Rental: Ideal for those wanting the freedom to explore nearby areas at their own pace.
• Walking: Possible if staying in the Tan Binh District, though the streets can be busy.
• Tip: Carry a printed or written address in Vietnamese, as some drivers may not be familiar with the area.

7. Nearby Attractions for a Full Cultural Day

8. Conclusion

A visit to Giac Lam Pagoda is more than sightseeing — it’s a chance to experience nearly 300 years of Buddhist devotion, architectural beauty, and living traditions. From its Bodhi tree and bronze bell to annual Vesak and Vu Lan festivals, the temple reflects Vietnam’s rich spiritual identity. With Vietpower Travel, you’ll uncover unique stories, local insights, and seamless access to this heritage site. Let us guide you through the soul of Ho Chi Minh City’s most historic pagoda