A guide to visiting Phap Hoa Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City

Phap Hoa Pagoda, located alongside the Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe Canal, attracts Buddhists and tourists alike, thanks to its long history and annual large-scale lantern release ceremony.

Quick navigation

History

Getting there

Architecture

Activities

Notes for visitors

Nearby attractions

Suggested one-day itinerary

Phap Hoa Pagoda, located at 870 Truong Sa Street, borders the former districts 3 and Phu Nhuan, now part of Nhieu Loc ward. More than a religious site, the pagoda forms part of the cultural heritage tied to the development of the Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe Canal.

History of Phap Hoa Pagoda

Venerable Tue Hai, originally from the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, founded the pagoda in 1967. Throughout his life, he adopted the teachings of the Lotus Sutra as his guiding principle for practice and teaching. The pagoda belongs to the Lam Te Zen lineage, connected to major Northern Vietnamese ancestral pagodas such as Co Loan, Dong Dac, and Phuong Ban.

The pagoda's current appearance resulted from a major renovation in 2005. It stands out with its red tiled roof and Northern Buddhist architecture. In 2015, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee officially recognized Phap Hoa Pagoda as a city-level historical relic. The pagoda is famous for its Lantern Festival during every Buddha's Birthday celebration, drawing thousands of locals and tourists.

Phap Hoa Pagoda seen from the outside. Photo: Hoang Nguyen

Activities and main festivals

Activities at the pagoda occur year-round, following the Buddhist calendar. Buddha's Birthday (4th lunar month) is the pagoda's largest festival. Its highlight is the lantern release ceremony on the Nhieu Loc Canal, attracting thousands of people seeking peace. The Vu Lan Festival (7th lunar month) draws pilgrims for filial piety rituals and prayers for the deceased. On the full moon and first day of each lunar month, the pagoda welcomes many locals and tourists who come to offer incense and sightsee.

The most iconic activity at Phap Hoa Pagoda is the lantern release festival, held annually on the 14th or 15th day of the 4th lunar month (Buddha's Birthday). During this time, the section of the Nhieu Loc Canal in front of the pagoda is adorned with vibrant flower boats. Thousands of people gather along both banks of the canal to participate in the lantern release ritual and offer prayers.

Releasing lanterns at Phap Hoa Pagoda on the Nhieu Loc Canal. Photo: Hoang Nguyen, Phap Hoa Pagoda

Architecture

Phap Hoa Pagoda features Northern Buddhist architecture, comprising a three-gate entrance, courtyard, main hall, and ancestral house row. The three-gate entrance is sturdily built with yin-yang tiled roofs and curved eaves carved with dragon and phoenix figures. Beyond the gate, a small courtyard is green with orchid pots, ornamental plants, and miniature statues.

A koi pond in the corner of the courtyard serves as a scenic spot and helps regulate the air temperature. The main hall has two stories. The ground floor houses a reception area and living quarters for monks. The upper floor is the main worship area, designed with large windows overlooking the Nhieu Loc Canal.

A distinctive feature in the main hall is the system of Buddha statues, primarily carved from jackfruit wood. This traditional wood has a subtle fragrance, high durability, and lends an ancient feel to the worship space. The horizontal lacquered boards, couplets, and wooden bas-reliefs are intricately carved. Unlike many pagodas, Phap Hoa Pagoda features hundreds of lanterns hanging along the balconies of its floors and walkways. At night, these lights illuminate simultaneously, creating a distinct identity for the pagoda when viewed from the opposite bank of the canal (Hoang Sa Street).

Getting there

Visitors can travel along the Nhieu Loc Canal route. The pagoda has a small parking lot in front, which often fills up on full moon days or major holidays. Visitors can use bus routes 07, 10, or 28, which stop on Le Van Sy Street, about 200 meters walk from the pagoda gate. The pagoda welcomes visitors daily from 6h to 11h30 and from 13h30 to 21h.

Pilgrims should avoid confusing this pagoda with another of the same name nearby. Phap Hoa Pagoda at 870 Truong Sa, located right by the canal, is the historical relic and the site of the lantern festival. The other Phap Hoa Pagoda (Phu Nhuan) is at 229/24B Thich Quang Duc Street, tucked away in an alley, not adjacent to the canal, and lacks space for large-scale lantern release events.

Notes for visitors

When visiting, please observe the following:

: Dress modestly and respectfully, avoiding shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops in worship areas.

: It is advisable to light incense at the large censer in the courtyard. Limit incense burning inside the main hall to ensure fire safety and reduce smoke. Do not place small change on Buddha statues; use the donation boxes provided.

: Visitors may film and take photos, but avoid using flash or obstructing ongoing rituals.

: During major festivals, visitors should take care of personal belongings as the area near Le Van Sy bridge can become very crowded.

Locals and tourists visiting Phap Hoa Pagoda. Photo: Phap Hoa Pagoda

Nearby attractions

Located in the city center, Phap Hoa Pagoda offers easy access to cultural, historical, and entertainment venues within a 2 kilometer radius.

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda

About one kilometer from Phap Hoa Pagoda, towards Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is one of Ho Chi Minh City's largest Buddhist structures. The pagoda is notable for its 7-story, 40-meter-tall stupa and massive wooden architecture. It frequently hosts national-scale Buddhist ceremonies, suitable for visitors interested in Northern Buddhism.

Tan Dinh Church

Located on Hai Ba Trung Street, about 1,5 kilometers from Phap Hoa Pagoda, Tan Dinh Church attracts visitors with its Gothic and Romanesque architecture and distinctive pink paint. As one of the city's oldest churches, it is a popular check-in spot for international tourists visiting Xuan Hoa ward.

Tan Dinh Market

Directly opposite Tan Dinh Church, this market dates back to 1927. Tan Dinh Market is not only a bustling commercial hub but also a "culinary paradise" known for Southern Vietnamese specialties. Visitors can explore the market after visiting the pagoda to experience the daily life of Saigon residents.

Nhieu Loc Canal experience

Visitors can take a boat trip down the canal to view Phap Hoa Pagoda and residential areas from the water. Tour prices range from 200,000 VND to 570,000 VND per person, depending on the service package. The tour duration is approximately 45-60 minutes.