Religious, Spiritual sights in Ho Chi Minh City
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A
Cho Quan Church
Built by the French about 100 years ago, Cho Quan Church is one of the largest churches in HCMC. Jesus on the altar has a neon halo, though the best reason to come here is for the view from the belfry (a steep climb). The church is between ÐL Tran Hung Dao and Ð Nguyen Trai. Sunday masses are held at 5am, 6.30am, 8.30am, 4.30pm and 6pm.
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B
Notre Dame Cathedral
Built between 1877 and 1883, Notre Dame Cathedral is set in the heart of HCMC’s government quarter. The cathedral faces Ð Dong Khoi. It is neo-Romanesque with two 40m-high square towers tipped with iron spires, which dominate the square here. In front of the cathedral (in the centre of the square bounded by the main post office) is a statue of the Virgin Mary. If the front gates are locked, try the door on the side of the building that faces Reunification Palace.
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C
Cholon Mosque
The clean lines and lack of ornamentation of the Cholon Mosque contrast starkly with nearby Chinese and Vietnamese Buddhist pagodas. In the courtyard is a pool for ritual ablutions. Note the tiled niche in the wall ( mihrab ) indicating the direction of prayer, which is towards Mecca. The mosque was built by Tamil Muslims in 1935, but since 1975 it has served the Malaysian and Indonesian Muslim communities.
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D
Saigon Central Mosque
Built by South Indian Muslims in 1935 on the site of an earlier mosque, the Saigon Central Mosque is an immaculately clean and well-kept island of calm in the middle of the bustling Dong Khoi area. In front of the sparkling white-and-blue structure, with its four non-functional minarets, is a pool for the ritual ablutions required by Islamic law before prayers. Take off your shoes before entering the sanctuary.
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E
Ong Bon Pagoda
The Ong Bon Pagoda, built by the Fujian Congregation, is an atmospheric pagoda full of gilded carvings and the ever-present smoke of burning incense. It’s dedicated to Ong Bon, the guardian who presides over happiness and wealth. In the hope of securing good fortune from the deity, believers burn fake paper money in the pagoda’s furnace, located across the courtyard from the pagoda entrance.
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F
Khanh Van Nam Vien Pagoda
Built between 1939 and 1942 by the Cantonese Congregation, Khanh Van Nam Vien Pagoda is said to be the only pure Taoist pagoda in Vietnam and is unique for its colourful statues of Taoist disciples. The number of true Taoists in HCMC is estimated at no more than 5000, though most Chinese practise a mixture of Taoism and Buddhism.
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G
Tam Son Hoi Quan Pagoda
The Tam Son Hoi Quan Pagoda was built by the Fujian Congregation in the 19th century, and retains much of its original rich ornamentation. The pagoda is dedicated to Me Sanh, the Goddess of Fertility and is particularly popular with local women who come here to pray for children.
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H
Quan Am Pagoda
One of Cholon’s most active pagodas, Quan Am Pagoda was founded by the Fujian Congregation in the early 19th century and displays obvious Chinese influences. It’s named for the Goddess of Mercy, Quan The Am Bo Tat whose statue lies hidden behind a remarkably ornate exterior.
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I
Temple of King Hung Vuong
Across from the entrance to the museum you'll see the elaborate Temple of King Hung Vuong. The Hung kings are said to have been the first rulers of the Vietnamese nation, having established their rule in the Red River region before it was invaded by the Chinese.
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The Sacred Horse of Quan Cong
To the left of the entrance of the Phuoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda is a life-size figure of The Sacred Horse of Quan Cong. Before leaving on a journey, people make offerings to the horse, then stroke its mane and ring the bell around its neck.
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