Discover the Biggest Religious Site in Ho Chi Minh City

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Vietnam is a country with a rich religious history, and there are many important religious sites that can be found throughout the country.

  • Perfume Pagoda:

    Perfume Pagoda is a Buddhist pilgrimage site located in Huong Son District, Ha Noi. It is a complex of Buddhist temples and pagodas built into the side of a limestone mountain. The pagoda is considered one of the most sacred places in Vietnam and attracts thousands of pilgrims each year during the Perfume Pagoda Festival.

  • My Son Sanctuary:

    My Son Sanctuary is a Hindu temple complex located in Quang Nam Province, Central Vietnam. It was built by the Champa Kingdom between the 4th and 13th centuries and is considered one of the most important Hindu religious sites in Southeast Asia. The sanctuary is now UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a popular tourist destination.

  • Yen Tu Mountain:

    Yen Tu Mountain is a Buddhist pilgrimage site located in Bac Giang Province, Northeast Vietnam. It is the birthplace of Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Buddhism, a Vietnamese school of Buddhism founded by Zen master Tran Nhan Tong in the 13th century. The mountain is home to numerous temples and pagodas and is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.

  • Cao Dai Temple:

    Cao Dai Temple is a Cao Dai religious site located in Tay Ninh Province, Southeast Vietnam. It is the main temple of the Cao Dai religion, a Vietnamese syncretic religion that combines elements of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Christianity. The temple is a large and ornate structure located on a 100-acre site. It is a popular tourist destination and is often visited by pilgrims from all over Vietnam.

  • Phat Tich Pagoda:

    Phat Tich Pagoda is a Buddhist temple located in Bac Ninh Province, Northeast Vietnam. It is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Vietnam and is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Vietnamese Buddhists. The pagoda is home to a large number of Buddha statues and other religious artifacts and is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.

Archbishop's Residence in Ho Chi Minh City
Archbishop’s Residence in Ho Chi Minh City

The 7 Biggest Religious Site near Ho Chi Minh City

Tan Dinh Church

  • Address: 289 Hai Bà Trưng, Phường 8, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.4 (6732)
  • Phone: +84 28 3829 0093
  • Website:
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
    Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
    Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
    Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
    Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
    Saturday: Closed
    Sunday: Closed
  • Reviews:
    Nuggets✭✭✭✭✭
    a month ago
    Do remember to check the opening hours of the church before heading down. We arrived a few minutes before it was closing and the guard was nice and let us in.

    Very pretty and unique pink architecture. A great photo spot if you’re in the area! Very pretty at night with the lights on too.

    Nada Farhani✭✭✭✭✭
    in the last week
    Got this good view from top of Cha Phe cafe. Came here in weekend. Don’t hesitate to come here and don’t come in rush hour
    alex ram✭✭✭✭
    2 months ago
    It’s a beautiful church kidda similar to the one in Da nang . The day i got here ,they only open to visit from outside. That’s a shame though that i can’t see inside. Much better view from the cafe opposite the church though.
    Piter Halim✭✭✭✭✭
    a month ago
    What a beauty, a must visit while in Ho Chi Minh. Perfect shot in every angles. Words can describe, I let the photos talks now ?
    Timothy Tan✭✭✭✭✭
    7 months ago
    Nice Gothic style architecture. Too bad the church is closed. Only open for weekday Mass time which 5am and 6.30am and 5.30pm. (Please check again if you plan to attend).

    There is a book store at the slide which sells a fair bit of Catholic items like rosaries statues and medals. Good to shop for souvenirs and help the economy !

Huyen Si Church – Cho Dui Parish

  • Address: 1 Đ. Tôn Thất Tùng, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.6 (2390)
  • Phone: +84 28 3833 0820
  • Website:
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    Thursday: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    Friday: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    Saturday: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    Sunday: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Reviews:
    Daniel Lim✭✭✭✭✭
    5 months ago
    Dropped by for the Korean mass on Sunday at 11:00 AM.

    Upon researched, found out that the church was built in 1902 and still holds up pretty well and maintained well.

    Definitely worth a visit to see a different type of architecture for a church.

    Marc U. J.✭✭✭✭✭
    4 months ago
    Very amazing catholic church . Good place to pray.
    Mary Lobatto✭✭✭✭✭
    a month ago
    Mass was a beautiful experience in Vietnamese. The clergy was profound, and I was very humbled to be a participant. Awesome church!
    tHE.alCHMist✭✭✭✭✭
    4 years ago
    Just stumbled into this place at a busy intersection whilst looking for a toilet for my girlfriend. A big shrine to Ave Maria and a very nice church. Some good photos to be had here and another little piece of the history of Ho Chi Minh.
    Felix Fernandez✭✭✭✭✭
    a week ago
    We visited on New Year to this church with is walkable distance from Walking Street in Ho Chi Minh City.

