Dapple del Mundo | Jan 27, 2018

Interesting. It's not what you usually see in temples in other Asian countries. The theme inside is more darker than the usual temples. A lot are praying inside. Kinda far from the city center and no other places to go after unless you take uber.

JAEHYUN BAHK | Feb 26, 2018

This temple is a phuoc(福, Lucky) Hai(海, Sea) Chua(寺, temple). So this temple has a meaning, 'Lucky from Sea' But there is a signboard in front of main gate which is a chinese characters, 玉(Jade)皇(Emperer)殿(Hall). So you understand why it's name is jade emperor. But these chinese characters can not translate one by one. Original words is an '玉皇上帝(The first God in the sky who control everything)' This words comes from 'Taoism(道敎)'. That means that this temple is not budha temple when it built. Then I tryied to find some documents. ============================= This temple originally built in 1909 by Chinese immigrants. This Taoist temple now welcomes Buddhist worshipping and is incredibly atmospheric with incense smoke hanging heavy in the air. Intricate architecture, carvings, statues of Gods and Goddesses and Chinese characters create an exotic and timeless ambiance. ============================== Finally in my humble opinion, This is not good for tourists. Only Many native vietnam people are praying for their good fortune s in this temple. Maybe 'Thien Hau Pagoda' temple in the china town will be best temple for tourist in the saigon. If you really want to know native vietnam people, Visit this temple.

rizky hermawan | Dec 27, 2017

Beautiful temple with lots of great sculptures. The sculptures makes the building unique contrasted with the red painting and also there's a beautiful pagoda too here. Overall this place is good for photography if you interested in photography and of course instagramable. Please keep the respect before entering this temple, and oh yes, there's lotus pot here.

Virginia Bosch | Dec 26, 2017

Nice Pagoda but a little far away from the downtown area. Some of the pedestrian crossings were closed so we had to walk several extra blocks to be able to access it. It was interesting, 50% locals and 50% tourists inside, we spent about 20'.

ngodinh tra | Dec 1, 2017

The only Temple in Saigon that worship to Jade Emperor. This is a interesting place to visit. I was paid lot of interesting not to the main site, but in the left side section, where they description the penalties in the Hell by the nice carved wooden. This also the place for people come to pray to have baby if they don't have yet or for their children.

Zen Chen | Apr 6, 2018

This temple was built in 1909 by Chinese immigrants. Nowadays this temple becomes one of an amazing place in Saigon. Someone call this temple is Phuoc Hai Tu (means the Temple brings Luck from the Sea). But this temple has another name, Jade Emperor Hall, a King in Taoism.

Karthik Venkata | Mar 31, 2018

The Jade Emperor Pagoda is a Taoist pagoda, built by the Chinese community in 1909. It is also known as the Tortoise Pagoda. One can find many tortoises in nearby pond. Inside the pagoda are statues of Taoist God where local people pray with lit incense sticks. There is no entry fees for going inside the temple. The temple complex is relatively neat. It is not known if photography is permitted inside Pagoda though. There is parking for two wheelers inside the temple. Perhaps, the parking is charged. 4 wheelers are not permitted inside the temple compound. The Pagoda is opened from 7am till 6pm on regular days and from 5am to 7pm on Lunar day and fifteenth day.

King Lai | Mar 20, 2018

One of the oldest in the city. Very old. Rather unkempt but historical. There is actually a Chinese memorial center for the death on the right wing

Sudeep Mandal | Mar 31, 2018

Taoist temple dedicated to the supreme taoist God. Not that impressive to be honest..also known as tortoise pagoda; there is a tortoise pond. Not that well maintained though. Inside the temple the strong scent of incense sticks and the royally draped taoist God makes the visit worth it.

Trevor Powis | Mar 22, 2018

I just can not believe this beautiful Temple was built in 1909. The magnificent features of this whole space gives me the feeling of centuries of age. There are many places to place your jose sticks so please do so. A donation is always helpful to the buddhism cause. Take photos discretely. I cant say much more as you will, I'm sure, love this place. Take a taxi. Cost from Dong Khoi, approx VND 60,000 (AU $3). Walk back to town if you are fit. Its a good walk. Don't miss this experience. Please. Enjoy. Trev Powis Australia

