Jade Emperor Pagoda Tours and Activities

Jade Emperor Pagoda which includes religious elements, interior views and a temple or place of worship
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A spectacularly colourful pagoda packed with some of Vietnam’s finest carvings, figures and art on

Built in 1909 for Cantonese migrants, the Jade Emperor Pagoda remains in use as a functioning temple to this day and is a significant spot for Taoist as well as Buddhist worshippers.

All kinds of visitors head there to see its impressive woodcarvings and intricate tile work, not to mention its large tortoise population which have led to it being dubbed the Tortoise Pagoda.

The pagoda’s entrance is typically busy: you’ll see monks and worshippers throughout the courtyard when you first arrive. When you do venture inside you’ll be met with the heady smell of burning incense and a striking carving of the Jade Emperor, the Taoist ruler of Heaven, standing beneath an intricately-designed roof. Wander around the temple rooms at your leisure, and then head out to explore the roof terrace overlooking the pagoda and its surroundings.

One of the temple’s most popular spots is the Hall of Ten Hells, where you’ll find towering carvings that depict the pain and suffering awaiting those who go to hell. Elsewhere in the temple, there are halls dedicated to the goddesses of health and fertility.

One of many temples throughout Ho Chi Minh City, the Jade Emperor Pagoda is always teeming with visitors, whether tourists or worshippers from near and far. If you arrive early in the morning, you’ll stand a better chance of beating the tourist rush and mixing with the locals who regularly come here. Back outside the temple, meanwhile, you can buy a small tortoise before releasing it into the pond, a gesture meant to symbolise hope.

Situated in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, the Jade Emperor Pagoda is open every day. It’s located away from most of the city’s major attractions, but nonetheless is easy to reach by taxi or bus. This attraction may not be a suitable venue if you have small children with you. They might find some of the imagery and the smell of burning incense overpowering.

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Top Jade Emperor Pagoda Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Bay Hotel Ho Chi Minh
Bay Hotel Ho Chi Minh
4 out of 5
7 Ngo Van Nam Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Bay Hotel Ho Chi Minh
La Vela Saigon Hotel
La Vela Saigon Hotel
4.5 out of 5
280 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ward 8, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
La Vela Saigon Hotel
Sherwood Residence
Sherwood Residence
4.5 out of 5
127 Pasteur Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Sherwood Residence
Lotte Hotel Saigon
Lotte Hotel Saigon
5 out of 5
2A-4A Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Lotte Hotel Saigon
Caravelle Saigon
Caravelle Saigon
5 out of 5
19 - 23 Lam Son Square, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Caravelle Saigon
Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint
Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint
4 out of 5
59 - 61 Pasteur Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint
Mai House Saigon Hotel
Mai House Saigon Hotel
5 out of 5
157 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street ,, Vo Thi Sau Ward , District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Mai House Saigon Hotel
The Noble Swan Saigon
The Noble Swan Saigon
3 out of 5
229 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
The Noble Swan Saigon
Novotel Saigon Centre
Novotel Saigon Centre
4 out of 5
167 Hai Ba Trung Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Novotel Saigon Centre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.