British travel magazine Wanderlust recommended 11 of the most beautiful religious sites in Vietnam. Selected for their architectural significance and cultural meaning, these destinations reflect the blend of indigenous Vietnamese traditions with influences from India and China. Some are even recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
1. Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue City
Built in 1601 under Lord Nguyen Hoang, Thien Mu Pagoda (also called Linh Mu) sits on Ha Khe Hill, about 5 kilometers west of Hue's city center. Overlooking the Perfume River, it is one of the oldest pagodas in Hue.
Its grounds feature the 21-meter-tall Phuoc Duyen Tower, a seven-tiered structure surrounded by five stone stele houses and a bell tower housing the Great Bell. To the left of the pagoda stands a marble stele inscribed with a text by Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu from 400 years ago, now a designated national treasure.
Visitors often combine a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda with nearby attractions like the Imperial Citadel, Hon Chen Temple, Minh Mang's Tomb, and Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda.
Photo by VnExpress/Vo Thanh
2. My Son Sanctuary, Quang Nam Province
Located in Duy Phu Commune, Duy Xuyen District - 70 km from Da Nang City and 40 km from Hoi An Ancient Town - My Son Sanctuary was first discovered by the French in 1885. In 1895, archaeologist Camille Paris conducted the first formal study and clearing of the site.
Each temple complex here centers around a main sanctuary, symbolizing Mount Meru - the center of the universe in Hindu cosmology - dedicated to the god Shiva. The architecture spans six styles, including ancient, Hoa Lai, Dong Duong, My Son, Po Nagar, and Binh Dinh.
Common carvings include floral patterns, animals such as elephants and lions, and Cham motifs like the Kala–Makara - a symbol featuring a fierce face and a mythical sea creature used to ward off evil. Other decorations depict Apsara dancers, musicians, celestial beings, and mythical marine creatures. My Son is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Photo by VnExpress/Tuan Dao
3. Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy, Hanoi
The Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy complex in Hanoi is a nationally recognized special heritage site. It includes the Van Lake, the temple complex itself, and the Giam Garden.
The Temple of Literature was built in 1070 under King Ly Thanh Tong. In 1076, King Ly Nhan Tong established the Imperial Academy next to it, considered Vietnam's first national university.
This site symbolizes the Vietnamese tradition of learning and respect for education and talent. It remains one of Hanoi's most popular cultural attractions, drawing millions of visitors each year.
Perfume Pagoda, Hanoi
Located about 70 kilometers southwest of central Hanoi along the Day River, Perfume Pagoda is home to Huong Tich Cave.
First discovered in the 11th century, the cave has been a Buddhist site since 1987. Inside is a green stone statue of the Goddess of Mercy (Avalokiteshvara) carved during the Tay Son era, along with thousands of stalactites and stalagmites. In feng shui, the cave is likened to a dragon's mouth releasing a pearl.
The annual pilgrimage season runs from the first to the third month of lunar calendar, drawing thousands of worshippers and tourists.
Photo by VnExpress/Ngoc Thanh
5. Jade Emperor Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh City
Located on Mai Thi Luu Street in District 1, this 2,000-square-meter temple was built by the Chinese community in the early 20th century to worship the Jade Emperor.
In 1984, it was renamed Phuoc Hai Temple and recognized as a national architectural heritage site in 1994. Locals often visit to pray for prosperity, peace, and children.
Notably, former U.S. President Barack Obama visited the pagoda in May 2016.
Photo by VnExpress/Tran Quynh
6. Thich Quang Duc Memorial, Ho Chi Minh City
Venerable Thich Quang Duc, born Lam Van Tuat in 1897, set himself on fire on June 11, 1963, at the intersection of Phan Dinh Phung and Le Van Duyet streets (now Nguyen Dinh Chieu and Cach Mang Thang Tam streets) in protest against the Ngo Dinh Diem regime’s persecution of Buddhists.
The moment was captured by photojournalist Malcolm Browne and became one of the most powerful images of the 20th century, winning the World Press Photo of the Year award.
