Vietnam is a land of temples and pagodas. From the high-rise city of Ho Chi Minh to the ancient town of Hue, you will be able to find beautiful temples tucked away in a corner or high up on a hill. Temples in Vietnam provide peace, tranquility, and a much-needed break from all the chaos outside its walls.
Let's take a look at 5 beautiful temples in Vietnam you need to visit.
Thanks to its picturesque location on a small islet in Hanoi’s West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda sits firmly on this list of the most beautiful temples in Vietnam. The pagoda is an 11 story tall structure built more than 1400 years ago, making it the oldest temple in Hanoi. It also houses a museum and a sacred bodhi tree believed to be a branch from the bodhi tree where Buddha became enlightened.
Thien Mu Pagoda or the Pagoda of the Celestial Lady is an iconic temple located by the bank of the Perfume River in Hue. The temple is often regarded as the unofficial symbol of Hue due to its striking seven-story octagonal tower and the various myths and legends behind its construction. This was also the home of Buddhist monk Thich Quang Duc, who self-immolated in 1963. The car he used is displayed within the temple premises.
Check out this blog on how to spend one day in Hue.
The Cao Dai Temple in Ho Chi Minh is one of the most beautiful temples in Vietnam. The distinctive architecture of the temple is a colorful blend of styles similar to the religion's dogma which blends the teachings of all the major religions. The sky blue ceilings, dragon pillars, and bright yellow exteriors that are reminiscent of a Christian church make the temple stand out from other temples in Vietnam. Followers from any religion are welcome to pray and make offerings.
Considered one of the largest temple complexes in the whole of South East Asia, Bai Dinh Pagoda is a vast temple complex in Ninh Binh. It is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists across the country. Within the temple complex are temples, pagodas, and 500 remarkably detailed statues of Buddha. Among one of those statues is a bronze Buddha statue which is considered to be Vietnam's largest statue.
Check out this quick guide to Ninh Binh to help you plan for your trip.
The Temple of Literature in Hanoi is an 11th-century temple dedicated to Confucius. Originally, it was home to the Imperial University, the oldest known national university in Vietnam. The temple has gone through various renovations throughout the years. But its original architecture is still preserved making the temple one of the best examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture.
Temples in Vietnam are sacred places where people go to worship. Let's take a look at a few tips to follow in order to make sure you don't commit any blunders.
Tip 1: Always cover up. Your shoulders and knees should be covered.
Tip 2: Remove your hats, shoes, and headphones before entering a temple.
Tip 3: Turn off all electronics and don't shout or yell when you enter a temple premises.
Tip 4: Do not touch or sit on any of the statues, especially Buddha statues.
Tip 4: When seating, do not point your feet towards any statue or image of Buddha.
Tip 5: Always get permission before taking photos, especially photos of monks.
For more tips to follow when visiting Vietnam, check out the do’s and don’ts when visiting Vietnam.
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