Buu Long Pagoda is one of the most unique and attractive temples in Ho Chi Minh City. Located on a cool hill by the Dong Nai River, Buu Long Pagoda features a distinct Theravada Buddhist architectural style, with a harmonious blend of nature and ancient architecture. Let’s visit Buu Long Pagoda to explore the beauty it offers!
1. Buu Long Pagoda: A masterpiece of Buddhist architecture located on the outskirts of Thu Duc
1.1. Location of Buu Long Pagoda on the map of Saigon
Buu Long Pagoda, also known as the Buu Long Zen Monastery, is known for its Thai-inspired architectural beauty, creating a rare tranquil space in the heart of Saigon. Established in 1942, the pagoda is located about 20 kilometers from the city center at 81 Nguyen Xien, Long Binh Ward, District 9, Ho Chi Minh City. It is an ideal destination for those seeking peace and a distinctive Buddhist culture.
1.2. Discovering the history of the pagoda
The story of Buu Long Pagoda is a journey filled with determination and devotion to the Buddha. It all began in 1942 when layman Vo Ha Thuat built a small, peaceful meditation hall on the western hill by the Dong Nai River, named Buu Long.
In 1958, with the establishment of the Vietnam Theravada Buddhist Sangha, layman Vo Ha Thuat respectfully donated this meditation hall to Zen Master Ho Tong, the founding master of the Sangha. From then on, Buu Long Meditation Hall officially became Buu Long Zen Monastery, a sacred place for the training of monks and nuns and organizing Buddhist activities. Despite the challenges of time, the monastery endured, thanks to the unity of the monastic community and the support of Buddhist followers. In 2007, the monastery experienced a significant transformation under the leadership of Venerable Thich Vien Minh, who guided the pagoda’s growth both in scale and architectural beauty.
Today, Buu Long Pagoda is continuously being renovated and expanded with new constructions, welcoming thousands of Buddhist followers and visitors seeking a peaceful space in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Despite all the ups and downs, the pagoda has maintained its ancient beauty and delicate harmony, becoming an essential spiritual and cultural symbol where people can find peace and serenity.
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2. Detailed guide on how to get to Buu Long Pagoda
The pagoda is located on Nguyen Xien Street, making it easily accessible. It is suitable for young travelers who enjoy exploring by motorbike or those who wish to challenge themselves with a peaceful walk. Here are a few suggestions on how to get there:
By motorbike following Google Maps directions: Many young visitors choose motorbikes for exploration. Starting from Thu Duc intersection, simply turn right onto Le Van Viet Street, drive straight for about 4.5 km to My Thanh intersection (you will see the My Thanh petrol station on your right). From here, turn right onto Nguyen Van Tang Street, continue for another 2 km until you reach Nguyen Xien Street. Don’t turn immediately; keep going straight along Nguyen Xien Street until you see Nguyen Van Tang High School. Keep going for about 1 km more, and you will reach the pagoda.
By bus, route 61-1 (Thu Duc – Di An): For those who prefer the convenience of buses, route 61-1 is an ideal choice. You can board the bus in Thu Duc and ask to get off at the nearest stop to the pagoda’s entrance. This is a very convenient and safe option.
3. Must-see highlights at Buu Long Pagoda
3.1. Admire the exquisite and unique architecture of Buu Long Pagoda’s grounds
As you step onto the grounds of Buu Long Pagoda, you feel as though you have entered a serene and peaceful space, where your soul seems to be fully relaxed. Spanning over 11 hectares, the pagoda is adorned with greenery, creating a cool and pleasant atmosphere.
A highlight of the grounds is a large pond that reflects the surrounding landscape, soothing the mind from the very first glance. The pond is bordered with intricate and meticulous carvings, adding to the tranquil and sacred atmosphere. In fact, Buu Long Pagoda showcases an architectural style influenced by Thailand, with its striking golden spires and complex, delicate sculptures. However, it doesn’t stop there; the pagoda also embodies strong Vietnamese cultural elements through images of majestic dragons and traditional carved details.
The beauty that blends these two cultures has made Buu Long Pagoda a favorite destination for young photography enthusiasts. Upon stepping here, you will feel as if you’ve left behind the hustle and bustle of Saigon, immersing yourself in the green of nature and the peaceful, serene atmosphere of this tranquil retreat.
3.2. The majestic Gotama Cetiya tower standing out in the space
A special highlight when visiting Buu Long Pagoda is the towering, majestic Gotama Cetiya stupa, prominently located behind the clear blue pond. With a height of 56 meters and an impressive capacity to accommodate up to 2,000 people, Gotama Cetiya is recognized as the largest stupa in Vietnam, a symbol of grandeur and reverence in Buddhist architecture. The tower is not only a sacred place of worship but also a stunning photo spot, attracting photography lovers with its pure and delicate beauty.
Gotama Cetiya is designed in a dominant white color, evoking tranquility and harmony, with golden accents at the peak that add an air of elegance standing out in the peaceful surroundings. At the top, sharp wind chimes bring a sense of solemnity and serenity. Surrounding the main stupa are four subsidiary stupas: Dan Sinh, Thanh Dao, Phap Luan, and Nirvana. Each stupa exudes the harmony of an architectural style typical of Theravada Buddhism from Southeast Asia. Together, they create a unique and harmonious architectural ensemble, transporting visitors into the sacred space of the ancient Suvannabhumi civilization.
On the outside, the Gotama Cetiya stupa leaves anyone who admires it in awe with its intricate carvings and the cleverly designed, harmonious windows. This is also where the relics of the Buddha and the Arhats are kept, with a spacious area dedicated to meetings, sermons, and meditation. Notably, the abbot, Thượng tọa Viên Minh – who contributed to the donation and completion of the structure in 2013 – mentioned that the stupa’s design is based on ancient Funan architectural style, highlighted by traditional motifs such as coiling dragons, bas-reliefs, and the wheel of Dharma, creating a sacred atmosphere full of cultural significance.
