Ho Chi Minh City Sights

  1. Giac Lam Pagoda

    Believed to be the oldest pagoda in greater HCMC, Giac Lam Pagoda dates from 1744. It's a fantastically atmospheric place full of gilded statues (over 100 in all), colourful wall panels (depicting among other things the path to enlightenment as well as the tortures awaiting those condemned to hell) with one of the country's most impressive stupas (which is 32m tall).

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  2. Ha Chuong Hoi Quan Pagoda

    The typical Fujian Ha Chuong Hoi Quan Pagoda is dedicated to Thien Hau, who was born in Fujian. The four carved stone pillars, wrapped in painted dragons, were made in China and brought to Vietnam by boat. There are interesting murals to each side of the main altar and impressive ceramic relief scenes on the roof.

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  3. Hall of the Ten Hells

    On the left-hand side of the Jade Emperor's chamber in the Jade Emperor Pagoda is another room. It contains the famous Hall of the Ten Hells, carved wooden panels illustrating the varied torments awaiting evil people in each of the Ten Regions of Hell.

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  4. Jade Emperor Pagoda

    Built in 1909 by the Cantonese (Quang Dong) Congregation, the Jade Emperor Pagoda is truly a gem among Chinese temples. It is one of the most spectacularly colourful pagodas in HCMC, filled with statues of phantasmal divinities and grotesque heroes. The pungent smoke of burning joss sticks fills the air, obscuring the exquisite woodcarvings decorated with gilded Chinese characters.

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  5. Nghia An Hoi Quan Pagoda

    Built by the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation, Nghia An Hoi Quan Pagoda is noteworthy for its gilded woodwork. A large carved wooden boat hangs over the entrance, and, inside to the left of the doorway is an enormous representation of Quan Cong's red horse with its groom. The great general Quan Cong himself occupies a position in a glass case behind the main altar, with his assistants flanking him on both sides.

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  7. People's Committee Building

    HCMC's gingerbread Hôtel de Ville, one of the city's most prominent landmarks, is now somewhat incongruously the home of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee. Built between 1901 and 1908, the Hôtel de Ville is situated at the northwestern end of ÐL Nguyen Hue, facing the river. The former hotel is notable for its gardens, ornate façade and elegant interior lit with crystal chandeliers. It's easily the most photographed building in Vietnam.

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  8. Phuoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda

    Built in 1902 by the Fujian Congregation, Phuoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda is one of the most beautifully ornamented pagodas in HCMC. Of special interest are the many small porcelain figures, the elaborate brass ritual objects and the fine woodcarvings on the altars, walls, columns and hanging lanterns. From outside the building you can see the ceramic scenes, each containing innumerable small figurines, which decorate the roof.

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  9. Quan Am Pagoda

    Cholon has a wealth of wonderful Chinese temples including Quan Am Pagoda, founded in 1816 by the Fujian Chinese congregation. The roof is decorated with fantastic scenes rendered in ceramic from traditional Chinese plays and stories. The tableaux include ships, people and several ferocious dragons. The doors are decorated with old gold-and-lacquer panels.

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  10. Reunification Palace

    This is one of the most fascinating sights in HCMC, because of its striking modern architecture and the eerie feeling you get as you walk through the deserted halls. The building is preserved almost as it was on the last day of the Republic of Vietnam in 1975. A statue of Ho Chi Minh and a viewing room are the latest additions.

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