Phu Chau Floating Temple: A sacred stop on your Saigon trip

Contents

1. About Phu Chau Floating Temple

1.1. Location & opening hours

Phu Chau Floating Temple, located on a small islet, is accessible only by boat. It lies between Go Vap District and District 12 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Phu Chau Floating Temple is an important cultural attraction in Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

Phu Chau Temple is open daily until 5 PM, allowing visitors ample time to explore its beautiful surroundings and spiritual offerings. On special occasions such as the Lunar New Year and full-moon days, the temple extends its opening hours until 8 PM.

1.2. Legend & history

Phu Chau Temple dates back to the late 18th century. According to a local legend, a fisherman once discovered the body of a drowned woman and decided to give her a proper burial and worship her spirit. Over time, other passing fishermen began offering prayers at the site, hoping for safety and prosperity on their voyages. This practice eventually led to the establishment of a small shrine made from bamboo and palm leaves. As the years passed, the locals contributed to its expansion, and the temple took on a more significant role in the community.

Before 1975, Phu Chau Floating Temple was a popular pilgrimage site in Saigon, attracting worshippers from across the region. However, the temple fell into disrepair for several years before being restored in 1989 by a local Chinese-Vietnamese businessman named Luc Cau. His contributions helped preserve the temple’s architectural beauty and spiritual significance. In 2014, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee recognized Phu Chau Temple as a city-level architectural and artistic heritage site.

Phu Chau Floating Temple is an important cultural attraction in Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

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2. Things to experience at Phu Chau Temple

2.1. Admire the unique architecture

Phu Chau Floating Temple showcases a harmonious blend of Vietnamese and Chinese architectural styles. The temple consists of three interconnected buildings with two spacious courtyards. One of the most striking features is its green-glazed yin-yang tiled roofs, adorned with elaborate dragon sculptures. These dragons appear throughout the temple, with over 100 carvings made from colorful ceramic pieces. 

Visitors will also notice intricate motifs of phoenixes, unicorns, and lotus flowers, each carrying deep spiritual significance in Asian cultures. Their vibrant hues and meticulous craftsmanship give the temple a mesmerizing beauty, making it a fantastic place for photography and artistic appreciation.

2.2. Explore the local beliefs

Phu Chau Floating Temple serves as a place of worship for both Buddhist and Taoist deities. Inside the temple, visitors can find shrines dedicated to Maitreya Buddha, Buddha Shakyamuni, and the Mother Goddess. The temple also honors the Five Elemental Goddesses, who represent Metal, Water, Fire, Earth, and Wood.

Additionally, the temple is home to statues of Sun Wukong, the legendary Monkey King from Chinese folklore, along with Quan Cong (Guan Yu) and Bao Cong (Bao Zheng), both revered for their unwavering sense of justice and loyalty. The presence of a statue of Lady Xu of Chau Doc, a well-known goddess in southern Vietnam, further adds to the temple’s spiritual significance. 

Originally, Phu Chau Temple was primarily dedicated to the Five Elemental Goddesses and Sun Wukong. However, as the years passed, the temple incorporated elements of Buddhism and Vietnamese folk beliefs, making it a melting pot of cultural traditions and religious practices.

Phu Chau Floating Temple is a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking spiritual reflection (Source: Collected)

2.3. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings

Unlike the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Chau Floating Temple offers a tranquil retreat where visitors can enjoy a moment of peace. The temple grounds are filled with lush greenery. Visitors can stroll through the shady courtyard, where fruit trees and blooming flowers provide a serene backdrop. At the back of the temple, there is a small pond that houses turtles. The gentle ripples of the river and the chirping of the birds make Phu Chau Temple a perfect place to escape the fast-paced city life. Whether you wish to meditate, pray, or simply take in the beauty of nature, this floating temple is a haven of spirituality.

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3. How to get there?

Reaching Phu Chau Floating Temple is straightforward and can be done by motorbike or car. From the city center, follow Nguyen Thai Son Street, then turn onto Tran Ba Giao Street in Go Vap District. From here, it is a few hundred meters to Ben Do Dock. The boats here leave for the temple every 5-10 minutes, ensuring that visitors do not have to wait long. A round-trip ticket costs only 15,000 VND. There is a parking area near the dock, where visitors can leave their vehicles before boarding the boat.

*Note: These details are for reference purposes only and may be subject to change over time.

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4. Best times to visit Phu Chau Temple

Phu Chau Floating Temple welcomes visitors year-round, but certain times of the year offer a more enriching experience. The best times to visit are the Lunar New Year and full-moon days, when the temple is most vibrant. These occasions attract numerous worshippers who come to pray for prosperity and happiness. The temple is adorned with colorful decorations and traditional ceremonies, offering a deeper cultural experience.

At Phu Chau Floating Temple, visitors can witness beautiful religious ceremonies (Source: Collected)

The annual temple festivals, especially those on the full-moon days of the first, second, and seventh lunar months are also great times to visit. During these festivals, visitors can participate in spiritual rituals such as releasing fish and birds to accumulate good karma. The festive atmosphere, combined with the temple’s serene setting, makes these times ideal for experiencing the essence of Vietnamese spirituality.

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Phu Chau Floating Temple is a hidden gem in Ho Chi Minh City, offering visitors a unique blend of history, architecture, spirituality, and natural beauty. Its stunning details, and deep significance make it a remarkable site that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.

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