Spiritual Journey Through Pagodas in the South of Vietnam

Vietnam has many spiritual sites that show its long history of faith and culture. Among them, the South of  Vietnam pagoda stands as a symbol of peace and daily life. Many people visit these places to learn, pray, or enjoy quiet moments. Let Vietpower Travel help you follow the best routes and understand each site clearly. This post introduces four important pagodas and temples in Southern Vietnam  you should explore.

1. Overview of Pagodas in the South of Vietnam

Vietnam’s pagodas are central to community life, serving as places for festivals, blessings, and peaceful reflection. Over centuries, their architecture evolved, with Northern pagodas showing Chinese influence, Southern ones reflecting Khmer styles, and later designs blending French elements. Beyond their beauty, these pagodas provide calm spaces for meditation while safeguarding ancient statues, carvings, and artifacts that share the story of Vietnam’s cultural history.

Why are pagodas important in Vietnamese culture? Because they are places for worship, festivals, and community activities. They help preserve traditions and beliefs.

What are the differences between Pagodas in South and North of Vietnam?

• Pagodas in Southern Vietnam are heavily influenced by Khmer and Chinese culture, making them more colorful, decorative, and vibrant. You’ll often see bright yellow or orange tones, naga (serpent) motifs, multi-layered Khmer-style roofs, and dragon-decorated Chinese elements. Because the South has more space and a tropical climate, pagodas are built with wide courtyards, open-air halls, and tall windows for ventilation. They also function as community hubs and reflect the region’s multicultural blend.
• Meanwhile, pagodas in Northern Vietnam follow older, more traditional Vietnamese architecture. They are usually built with dark wood, curved ancient roofs, and earthy tones, giving them a calm, solemn, and historic atmosphere. Northern pagodas often sit harmoniously near mountains, lakes, and forests, emphasizing spiritual tranquility. Their designs are simpler and more conservative, deeply tied to Mahayana Buddhism and Vietnamese folk beliefs.

In short, southern pagodas are colorful, open, and culturally mixed, while northern pagodas are traditional, serene, and nature-integrated.

Each pagoda tells a unique story through its distinctive history, design and spiritual meaning. In the following post of Vietpower Travel, let’s discover the story of famous pagodas in Vietnam.

2. Vinh Trang Pagoda - Vietnamese, Khmer & European Architecture

Vinh Trang Pagoda is the largest and most famous pagoda in the Mekong Delta, located in My Tho City, Tien Giang Province. Built in the mid-19th century, it is known for its unique architectural blend of Vietnamese, Khmer, Chinese, and even European (French & Renaissance) styles - making it one of the most distinctive Buddhist sites in Southern Vietnam.

2.1. What are the highlights of Vinh Trang pagoda architecture?

Vinh Trang Pagoda is a harmonious combination of French arches, Roman-style pillars, Khmer-style roofs, and vibrant ceramic decorations. Specifically, the main gate was crafted from thousands of ceramic pieces collected from different places.

Inside, the pagoda preserves wooden statues carved in 1907, including 18 detailed Arhat figures with expressive features. Surrounding the temple are peaceful gardens with ponds, trees, and several large Buddha statues, where the reclining and sitting Buddhas stand out as favorite spots for visitors to admire and take photos.

Impressive Architectural Fusion

• Traditional Vietnamese tiled roofs
• Khmer-style ornamentation and vibrant colors
• Chinese carved pillars and decorative motifs
• French colonial and Renaissance patterns on windows and arches

This blend makes the pagoda look both ancient and exotic.

Giant Outdoor Buddha Statues: The pagoda grounds feature three iconic statues:

• Standing Buddha (Amitabha) – symbolizing compassion
• Laughing Buddha – symbolizing happiness and prosperity
• Reclining Buddha – representing entering Nirvana

These statues are some of the largest Buddha images in the Mekong Delta.

2.2. The Mysterious “Eight Immortals” at  Vinh Trang Pagoda

When visitors step into Vinh Trang Pagoda, they often notice a rare bas-relief tucked along the inner walls. It shows the Eight Immortals riding strange mythical animals, carved more than a century ago by local artisans. Few pagodas in southern Vietnam have this kind of artwork. People say the sculptors added the scene to symbolize harmony and hope for the community during a difficult time. Today, it remains one of the most unique spiritual artworks in the Mekong Delta.

Travel tips to Vinh Trang Pagoda: Visit early in the morning for soft light and a quiet atmosphere, and excellent photography conditions.

Let’s continue exploring more about Vietnam and all the incredible places it has to offer. Visit our Vietnam tourist attractions category to discover in-depth guides, travel ideas, and hidden gems across the country.

3. Giac Lam Pagoda - Center of Southern Vietnamese Buddhism

Giac Lam Pagoda, located in Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City, is one of the oldest and most historic pagodas in Southern Vietnam, believed to have been built in 1744. It is a central site for Buddhism in the region and a well-preserved example of traditional Southern Vietnamese pagoda architecture.

What Makes Giac Lam Pagoda Unique?

Giac Lam Pagoda follows a classic Southern Vietnamese structure with multiple gates leading into the main hall, creating a gradual transition from the bustling city into a serene spiritual space. Inside, hundreds of wooden statues covered in gold leaf depict Buddhist stories and showcase local craftsmanship, offering visitors a glimpse of centuries-old artistry.

