Jade Emperor Pagoda

Built in 1909, the Jade Emperor Pagoda (Chùa Ngọc Hoàng) is a gorgeous Chinese temple in Ho Chi Minh City and by far the most popular among tourists.

It’s somewhat hidden among the streets and doesn't strike your attention from the outside. The inside, however, is amazing and the whole atmosphere is charged with the smoke and smell of incense.

The interior is somewhat maze-like and full of narrow corridors. If you know how to find your way around, you should go up to the second floor

My visit to this temple was the closest contact I've ever had with Taoism. I loved the small chapels, the darkness which enshrouds the interior, and the women’s altar. As far as the exterior goes, the only notable parts are the pretty roofs.

Since it’s only around 2km. from the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, I’d recommend walking to the temple. The walk is also a good chance to discover the sights, sounds, and smells of Vietnamese daily life.

You might feel a bit disappointed when you first see this pagoda, but the looks are deceiving. The interior holds hidden wonders that are unique in Ho Chi Minh City. There’s no entry fee and you can buy incense as an offering.