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

  • Address: 01 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.5 (21704)

Nhà Nguyện Cổ TTMV TGP Sài Gòn

  • Address: 6bis Đ. Tôn Đức Thắng, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.9 (12)

Chủng viện dự bị Tổng giáo phận Sài Gòn

  • Address: 2B Đ. Tôn Thất Tùng, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 5 (2)

Hội Thánh Tin Lành Việt Nam (Chi Hội Sài Gòn)

  • Address: 155 Đ. Trần Hưng Đạo, Phường Cô Giang, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.8 (116)

St Francis Xavier Church

  • Address: 25 Đ. Học Lạc, Phường 14, Quận 5, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.5 (924)
Archbishop's Residence in Ho Chi Minh City
Archbishop’s Residence in Ho Chi Minh City

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Top Religious Site Alternatives in Ho Chi Minh City

The majority of Vietnamese do not follow any organized religion, instead participating in one or more practices of folk religions, such as venerating ancestors, or praying to deities, especially during Tết and other festivals. Folk religions were founded on endemic cultural beliefs that were historically affected by Confucianism and Taoism from ancient China, as well as by various strands of Buddhism (Phật giáo). These three teachings or tam giáo were later joined by Christianity (Catholicism, Công giáo) which has become a significant presence. Vietnam is also home of two indigenous religions: syncretic Caodaism (Đạo Cao Đài) and quasi-Buddhist Hoahaoism (Phật giáo Hòa Hảo).
According to estimates by the Pew Research Center in 2010, most of the Vietnamese people practiced (exclusively) folk religions  (45.3%). A total of 16.4% of the population were Buddhists (Mahayana), 8.2% were Christian, and about 30% were unaffiliated to any religion. Officially, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is an atheist state, as declared by its communist government.According to statistics from the Government Committee for Religious Affairs, as of 2018, Buddhists account for 14.9% of the total population, Christians 8.5% (Catholics 7.4% & Protestants 1.1%), Hoahao Buddhists 1.5%, and Caodaism followers 1.2%. Other religions include Hinduism, Islam, and Baháʼí Faith, representing less than 0.2% of the population. Folk religions (worship of ancestors, gods and goddesses), not included in government statistics, have experienced revival since the 1980s.

The Biggest Religious Site in Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is not only a bustling metropolis but also a city rich in religious sites. Here are three of the top religious site alternatives in Ho Chi Minh City:

  • Jade Emperor Pagoda: One of the most famous and iconic religious sites in Ho Chi Minh City, the Jade Emperor Pagoda is a Taoist temple located in District 1. Built in 1909, it is dedicated to the Jade Emperor, the supreme deity in Taoism. The pagoda is known for its intricate architecture, beautiful statues, and vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can explore the various halls, admire the detailed wood carvings, and light incense to pay their respects. The Jade Emperor Pagoda offers a unique glimpse into Taoist beliefs and practices in Vietnam.

  • Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon: A stunning example of French colonial architecture, the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon is a prominent Catholic cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City. Built in the late 19th century, the cathedral features a red brick facade, twin bell towers, and beautiful stained glass windows. The interior is equally impressive, with high arched ceilings and intricate decorations. Masses are held daily, and it is a popular site for both religious and non-religious visitors alike. The cathedral is a symbol of the city’s rich history and the Catholic community in Vietnam.

  • Thien Hau Temple: Located in Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown area, Thien Hau Temple is a Chinese-style temple dedicated to Mazu, the goddess of the sea and protector of sailors. Built in the early 19th century, the temple is known for its ornate architecture, delicate artwork, and intricate porcelain dioramas. Visitors can explore the temple’s courtyard, light incense sticks, and make offerings to Mazu. Thien Hau Temple is not only a religious site but also a cultural landmark, reflecting the influence of the Chinese community in Ho Chi Minh City.

These three religious site alternatives in Ho Chi Minh City offer a fascinating glimpse into different religious traditions and cultural influences in the city. Whether you’re interested in Taoism, Catholicism, or Chinese beliefs, these sites provide a unique and enriching experience for visitors.

Thank you for taking the time to read our article. For more in-depth reviews and comprehensive ratings on the Religious Site spots, please explore the recommended articles listed below.

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