Vietnam Quoc Tu (Vietnamese language: Việt Nam Quốc Tự, meaning National Pagoda of Vietnam) is known as the pagoda with the tallest tower in Vietnam. The unique architecture as well as the beautiful landscape of this pagoda makes many visitors impressed. Among the tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Quoc Tu is known as a historical witness. Therefore, coming to visit this pagoda is not only help you get more knowledge but also peaceful moments and relaxation.
General information about the Vietnam Quoc Tu
The pagoda was built in 1963 by the Vietnam United Buddhist Sangha. It was initially built quite rudimentary and existed for more than ten years, then it was damaged and demolished, leaving only the tower with the foundation.
After many years of renovation, Vietnam Quoc Tu was officially restored with many items in 1993 and in 2014, the pagoda was completely rebuilt, the inauguration ceremony was held in November 2017 in an area of more than 11 hectares.
architectural models of Vietnam Quoc Tu in 1964
The pagoda was built according to the ancient architecture of North Vietnam. The roof of the pagoda is built with many floors, the roof is curved and is carved with a dragon’s head. The main hall, which is decorated with dragon and phoenix reliefs, is bold in the traditional architecture of Vietnamese pagodas and shrines, in the middle is enshrined the Buddha Shakyamuni statue.
inside main hall of Vietnam Quoc Tu
The corridor surrounding the pagoda is designed in harmony. There are two steeples in the yard in front of the Main Hall where a bell and a drum can be hung. From the outside looking in, Vietnam Quoc Tu is designed with Asian-European architecture combining both ancient and modern features.
The 13-story stupa
The temple’s imprint is the majestic main hall and the massive 13-storey stupa, 63m high. The top of the tower is cast in solid bronze. All roofs are red-brown, curled upward, adorned with phoenix ornamentation and all floors include yellow-painted walls.
(Source: Collected)
In addition to the symbolic meaning for the spirit of service and unity of 13 organizations, associations and sects participating in the Buddhist nonviolent struggle for peace and religious equality in the South in 1963. This is also a place to worship the relic of the immortal heart of Bodhisattva Thích Quảng Đức, who died by suicide by self-immolation to protest against the repression of Buddhists by the American-supported Saigon government on 11 June 1963.
Kuan Yin Statue
Opposite the stupa is a standing Kuan Yin Statue, placed on a pedestal in a lotus flower shape, with open arms, a hand holding an orange vase. Visitors must walk up a granite staircase, barefoot, to the top of the high and wide station with lotus petals in order to pray to Kuan Yin.
(Source: Collected)
Address of Vietnam Quoc Tu & Opening hours:
Location: 244 Ba Thang Hai Street, Ward 12, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City.
Opening hours of Main Hall: 7:30 – 11:00; 15:00 – 19:30 daily.
On special days including the 1st, 14th, 15th, 29th, and 30th of each month in the lunar calendar: 7:00 – 11:30; 13:30 – 22:00.
Rules and regulations:
- Simple clothes, top with sleeves; no short skirts, pants, trousers, shorts, or skin-tight clothes.
- No photos, incense and candles in Main Hall.
- Walk slightly, be quiet and solemn.
Source: collected by An
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