Phap Hoa Pagoda: A peaceful haven by the canal in Saigon

Contents

1. An overview of Phap Hoa Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City

• Address: 870 Truong Sa Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City 
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 11:30 AM | 1:30 PM – 9:00 PM 

If you are looking for a peaceful retreat and a deeper understanding of Buddhism in Ho Chi Minh City, Phap Hoa Pagoda is a must-visit. It is nestled next to Le Van Sy Bridge, along Nhieu Loc Canal, adjacent to Ho Chi Minh City University of Education.

Built in 1967 by Venerable Thich Tue Hai, Phap Hoa Pagoda started as a modest place for worship and a shelter for monks during Vietnam’s challenging times. Despite historical upheavals, the pagoda was rebuilt with contributions from the Buddhist community, adopting the Buddhist architectural style of northern Vietnam. Now, it remains a symbol of spiritual devotion in Saigon.

Beyond spiritual practices, Phap Hoa Pagoda hosts many cultural activities, offering visitors a chance to appreciate its architecture, soak in the peaceful ambiance, and learn about Vietnam’s religious heritage.

Phap Hoa Pagoda is a vibrant spiritual site in Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

Explore: Vietnamese pagodas: 12 sacred sites to discover the spiritual essence

2. Things to do on your visit to Phap Hoa Pagoda

Phap Hoa Pagoda invites visitors to explore its serene atmosphere through a variety of meaningful activities. Whether you like participating in cultural activities or appreciating distinctive architecture, your visit promises a memorable experience.

2.1. Admire the pagoda’s architecture

Phap Hoa Pagoda follows the architectural style of pagodas in northern Vietnam. Covering an area of 620 square meters, it consists of a three-storey main building. 

In the main building, the first floor serves meetings, ceremonies, and meals. The second floor is dedicated to the worship of the pagoda’s founders and other revered figures. The third floor is for Buddhism worship. The main hall venerates Buddha Shakyamuni, while the two side halls honor Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. Here, there are many finely-carved wooden statues. 

Near the main hall, there are two other three-storey buildings. They serve as monk’s quarters, guest halls, and office areas.

Despite its relatively small size, Phap Hoa Pagoda is beautifully landscaped with green spaces, Buddha statues, and a lotus pond. By night, the pagoda comes to life, glowing like a giant lotus flower. Colorful lights illuminate, making it visible from Le Van Sy Bridge.

Phap Hoa Pagoda is beautifully illuminated at night (Source: Collected)

2.2. Experience cultural activities

The Lantern Festival is the most significant annual event at Phap Hoa Pagoda, drawing thousands of participants each year. Held on the 12th day of the 4th lunar month during Vesak (Buddha’s Birthday), the festival involves tens of thousands of lanterns carefully prepared and distributed to both monks and visitors. During the festival, each attendee receives a lantern to inscribe their hopes and prayers for peace, good fortune, and well-being for themselves and loved ones.

At 6 PM, a traditional Buddhist ceremony led by the monks begins. Following the ritual, participants will release their lanterns onto the Nhieu Loc Canal, creating a mesmerizing scene of glowing lights drifting peacefully across the water.

On Vesak, Phap Hoa Pagoda glows beautifully with radiant lanterns (Source: Collected)

Check out the things to do in Ho Chi Minh City!

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3. How to get to Phap Hoa Pagoda in District 3?

Phap Hoa Pagoda is located about 3 kilometers away from the center of Ho Chi Minh City. Be aware that there are multiple pagodas named Phap Hoa in Saigon, including the ones in Phu Nhuan District and Go Vap District. To avoid confusion, ensure that you are heading to the Phap Hoa Pagoda in District 3.

Here is how to get to the pagoda from District 1:

• By motorbike: Follow Le Loi Street – Le Lai Street – Truong Dinh Street – Vo Thi Sau Street – Tran Quoc Thao Street – Truong Sa Street.
• By bus: Make your way to Pasteur Street, where you can take buses number 04 or 152. The bus will stop at 288B7 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street. From there, it is an 850-meter walk to the pagoda.

Read more: Ho Chi Minh City map: A compass for first-time tourists

4. What to note while visiting Phap Hoa Pagoda?

Before visiting Phap Hoa Pagoda, keep the following tips in mind to ensure a meaningful experience:

• The best days to visit the pagoda for ceremonies are on full-moon days, the first day of each lunar month, or Sundays.
• Wear modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. Shoes should be removed before entering worship areas.
• Maintain a respectful demeanor. Avoid making loud noises.
• Do not take photos in worship areas.
• Do not place offerings on the altars or in front of Buddha statues. 
• Refrain from touching or pointing at the statues.

Read more: Vinh Nghiem Pagoda: A must-visit spot for peace in Saigon

Phap Hoa Pagoda is a place that nurtures both the mind and spirit. More than just a place of worship, it serves as a peaceful sanctuary that embodies the spiritual richness of Vietnamese Buddhism. If you are visiting Ho Chi Minh City, be sure to visit this unique spot and experience its serene atmosphere.

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