Thien Hau Temple in Cho Lon Ward – The Most Sacred and Oldest Temple in Saigon

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Thien Hau Temple in Cho Lon Ward – The Most Sacred and Oldest Temple in Saigon | Updated 2025

Date: 2025.07.17

Looking for a spiritual destination in Ho Chi Minh City where you can explore culture and find inner peace? Thien Hau Temple is the perfect place to visit.

As the oldest Chinese temple in Saigon, it features distinctive architecture, precious ancient relics, and fascinating spiritual stories.

1. Overview of Thien Hau Temple in Saigon

Thien Hau Temple (also known as Ba Cho Lon Temple) is located at 710 Nguyen Trai Street, Cho Lon Ward – right in the heart of the Cho Lon area. The temple stands out with its traditional Chinese (Cantonese) architectural style and serene, timeworn atmosphere. It is dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau, the sea goddess who protects travelers and sailors.

📍 Address: 710 Nguyen Trai St., Cho Lon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

🕖 Opening Hours: 07:00 AM – 05:00 PM daily

*_{Thien Hau Temple exudes a solemn beauty (Photo: Collected)}*

2. History of Thien Hau Temple – Over 260 Years of Heritage

2.1. Origins of Thien Hau Thanh Mau

Thien Hau Thanh Mau (Lin Mo Niang) was born in 1044 in Fujian Province, China. She is revered as a goddess who protects fishermen and merchants at sea. When the Chinese migrated to Vietnam, they brought this belief with them and built many temples in her honor — the most prominent being Thien Hau Pagoda in Cho Lon Ward.

2.2. Construction and Restoration

The pagoda was built around 1760 by the Chinese community from Chaozhou (Teochew). Despite undergoing several restorations, it has retained its traditional architectural charm. In 1993, it was recognized as a National Architectural and Artistic Heritage Site of Vietnam.

*_{Thien Hau Temple (Photo: Collected)}*

3. Explore the Unique Architecture of Thien Hau Temple in Cho Lon Ward

3.1. Overall Layout

The pagoda follows a layout resembling the Chinese character “Quốc” (囯), consisting of four connected sections: the front hall, central hall, rear hall, and open-air courtyard. It features strong Cantonese influences with yin-yang tiled roofs, colorful ceramic statues, and finely carved calligraphic panels.

*_{Unique architecture at Thien Hau Temple (Photo: Collected)}*

3.2. Main Areas

Front hall: Dedicated to Fuk Tak Ching Seung (God of the Land) and Gatekeeper Deity

Central hall: Highlights include the “Lan incense burner” and ancient dragon boat

Rear hall: Worships Thien Hau Thanh Mau, Kim Hoa Nuong Nuong, Long Mau Nuong Nuong, Guan Yu, and Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva

_{Rear sanctuary of Thien Hau Temple (Photo: Collected)}

Treasures: Houses over 400 ancient relics such as incense burners, stone bells, stele, ceramic statues, and bas-relief murals of the Four Sacred Creatures

4. Spiritual Experiences at Thien Hau Temple in Cho Lon

4.1. Prayer and Fortune Sticks

Visitors often write down their wishes and hang them with incense rings while praying. The fortune stick ritual at Thien Hau Temple is widely trusted for offering guidance on career, love, and health.

4.2. Check-in with a Nostalgic Atmosphere

Every corner of the Temple exudes a vintage charm, making it a great spot for artistic photography. Notable photo spots include the pink prayer boards, green fences, and serene brick walls.

4.3. Join the Thien Hau Festival

Held from the 22nd to 24th of the 3rd lunar month, the Thien Hau Festival is the largest celebration for the Chinese community in Ho Chi Minh City. The festivities include a ceremonial parade, lion dances, dragon dances, and traditional folk performances.

*_{The Lady Thien Hau Festival at the temple features many vibrant activities (Photo: Collected)}*

5. Recommended accommodation near Thien Hau Temple

After your spiritual visit, unwind at Vinpearl Landmark 81 – the tallest hotel in Vietnam, just about 20 minutes from Cho Lon Ward. The hotel offers luxurious rooms, five-star amenities, and convenient access to top attractions such as Ben Thanh Market, Independence Palace, and Nguyen Hue Walking Street.

🔚 Conclusion

Thien Hau Temple in Ho Chi Minh City is not only a historic temple built by the Chinese community, but also an ideal spiritual destination to explore culture, pray for peace, and find serenity amid the bustling Saigon.

If you’re planning a trip to Saigon or looking to discover famous spiritual spots in Ho Chi Minh City, don’t miss out on this sacred temple!