Ho Chi Minh City Sights

Giac Lam Pagoda

#12 of 304 things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

#3 of 287 sights in Vietnam

1 reviews | Write a review

Good for: atmosphere, history, Ambience, Details

Not good for: dancing, Wearing shoes

  • Address
    • 118 Ð Lac Long Quan
  • Hours
    • prayers: 04:00-05:00, 11:00-12:00, 16:00-17:00 & 19:00-21:00

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Lonely Planet review for 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, 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 (32m tall). For the sick and elderly, the pagoda is a minor pilgrimage sight, as it contains a bronze bell that, when rung, is believed to answer the prayers posted by petitioners. Home to several monks, the Buddhist pagoda also incorporates aspects of Taoism and Confucianism. It is well worth the trip out here from the centre and is one of the city’s cultural relics.

 

Traveller reviews for Giac Lam Pagoda (1)

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    Distinctive

    markbroadhead recommends this,

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    Like Christian churches, after the first pagoda you have to look at the details to appreciate the character. In other words, god is in the details. The details I found interesting at Giac Lam were in the offerings people had left for their ancestors (see photo). Looking at the photos of the dead was also interesting (see photo).

    I was lucky enough to be at the pagoda when the monks were having lunch. They spent a while blessing their food (see photo).

    Good for: atmosphere, history, Ambience, Details

    Not good for: dancing, Wearing shoes

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