Buu Long Pagoda is a renowned spiritual tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City. Its architecture, inspired by Thai style, is beautiful and unique, making it worth a visit. Built in 1942, Buu Long Pagoda has evolved into a Buddhist architectural masterpiece that harmoniously blends Thai culture with the essence of Nguyen Dynasty architecture. To provide you with essential information about Buu Long Pagoda in District 9, let’s explore what makes Buu Long Pagoda interesting through the article below, courtesy of VnCarRentals.com!
Table of Contents
Overview of Buu Long Pagoda
Location of Buu Long Pagoda
Buu Long Pagoda is a quite famous pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, characterized by its architecture with a strong Thai influence. This religious architectural structure is situated at 81 Nguyen Xien Street, Long Binh Ward, Thu Duc City (formerly District 9).
Buu Long Pagoda has a history of over 80 years, established in 1942. With its distinctive architectural imprint, it is often referred to by travel enthusiasts as the Thai Pagoda. Due to its proximity to the city center (only 20 km away), the pagoda is a popular destination for both tourists and Buddhists. In addition to the mentioned features, Buu Long Pagoda is honored to be among the top 10 most beautiful Buddhist structures in the world, as voted by the National Geographic of the United States.
Opening Hours of Buu Long Pagoda
When visiting Buu Long Pagoda, it’s important to be aware of the opening hours to avoid any inconvenience. Buu Long Pagoda is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. However, during the hours from 11 am to 2 pm, tourists and religious followers can only explore the exterior grounds of the pagoda. Additionally, there is no entrance fee to the pagoda. Therefore, it is a suitable Saigon tourist spot for those who want to explore culture while keeping costs low.
Detailed Directions to Buu Long Pagoda
Buu Long Pagoda is located off the main road of Nguyen Xien, making it relatively easy to reach. One of the popular methods among young people is to travel by motorbike following the guidance of Google Maps. Additionally, you can reach Buu Long Pagoda by taking bus route 61-1 (Thu Duc – Di An) and disembarking at the station in front of the pagoda.
Furthermore, if you prefer a safe and fast means of transportation with door-to-door service, you can immediately book a private car rental service with a driver in Ho Chi Minh City from VnCarRentals.com. With a fleet of new vehicles and a range of options accommodating 4 to 45 passengers, equipped with all amenities, this service will ensure the most comfortable journey for you.
The Distinctive Thai-Inspired Architecture of Buu Long Pagoda
Buu Long Pagoda was constructed in 1942 and underwent several renovations and enhancements during the period from 2007 to 2011. Currently, the unique architectural imprints of the pagoda are largely preserved. Some components retain their original beauty, fully intact since their initial construction, including the courtyard, main hall, monk’s quarters, meditation hall, and pagoda.
Buu Long Pagoda bears the distinctive architectural marks heavily influenced by Thai aesthetics, characterized by an impressive combination of white and gold hues. According to Venerable Vien Minh, the architectural inspiration for Buu Long Pagoda draws from the primitive Buddhism originating in India. Additionally, the pagoda features many architectural elements with a pure Vietnamese essence. Therefore, visitors will sense a unique cultural space that harmoniously combines the architectural imprints of India, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Since its inception, Buu Long Pagoda has been perched atop a small hill. Consequently, visitors can easily perceive the gentle and refreshing atmosphere here. Situated at an elevated position, the pagoda’s surroundings are complemented by the soft sounds of wind chimes atop the tower. Everything blends seamlessly, creating a profoundly serene ambiance at Buu Long Pagoda.
Explore the Unique Architecture of Buu Long Pagoda
For those who enjoy visiting temples, Buu Long Pagoda in the city is a must-visit. It is one of the most splendidly designed and beautiful temples in the world. If you have some free time, plan a visit to this temple on a nearby day. Come here to explore and witness the beauty of this temple; you are guaranteed not to be disappointed.
Tranquil Grounds of Buu Long Pagoda
In general, the Thai-style District 9 Pagoda shares architectural similarities with temples in the land of golden temples. These temples feature unique designs, intricate and sophisticated architecture. The golden spires with complex and delicate carvings at the top are particularly noteworthy. Moreover, this temple carries a distinct Vietnamese cultural imprint, evident in the carvings and majestic dragon statues. The unique combination of Thai and Vietnamese beauty has made this place a favorite photography spot for enthusiasts and those familiar with Buddhism.
When tourists visit Buu Long Pagoda in District 9, their first impression is often from the entrance gate. The pagoda, shaded by lush green trees, offers a cool and serene atmosphere. The temple grounds cover an area of 11 hectares, with two rows of lush green trees along the paths leading to the temple. On the hills to the west, along the Dong Nai River, greenery blankets the entire area. In front of the temple, there is a clear, peaceful pond that enhances the tranquility of the scene inside the tower. The harmonious combination of these scenes highlights the serene beauty of the temple, accentuating the vibrant and unique design of this Thai-style pagoda.
In the bustling urban landscape of Vietnam, visitors can find Buu Long Pagoda—a place of tranquility and peace in District 9. It is a place where people can leave behind their worries, the chaos of everyday life, and soothe their souls. A place to pray for peace for loved ones, oneself, and one’s family. Therefore, many tourists visiting Ho Chi Minh City seize the opportunity to pay homage to Buddha at this majestic Thai-inspired temple.
