Buu Long Pagoda, located in District 9, Ho Chi Minh City, is a famous pagoda with unique architecture combining Thai style and Vietnamese culture. Built in 1942 and having undergone many renovations, Buu Long Pagoda is not only a spiritual place but also a unique architectural work that attracts many visitors.
Did you know that without traveling all the way to Thailand, you can still admire the architectural masterpiece of the Land of Golden Temples right in Saigon? Join BDATrip to explore Buu Long Pagoda, a temple with unique and vibrant Thai architecture nestled in the bustling city, through the following article!
Buu Long Pagoda is a famous tourist destination in Ho Chi Minh City, symbolizing the harmonious architecture of three cultures: Thailand, India, and Vietnam. The temple was established in 1942 by layman Vo Ha Thuat, initially just a small wooden house on a large plot of approximately 4,000 m2.
In 1958, the pagoda was entrusted to Venerable Hoa Thuong Ho Tong, the first Patriarch of the Original Buddhist Church of Vietnam, and renamed Thien Vien To Dinh Buu Long. A new chapter unfolded in 2007, as Abbot Thich Vien Minh led a visionary restoration, bringing extensive investments in construction and renovation. This transformation infused the temple with renewed beauty and vibrancy, enhancing its significance as a center of spirituality and heritage.
Buu Long Pagoda is about 20 km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City.
The temple welcomes visitors from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, offering an opportunity for peaceful exploration.
The exact address of the pagoda is: 81 Nguyen Xien, P. Long Binh, District 9, Ho Chi Minh City.
Buu Long Pagoda, an architectural masterpiece of Buddhism, has been honored in the list of "Top 10 Most Beautifully Designed Buddhist Buildings in the World" by the prestigious National Geographic. Peacefully located beside the Đong Nai river, the pagoda, like a radiant flower, has become a spiritual tourist attraction.
Affectionately known as the "Thai Pagoda," this spiritual gem seamlessly blends Thai architectural elegance with the essence of Vietnamese culture. Its design, masterfully crafted by Abbot Vien Minh, draws inspiration from the ancient Buddhist architecture of India, creating a space that is both unique and deeply spiritual.
The pagoda features a harmonious layout, including the precincts, main hall, dining hall, monks' quarters, and a serene meditation hall. Its most striking highlight is the Gotama Cetiya tower, a monumental structure that began construction in 2007 and was completed after six years of meticulous craftsmanship. Spanning over 2,000 square meters and reaching an awe-inspiring height of 70 meters, it is the largest tower of its kind in Vietnam. The complex boasts five intricately designed towers, with the central tower standing tall at seven floors.
Each level serves a distinct purpose: the ground and second floors function as a welcoming hall, the third and fourth floors as tranquil meditation spaces, and the fifth floor holds the sacred relics of Buddha and revered saints. This architectural masterpiece is not only a testament to spiritual devotion but also a symbol of cultural and artistic excellence.
When traveling by motorcycle or car, visitors should choose the route of Nguyen Huu Canh - Hanoi Highway - Nguyen Duy Trinh - Nguyen Xien as it is less congested and has many signs for newcomers to Saigon.
If you opt for public transport, bus lines such as 50, 52, 53, 68, 86, 150 will take you near the pagoda. From Nguyễn Xiển bus stop, visitors can walk about 1km or use a motorbike taxi or electric bike to continue the journey.
For those who prefer the convenience of taxis or Grab, simply enter the address of Buu Long Pagoda in the app and choose the suitable vehicle. The cost will depend on the distance and travel time.
Escaping the hustle and bustle of Saigon, Buu Long Pagoda offers a serene space with its 11ha precincts filled with diverse vegetation.
The precincts are divided into many uniquely designed areas, each with its distinct character: from flower gardens to fruit orchards, vegetable gardens to herbal gardens, bonsai gardens, orchid gardens, lotus gardens. Moreover, the garden also houses various animals, bees, butterflies, each reflecting a unique beauty, creating a vibrant and harmonious picture of nature.