Megaworld Asia | Apr 11, 2018

Even though the local populace might be loath to admit it, this Vietnamese Pagoda has much of a Chinese feel to it. The three large smoldering joss sticks, positioned a few meters directly in front of the main entrance, reinforce this assessment. The interior is also a bit of a surprise. In keeping with the Buddhist following of the country, I was expecting to see an array of the Buddha’s images. Instead there was an odd mix of historical figurines and effigies adorning the walls and alcoves. This, as I’ve come to find in my travels throughout the region, is not entirely unexpected. As with Thailand, Laos and Cambodia Buddhism, in Vietnam, is infused with local folk religions. The figurines and effigies staring down at me from the walls were, no doubt, revered ancestors and saintly figures from the historical past. My assessment of the pagoda’s interior is confirmed when a local lady asks me “are you here for good luck for having a baby.” The temple, as I’d already guessed, has a lot to do with fertility rites. I’m further informed “many foreigners come here for good luck for having a baby.” In this regard this temple, for the locals, is an eclectic mix of a spirit house and religious site for worship. I am told that spirits, in Asia at least, are nothing to be feared. Unlike the West, and its interpretation of ghost’s, spirits here are generally viewed as a source of good. More merit makers arrive to pay homage to the ancestral spirits. The routine is always the same. After igniting a bundle of incense sticks the worshiper moves in front of his, or her, preferred deity for the day. The bundle of smoldering sticks is clasped between upturned palms and held high to the forehead. In a standing position prayers, or incantations, are spoken softly between forward bends in the direction of the deity. After a minimum of three forward bends (bows) the worshiper then plants the burning incense sticks in the large earthen ware pot set up to receive all the smoldering offerings. The turtle, or tortoise, is held high regard in Vietnam; it is a symbol of longevity. It may also be considered a symbol of virility due to its longevity. For this reason alone turtles, and tortoises, are a revered and protected animal in Vietnam. Paying homage to the turtle spirits, and any beings associated with them, will hopefully bring good fortune to those planning to have a family. More visitors arrive and light up fresh bundles of joss sticks to continue the ritual. After getting plenty of good shots inside the temple it was time to focus my attention back outside. When I arrived I noticed a large pond on the right hand side of the grounds. A quick peek over the edge revealed a swarm of small turtles flapping about on the dry bottom. I was intrigued to see what the story was. I stepped back outside and made my way across to the pond perimeter wall. The cement wall is approx. one meter high above ground level and the bottom of the pond is approximately two meters below. I look over and see the swarm of small turtles still flapping away. This time however, there’s also a man with a garden hose, squatting nearby, giving them a relieving spray of cool water in the midday heat. I’m at a loss as to why there should be mass of small turtles at the bottom of a dry pond. Even stranger is the white lettering that’s on the backs of many of them.

JAEHYUN BAHK | Apr 24, 2018

This temple is a phuoc(福, Lucky) Hai(海, Sea) Chua(寺, temple). So this temple has a meaning, 'Lucky from Sea' But there is a signboard in front of main gate which is a chinese characters, 玉(Jade)皇(Emperer)殿(Hall). So you understand why it's name is jade emperor. But these chinese characters can not be translated one by one. Original phrase is an '玉皇上帝(The first God in the sky who control everything and his name is a Jade Emperer)' This words comes from 'Taoism(道敎)'. That means that this temple is not budha temple when it built. Then I tryied to find some documents. ============================= This temple originally built in 1909 by Chinese immigrants. This Taoist temple now welcomes Buddhist worshipping and is incredibly atmospheric with incense smoke hanging heavy in the air. Intricate architecture, carvings, statues of Gods and Goddesses and Chinese characters create an exotic and timeless ambiance. ============================== Finally in my humble opinion, This is not good for tourists. Only Many native vietnam people are praying for their good fortunes in this temple. Maybe 'Thien Hau Pagoda' temple in the china town will be best temple for tourist in the saigon. If you really want to know native vietnam people, Visit this temple.

Chi Kiet Luu | Jun 6, 2018

A peaceful ancient Chinese Pagoda in Vietnam. A lot of trees, pigeons in front of the town! An interesting story, Local people believe that this is a sacred temple for whom wants to ask for children! The old Chinese style architecture is so traditional and beautiful! And in the center of the City so it’s just take a white to come here. It’s worth for travelers come to when stay in Saigon! So, let’s hide a bike, then go around. Well come to Saigon ❤️

Angel Martinez | Jun 1, 2018

A nice place to find peace and tranquility. Even though I don't speak Vietnamese this is a place to pay respect. I didn't want to take too many pics for respect to the faithful followers of Buddhism.

via wijaya | May 31, 2018

Amazing place with powerful energetic feelings! It seems like the place is charged with an ancient energy for many years, many people come and making wishes at this place. Great place to make wishes for good luck. Only 20.000 VND for incense sticks for praying, not more!

Islam Nazmy | Jul 5, 2018

Kind of a bum-out. After seeing temples in Thailand and Cambodia I was expecting something cool, but it really isn’t that interesting. Not very well taken care of, and quite small. It makes sense that it’s free. I thought the Hindu temple was cooler than this.

Laura Siani | Jun 21, 2018

Ho Chi Minh is simply enchantable, perfect mix between very modern lifestyle and ancient one. Lovely people, delicious food. To visit!

carlo amato | Aug 5, 2018

A traditional Chinese buddist pagoda. Overated. Free entrance