By aussiematesvietnam 
Exploring Vietnamese Temples and Religious Sites: A Journey Through Vietnam’s Sacred Spaces
G’day, fellow adventurers! Aussie Mates here, coming to you from the bustling streets of Hanoi where I’ve called home for nearly two decades now. After spending almost 20 years in Vietnam with my lovely wife Tracy, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for this country’s rich spiritual tapestry. From incense-filled Buddhist pagodas to ornate Taoist temples, Vietnam’s religious sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the soul of this remarkable nation.
When Tracy and I first arrived in Vietnam, we were like most tourists – drawn to the well-known spots like Ha Long Bay and the bustling markets. But it didn’t take long before we discovered that the true heartbeat of Vietnam can be found in its temples and religious sites, where ancient traditions continue to thrive alongside modern life.
[IMAGE:incense-burning]
Whether you’re planning your first trip to Vietnam or returning for another adventure, exploring these sacred spaces will give you a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture than any guidebook ever could. So grab a cuppa, settle in, and let me share what I’ve learned about navigating Vietnam’s spiritual landscape.
Understanding Vietnam’s Religious Landscape
Before we dive into specific sites, it’s worth getting your head around Vietnam’s unique religious blend. Unlike Australia with its predominantly Christian background, Vietnam’s spiritual identity is a fascinating mix of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and indigenous beliefs, often collectively referred to as the “Triple Religion” or “Tam Giáo.”
Buddhism is the most visible religion, with about 85% of Vietnamese identifying with Buddhist practices in some form. But here’s the thing – most Vietnamese people don’t exclusively follow just one religion. Instead, they incorporate elements from various traditions in a pragmatic approach to spirituality. As my mate Tùng once told me, “We take the useful bits from each religion, like picking the best food from a buffet!”
This religious flexibility means that within a single temple, you might see Buddha statues alongside Confucian scholars and Taoist deities. It confused the heck out of Tracy and me at first, but now we appreciate this inclusive approach to faith.
[IMAGE:buddhist-altar]
Temple Etiquette: Don’t Be “That” Tourist
Before we get to the specific sites, let’s talk about how to visit these sacred spaces respectfully. Nothing makes me cringe more than seeing fellow Aussies blundering through temples like they’re at Westfield Shopping Centre.
Here’s what Tracy and I have learned about proper temple etiquette:
- Dress modestly – cover shoulders and knees. In more conservative sites, women might need to cover their heads.
- Remove your shoes when entering sacred buildings (look for piles of shoes at the entrance as your cue).
- Speak quietly and turn your mobile to silent. These are places of worship, not tourist attractions.
- Ask permission before taking photos, especially of monks or nuns. Some inner sanctums prohibit photography entirely.
- Walk clockwise around Buddhist stupas and sacred objects as a sign of respect.
- If you want to make an offering, small donations in the collection boxes are appreciated. You can also purchase incense sticks to light, but don’t feel obligated.
One time early in our Vietnam journey, I accidentally walked between a worshipper and the main altar at the Perfume Pagoda. The look of disapproval I received from an elderly Vietnamese woman was enough to ensure I never made that mistake again! Tracy still brings it up when I’m being culturally insensitive.
Must-Visit Buddhist Pagodas
Buddhism forms the cornerstone of Vietnamese spiritual life, and the country is dotted with thousands of pagodas (chùa). Here are some that stand out after my years of exploration:
Perfume Pagoda (Chùa Hương) – Hanoi
Located about 60km southwest of Hanoi, the Perfume Pagoda isn’t just a single structure but a complex of Buddhist temples built into the limestone Huong Tich mountains. Tracy and I have visited at least a dozen times over the years, and it never fails to impress.
The journey itself is half the experience – you’ll take a wooden boat rowed by local women along a scenic river, followed by either a challenging hike or cable car ride up the mountain. The main cave temple, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, features stalactites and stalagmites that locals believe bring fertility and good fortune when touched.
[IMAGE:perfume-pagoda]
Top tip: Visit during weekdays outside the main festival period (which runs from January to March in the lunar calendar) to avoid the crushing crowds. Trust me, during festival time it’s packed tighter than Melbourne Cup Day!
