• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Uncover Vietnam Travel Guide | Vacations, Travel and Tourism

Header Right

  • Start Here
  • Blog
  • Activities
  • Cities
  • Lodging
  • Transportation
  • Search
  • Start Here
  • Blog
  • Activities
  • Cities
  • Lodging
  • Transportation
  • Search

Header Right

Tam An Pagoda, Da Lat, Vietnam

Vietnam Temples & Pagodas

ShareTweet

Vietnam has an abundance of religious structures around the country. They range from temples (Đền in Vietnamese) and pagodas (Chùa in Vietnamese), to shrines and churches. Many of these sites can be visited throughout the year, with guests usually welcomed inside, or at least, able to admire from a distance.

Vinh Trang Pagoda, My Tho

15 Historical Places to See in Vietnam

It’s no secret that there are many rich historical places in Vietnam, but not all tourists are aware of these gems. No matter which part of the country is up for discussion, something of significance is nearby and has stood the test of time. After enduring so many years of conflicts, it’s incredible how some …

15 Historical Places to See in VietnamRead More

List + Map of Temples, Pagodas, Shrines & Churches

While temples are sometimes lumped in to include pagodas, they are actually two distinct structures. Pagodas are either Buddhist or Hindu in religion, and have distinct architecture and traditions. Buddha is the highest deity in Buddhism, while Hinduism has Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu as its three major deities. Temples worship other select saints or deities. And churches typically represent Catholicism.

Ba Den Pagoda

Ba Den Pagoda – Tay Ninh Province

Bich Dong Pagoda

Bich Dong Pagoda – Ninh Binh City

Dinh Cau Temple - Phu Quoc

Dinh Cau Temple – Phu Quoc

Long Son Pagoda - Nha Trang

Long Son Pagoda – Nha Trang

Minh Thanh Pagoda - Pleiku

Minh Thanh Pagoda – Pleiku

Stone Church - Sapa

Stone Church – Sapa

Cao Dai Religion

Tay Ninh Holy See (Cao Dai Temple) – Hoa Thanh

Image of the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Vietnam

Temple of Literature – Hanoi

Vinh Trang Pagoda

Vinh Trang Pagoda – My Tho

Featured Religious Structures

But Thap Pagoda, Bac Ninh

14 Most Famous Temples in Vietnam

While exploring Vietnam, it’s nearly impossible to visit without coming across at least one of the…

14 Most Famous Temples in VietnamRead More

Vinh Trang Pagoda, My Tho

15 Historical Places to See in Vietnam

It’s no secret that there are many rich historical places in Vietnam, but not all tourists…

15 Historical Places to See in VietnamRead More

Tran Quoc Pagoda - Hanoi

9 Famous Vietnamese Buddhist Pagodas

As a Buddhist country, Vietnam is rich in eye-catching pagodas. From the city centers of Hanoi…

9 Famous Vietnamese Buddhist PagodasRead More

Guide to Temples and Religious Structures in Vietnam

Pagoda with Dragon Sculpture Da Lat Vietnam
Pagoda with a dragon out front in Da Lat.

Where ever your Vietnam adventures take you, you’ll certainly pass by a number of interesting temples, pagodas, shrines and churches along the way. There is no exact data on how many temples are in Vietnam, but there are estimated to be over 17,000 religious structures throughout the country.

Many sites have been there for centuries and have become icons for their cities while retaining religious significance. Others are newer but still have a lot of impact on local culture. Several of Vietnam’s most beautiful temples are also popular tourist attractions, and sometimes they host monthly or annual festivals and events.

Religion in Vietnam

Mang Lang church, Vietnam
Mang Lang church. Photo: Phan Nguyen

While many Vietnamese people don’t consider themselves religious or observe local folklore; the two main religions in the country are Buddhism and Catholicism. Buddhism is said to have originated in Nepal and likely was developed from Hinduism, which a small percentage of the population follows too. Catholicism was brought to Vietnam by French missionaries and is sometimes still viewed as a “colonial power” trait, making it a highly controversial faith in the country.

Cao Dai is another type of religion in Vietnam, having credence that all religions are one and combining their practices from a mix of several belief systems.

Throughout the country, sightseers will likely run into religious structures from all these religions. Most welcome visitors, but it’s good to find out before adding them to the itinerary. While viewing or observing spiritual practices, remember that it’s crucial to be respectful and dress appropriately for the occasion. Taking off shoes before going inside a temple is standard practice at most places.

