One of our favorite things to do in Vietnam was to simply get out and wander. Because Vietnam is still developing, many of the gems scattered throughout the cities don’t have much of an online presence. So when you stumble onto something, it really makes that much more special. It was in this way that we came across Tran Hung Dao Temple while in Ho Chi Minh City.

Tran Hung Dao Temple Saigon

Tran Hung Dao Temple was very close to our Airbnb which made it a convenient place to visit. It’s tucked away, and very non-imposing along a busy street within District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City. It was on the way to another outing we had made and so along the way we turned into the front courtyard of the temple.

There were decorations just outside the temple in preparation of Tet. Tet is the Vietnamese New Year and the celebrations go on for 9 days. Because of this, the locals tend to really get into the festive spirit and go all out. These trinkets are possibly always there – we aren’t sure – but most likely there more at this time than usual.

The entrance to Trung Hung Dao is modest and not very imposing. In fact, it would be very to simply walk past it without even noticing if you were occupied. But we’ve found that these unimposing temples often times are home to great, quiet treasures.

Within Tran Hung Dao Temple

As we find is the case with many Buddhist temples, almost the instant you enter the grounds, outside sound dies away and peaceful tranquility seems to permeate the air – or maybe it’s just all the incense. Regardless, it is a breath of fresh air in the otherwise smoggy city that is Ho Chi Minh. No crowds or motorbikes to navigate really allow you to relax.

The distant chiming of bells welcomes visitors in, and you’re greeted by a large statue dedicated to Tran Hung Dao, a national hero who vanquished the Mongol emperor Kublai Khan’s invasion force of 300,000 in 1287.

The temple has two buildings, only one of them open to us when we visited. The interior was heavily decorated with gold and art. Before the statues of buddha and various shrines, were offerings of fruit and various foods. The food is important as the offerings serve the cermonial purpose of a sacrifice to the spirits, but also because Buddhist monks are supposed to only take what is given to them – so if no food is given, then will starve. Several devotees prayed before the statues with joss incense sticks in their hands.

It’s a small temple, but you should certainly turn in and give it a look for fifteen minutes. Even if only to catch a breath from the bustling city just outside the gate.

You can visit it at 36 D Vo Thi Sau, Ho Chi Minh City, District 1.

It is close to Le Van Tam Park if you are looking for something else to do nearby.

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