Jade Emperor Pagoda — Attraction in Ho Chi Minh City

This is one of the most atmospheric temples in Ho Chi Minh City, stuffed with statues of phantasmal divinities and grotesque heroes. The pungent smoke of incense (huong) fills the air, obscuring the exquisite woodcarvings. Its roof is encrusted with elaborate tile work, and the temple's statues, depicting characters from both Buddhist and Taoist lore, are made from reinforced papier mâché.

Inside the main building are two especially fierce and menacing Taoist figures. On the right (as you face the altar) is a 4m-high statue of the general who defeated the Green Dragon (depicted underfoot). On the left is the general who defeated the White Tiger, which is also being stepped on.

Worshippers mass before the ineffable Jade Emperor, who presides – draped in luxurious robes and shrouded in a dense fug of incense smoke – over the main sanctuary. He is flanked by his guardians, the Four Big Diamonds (Tu Dai Kim Cuong), so named because they are said to be as hard as diamonds.

The room also contains the famous Hall of the Ten Hells, carved wooden panels illustrating the varied torments awaiting evil people in each of the Ten Regions of Hell. Women queue up at the seated effigy of the City God, who wears a hat inscribed with Chinese characters that announce 'At one glance, money is given'. In a mesmerising ritual, worshippers first put money into a box, then rub a piece of red paper against his hand before circling it around a candle flame.

On the other side of the wall is a fascinating little room in which the ceramic figures of 12 women, overrun with children and wearing colourful clothes, sit in two rows of six. Each of the women exemplifies a human characteristic, either good or bad (as in the case of the woman drinking alcohol from a jug). Each figure represents a year in the 12-year Chinese astrological calendar. Presiding over the room is Kim Hoa Thanh Mau, the Chief of All Women. Upstairs is a hall to Quan Am, the Goddess of Mercy, opposite a portrait of Dat Ma, the bearded Indian founder of Zen Buddhism.

The temple is free to visit, but a number of donation boxes are dotted around the sight. There is no strict dress code, but, to be respectful, opt for clothing that covers the shoulders and drops below the knee. The temple tends to get busy most days, so arrive early to avoid the worst...

The Jade Emperor Pagoda, known locally as Chùa Ngọc Hoàng, is a historic temple situated at 73 Mai Thị Lựu Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Free parking inside the temple Open: 07:00 - Close: 18:00

Constructed in the early 20th century, it was originally established by a Chinese man named Lưu Minh, also known by his religious name Lưu Đạo Nguyên. Lưu Minh, a native of Guangdong, China, was a practitioner of Minh Sư Đạo—a sect that advocated for the restoration of the Ming dynasty and opposed the ruling Qing dynasty. He built the temple both as a place of worship dedicated to the Jade Emperor (Ngọc Hoàng Thượng Đế) and as a clandestine meeting spot to plan efforts to overthrow the Qing dynasty. 

In 1982, the temple came under the administration of the Vietnamese Buddhist Association when Venerable Thích Vĩnh Khương took over its management. Two years later, in 1984, it was officially renamed Phước Hải Tự, though it continues to be popularly referred to as Chùa Ngọc Hoàng. 

The pagoda is renowned for its distinctive architectural style, which reflects Chinese influences. It has become a significant spiritual destination for both locals and tourists, who visit to seek blessings related to fertility, love, and overall well-being. 

In 2016, Chùa Ngọc Hoàng gained international attention when then-U.S. President Barack Obama visited the temple during his official trip to Vietnam, highlighting its cultural and historical importance.

Today, the Jade Emperor Pagoda stands as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Ho Chi Minh City, embodying both historical significance and...

The Jade Emperor Pagoda (Phước Hải Tự) is right in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, and can be easily reached by bus, motorbike, car, or taxi. It was built in the early 20th century (around 1909) by a Chinese merchant named Lưu Minh (Lưu Đạo Nguyên) in a traditional Chinese architectural style, featuring red brick walls, yin-yang tiled roofs, intricate wood carvings, and colorful ceramic decorations. In 1984, it was renamed Phước Hải Tự, though the name “Jade Emperor Pagoda” remains widely used. Since 1994, the pagoda has been recognized as a national architectural heritage site.

Entrance is free, with voluntary donations accepted. The grounds include the main gate, a front courtyard with a turtle pond—where visitors often release turtles or fish as a ritual for good fortune and fertility—and the main worship halls filled with incense smoke. Inside, visitors can find various altars: the central hall dedicated to the Jade Emperor, the shrine of Kim Hoa Thánh Mẫu and the “Mothers” worshipped for fertility, the altar of Guanyin, and a section depicting the Ten Courts of Hell, illustrating beliefs about karma and retribution. Motorbike parking is available on site for about 5,000 VND per vehicle, while cars are usually parked outside.

The interior is kept orderly and clean, with designated areas for worship and offerings. Each shrine is clearly arranged, providing both a cultural and educational experience about local faith...