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05/12/2024
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1. Where is Buu Long Pagoda? How to get there?
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
- Entry fee: Free
Buu Long Pagoda, Vietnam—one of the 10 Buddhist architectural wonders by National Geographic (Source: Collected)
Buu Long Pagoda is a renowned spiritual destination in Ho Chi Minh City, located about 20 kilometers northeast of the city center. Nestled on a hill along the western bank of the Dong Nai River, the pagoda is situated at 81 Nguyen Xien Street, Long Binh Ward, Thu Duc City (formerly District 9).
The pagoda showcases a unique Thai-inspired architectural style, boasting over 80 years of history and a sprawling campus spanning 11 hectares. It offers visitors a serene space for spiritual reflection and inner peace.
Visitors can easily reach the pagoda from various directions (Source: Collected)
Traveling to Buu Long Pagoda from Ho Chi Minh City is simple and convenient with multiple routes:
- From Thu Duc Intersection: You can head right onto Le Van Viet Street, travel 4.5 kilometers to My Thanh Junction, and then turn right onto Nguyen Van Tang Street. You continue for 2 kilometers past Nguyen Xien Junction and Nguyen Van Tang High School, then travel 1 more kilometer to reach the pagoda.
- From Thu Thiem Tunnel: Visitors will take Mai Chi Tho Boulevard, turn right onto Nguyen Thi Dinh Street, and after 700 meters, turn left onto Nguyen Duy Trinh Street. Then, you continue to Nguyen Xien Street and travel approximately 3 kilometers to the pagoda.
- From Suoi Tien Park: Visitors follow Hanoi Highway for 2.5 kilometers, then turn right onto Vanh Dai Road. At the end of this road, you turn right onto Nguyen Xien Street, cross Dong Tron Bridge, and after 700 meters, the pagoda will appear on the right.
2. Things to know about the history of Buu Long Pagoda
Established in 1942, the pagoda has endured many historical changes (Source: Collected)
Buu Long Pagoda belongs to the Theravada Buddhist tradition, also known as Southern Buddhism. Established in 1942 by layman Vo Ha Thuat, the pagoda was donated in 1958 to Zen Master Ho Tong, the first Supreme Patriarch of Vietnamese Theravada Buddhism.
In 2007, the pagoda underwent restoration and expansion. Despite the historical upheavals of past decades, the pagoda has preserved its original charm and distinctive architecture. The campus includes various areas such as the main hall, dining hall, monk residences, meditation huts, and the courtyard.
In 2019, National Geographic recognized Buu Long Pagoda as one of the top 10 Buddhist architectural wonders in the world, making it a must-visit pagoda in Vietnam.
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3. Highlights of the architectural structure of Buu Long Pagoda
Visiting this pagoda offers travelers the chance to admire numerous structures that celebrate the beauty of Theravada Buddhist architecture, meticulously preserved for over 80 years.
3.1. Blending overall style
Buu Long Pagoda’s photos showcase its impressive and unique architecture (Source: Collected)
Visitors to the pagoda are often captivated by the pagoda’s remarkable design, blending Theravada Buddhist architecture from India and Thailand with the cultural essence of Nguyen-era temples in Vietnam. Designed by the abbot, Venerable Thich Vien Minh, the pagoda stands out with its white walls, golden spires, intricately carved reliefs, and large dragon sculptures along the staircases.
This harmonious combination creates the image of a majestic castle standing proudly against the sky. The expansive campus features various sections: the main hall, living quarters for monks and nuns, dining areas, meditation huts, and lush gardens.
3.2. Gotama Cetiya stupa
The Gotama Cetiya Stupa stands as the pagoda’s most striking feature (Source: Collected)
The Gotama Cetiya stupa is the Buu Long Pagoda’s most iconic structure, standing 56 meters tall and spanning 2,000 square meters, with a capacity of up to 2,000 people. As one of Vietnam’s largest stupas, it consists of a seven-story central tower surrounded by four smaller towers.
Painted in pristine white with golden spires, this stupa exudes a harmonious blend of grandeur and timeless beauty. Each side of the stupa features a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, and wind chimes are affixed to the spire, producing pure and enchanting sounds. Inside the stupa, the main hall houses altars and Buddha statues, providing a solemn space for worship and meditation.
3.3. Sacred memorials
A sacred Bodhi tree provides shade and tranquility within the grounds (Source: Collected)
Buu Long Pagoda also features several sacred relics and memorials. Among them is the Bodhi Tree, a sapling from the original Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya (India), gifted by Narada Mahathera, the Supreme Patriarch of Sri Lankan Buddhism, in 1961. Another highlight is the tower dedicated to Venerable Lao Tam, the pagoda’s founder.
Visitors can also explore the Ascetic Cave, commemorating the six years of austerities undertaken by Prince Siddhartha, and marvel at the 8-meter-long granite Reclining Buddha statue, weighing over 50 tons. This statue is surrounded by 10 intricately carved granite lamps modeled after Ashoka pillars found at Buddhist sites in India.
