Quan Am Pagoda

Quan Am Pagoda is a beautiful 19th-century Buddhist temple dedicated to Quan Am, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion. Situated in Cholon in District 5, the temple complex is divided into three areas, with altars dedicated to Sea Goddess Mazu, the Jade Emperor and Quan Am. A courtyard with a small pond leads into the temple, where colourful motifs and sculptures welcome visitors.

One of District 5’s - and in fact, Cho Lon’s- greatest attractions are its Pagodas. And Quan Am happens to be another beautiful addition to them. The pagoda is dedicated to and named after the Chinese “Goddess of Mercy”, Guanyin. Or in Vietnamese, Quan The Am Bo Tat, whose name itself loosely translates to the “Bodhisattva who hears the Cries of the World”. She is a goddess with origins rooted in Chinese, Korean and Japanese mythology; as well as versions in Indian (As the bodhisattva Avalokiteshwara) and Tibetan (now embodied in Dalai Lama) mythologies.

The temple also worships Mazu or Thien Hau, as well as Amitabha Buddha or A Di Da Phat. The temple opens its ornate red and golden doors, to greet the guests with beautiful architecture and ornate art. The temple extends to a complex with elements such as a garden, artificial pond, courtyard and the main altar for the worship of Guanyin. As is common of most pagodas, the air is thick with the smell of incense floating through each corner, which makes for the perfect and serene setting. Teeming with incense, bright and beautiful colours and beautiful architecture, this temple is easily accessible and a must visit when visiting Vietnam