Set in the northeast corner of District 1, Jade Emperor Pagoda (Chua Phuoc Hai) is easily Saigon's most mysterious.
Travel better, travel smarter
Save money, receive our latest updates and get the most out of your travels.
Built in 1909 by the Chinese, for a time in the 1960s this was a secret training centre for the revolutionary cause. Things are more tame these days, though the turtle pond seems overrun with a bale of turtles (yes, that is indeed the collective term for turtles) and a wildly popular shrine (small room on the left) to Kim Hue Nuong Nuong, goddess of motherhood. She’s surrounded by midwives, all holding many children. As one local explained to us, women come to pray for love, marriage and to conceive, we assume in that order.
Things can get a bit smokey. Photo: Cindy Fan
The main shrine is of course the namesake Jade Emperor Ngoc Hoang Dai De, and the temple is full of other shrines, statues and bas-relief. The dim lighting and smoke only add to the atmosphere to say ... Travelfish members only (Full text is around 200 words.)
Get the full story.
Create an account.
Becoming a Travelfish subscriber costs A$35 for a year. Benefits include:
1) Full access to the site
2) 250+ PDF guides
3) Discount coupons
4) 50% off our travel planning service
5) And of course, our gratitude and a warm fuzzy feeling for helping us stay in business!
Popular hotels in Ho Chi Minh City on Agoda
(14 reviews)
(583 reviews)
(54 reviews)
(63 reviews)
Popular attractions in Ho Chi Minh City
A selection of some of our favourite sights and activities around Ho Chi Minh City.
Best places to stay in Ho Chi Minh City
A selection of some of our favourite places to stay in Ho Chi Minh City.
What next?
Browse our independent reviews of places to stay in and around Ho Chi Minh City.
Check prices, availability & reviews on Agoda or Booking
Read up on where to eat on Ho Chi Minh City.
Check out our listings of things to do in and around Ho Chi Minh City.
Read up on how to get to Ho Chi Minh City, or book your transport online with Baolau.
Do you have travel insurance yet? If not, find out why you need it.
Planning on riding a scooter in Ho Chi Minh City? Please read this.
Browse the web securely while travelling with TunnelBear. Try with a 7–day free trial.