3.4. Serene landscape
The emerald green pond reflects the pagoda’s stunning architectural beauty (Source: Collected)
Buu Long Pagoda is not only celebrated for its distinctive and unique Theravada Buddhist architecture but also for its tranquil and lush natural surroundings. In front of the Gotama Cetiya stupa lies a serene crescent-shaped pond covering 280 square meters, a hallmark of traditional Vietnamese pagodas.
The pond’s emerald-green water remains calm throughout the year, and its surroundings are adorned with stone lanterns and statues of cranes standing atop turtles. This setting creates an atmosphere that is both peaceful and solemn, embodying the essence of spirituality. The pagoda’s grounds are shaded by ancient trees, fostering a cool, quiet environment that allows visitors to find inner peace.
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4. Things to do on your sightseeing to Buu Long Pagoda
With such outstanding architectural features, a visit to the pagoda promises to be a memorable experience filled with unique and meaningful moments.
4.1. Admire the architecture and nature
Visitors to Buu Long Pagoda have the opportunity to admire one of the most remarkable examples of religious architecture in Vietnam and gain insight into the local spiritual culture. The pagoda is a popular destination for both sightseeing and Buddhist worship among city residents and those from nearby areas. It is also uniquely known as the “smoke-free pagoda” for its practice of refraining from using incense or candles during worship, further enhancing its serene atmosphere.
Strolling through the serene natural surroundings brings inner peace (Source: Collected)
Set atop a hill and surrounded by lush greenery, Buu Long Pagoda invites visitors to immerse themselves in its tranquil natural setting. Strolling along the corridors, one can take in the peaceful suburban scenery and breathe in the fresh, cool air. Looking up at the blue sky and listening to the gentle chimes of wind bells from the stupa’s spire, visitors can cleanse their minds and escape the chaos of everyday life.
4.2. View Sarira and learn about Buddhism
Buu Long Pagoda is also a place where sacred Sarira is preserved. Visitors have the chance to pay homage to relics of revered monks, deepening their understanding of Buddhism’s origins. Activities at the pagoda, such as listening to monks recite Buddhist scriptures in Pali, the language of the Buddha’s time, or visiting the sacred Bodhi Tree, provide a spiritual experience that fosters inner calm and knowledge.
4.3. Enjoy vegetarian foods
Enjoying vegetarian food at the pagoda is an unforgettable experience (Source: Collected)
A visit to Buu Long Pagoda would not be complete without enjoying vegetarian meals in the peaceful, green surroundings. Within the grounds, there is a rest area where visitors can relax and enjoy delicious vegetarian dishes. You can try vegan Hue noodles or spring roll noodles at very affordable prices, starting from just VND 20,000 per dish.
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5. What to note while visiting Buu Long Pagoda?
For those visiting the pagoda, a few guidelines should be kept in mind:
- As a sacred religious site, visitors are advised to dress modestly, avoiding clothing that is too short. Long pants or skirts are recommended to show respect.
- Shoes must be removed before entering the main hall or the stupa.
- Photography and filming inside the main hall should be minimized.
- Visitors are encouraged to maintain silence and avoid disturbing others during worship.
Visitors should dress modestly and respectfully when visiting the pagoda (Source: Collected)
Located about 5.7 kilometers from Buu Long Pagoda is VinWonders Grand Park, a premier entertainment destination in Ho Chi Minh City, set to open on December 6, 2024. Situated within the Vinhomes Grand Park urban area, VinWonders Grand Park offers a harmonious blend of natural landscapes and modern recreational experiences. The park is designed with several themed zones to cater to all age groups:
- Tropical Island features a water park with slides ranging from gentle fun for kids to adrenaline-pumping thrills for adults.
- Dream Garden is a fairy tale-inspired area filled with vibrant colors, classic games, and thrilling rides.
- VinWonders Grand Park Beach allows visitors to relax on white sandy shores under palm trees or engage in water activities like kayaking.
Beyond these attractions, VinWonders Grand Park offers an array of shopping and dining options along lively streets such as Park Avenue, Broadway, and Ginza. The park will also host vibrant events, including the Fantasy On Ice festival and the 8WONDER Winter Music Festival in December 2024, featuring world-renowned bands like Imagine Dragons and leading V-Pop stars.
VinWonders Grand Park is Ho Chi Minh City’s most vibrant entertainment destination
Buu Long Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh City, is a serene sanctuary that blends unique Theravada Buddhist architecture with lush natural surroundings, offering visitors a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. From its stunning Gotama Cetiya Stupa to the sacred Bodhi Tree, every corner invites reflection and spiritual connection. A visit to Buu Long Pagoda promises not only architectural admiration but also a journey of inner peace and cultural discovery.
