Pagodas are one of Vietnam’s top attractions for travellers. They are not just historical monuments of the past but a place Vietnamese visit regularly to receive blessings, to pray or to organise charity events.

The best time to visit a pagoda is early morning, when it is not too busy. After the night falls, it is also interesting as the lights and candles can create spectacular effects. If you are lucky enough to travel to Vietnam during a special holiday, for instance Tet, you will notice that pagodas will be more crowded than usual and that they will have more decoration.

Don’t forget to dress appropriately during your visit. Common sense prevails: Avoid shorts, bare shoulders, skirts or hats.

Here is a list of 12 beautiful pagodas that we visited in Vietnam from the north to the south.

NORTHERN VIETNAM

Huong Pagoda - Hanoi

The Huong Pagoda is one of Hanoi’s most popular day tours. During high season, it will most likely be packed. You will have to take a short boat ride to the base of the mountain, then walk steep steps up to the cable car. The whole trip can be a fun learning experience if you are fit and if you don’t mind the other tourists and vendors.

One Pillar Pagoda - Hanoi

One of Vietnam’s oldest religious monument, Chua Mot Cot (One Pillar Pagoda) was built in 1049 by the Emperor Ly Thai Tong. It is an iconic sight of Hanoi.

Quan Su Pagoda - Hanoi

Quan Su Pagoda was built in the 15^th century. It is also called the “ambassador’s pagoda” because it used to host foreign dignitaries visiting Hanoi.

Tran Quoc Pagoda - Hanoi

Tran Quoc Pagoda is located on Hanoi’s West Lake. Consisting of 10 shrines, it is the oldest Buddhist temple in the city. Highlights include the Bodhi tree in the garden and its red lacquered Buddha statue.

CENTRAL VIETNAM

Thien Mu Pagoda - Hue

Thien Mu, meaning “Lady from Heaven,” is one of the top attractions in Hue. The Thien Mu Pagoda was built in 1601 by Lord Nguyen Hoang and it is recommended to visit it at sunset hours.

Linh Ung Pagoda - Da Nang

Linh Ung Pagoda is located about eight kilometres from Da Nang, on a cliff off Son Thuy Mountain. Many people visit it to enjoy the panoramic view on the sea with the Marble Mountains in the back. It has a huge 67-metre statue of Guinyin, the goddess of mercy and compassion.

SOUTHERN VIETNAM

Linh Phuoc Pagoda - Trai Mat, Da Lat

Also called Ve Chai Pagoda, Linh Phuoc Pagoda was built using glass, porcelain and pottery pieces. You have beautifully decorated pillars in the form of dragons and a five-metre-high Buddha statue.

Linh An Tu Pagoda - Da Lat

Linh An Tu Pagoda is located one hour away from Dalat, in Nam Ban. It is remarkable for its giant Buddha statue on its right side.

Van Hanh Pagoda - Da Lat

Most visitors come to Van Hanh for its spectacular 24-meter-high golden Buddha statue. It is also a serene pagoda where you will enjoy walking around in the lush garden.

Ta Cu Mountain Pagoda - Phan Thiet

This pagoda in the vicinity of Mui Ne hosts the longest reclining statue of Buddha in Vietnam. A popular tourist attraction, the visit could be a half day trip from Phan Thiet. You will need to ride a car for 45 minutes, then pay a ticket for the cable car taking you to the top of the Tà Cú mountain, then climb stairs for several minutes. Don’t miss the three small Buddhas statues before you go back to the cable car.

Tam Son Hoi Quan Pagoda - Ho Chi Minh City

Tam Son Hoi Quan was built in the 19^th century in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 5. Dedicated to the goddess of fertility, it is popular with moms-to-be and young brides.

Van Son Pagoda - Con Dao

Van Son Pagoda (Nui Mot Pagoda), the name translates as Cloudy Hill Palace (It is also known as Nui Mot Pagoda) and it's a picturesque place to visit, not so much for the temple—even though it is quite beautiful—but for the panoramic view it offers of Con Dao Town, An Hai Lake, and Con Son Bay below.

The temple was built in 1964 for the prison officers and government officials stationed on Con Dao and is now considered a memorial to the matyrs who died during Vietnam's fight for independence./.

Thibaud/City Pass Guide