Vietnamese National Buddhist Temple: A revered site

Contents

1. About the Vietnamese National Buddhist Temple (Vietnam Quoc Tu)

• Address: 244 Ba Thang Hai Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Vietnam Quoc Tu is one of the most revered Buddhist temples in Ho Chi Minh City. It was founded in 1964, occupying a vast area of approximately 4 hectares. However, following the fall of the Republic of Vietnam in 1975, much of its grounds were repurposed for other uses, including the construction of Hoa Binh Theater and Ky Hoa Park.

Efforts to reclaim the temple’s land began when Venerable Tu Nhon, the former abbot, filed a petition for ownership. This request was finally approved in 1993, although the temple’s grounds were reduced to just 3,712 square meters. After years of renovation, the Vietnamese National Buddhist Temple reopened in November 2017. Today, it is an important religious site in District 10 that offers visitors a chance to explore the heritage of Buddhism in Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam Quoc Tu, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

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2. The architecture of the Vietnamese National Buddhist Temple

Vietnam Quoc Tu has a fusion of traditional and modern architectural styles. The exterior is characterized by red-brown tiled roofs and stone eaves. Meanwhile, the interior is thoughtfully arranged to create a calm environment. One of the highlights inside the main hall is the ceiling, where lotus flower motifs symbolize the diffusion of Buddhist teachings.

The Vietnamese National Buddhist Temple includes numerous structural works such as the triple-arch gate, the main hall, the tower, Quach Thi Trang Orphanage, and Phuong Nam Institution. It also has various Buddha statues scattered throughout its grounds. 

Vietnam Quoc Tu’s layout is divided across four floors and a basement, with each level serving distinct functions:

• Basement: A 7,850-square-meter parking area
• 1st floor: A 730-square-meter area that can accommodate up to 1,000 guests, with a corridor that can host an additional 3,000 visitors.
• 2nd floor: A 885-square-meter office area
• 3rd floor: A 580-square-meter monk’s quarter with 15 rooms
• 4th floor: The largest area (2,167 square meters) with a main hall and auxiliary facilities

The Vietnamese National Buddhist Temple stands out among Vietnamese Buddhist temples (Source: Collected)

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3. Highlights of the Vietnamese National Buddhist Temple

3.1. The 13-storey tower

One of the most striking features of Vietnam Quoc Tu is the 13-storey tower known as Da Bao Tower. It is the tallest Buddhist tower in Saigon (63 meters). The number of stories symbolizes the service of 13 Buddhist groups that participated in the 1963 non-violent struggle for religious equality in Vietnam. The tower enshrines the relics of Venerable Thich Quang Duc, a Buddhist monk whose self-immolation in 1963 became a powerful symbol of protest against oppression.

3.2. The statue of Shakyamuni Buddha

In the center of the main hall at Vietnam Quoc Tu stands the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. It weighs 35 tons and reaches a height of 7.5 meters, making it one of the biggest bronze Buddha statues in Vietnam. The statue’s grandeur is further accentuated by the dazzling light emitted from the intricately arranged ceiling lamps. The interplay of light and space amplifies the majestic presence of the Buddha statue, making the main hall a truly impressive space.

Outside the hall, the temple’s expansive grounds feature various statues that narrate key moments from Buddhist teachings. These include depictions of Prince Siddhartha’s renunciation, his enlightenment, and the compassion of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Guan Yin). Together, these sculptures enrich the spiritual experience for all who visit the Vietnamese National Buddhist Temple.

Vietnam Quoc Tu is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

3.3. The 3-ton bell

The Vietnamese National Buddhist Temple is also home to the largest bell in Vietnam, which stands 2.9 meters tall, has a mouth diameter of 1.6 meters, and weighs an impressive 3 tons! The bell is richly adorned with traditional Vietnamese motifs, showcasing the artistic heritage of the Tran Dynasty through elegant lotus patterns. The bell is inscribed with “Vietnam Quoc Tu” in Vietnamese. 

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4. Cultural activities at the Vietnamese National Buddhist Temple

Vietnam Quoc Tu welcomes monks, nuns, and devotees from across the country throughout the year. It is fully equipped to host large Buddhist celebrations. Notably, there is a weekly Dharma teaching session held every Sunday from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The session includes various activities designed to enrich spiritual life such as reciting sutras, practicing stillness, meditating, etc.

Vietnam Quoc Tu has also become the second base of the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha, playing a pivotal role in promoting the spiritual life of the locals. Regular events like Dharma lectures and cultural exchanges make the temple a well-known destination for those seeking spiritual growth.

Engage in cultural activities at the Vietnamese National Buddhist Temple (Source: Collected)

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5. Guide for visitors to the Vietnamese National Buddhist Temple

5.1. How to get there?

Since Vietnam Quoc Tu is on one of Ho Chi Minh City’s busiest streets, it is easily accessible. You can reach it by:

• Motorbike: From the Opera House in District 1, follow Le Loi Street – Pham Hong Thai Street – Cach Mang Thang 8 Street – Ba Thang Hai Street. You can use Google Maps for precise directions, and parking is available within the temple grounds.
• Bus: Several bus routes pass by the temple, including 150, 07, 27, 54, and 69. 

5.2. What to note?

Before visiting Vietnam Quoc Tu, keep the following points in mind to ensure a respectful experience:

• Wear modest attire to show respect for the sacred space
• Refrain from making noises to avoid disturbing others who are praying or participating in religious ceremonies
• Set your phone to silent mode
• Avoid littering to maintain the cleanliness of the temple grounds
• Do not take photos in restricted areas, particularly in places designated for worship

Visit nearby attractions such as Phap Hoa Pagoda, Independence Palace, and Ben Thanh Market to make the most of your trip to the Vietnamese National Buddhist Temple

The Vietnamese National Buddhist Temple is not only a spiritual sanctuary, it is also a cultural treasure of Ho Chi Minh City. With striking architecture and rich history, the temple offers visitors an unique opportunity to connect with Buddhist traditions. Whether you want to seek peace of mind, learn about the local beliefs, or admire architectural artistry, Vietnam Quoc Tu promises enlightenment for all who visit.

To complement your visit to the Vietnamese National Buddhist Temple, consider exploring VinWonders Grand Park, a new amusement park set to open on December 6, 2024. Located within the Vinhomes Grand Park urban area in Thu Duc City, this entertainment complex promises unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages. From adrenaline-pumping rides to immersive virtual reality games, VinWonders Grand Park ensures a fun-filled day for visitors of all ages. 

Have fun at VinWonders Grand Park in Saigon

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