Standing out at Buu Long Pagoda is the Gotama Cetiya tower, a masterpiece of architecture with unique and majestic beauty. The tower, 72m high with 7 floors, each decorated with 12 windows symbolizing the 12 causes in Buddhism, is a total harmony of art and spirituality, with large stones, hand-painted murals, and exquisite statues of Buddha and Bodhisattvas and Bodhisattvas.
Adding to its grandeur, the Gotama Cetiya tower is adorned with 84,000 bronze lotus vases, each symbolizing one of Buddhism’s 84,000 Dharma teachings. Its most mesmerizing feature, however, is the 3.5-ton copper sphere coated in 24k gold, which reflects sunlight in a radiant display, creating a mystical aura that captivates all who see it. This brilliant design not only elevates the architectural elegance of the tower but also profoundly embodies the spirit of Buddhism, merging beauty with deep spiritual symbolism.
Buu Long Pagoda is often likened to a mini Thai corner in the heart of Saigon, resembling a living work of art with its distinctive architecture of the Land of Golden Temples. The temple stands out with its soaring arched roofs, mighty pillars, and walls painted in gold, green, red, and white, creating a splendid and magnificent space.
Additionally, the pagoda displays bronze Buddha statues, hand-painted murals narrating the life and work of Buddha, as well as statues of dragons, phoenixes, tigers, and elephants, deeply reflecting Thai culture.
For rest and relaxation after visiting the pagoda, you can find several nearby hotels such as:
- Hoang Gia Hotel: Located at 15 Le Van Viet Street, about 5km from the pagoda. The hotel offers clean, comfortable rooms with prices ranging from 500,000 to 1,000,000 VND/night.
- Thanh Binh Hotel: Situated at 14 Le Van Viet Street, approximately 5km from the pagoda with prices ranging from 300,000 to 600,000 VND/night.
- Ngoc Lan Hotel: Located at 1 Le Van Viet Street, about 6km from the pagoda. The hotel offers modern, luxurious rooms with prices ranging from 700,000 to 1,500,000 VND/night.
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To experience local cuisine after visiting the pagoda, you can visit the following enticing dining spots:
- Thanh Tung Restaurant: Located at 1 Nguyen Xien, about 2km from the pagoda. The restaurant specializes in Vietnamese cuisine, offering dishes like com tam, bun bo, bun rieu, banh xeo, banh canh. Reasonably priced, with dishes ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 VND.
- Phuong Nam Restaurant: At 2 Nguyen Xien, just 2km from the pagoda. Famous for Southern Vietnamese dishes like hu tieu, bun mam, banh canh, banh bot loc, banh beo. Cozy and clean ambiance with attentive service. Prices range from 25,000 to 60,000 VND per dish.
- Thai Restaurant: Located at 3 Nguyen Xien, 2km from the pagoda. Specializes in Thai cuisine, offering dishes like pad thai, tom yum, som tam, khao pad, bringing authentic Thai flavors to Saigon.
When visiting temples, places of quiet contemplation, and respect, visitors should remember the following guidelines to ensure a pleasant experience:
- Choose modest, simple, or formal attire, avoiding overly revealing or elaborate outfits.
- Maintain respectful behavior and language, avoiding any disrespect in the sacred precincts.
- Do not eat or drink within the temple, especially non-vegetarian food, and do not use non-vegetarian offerings for worship.
- Adhere to photography rules, avoiding restricted or unauthorized areas.
- Remove shoes before entering the towers and keep them in designated areas.
- Limit photography and filming inside the temple to maintain a serene atmosphere.
- Researching the history, architecture, and attractions of the pagoda will make your visit more meaningful and memorable.
- Finally, plan your route and transportation method to the pagoda accordingly.
Buu Long Pagoda with its beauty blending traditional Buddhist architecture and unique Thai cultural elements, will surely be a memorable experience for all visitors.
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