Bai Dinh Pagoda – Ninh Binh
If you’re after something more modern but equally impressive, Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh province is your spot. Completed in 2014, it’s the largest Buddhist complex in Southeast Asia and combines contemporary architecture with traditional Vietnamese design elements.
The sheer scale of this place is mind-boggling – we’re talking 500 stone arhats (enlightened beings), a 36-ton bronze Buddha statue, and enough walking to wear out your thongs. Tracy counted over 300 steps on our last visit, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially during summer months when the heat can be brutal.
What makes Bai Dinh special isn’t just its size but how it represents Vietnam’s renewed engagement with its Buddhist heritage after decades of religious restrictions. It’s a powerful symbol of how traditions can adapt and thrive in modern contexts.
Tran Quoc Pagoda – Hanoi
For something more accessible if you’re based in Hanoi, Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake is a beauty. Dating back to the 6th century, it’s considered the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi with its distinctive red-lacquered pagoda rising 15 meters against the backdrop of the lake.
Tracy and I often bring our visiting mates here for sunset, when the golden light bathes the ancient structure and creates a postcard-perfect scene. It’s small enough to explore in about 30 minutes but packed with historical significance. The bodhi tree near the entrance was grown from a cutting of the original tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment – a gift from India in 1959.
[IMAGE:tran-quoc-pagoda]
Taoist Temples and Confucian Influences
While Buddhism might dominate Vietnam’s religious landscape, Taoism and Confucianism have profoundly shaped Vietnamese culture and spiritual practices.
Jade Emperor Pagoda (Chùa Ngọc Hoàng) – Ho Chi Minh City
If you find yourself down south in Ho Chi Minh City (which us old-timers still occasionally call Saigon), the Jade Emperor Pagoda is a ripper example of Taoist influence. Built by the Chinese community in 1909, this temple is dedicated to the supreme Taoist god, the Jade Emperor.
What I love about this place is how wonderfully over-the-top it is. The main hall is filled with statues of various gods and goddesses surrounded by smoking incense coils suspended from the ceiling. The Kim Hua Kiều room depicts the Ten Hells with graphic ceramic dioramas showing the punishments awaiting sinners – not exactly for the kids, but fascinating nonetheless!
During our last visit, Tracy was particularly moved by the room dedicated to Quan Am, the Goddess of Mercy, where women come to pray for fertility and safe childbirth. The turtle pond in the courtyard is also worth checking out, though it’s gotten rather crowded over the years with donated temple turtles.
Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu) – Hanoi
For a taste of Confucian tradition, the Temple of Literature in Hanoi is hard to beat. Founded in 1070, it housed Vietnam’s first national university and stands as a testament to the country’s deep respect for education and scholarly achievement.
The complex consists of five courtyards separated by walls and ornamental gates. The most impressive feature is the collection of 82 stone steles mounted on the backs of giant stone tortoises, recording the names and achievements of successful doctoral candidates from 1442 to 1779.
[IMAGE:temple-of-literature]
When Tracy and I first visited in the early 2000s, you could touch these steles, but they’re now properly protected behind barriers – a good move for preservation. Students still come here before exams to rub the tortoises’ heads for good luck, creating a wonderful continuity between past and present.
Indigenous and Syncretic Religious Sites
Beyond the major religious traditions, Vietnam has a rich heritage of indigenous worship and syncretic practices that blend various influences into unique spiritual expressions.
Cao Dai Temple – Tay Ninh
One of the most eye-opening religious experiences you can have in Vietnam is visiting the headquarters of Cao Daism in Tay Ninh province, about 100km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. Founded in the 1920s, Cao Dai is a uniquely Vietnamese religion that combines elements of Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism, Confucianism, and even spiritualism.
The Great Divine Temple looks like what you’d get if Antoni Gaudí designed a church in Southeast Asia – all bright colors, dragon-wrapped columns, and a brilliant blue ceiling dotted with stars. The religion’s pantheon of saints includes some unexpected figures like Victor Hugo, Sun Yat-sen, and Shakespeare. I’m still waiting for them to canonize Steve Irwin!
Visitors are welcome to observe the noon ceremony from the balcony, which features chanting, music, and priests in stunning red, blue, and yellow robes representing the three main religions. Tracy still talks about the hypnotic effect of the ceremony we witnessed on our first visit.
