Phung Son Pagoda

Ho Chi Minh City


Built between 1802 and 1820 on the site of structures from the Funan period, dating back at least to the early centuries of Christianity, this Buddhist temple is extremely rich in gilded, painted and beautifully fashioned bronze, wood, ceramic and beaten-copper statuary. The main dais, with its many levels, is dominated by a large gilded A Di Da Buddha (the Buddha of Infinite Light; Amitābha). The main entrances are locked most of the time, but the side entrance is open during prayer times.

Once upon a time, it was decided to move Phung Son Pagoda to a different site. The pagoda’s ritual objects – bells, drums, statues – were loaded onto the back of a white elephant that slipped under the great weight, sending all the precious objects tumbling into a nearby pond. This event was interpreted as an omen that the pagoda should remain in its original location. Everything was recovered but the bell, which, until about a century ago, locals insist could be heard ringing whenever there was a full or new moon.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Ho Chi Minh City attractions

1. Khanh Van Nam Vien Pagoda

0.26 MILES

Built between 1939 and 1942, this temple is said to be the only pure Taoist temple in Vietnam and is unique for its colourful statues of Taoist disciples…

2. Cha Tam Church

0.62 MILES

Built around the turn of the 19th century, this decaying light-caramel-painted church exudes a sleepy, tropical feel. A pew in the church is marked with a…

3. Binh Tay Market

0.63 MILES

Cholon’s main market has a great clock tower and a central courtyard with gardens. Much of the business here is wholesale but it’s popular with tour…

4. Giac Vien Pagoda

0.65 MILES

In a land where so many ancient temples have been ‘restored’ in concrete and neon, it’s a joy to discover one that looks its age. The temple has an…

5. Ha Chuong Hoi Quan Pagoda

0.79 MILES

This Fujian temple is dedicated to the Goddess of Seafarers, Thien Hau (Thien Hau Thanh Mau), also known as Ma To. The four carved stone pillars, wrapped…

6. Ong Bon Pagoda

0.81 MILES

This atmospheric temple is crammed with gilded carvings, smoking incense and the constant hubbub of kids from the large school next door. Built by Chinese…

7. Phuoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda

0.83 MILES

Delightfully fronted by greenery and opening to an interior blaze of red, gold, green and yellow, this is one of the most beautifully ornamented temples…

8. Quan Am Pagoda

0.91 MILES

One of Cholon’s most active and colourful temples, this shrine was founded in the early 19th century. It’s named after the Goddess of Mercy, whose full…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "vietnam/ho-chi-minh-city/attractions/phung-son-pagoda/a/poi-sig/1155303/357884",
      "destination": "Ho-Chi-Minh-City",
      "continent": "Asia",
      "country": "Vietnam",
      "city": "Ho-Chi-Minh-City",
      "position": "superzone"
    }