Van Duc Pagoda — Attraction in Hội An

The Van Duc Pagoda is the most beautiful Buddhist temple and monastery we’ve seen so far in Asia. Tucked away from the tourist path, it has preserved its authenticity and peaceful spirit. This old temple is wonderfully maintained, with vibrant colours, blooming flowers, and a serene environment—it’s truly a place for reflection and peace.

We felt warmly welcomed from the moment we stopped in front of the superb gates, wondering if we could enter—when a local kindly waved us in and signalled that we could park our scooters inside. It felt like a blessing to discover such a beautiful sanctuary.

We were also fortunate to meet a monk who spoke very good English and generously shared the history and daily life of the temple and monastery. We travel to discover and to learn, and this visit remains one of our most cherished memories in Hoi An.

If you’re renting a scooter to explore Hội An and its surroundings and are seeking authenticity, cultural depth, and a peaceful moment of discovery, I highly recommend stopping here and strolling respectfully through this truly...

Chose to walk for an hour to find this Buddhist temple, although Google listed it as Permanently Closed. When I arrived at the indicated location it was nowhere to be found. I asked a local and was given directions. When I arrived I could see people inside the complex but the two internal gates were closed and it didn’t seem very welcoming. I hung around for a few minutes until a guy came out and I asked if I could go in. He said yes, it was fine so I did. There were lots of people, mainly ladies milling around and putting on grey overalls/overdressed. At 13.30 a bell struck and they all filled into the central temple. I gesticulated that I would like to join in and was welcomed to by a Vietnamese lady with a little English. They were more than happy for me to join in what was a two hour ceremony of chanting and preying etc. I was given a wooden bead bracelet and when I made a small monetary donation, a Buddhist book. It was a lovely experience, you just need to be brave and get amongst it. I reported that Van Duc Pagoda was/is open and google have updated...

If you're looking for a cool stop for a bicycle ride from Hoi An, this Buddhist temple and monastery is a pleasant surprise. Just park outside the gate to explore the grounds and be sure to wear appropriate clothing. Free entry. You'll know you're at the right place if you see the big white sleeping buddha. (There is another point on Google Maps with the same name, but only this location is accurate.)

P.S. If you're looking for more recommended places in Hoi An, we put together a guide and map of our favorites, just search “Intentional Travelers budget Hoi...