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3.3. Buu Long Pagoda: A Gathering Place of Cultural Essence
With its distinctly Thai architectural style, Buu Long Pagoda stands as a unique artistic masterpiece in the heart of Saigon. Meticulously constructed, the pagoda shines with exquisitely carved patterns, from the majestic dragon images to delicate designs that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam. Every corner of the pagoda feels like a living painting, making it an ideal destination for photography enthusiasts, offering captivating and stunning backdrops that are hard to find elsewhere.
Not only is it a place to admire the ancient Buddhist architecture from India, but Buu Long Pagoda also skillfully integrates Vietnamese culture, creating a space that is both sacred and welcoming. The unique dragon motifs, intricate details reminiscent of the Nguyễn dynasty, are displayed in a refined and meticulous manner, bringing a sense of harmony between ancient Eastern culture and the elegant beauty of Buddhism.
3.4. A Silent Space, Rarely Found Without Incense Smoke
Buu Long Pagoda exudes a serene beauty, quite different from traditional pagodas. Here, you will not encounter the thick smoke of incense, nor will you need elaborate offerings or incense burning. Visitors can sincerely pray to the Buddha in a peaceful, quiet environment, enjoying the gentle calm that few places can offer. It is precisely because of this uniqueness that Buu Long Pagoda has become an ideal resting place for those seeking to leave behind the weariness and worries of daily life, to rediscover inner peace. The pagoda is not just a place of worship but also a sanctuary where one can relax, reflect, and connect with oneself in a pure, undisturbed setting.
4. Must-try places to eat near Buu Long Pagoda
4.1. Enjoy vegetarian beef noodle soup near Buu Long Pagoda
Vegetarian noodle soups are an essential part of the culinary experience when visiting a pagoda. One of the standout dishes that leaves a lasting impression is vegetarian beef noodle soup. This dish offers a sweet and light flavor from the vegetable broth, which is simmered to bring out its natural sweetness, creating a light yet rich taste. Soft tofu, creamy and savory, combined with the mildly spicy and fragrant satay, creates a refined and subtle culinary experience that is both gentle and appealing.
If you’re visiting Buu Long Pagoda and wish to enjoy a delicious bowl of vegetarian beef noodle soup, you can check out the following places:
- The grounds of Buu Long Pagoda: There are stalls offering vegetarian dishes, providing a peaceful atmosphere that complements the serene environment of the pagoda.
- Sen Vang Restaurant: 8 Dinh Phong Phu Street, Tang Nhon Phu B Ward, Thu Duc City – a must-visit destination for vegetarian food lovers.
- Hue Vegetarian Beef Noodle Restaurant: 253 Tang Nhon Phu Street, Tang Nhon Phu B Ward, Thu Duc City – a well-known place for delicious and high-quality vegetarian beef noodle soup.
Vegetarian beef noodle soup is not only delicious but also very nutritious, made primarily from vegetables and protein-rich tofu. The mild spicy satay combined with the sweet and light broth adds depth and warmth to the dish. By enjoying this bowl of vegetarian beef noodle soup, you will experience the light and refreshing qualities of this wholesome dish.
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4.2. Delicate vegetarian crab noodle soup
Vegetarian crab noodle soup is not just a dish but also a distinctive culinary experience with a captivating flavor that is hard to forget. Made from natural ingredients, vegetarian crab noodle soup brings a light sweetness from the vegetables, blended with a savory taste from the vegetarian fish sauce, creating a wonderful symphony of flavors. The vegetarian crab meat is made from mushrooms and tofu, not only adding flavor but also creating richness in the dish, making it truly impressive.
When visiting Buu Long Pagoda, don’t miss out on these places to enjoy the delicious vegetarian crab noodle soup nearby:
- Vegetarian Crab Noodle Restaurant: Located at 63 To Ngoc Van Street, Linh Dong Ward, Thu Duc City, this restaurant is famous for its rich flavor and fresh natural ingredients.
- An Lac Vegetarian Crab Noodle Restaurant: Located at 4 Kha Van Can Street, Hiep Binh Chanh Ward, Thu Duc City, this restaurant is also an ideal destination for vegetarian food lovers. If you are already familiar with vegetarian beef noodle soup, try their vegetarian crab noodle soup here, and it will surely surprise you with its delicious flavor.
4.3. Refreshing ice cream
In the hot sun of Saigon, there’s nothing better than enjoying an icy cold ice cream to help you cool down. At Buu Long Pagoda, one of the city’s attractive tourist destinations, you can not only admire the serene beauty of the pagoda but also have the opportunity to try a variety of ice cream flavors. Ice cream vendors are set up around the pagoda grounds, offering you a range of choices from coconut ice cream, green tea ice cream, to fresh fruit ice cream.
5. Important tips when visiting Buu Long Pagoda
When visiting Buu Long Pagoda or any other pagoda, dressing modestly is very important. You should avoid wearing clothing that is too short or revealing to ensure respect for the sacred space.
If you plan to go up the tower, don’t forget to leave your sandals outside. Buu Long Pagoda has a safe area for you to store your shoes, so you can rest assured about their safety.
During your visit, please keep the area quiet and avoid making noise, so as not to disturb others who are offering incense and praying.
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Concluding this article about Buu Long Pagoda, we cannot help but feel the serene and sacred beauty this place offers. Buu Long Pagoda not only attracts visitors with its physical beauty but also with its profound cultural and spiritual value. When you visit Buu Long Pagoda, take the time to let your soul relax in the tranquil space, to find peace and experience the good things life has to offer.
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