Giác Viên Pagoda, Buddhist temple in District 11, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Giác Viên Pagoda is a Buddhist temple in Ho Chi Minh City with two connected buildings displaying traditional Vietnamese architecture featuring wooden columns and curved tile roofs. Inside are over one hundred wooden statues from the 19th century and decorative textiles with religious and natural designs.
The temple was founded in 1805 as an auxiliary building to another monastery and received its current name fifty years later. This change marked its development into an independent spiritual center.
The name refers to the veneration of Quan Am, the bodhisattva of mercy, who holds deep meaning in local Buddhist practice. Visitors encounter this devotion throughout the temple in various artistic representations and ritual spaces.
The temple in District 11 welcomes visitors throughout the day with no entrance fee required. Guests should dress respectfully and be aware of active religious observances taking place inside.
The temple preserves objects with royal connections, including a ceremonial swing and an apricot tree given by the kingdom's historical rulers. These items represent a special link to Vietnam's past that many visitors miss.
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