Jade Emperor Pagoda, Saigon is the perfect destination in Ho Chi Minh that you should get here if you have a chance to visit the city. You will be surprised by the architecture and beauty of the temple. The pagoda is more than 1000 years old nestled with high buildings and is a familiar religious place for local people as well as domestic and foreign travelers. 

Jade Emperor Pagoda

Jade Emperor Pagoda is known as Vietnamese name " Ngoc Hoang Temple", "Chua Ngoc Hoang". However, in 1984, this pagoda was renamed Phuoc Hai Tu. 

Many local people retain the old name as ”Jade Emperor Pagoda” due to its a place to worship the Jade Emperor at the central chamber. 

                                                                                                                                                                   Jade Emperor Pagoda

The Pagoda was constructed in the early 20th century by a Chinese man - Lưu Minh. He is a business man, coming to Vietnam to live. He has a big belief in Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. So, he decided to build a pagoda in Vietnam, becoming a Jade Pagoda nowadays. 

Ngoc Hoang pagoda was renovated 4 times from 1943, 1958, 1985 and 1986. From 1982 to today, this pagoda is taken over by the Buddhist monk Thich Vinh Khuong, who belongs to the Vietnam Buddhist Association. 

Jade Emperor Pagoda was recognized as an Artistic and Architecture site of national significance in 1994. Especially, the pagoda was the honor of getting a visit from former President of the USA, Barack Obama in 2016. 

Golden altar glows warmly under sacred red lantern light

According to local people, they believe that if child couples want a child, let's get to the Jade Emperor Pagoda and pray to Kim Hoa Thanh Mau and 12 midwives. 

 If you see the visitors who hang the thread on their wrists, they come to the pagoda to pray for a child. If you want a son, you hang the thread on the right statue and for a girl, on the left statue. 

Visitors gather to pray at the vibrant pink Jade Emperor Pagoda

You involve rubbing their stomach three times, continuing the children's statue and finally your stomach again. If you have a child, you need to bring fruits, flowers and incense to thank Kim Hoa Thanh Mau and 12 midwives.

Besides, the pagoda is a place where the couple young to pray love wishes about their love, speak both names and touch the matchmaker statue. You may get to the central chamber, which is worshiping the Jade Emperor to pray for health, career and business. 

Highlight architecture of Jade Emperor Pagoda

One of the things that attracts visitors is unique architecture , hundreds of statues and figurines, and wood carvings. 

Exterior

The pagoda is built in the Chinese religious construction style, highlighted with several beautiful paintings and walls. The roof of the pagoda is brightly colored with yin-yang tiles. There are a few statues on the roof and gables. 

The main entrance has a height of 4,5m and 6m. Unlike many pagodas in Saigon with a three door gate with multi tier roofs, this pagoda has a one door gate with a single roof.

Ornate red roofs showcase timeless beauty of ancient architecture

Jade Emperor Pagoda has an area of 2300m2 and two entrances. One the main entrance is built by two pink concrete pillars and tiled roof and one the other ones is a smaller side entrance. 

Red lanterns filled the temple courtyard with festive light

The exterior includes a parking area, a Dharmapala Shrine, a lotus pond, an incense burner and trees. 

Interior

There are more than 300 figurines to display in the pagoda. Among them, nearly 100 were made of cartridge paper. Besides, this pagoda has a lot of paintings, statues, and altars, made from various materials such as wood, porcelain and cardboard.

Golden deities shine brightly amid orchids and sacred offerings

There are 3 rooms such as the front hall, the middle hall and the back hall. At the front hall, you can see a one of a kind ancient architectural masterpiece. If you come to Pagoda on occasions, you can see the people sing and feast. 

How to get to Jade Emperor Pagoda? 

Ngoc Hoang pagoda is located in Ho Chi Minh city. So, you can easily get there. It takes about 10-25 minutes to transfer to the pagoda from the city center depending on traffic jams and vehicles. 

There are many ways to transfer to Ngoc Hoang pagoda such as taxi, motorbike, private car. The price of renting a car is from 50.000 VND to 100.000 VND. 

You can catch a bus with the price of 7.000d. If you want to experience safe, comfort, you should book a private vehicle with a driver. Book a Saigon city tour from Vietnam Trust Car Rental to experience a cultural journey and interesting moment. 

Jade Emperor Pagoda nowadays retains its timeless charm, one of the most breathtaking tourist places in Ho Chi Minh city. This pagoda attracted many tourists due to its stunning and distinctive beauty and unique architecture. Don't forget to visit this pagoda when travelling to Saigon. 

See more: Thien Hau Pagoda In Ho Chi Minh City