Giac Vien Pagoda stands as a testament to time. It has existed for more than 160 years in Ho Chi Minh City. Once known as Saigon it holds a special place in Vietnamese hearts.
Giac Vien is not just old. It is the most ancient temple in Saigon. It holds important cultural significance. It also has artistic value for the Vietnamese people. As you step inside you will find a peaceful atmosphere. It is quiet and serene a world away from Saigon’s lively vibe.
Let’s journey back to Giac Vien Pagoda’s origins. Its story begins with the rebuilding of Giac Lam Pagoda. Giac Lam was established in 1744 and was originally named Cam Dem pagoda. In 1774 master Vien Quang took over and renamed it Giac Lam.
In 1798 disaster struck. The Giac Lam Pagoda was severely damaged. Master Vien Quang oversaw the repairs. Wood arrived by waterway at Ho Dat wharf. It was about two kilometers from the pagoda. A man named Huong Dang watched over the precious wood. He built a small house on the wharf.
For six years Huong Dang used the house to worship Buddha. In 1805 he sought permission to build a temple. Vien Quang agreed. The temple was named Quan Am Vien. Finally in 1850 Quan Am Vien was renamed Giac Vien Pagoda.
Since then Giac Vien Pagoda has seen six generations. It was restored three times. The first restoration was in 1899 led by Venerable Nhu Du. Nhu Phong led the second in 1910. He completely changed the pagoda’s architecture. The third restoration was in the late 20th century. Venerable Hong Hung oversaw the work. He was also the abbot of Giac Lam Pagoda. Interestingly he designed Giac Lam Pagoda. That explains the similar structures.
Notice the architecture a mix of materials and periods. Western culture has influenced Giac Vien Pagoda. Look at the square columns and arched front. Yet the pagoda retains its ancient Vietnamese culture.
The structure includes two houses connected by four pillars. The front house is the main hall. It is used for worship. The back house serves as the lecture hall and living room. East Lang and West Lang corridors connect to the main house. Small altars line the corridors.
Pay attention to the wooden columns. They are carved with bilingual sentences. The letters are intricately carved. They are painted in lacquer and trimmed with gold. Giac Vien Pagoda faces what was once Ho Dat wharf. The small house of Huong Dang started it all. Later Ho Dat wharf became the Dam Sen tourist area. The river was filled. The land was no longer used for the wharf.
Behind Giac Vien Pagoda a small path leads to a garden. Ancient and rare ornamental plants create a solemn landscape. Giac Vien Pagoda is not large. It is only a few dozens hectares. Yet it remains a famous destination. Its beauty lies in its history and culture.
Giac Vien is one of the five oldest temples in Ho Chi Minh City. It has witnessed Vietnam’s ups and downs. The Vietnamese government recognizes it as a cultural relic. It is a small museum of wood carvings. These carvings hold outstanding artistic value.
Inside are 153 statues made of jackfruit wood. Most were created in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. They are displayed in the main hall. You’ll see Buddha and Arhat statues. They are relics with unique cultural value.
The curtains or “bao lam” are also special. They limit space between the altar and other areas. They increase solemnity. Giac Vien Pagoda once had over 60 curtains. Now only more than 50 remain. They play an important role in Vietnamese culture. Seventeen show Buddhism. Thirty-eight depict plants and animals of the South. The curtains show the development of Vietnamese decoration. The decorations represent Vietnamese daily life.
Vietnamese people often visit Giac Vien Pagoda on Tet holiday. They pray for a lucky year and good health. You can join them. You can burn incense to express gratitude to Buddha. You can pray for peace. You can also visit the tomb towers. They are the resting place of the abbots. The first tower was built in 1930. Seven monks are buried here. Each managed Giac Vien Pagoda responsibly.
Dam Sen Cultural Park is also nearby. It is accessible from Lac Long Quan Street. Many visitors combine a trip to Giac Vien Pagoda with a visit to the park.
Remember no entrance fee is required. Wear polite clothes. Do not wear revealing outfits. Only pray for peace and safety. With over 160 years of history Giac Vien Pagoda represents Vietnamese culture. It reflects the simple lifestyle of ancient Vietnamese. Giac Vien Pagoda is a must-see in Ho Chi Minh City.