The pagoda also features over 7,000 ceramic plates embedded into its walls, sourced from China, Japan, and local kilns. Some plates were placed by monks to hold sacred objects and prayers, turning the site into a living ceramic museum for visitors.

A Place of Cultural Memory: Throughout history, Giac Lam Pagoda has been an important religious and cultural center. Monks preserved sacred texts, guided the local community, and maintained Buddhist teachings. During wartime, the pagoda served as a refuge for local residents, giving it deep emotional significance for many families. Its tall stupa houses a sacred Buddha relic gifted by a Sri Lankan monk in 1953, adding to its spiritual importance.

Travel Tips: For the most authentic experience, visit Giac Lam Pagoda in the early mornings or evenings to witness chanting sessions, incense offerings, and traditional prayer ceremonies.

Let’s explore more posts on this topic to discover even more about Vietnam:

Discover Top Famous Pagodas In The Northern Vietnam

Best Pagodas to Visit in Central Vietnam: Hue, Da Nang & Da Lat

4. Xa Loi Pagoda - Home to Vietnam’s First Buddhist Relic Tower

Located in central Ho Chi Minh City, Xa Loi Pagoda was built in 1956 and served as the headquarters of the Vietnamese Buddhist Association. It played a key role not only as a place of worship but also as a center for leadership within the Buddhist community.

The Meaning of Xa Loi: The name Xa Loi refers to  the sacred relics left after the cremation of the Buddha or enlightened monks, symbolizing spiritual attainment and holiness in Buddhism.

Historic Relics and Symbolism: Xa Loi Pagoda became internationally known during the 1963 Buddhist Crisis, when government forces raided the site amid religious repression, arresting monks and causing damage. The pagoda also once held the preserved heart of Thich Quang Duc, the monk who self-immolated in protest that year. Although the relic is no longer displayed, his story remains a powerful symbol for visitors worldwide.

Architecture and Community Role of Xa Loi Pagoda

Designed as a large and significant temple, Xa Loi Pagoda accommodates monks, nuns, and laypeople for religious gatherings, ceremonies, and study. Its architecture reflects both its  spiritual purpose and its role as a leadership hub for Vietnamese Buddhism. 

Travel Tips: For a serene experience, visit early in the morning. Hiring a local guide can provide deeper insight into the pagoda’s historical significance and monastic life.

Continue exploring similar posts to learn more about Vietnam’s attractions and experiences:

Discover Vietnam Pagoda Architecture: Meanings of Symbols in Pagoda

Visiting a Vietnam Pagoda to Understand The Spiritual Practices 

5. Thien Hau Pagoda - Most Famous Chinese Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City  

Thien Hau Temple, located in Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown, is dedicated to Lady Thien Hau (Mazu), the sea goddess who protects sailors and travelers. The temple reflects the rich cultural traditions of the Chinese community that settled in the area centuries ago. It remains one of the most visited and vibrant temples in Ho Chi Minh City.

5.1. The brief history of Thien Hau pagoda

According to legend, Thien Hau was born with a sweet fragrance and radiant light, and she possessed magical powers that allowed her to fly over the ocean on a mat to save those in danger. After her passing, she often appeared in red, gliding above the waves. Thien Hau (Mazu) is one of the most widely worshipped deities among overseas Chinese, especially those who traveled across the sea to new lands.

The temple in Ho Chi Minh City was built in the 18th century by the Cantonese community and has been restored several times to preserve its beauty. It has served as a religious, cultural, and community hub for the Chinese-Vietnamese population in Cholon.

5.2. What are the highlights of Thien Hau architecture?

• Layout: Follows the traditional "Quoc" (國) character layout, with a front hall, middle hall, and main sanctuary connected by airy courtyards that allow natural light to fill the space.
• Materials: Built from red bricks and wood, with gracefully curved tiled roofs.
• Decorative Elements: Features intricate dragon and phoenix motifs, which symbolize strength, prosperity, and protection.
• Interior Details: Large incense coils hang from the ceiling, and visitors attach red prayer notes to them, believing the smoke carries wishes to Mazu.
• Outdoor Elements: The temple courtyard often hosts festivals, lion dances, and traditional music performances.

Highlight Story: 

Mazu, born in 960 AD in Fujian, China, showed extraordinary abilities from a young age, including prophetic visions and calming storms. She helped fishermen and sailors navigate dangerous seas, often said to fly above the ocean on a magical mat to guide them to safety.  After her death, Mazu became the guardian of the seas, widely worshipped by Chinese communities overseas. Her story symbolizes protection, compassion, and guidance, inspiring prayers for safety and good fortune. 

Tips for visiting Thien Hau pagoda: On full moon days or Lunar New Year when the Temple can get extremely crowded but there are many traditional activities, so you can choose the right time to visit depending on your experience needs.

Conclusion

Pagodas in South of Vietnam offer more than beautiful designs. They share stories, memories, and values that shaped local communities. Planning a full trip alone can be tiring.  Let Vietpower Travel helps you explore these places easily and understand their meaning. Our guides explain history, share local stories, and make your journey comfortable.   If you want a smooth and meaningful pagoda tour in Vietnam, contact Vietpower Travel and let us design the right trip for you.