Ba Thien Hau Temple
Ba Thien Hau Temple
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
982 reviews
Excellent
387
Very good
439
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140
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13
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3
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Dan W
Portland, OR1,933 contributions
Feb 2020
Our guide took us here as part of our tour of HCMC and what a vibrant, interesting and colorful site it is! We learned much about the Chinese community that settled here, its traditions, religion and beliefs.
The picture opportunities are amazing given the art work, the statues and the color contrasts.
It fits into a basic tour of HCMC - little way out of the central district but I would recommend this and the adjacent wholesale market as well.
The picture opportunities are amazing given the art work, the statues and the color contrasts.
It fits into a basic tour of HCMC - little way out of the central district but I would recommend this and the adjacent wholesale market as well.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WilliamWillieWilson
Nashville, TN1,627 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
The Bà Thiên Hâu Pagoda dates back to 1760. In a city of so many temples, this was our favorite, despite not being of the Buddhist faith. You don’t have to subscribe to a certain religion to appreciate a sacred and peaceful place.
Vacations are all about two things: having experiences you’ll never forget, and having the pictures to prove it! Of the thousands and thousands of pictures I took in Vietnam, some of my best came from this temple! The hazy atmosphere of burning incense, the sunlight streaming into the courtyard, the worshippers. This is a lovely slice of local culture.
Bà Thiên Hâu isn’t the biggest temple, nor is it the most ornate. But you’ll avoid a crowded tourist trap and find tranquility and beautiful pictures in a poignant setting.
Vacations are all about two things: having experiences you’ll never forget, and having the pictures to prove it! Of the thousands and thousands of pictures I took in Vietnam, some of my best came from this temple! The hazy atmosphere of burning incense, the sunlight streaming into the courtyard, the worshippers. This is a lovely slice of local culture.
Bà Thiên Hâu isn’t the biggest temple, nor is it the most ornate. But you’ll avoid a crowded tourist trap and find tranquility and beautiful pictures in a poignant setting.
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LuizDutraNeto
Rio de Janeiro, RJ8,570 contributions
Jan 2020
A very interesting temple built, around 1760, by the first Cantonese settlers in "Cho Lon", the actual District 5 ("Chinatown") of Ho Chi Minh City. It has been dedicated to "Mazu", the powerful Chinese "Goddess of the Sea" and mixes traditions and beliefs from both Taoism and Buddhism. Along the centuries, "Ba Thien Hau Temple" has been continously restored and is perfectly kept. Check its interior, with statues, sculptures and innumerous artworks with, naturally, strong Chinese influences. Massive incense coils are suspended over the main prayer hall. You can easily buy a coil and have your name written on it in Chinese characters. The bigger it is, the longer it will burn! May "Mazu" (aka as "Thien Hau") protect your journey in Southern Vietnam! Enjoy!
Written December 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leonhkny
Hong Kong, China21,467 contributions
Dec 2022
Among so many temples and pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City's Chinatown, this is the most popular and visited one. Thien Hau Pagoda was founded by Chinese immigrants of Canton descent to pray for maritime peace. Today it still attracts a lot of local worshipers. Tourists can freely wander around for free and glimpse the heyday of Saigon.
Written December 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terry H
Seattle, WA758 contributions
Jan 2020
The day we were there was the second day of the Vietnamese New Year. The temple was filled both with people and with incense.
People appeared very devout as they prayed. Fortunately, they didn't seem to mind those of us who were visiting from out of town - and who hoped they weren't intruding in their prayerful communion.
People appeared very devout as they prayed. Fortunately, they didn't seem to mind those of us who were visiting from out of town - and who hoped they weren't intruding in their prayerful communion.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ali921
Edinburgh, UK1,495 contributions
Nov 2022
It looks quite old from the outside, don't let that put you off. It's away from the centre of District 1 (which is the main tourist area) and therefore does not get as many tourists. This is a pity because you visit so many temples during a Vietnam holiday and almost all of them are no longer used by the public. This one was bustling with public and I sat and watch a non-stop stream of people coming and praying. What I found so refreshing was the number of "young people" who attended. Good to know that in some cultures it is still important.
Written December 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doug J
Charlotte, NC96 contributions
Mar 2023
Another must see while in HCM. Beautiful structure that is still active and visited by tourist and locals alike. Filled with statues, intense smell of burning incense it is a wonderful site for photographers.
Written April 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alice
Toulouse, France18 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
During my trip to Saigon in January, I stopped at Thien Hau temple. What caught my eye were the intricate carvings and captivating ceramics on the roof. Amidst the chaos of the city, the temple is a serene sanctuary reminiscent of the stories of yesteryear. My guide told me stories around every corner, which made the tour even more informative. Highly recommended!
Written September 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abovetheclouds
2,240 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
I went twice. I really enjoyed it. I am in Vietnam a while. The first time in the afternoon when it was busy. Today I went in the morning. Suggest doing the same. I had a much better experience in the morning. It was quieter and you could see more locals going about their prayers. This is a small but active Temple. Free to enter. Almost mystical and I really enjoyed it. I could really appreciate the Temple more. The detail in the Temple structure is quite something. Very small. The smell of incense as the locals prepared for Tết (Lunar New Year) added to the experience. You don't need to be covered up or anything to visit the Temple but dress respectfully. Take a taxi from district 1 which is cheap (15 minutes if roads are clear). The Temple is located on a busy road in Chinatown but inside is a calm oasis and a world away from the chaotic streets. You can combine your visit with Chinatown. Getting a taxi back is not so easy. Either get one to wait for you if your not going to be too long or have a taxi application on your phone so you can call one when you are finished.
Written January 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
beatbeatgogo
Kawasaki, Japan236 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
If you're planning on stopping off in Chinatown, Ping Thanh Market, or the Cholon area, this is a spot you'll want to stop by if you can.
There's a sign at the entrance saying that photography is prohibited,
but you can take as many photos as you like.
At the counter inside, you pay 40,000 VND to buy incense to hang from the ceiling
and then write your name on the paper you're given and pray for good health.
There's a sign at the entrance saying that photography is prohibited,
but you can take as many photos as you like.
At the counter inside, you pay 40,000 VND to buy incense to hang from the ceiling
and then write your name on the paper you're given and pray for good health.
Written February 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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