[IMAGE:cao-dai-ceremony]
Den Hung (Hung Temple) – Phu Tho
For a deeper connection to Vietnam’s indigenous spiritual roots, head to Den Hung in Phu Tho province, about 100km northwest of Hanoi. This complex honors the Hung Kings, the semi-mythical founders of the Vietnamese nation who ruled from 2879-258 BCE.
The annual festival here (around April) is one of Vietnam’s most important cultural events, drawing thousands of pilgrims from across the country. Even when there’s no festival, the climb up the forested hillside to visit the various shrines offers a peaceful retreat and spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
What struck me most during our visits was how this site transcends religion to become a powerful symbol of national identity. As my Vietnamese father-in-law once told me, “Before we are Buddhist or Christian or anything else, we are children of the Hung Kings.” It’s the Vietnamese equivalent of Australians making a pilgrimage to Gallipoli – a connection to the founding stories that shape national identity.
Planning Your Temple Tour: Practical Tips
After nearly two decades of temple-hopping across Vietnam, Tracy and I have developed some strategies for making the most of these spiritual experiences:
- Timing is everything – visit major sites early in the morning (before 9 am) or late afternoon to avoid both crowds and the midday heat.
- The lunar new year (Tet) and the first and fifteenth days of each lunar month are particularly busy at temples, with locals coming to make offerings.
- Consider hiring a knowledgeable guide for your first few temple visits. The symbolic elements and historical contexts aren’t always obvious to outsiders.
- Bring small denominations of Vietnamese dong for donations and incense purchases.
- Wear easily removable shoes – you’ll be taking them off frequently!
- Pack a respectful covering (scarf or light jacket) even in hot weather, as shoulders should be covered in most sacred sites.
One practical tip that’s served us well – bring wet wipes or hand sanitizer. Between handling joss sticks, touching communal objects, and generally being in crowded spaces, you’ll want to clean your hands regularly, especially before enjoying all that delicious street food afterward!
Beyond Tourism: Spiritual Experiences for Travelers
If you’re interested in moving beyond sightseeing to something more immersive, Vietnam offers several opportunities to engage more deeply with its spiritual traditions.
Many pagodas offer meditation sessions open to foreigners, particularly in tourist areas like Hoi An and Hue. Tracy participated in a three-day meditation retreat at a monastery near Da Lat and still describes it as one of her most profound experiences in Vietnam.
For something less intensive, consider a vegetarian lunch at a Buddhist temple – many larger pagodas operate vegetarian restaurants where monks and nuns prepare delicious meat-free meals. The Quan Am Tu Pagoda in Cholon (Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown) serves some of the best vegetarian food I’ve had anywhere in the country.
[IMAGE:temple-food]
If you’re lucky enough to visit during Tet (Lunar New Year) or Buddha’s Birthday (typically in May), you’ll witness temples at their most vibrant, with special ceremonies, cultural performances, and festive activities that bring the spiritual heritage of Vietnam vividly to life.
Final Thoughts: The Enduring Power of Vietnam’s Sacred Places
After all these years in Vietnam, what continues to move me about these sacred sites isn’t just their architectural beauty or historical significance, but how they remain living centers of community and faith. While Australia’s churches often struggle with declining attendance, Vietnam’s temples and pagodas pulse with activity, bridging past and present in a continuous flow of tradition.
In an increasingly digital and disconnected world, there’s something profoundly touching about watching three generations of a family praying together, an elderly woman carefully arranging her offerings, or a young professional stopping for a moment of reflection on their way to work.
When Tracy and I first arrived in Vietnam, we viewed temples primarily as tourist attractions – places to photograph and tick off our sightseeing list. Now, we understand them as windows into the soul of this complex, fascinating country we’ve come to call home.
So when you visit Vietnam, by all means, enjoy the beaches, sample the incredible food, and cruise Ha Long Bay. But make time for these sacred spaces too. Slow down, observe, and absorb the centuries of devotion embedded in their walls. You might just find, as we have, that they offer the most authentic connection to the heart of Vietnam.
Until next time, mates – may your journeys be safe and your spirits lifted.
Aussie Mates (with Tracy always by my side)