Giac Lam Pagoda
Giac Lam Pagoda
4
About
Saigon’s oldest pagoda is distinctive for its elaborate tombs, rare trees and resident bat colonies.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.0
119 reviews
Excellent
45
Very good
48
Average
17
Poor
6
Terrible
3
tom1941
Philippines128 contributions
Oct 2012 • Friends
118 Lac Long Quan Street, District 5. Open 6am to noon then 2 to 8:30pm. It was build in 1744 and remodeled in 1900's. In the garden in front of the pagoda are tombs of venerated monks. Walking to the pagoda just before the tombs is a statue of Quan The Am Bo Tat - (goddess of mercy). No hats, no smoking and wearing shoes permitted in certain areas. Elaborate statuary, dark carved wood, incense galore, quite often chanting going on other than normal prayer times, walls are lined with portraits of deceased, some altars have family tree of various families, monks are friendly and helpful and one room contains aisles of shelves with colorful urns of ashes of the dead. It incorporates some Taoism and Confucianism. Many sick visit for healings. Prayer time is 4am to 5am; 11am to nonn and 7pm to 9pm. Best to take taxi. They have one wheelchair available if you need it.
Written October 30, 2012
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.
Itlan
Carlsbad, CA108 contributions
On a 3 week business trip to HCM City, I had little time to visit the "must see" list. Instead I searched out small trips that could be done in 90 minutes or less. Giac Lam Pagoda met this criteria. About a 20 or 45 minute drive out of downtown District 1, our party of 2 were the only tourists in the area.
The complex consists of the Giac Lam Pagoda, the White Buddha, an outside cemetery, an inside urn/memorial, a zen garden and a couple of additional temples. We spent about 45 minutes strolling around, uninterrupted and enjoying the uniqueness of Giac Lam.
Most people stop at the Pagoda but take the time to wander through. Donation boxes are set up but not required and no one hassles you but do remember to remove your shoes before entering the Pagoda or temples. Be respectful if a memorial service is going on.
We arrived at 10:30 am and found out that two of the temples did not open until 14:00 hours so maybe go later in the day. We sent 3 friends over around 16:00 hours and they were able to get in the temples and watch a Buddhist ceremony.
It's hot, there is no shade. Bring water and if needed, an umbrella to block the sun. Print directions since the taxi driver's are not used to going to this area.
The complex consists of the Giac Lam Pagoda, the White Buddha, an outside cemetery, an inside urn/memorial, a zen garden and a couple of additional temples. We spent about 45 minutes strolling around, uninterrupted and enjoying the uniqueness of Giac Lam.
Most people stop at the Pagoda but take the time to wander through. Donation boxes are set up but not required and no one hassles you but do remember to remove your shoes before entering the Pagoda or temples. Be respectful if a memorial service is going on.
We arrived at 10:30 am and found out that two of the temples did not open until 14:00 hours so maybe go later in the day. We sent 3 friends over around 16:00 hours and they were able to get in the temples and watch a Buddhist ceremony.
It's hot, there is no shade. Bring water and if needed, an umbrella to block the sun. Print directions since the taxi driver's are not used to going to this area.
Written June 4, 2010
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.
EredGorgoroth1
Jakarta, Indonesia9,912 contributions
Oct 2014 • Solo
It took 30 minutes from Saigon square to Lac Long Quan street, a long street full of shops and houses. A bright yellow and red gate invites worshipers to Giac Lam compound. An empty motorbike parking lot was used by the elderly to do jogging. Dogs barking and chasing birds. a large yellow Pagoda stood on the left with Goddess of mercy, Avalokiteshvara on the front door.
outside the pagoda, stood another Quan Yin statue under renovation.
At the back is a walled temple with one thousand arms Avalokiteshvara statue and three white Buddha in different manifestations.
Giac Lam has separate compound for another Avalokiteshvara temple, Laughing Buddha temple, and more pagodas in two separate compound.
at the exit is a giant white Buddha in a tranquil meditation posture under a Bodhi leaf.
mystery : Giac Lam was located in 1744. it had been accredited the culture vistial history by council of state.
hint : don't buy incense stick as the temple provided inside the temple
outside the pagoda, stood another Quan Yin statue under renovation.
At the back is a walled temple with one thousand arms Avalokiteshvara statue and three white Buddha in different manifestations.
Giac Lam has separate compound for another Avalokiteshvara temple, Laughing Buddha temple, and more pagodas in two separate compound.
at the exit is a giant white Buddha in a tranquil meditation posture under a Bodhi leaf.
mystery : Giac Lam was located in 1744. it had been accredited the culture vistial history by council of state.
hint : don't buy incense stick as the temple provided inside the temple
Written October 17, 2014
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.
Ross C
Adelaide, Australia19 contributions
Jump in a taxi to get to the site, as is out from the centre of town. The pagoda is interesting, so is the cementry and the main temple. Big site with lots to see and no bus tours .. note is closes between 12 noon and 2pm
Written March 23, 2012
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.
Nenee7
Bangkok, Thailand133 contributions
May 2015 • Business
A very old pagoda in a very old temple which is worth seeing. It's quite small but charming. Once you inside, better pay homage as gods here are mostly for family and health.