The memorial statue depicts Thich Quang Duc surrounded by flames, designed like a mandala. Many Buddhists visit to offer incense and flowers. The car that transported him to the site is now displayed at Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue.
Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Tung
7. Tam Chuc Pagoda, Ha Nam Province
Tam Chuc Pagoda is located in Ba Sao Town, Kim Bang District, about 60 kilometers from central Hanoi and 12 kilometers from Phu Ly City.
The original Tam Chuc Pagoda dates back to the Dinh Dynasty and is associated with the legend of "six bells in front, seven stars behind." According to the tale, there are seven small mountains near Tam Chuc village among a range of 99 peaks southwest of the pagoda, facing Huong Pagoda.
Tam Chuc Pagoda features key sites like the Tam Quan Gate, main halls, and Jade Tower, all facing west toward Tam Chuc Lake.
Three treasures are preserved at the pagoda: a Bodhi tree sapling taken from the Mahamegha Garden in Sri Lanka, a lunar meteorite, and a bronze cauldron.
Photo courtesy of Tam Chuc Tourist Area
8. Van Thuy Tu Temple, Binh Thuan Province
Located on Ngu Ong Street, Duc Thang Ward, Phan Thiet City, Van Thuy Tu Temple was built in 1762 facing the East Sea. It is the final resting place of a 22-meter-long whale that washed ashore, and is dedicated to the deity Nam Hai, believed to protect fishermen at sea.
Inside the temple, the main altar honors Nam Hai and other whale deities as well as the ancestors of the fishing trade. Behind the altar is a chamber holding more than 100 whale skeletons, some over 200 years old.
The temple also houses historical artifacts and ceremonial items, including 24 imperial decrees from Nguyen Dynasty emperors and a bronze bell inscribed with couplets over 140 years old.
Photo by VnExpress/Khanh Bang
9. Cao Dai Holy See, Tay Ninh Province
Located in Long Thanh Bac Commune, Hoa Thanh District, about 5 kilometers southeast of Tay Ninh City, the Cao Dai Holy See is a structure blending Eastern and Western philosophy and religious symbolism. Construction began in 1933 and was completed in 1947, with the official inauguration in 1955.
Cao Dai, a Vietnamese religion founded in late 1926, honors a deity symbolized by the Divine Eye within a triangle. The faith also recognizes figures like Buddha Shakyamuni, Jesus Christ, Confucius, Laozi, and Avalokiteshvara. These icons are prominently displayed throughout the Holy See, especially on the main entrance.
The two biggest annual festivals here are the Grand Ceremony for the Supreme Being on the 8th day of the lunar new year and the Mid-Autumn Festival on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. Visitors can explore the Holy See and observe its cultural and traditions during these events.
Photo by VnExpress/Tran Quynh
10. Bai Dinh Pagoda, Ninh Binh Province
Bai Dinh Pagoda, part of a spiritual tourism complex, spans about 700 hectares in Gia Sinh Commune, Gia Vien District. In March 2014, Bai Dinh hosted the United Nations Day of Vesak, an international Buddhist celebration.
It holds several records, including the largest bronze Buddha statue and the longest Arhat corridor in Asia. The pagoda's Arhat corridor stretches nearly 3 kilometers with 234 chambers and holds 500 stone statues, the largest collection of its kind in Vietnam.
Photo by VnExpress/Kieu Duong
11. One Pillar Pagoda, Hanoi
Also known as Dien Huu Pagoda, the One Pillar Pagoda was commissioned by King Ly Thai Tong in 1049. Legend says the king dreamed of Avalokiteshvara seated on a lotus, guiding him to the platform. Upon waking, he shared the dream with his court. While some viewed it as a bad omen, the monk Thien Tue advised the king to build a pagoda on a single stone pillar in the middle of a lotus pond, replicating the vision.
The pagoda was named Dien Huu, meaning "long-lasting blessings". It was designated a national cultural and historical relic in 1962 and is considered one of the symbols of Hanoi. In 2012, the Asia Book of Records recognized it as the most unique architectural pagoda in Asia.
Photo by VnExpress/Nguyen Khanh Luong