Main Hall of the Thai Pagoda in District 9, Ho Chi Minh City
Buu Long Pagoda in District 9, Ho Chi Minh City, is undergoing continuous renovations, including key areas such as the main hall, monk’s residence, guesthouse, meditation hall, monk’s quarters, nun’s residence, nun’s hall, layman’s quarters, and tranquility hall. The main hall today is not entirely rebuilt but rather renovated based on ancient relics. It is a spacious and comfortable area left by the Master and Great Elder Tâm. However, it still preserves the shape and architectural beauty of the ancient temple.
Adjacent to the pilgrimage site, many people visit Buu Long Pagoda to participate in various charitable activities contributing positively to society. Specifically, to assist those facing difficulties, Thai Long Pagoda in District 9 has a charitable task force, a Red Cross chapter, and a medical clinic. At this clinic, people in need can receive free check-ups and medication every Saturday.
The Magnificent and Famous Gotama Cetiya Stupa of Buu Long Pagoda
The Gotama Cetiya Stupa is the main stupa of Buu Long Pagoda and the largest stupa in Vietnam. This main stupa is an exquisite combination of modern architecture and the ancient Suvannabhumi civilization in Southeast Asia. The stupa stands at a height of 56 meters and is surrounded by four auxiliary stupas: Birth, Path, Dharma, and Nirvana. This stupa is constructed in the style of Thai temple architecture, with the predominant colors being white with a touch of bright yellow at the top of the stupa. The pinnacle is adorned with sharp wind bells, creating a sense of solemnity. On either side of the temple, there are two bell towers standing at 15 meters high. Additionally, around the stupa, there are 32 lanterns approximately 4 meters tall. The interior design of the stupa is also correspondingly contrasting, creating a harmonious focal point in this distinctive stupa design.
Visitors will be amazed when looking from the outside. The front is adorned with sharp carvings combined with beautiful windows. The designer of this temple is the abbot Vien Minh. The temple was funded, built, and completed in 2013. It serves not only as a repository of Buddha’s relics and the Arahants but also features a large hall for meetings, lectures, meditation, etc. The abbot further explains that this stupa follows the characteristic architectural style of Southern Buddhism in Southeast Asia. The decorative motifs on the vault, such as winding dragons, bas-reliefs, and the turning of the Dharma wheel, all derive from the ancient culture of Southern Funan.
The rare temple where the scent of incense does not linger
The distinctive feature of Buu Long Pagoda is its tranquil and gentle beauty. Unlike traditional temples that are often filled with the smoke of incense, Buu Long Pagoda is a religious destination where the presence of incense is notably absent. Travelers and religious practitioners can pay homage to the Buddha here without the need for burning incense or offering material possessions. This unique aspect adds to the serene and meditative atmosphere of the temple, helping visitors forget the complexities and worries of life.
Some Essential Information for Visiting Buu Long Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City
Ticket Price and Opening Hours at Buu Long Pagoda
- Ticket Price: Free
- Opening Hours: 08:00 – 18:00 daily
Note: The pagoda will not receive guests from 11:00 to 14:00. If you arrive during this time, visitors can only explore the outside of the pagoda.
Where to Eat Near Buu Long Pagoda?
Vegetarian Beef Noodle Soup (Bún Bò Chay)
Vegetarian beef noodle soup is a refreshing and light dish that you should try when visiting Buu Long Pagoda. This dish has a delicious broth made from natural sweet vegetables, rich and flavorful tofu, and the enticing spicy aroma of chili, making it very appealing.
Recommended eateries:
- Eating stalls within the pagoda premises for visitors
- Quán Sen Vàng (Golden Lotus Restaurant): 8 Dinh Phong Phu Street, Ward Tăng Nhơn Phú B, District 9, Ho Chi Minh City
- Vegetarian Bun Bo Hue: 253 Tăng Nhơn Phú Street, Tăng Nhơn Phú B Ward, District 9, Ho Chi Minh City
Vegetarian Crab Noodle Soup (Bún Riêu Chay)
Considered a specialty for vegetarians, vegetarian crab noodle soup is a fascinating dish with a naturally sweet taste from vegetables, the rich flavor of vegetarian fish sauce, and the chewy aroma of vegetarian crab made from mushrooms and tofu.
Recommended eateries:
- Eating stalls within the pagoda premises for visitors
- Vegetarian Crab Noodle Soup: 63 Tô Ngọc Vân Street, Linh Đông, Thủ Đức, Ho Chi Minh City
- An Lac Vegetarian Crab Noodle Soup: 4 Kha Van Can Street, Hiệp Bình Chánh, Thủ Đức, Ho Chi Minh City
Ice Cream
With the hot Saigon weather, a cool ice cream will be a lifesaver, making your visit more refreshing and enjoyable. You can purchase various flavored ice cream sticks from the food stalls within the pagoda premises or nearby vendors.
hings to Note Before Visiting Buu Long Pagoda
- Buu Long Pagoda is a religious site, so there are a few things to keep in mind to make your visit more convenient and respectful.
- Avoid wearing overly short clothing when attending Buddhist ceremonies at the pagoda. Opt for long pants or skirts for the most appropriate attire.
- Do not wear shoes inside the main hall of the pagoda and the tower.
- Limit photography and filming inside the main hall of the pagoda. When visiting, maintain order and avoid disturbing others who may be engaged in religious practices.
Buu Long Pagoda continues to attract young people for worship and exploration due to its impressive architecture and spacious surroundings. Moreover, Ho Chi Minh City is home to many other temples with impressive architecture that you may want to explore and learn about. You can refer to the VnCarRentals.com’s Travel Guide for more information on various unique destinations!