You can tell the taxi to go there then after can walk out to get taxi from the street
You can tell the taxi to go there then after can walk out to get taxi from the street
Written May 19, 2015
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.
clairmontjeff
Hue, Vietnam1,186 contributions
Sep 2014 • Solo
Don't have many pagodas in the US, so I take every opportunity to visit one when I travel. I enjoy watching the people pay homage according to their own culture and beliefs.
Written September 24, 2014
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.
JoelAndoetoe
Prague, Czech Republic246 contributions
Beautiful craftsmanship, but the statues will only mean something to people who already know Who they represent. The pagoda is open to active worshippers, so not having explanations for random tourists makes perfect sense.
You can climb the stairs to the top for magnificent panoramic view of HCMC.
You can climb the stairs to the top for magnificent panoramic view of HCMC.
Written December 31, 2013
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.
Rakdaow
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam20 contributions
Nov 2012 • Friends
After 9 months living here, we had our first visit to this oldest pagoda in town, situated near Cholon China town area. We've seen more temples or pagodas in Vietnam with much of Chinese influence. However, this whole ornamentation and architecture are so unique.. The wide roof line of the main building (temple area) is so beautiful. We arrived around 2pm so we witnessed the afternoon chanting, nuns, monks and worshipers - - very pleasant hearing and recommend if you plan to visit. The pagoda itself wasn't that impressive and quite dry. But the whole area itself is so pleasant, big trees and nice layout and still keep its original.
Written November 10, 2012
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.
Garfieldluvr
Denver, CO881 contributions
Apr 2023
This pagoda is a little drive outside of the tourist area, but I thought it was very pretty and I was glad we went. There isn’t a whole lot to do besides walk around and take some photos, but it will take less than an hour and taxis a cheap.
Written June 7, 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.
Paul C
3 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
Guys, I'm a very positive person and hate writing negative reviews.
But I can save one person, just one, from wasting their time to visit this sorry excuse for a Pagoda it will be worth it.
Just terrible. Poorly maintained. In an area that's hard to get to, with, unfortunately nothing but really poor Vietnamese people desperately trying to 'help' you by opening the gate to the stairs for some money.
It's old - but not in a good way. Just feels unloved and in need of some restoration and care on the part of, I don't know, anyone.
And when you've spend the 2 minutes worth spending there you'll spend an hour trying to get a cab back to District 1.
Things I'd do instead of visiting this Pagoda:
- Laundry in the bathtub;
- Rip some photos to iPhoto
- Write the first chapter in a terrible novel set in time where people cared about their - Pagodas
- Order room service. Again.
- Lobby Tripadvisor to introduce a zero star rating
- Foot massage. Again.
Genuinely, this place is no good and there are plenty of other culturally significant sites in Vietnam worth visiting instead.
You've been warned.
Over and out.
But I can save one person, just one, from wasting their time to visit this sorry excuse for a Pagoda it will be worth it.
Just terrible. Poorly maintained. In an area that's hard to get to, with, unfortunately nothing but really poor Vietnamese people desperately trying to 'help' you by opening the gate to the stairs for some money.
It's old - but not in a good way. Just feels unloved and in need of some restoration and care on the part of, I don't know, anyone.
And when you've spend the 2 minutes worth spending there you'll spend an hour trying to get a cab back to District 1.
Things I'd do instead of visiting this Pagoda:
- Laundry in the bathtub;
- Rip some photos to iPhoto
- Write the first chapter in a terrible novel set in time where people cared about their - Pagodas
- Order room service. Again.
- Lobby Tripadvisor to introduce a zero star rating
- Foot massage. Again.
Genuinely, this place is no good and there are plenty of other culturally significant sites in Vietnam worth visiting instead.
You've been warned.
Over and out.
Written May 4, 2018
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.
Drew_Heath
Galesburg, IL105 contributions
What sort of shops are located around the temple? Can you buy Buddhist items such as incense, beads, or statues nearby?
Quinn P
Eden Prairie, MN41 contributions
No, not really! :( The surround area is very messed up and unsafe for tourists! I mean it! Pick pockets are everywhere. And there is no shop that sells Buddhist related items. Sorry, friend! Ben Thanh market is the only place to shop and you may find items made of Jades in the jewelry stores there, or incense and wooden Buddha in the incense shops area.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Giac Lam Pagoda
- We recommend booking Giac Lam Pagoda tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 Giac Lam Pagoda tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Giac Lam Pagoda:
- (0.09 mi) The Joy Hostel
- (0.19 mi) Tan Dat My 2 Hotel
- (0.23 mi) Khai Hoan Apartment Hotel
- (0.30 mi) Chillax Saigon
- (1.35 mi) Ma Maison Boutique Hotel
- Restaurants near Giac Lam Pagoda:
- (0.22 mi) Sky Garden
- (0.28 mi) Bee Quan 70 Trinh Dinh Trong Street, Tan Phu District
- (1.15 mi) King Of Crab
- (0.38 mi) Hita Coffee
- (0.38 mi) Restaurant Hanh Dung
Giac Lam Pagoda Information
Excellent Reviews | 45 |
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Very Good Reviews | 48 |
Giac Lam Pagoda Photos | 145 |