Pagoda vs. Temple vs. Shrine

Tam An Pagoda, Da Lat, Vietnam
Tam An Pagoda, Da Lat.

Even though the terms “pagoda” and “temple” are often used interchangeably, there is a distinction between the two.

A pagoda (“Chùa” in Vietnamese) is a spiritual home dedicated explicitly to Buddha or Hindu deities. Many pagodas have been around for centuries, but even the newer-looking ones referred to as “ancient” could just mean it has been refurbished or rebuilt on a historical site. These structures were initially designed to protect religious relics and the remains of kings and saints but have evolved into places that Buddhists come to pray. Many pagodas are built upward and have multiple layers to resemble mountains.

Temples (Đền in Vietnamese) are regular places of worship. Many monks live in temples, where they are fully independent and entirely dedicate themselves to their religion. Temples in Vietnam are usually intricate structures that often feature folklore legends and heroes, offering a place for them to be remembered and adored by visitors.

Shrines are a smaller version of temples, often tucked away in a cave, mountainside, or somewhere quiet where people can pray and reflect in peace. Relics, oil burners, incenses, and even sweet treats are the types of things placed in a shrine as offerings to the deities.

Famous Pagodas and Other Religious Sites

One Pillar Pagoda, Ha Noi
One Pillar Pagoda. Photo: Art Purée

There are many famous pagodas in Vietnam, but some of the most well-known ones include the Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue, the One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi, and Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh. The Ngoc Son Temple, set on an islet of Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, is another heavily visited structure and is conveniently right in the heart of the city.

When it comes to Catholic churches, the St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hanoi is one of the most popular and the city’s oldest. It was built in 1887 by the French and is often referred to as a mini Notre Dame de Paris, functioning as the Catholic hub for northern Vietnam. At the other end of the island, Ho Chi Minh City’s Notre Dame Basilica was also constructed in the French Colonial days in the 19th century and is one of the city’s greatest icons.

Religious Events at Temples and Pagodas

There are numerous festivals in Vietnam, and many of them take place at religious sites. The annual Perfume Pagoda Festival is a big one that attracts pilgrims to explore its sacred caves for a happy new year, trekking through gorgeous landscapes along the way.

Another is the Hung King Festival, which is observed at locations nationally, but the main hosting temple is the one in Phu Tho. Buddha’s Birthday celebrated at Hoi An’s Phap Bao Pagoda, is a must-see event for visitors in town for the occasion, welcoming thousands of people to it each year.

Temples and pagodas are a large part of Vietnam’s history and culture, so it would be worth your time to find a couple in the area that you’re visiting. These structures are not only stunning pieces of architecture, but no two are exactly alike and have their own impressive characteristics.

Related Activities

Image of the Saigon skyline in Vietnam

Vietnam Buildings

Image of the Imperial City in Hue, Vietnam

Vietnam Historical Sites

Museum of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province

Vietnam Museums

ShareTweet

Primary Sidebar

Vietnam Activities

  • All Activities
  • Amusement Parks
  • Beaches
  • Bridges
  • Buildings
  • Camping
  • Caves
  • Events
  • Food
  • Golfing
  • Hiking
  • Historical Sites
  • Hot Springs and Mud Baths
  • Islands
  • Lakes
  • Landmarks
  • Language
  • Markets
  • Mountains
  • Motorbikes
  • Museums
  • National Parks
  • Nightlife
  • Performing Arts
  • Public Parks
  • Rivers
  • Scenic Drives
  • Shopping
  • Streets
  • Temples
  • Tourist Attractions
  • Waterfalls
  • Weather
  • Wildlife
  • Zip Lines

Discover Vietnam for less

Enter your email below and grab our complimentary guide on how to get luxury travel for less in Vietnam.

Footer

Uncover Vietnam

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Start Here
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter

Travel Guide

  • Travel Blog
  • Vietnam Activities
  • Vietnam Towns
  • Vietnam Transportation
  • Vietnam Hotels
  • Vietnamese Culture
  • Vietnam FAQ

Disclosure: Uncover Vietnam is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Copyright © 2023 · Uncover Vietnam - Vacations, Travel & Tourism | Sitemap