Built in 1760, Ba Thien Hau (Lady Thien Hau Pagoda, Quan Am Pagoda) is regarded as one of the oldest, largest, and most beautiful Chinese pagodas in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City).

The pagoda was built in the Chinese style and is located at 710 Nguyen Trai Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City. It is dedicated to Thien Hau, also known as “Mazu,” the Lady of the Sea (“Tian Hou” as transcribed from the Chinese). For centuries, this site has played an important role in the religious life of the Chinese community in Ho Chi Minh City. In 1993, the Ba Thien Hau pagoda was designated a National Architectural Heritage Site.

Time has passed, and the pagoda has undergone numerous upgrades and repairs, but it has retained its original design and construction with the unique architecture of the Chinese people. Thien Hau Pagoda is built in the Chinese traditional style, with three doors.

On crowded days, this pagoda has a stylized three-door entrance, with the main one located in the center of two corridors, providing a clear and wholesome environment for visitors. The front, middle, and main shrines are served by three rows of houses in the center of the building. There are spaces between the rows known as “heaven wells,” which help ventilate the environment and light up the back shrine while also releasing incense smoke.

In the main shrine, there is a 1 meter tall statue of Lady Thien Hau carved from a single log. If you have the opportunity to experience the space naturally in harmony with the magical light, it will most likely leave an indelible impression on you.

One of the most unique aspects of this pagoda is that its building materials – bricks, tile, and ceramic – were all transported from China to Vietnam and have been well preserved to this day.

One of the most unique aspects of this pagoda is that its building materials – bricks, tile, and ceramic – were all transported from China to Vietnam and have been well preserved to this day.

On the first days of a new year, the pagoda receives a large number of visitors who come to pray for peace, longevity, fecundity, and prosperity.

Thien Hau pagoda’s unique architecture also draws a number of foreign visitors who come to explore the historical beauty of this ancient religious site.

The Thien Hau Thanh Mau Temple is so crowded that incense is removed every few minutes.

Visitors to Thien Hau Pagoda burn incense to pray for talent, happiness, good fortune, or simply a peaceful new year. When you visit here, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the ancient, solemn, and peaceful atmosphere and gain an unforgettable experience for your trip to Vietnam.

The pagoda is not only a valuable work of history, architecture, and sculpture, but it is also an important religious site for the local Chinese and Vietnamese communities and a popular tourist destination in Ho Chi Minh City.

Further information:

• Address: 710 Nguyen Trai street, district 5, Ho Chi Minh city
• Opening hours: 8:00 – 16:30
• Ticket: Free
• The main festival day: Every 23rd Lunar March