Buu Long Pagoda Guide: A Unique Thai-Style Pagoda

Buu Long Pagoda makes a strong impression with its distinctive architecture bearing the deep imprint of Theravāda Buddhism from Thailand in the heart of District 9, Ho Chi Minh City. Not only is it a pure spiritual sanctuary, but the pagoda is also an ideal check-in spot with its glittering gold-plated Gotama Tower and cool green spaces full of Zen character. Let's explore this detailed guide for visiting Buu Long Pagoda in this article!

1. Where is Buu Long Pagoda? Transportation Guide to the Pagoda

Buu Long Pagoda is not only a spiritual destination but also stands out with its unique architecture bearing the distinctive Thai style. This pagoda attracts visitors with its pure beauty and exquisite architectural artistry, creating a peaceful space in the heart of Saigon.

• Address: 81 Nguyen Xien Street, Long Binh Ward, Thu Duc City (formerly District 9), Ho Chi Minh City.
• Opening hours: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM daily. Note: From 11:00 AM to 02:00 PM, the pagoda does not allow visitors inside; guests can only visit the outdoor grounds during this time.
• Entrance fee: Free.

Buu Long Pagoda stands out with its unique architecture bearing the distinctive Thai style (Source: Internet)

Transportation Guide to Buu Long Pagoda:

• From Thu Duc Intersection: Turn right onto Le Van Viet Street and go about 4.5km to My Thanh intersection (with My Thanh gas station), turn right onto Nguyen Van Tang Street. Continue for about 2km, encounter Nguyen Xien junction but go straight. After passing Nguyen Van Tang High School, go another 1km to reach Buu Long Pagoda.
• From Suoi Tien: Go about 2.5km to the new road intersection (with Hiep Phu 2 gas station), turn in and go about 1.5km to reach Nguyen Xien Street. Here, turn right over Dong Tron Bridge, go another 700m and you'll see Buu Long Pagoda on the right side.
• From Thu Thiem Tunnel: Drive straight on Mai Chi Tho Boulevard, turn right onto Nguyen Thi Dinh Street, go about 700m, then turn left onto Nguyen Duy Trinh Street. Drive to the end of Nguyen Duy Trinh Street to meet Nguyen Xien Street, continue straight until the end of the road, then turn right and go another 3km to reach the pagoda.

Visitors can easily travel from Thu Thiem Tunnel to Buu Long Pagoda (Source: Internet)

Transportation Options to Buu Long Pagoda:

• Motorbike: Suitable vehicle for those who like freedom and flexibility in movement, easy to find parking near the pagoda. However, visitors should also pay attention to weather conditions and traffic when making the trip. Motorbike rental costs about VND 100,000 - 250,000/day and VND 20,000 - 30,000 for gas.
• Car: Comfortable and safe vehicle, suitable for families or large groups. Costs can range from VND 100,000 - 200,000 for one trip.
• Taxi: A safe and convenient choice, especially when you're unfamiliar with the route, don't worry about parking and traffic conditions. Costs can range from VND 150,000 - 250,000/trip depending on time and distance.

Note: Time and routes may change depending on actual traffic conditions.

Visitors can choose different transportation options when traveling to Buu Long Pagoda (Source: Internet)

2. History of Buu Long Pagoda in District 9

Buu Long Pagoda was initially just a small meditation hall established by lay practitioner Vo Van Tuong in 1942. In 2007, the pagoda was renovated and rebuilt on a large scale under the guidance of Venerable Vien Minh, following the Theravāda school. Since then, Buu Long Pagoda has become a prominent Southern Buddhism study center, while also being a distinctive cultural and spiritual destination in Ho Chi Minh City.

3. 5 Distinctive Features of Buu Long Pagoda Architecture

Buu Long Pagoda stands out with its unique architecture, harmoniously combining Vietnamese culture with Buddhist influences from Southeast Asian countries. Below are 5 distinctive features in the pagoda's architecture:

3.1. Pagoda Grounds Deeply Imprinted with Traditional Vietnamese Culture

The pagoda grounds are spacious, covered by cool green canopies, creating a pure and peaceful space. Decorative details such as dragons and phoenixes, patterns on the roof and pagoda pillars express the characteristics of traditional Vietnamese architecture, reflecting the harmonious combination of national culture and Buddhist architecture.

The red brick walkways, flower beds, stone lion statues, curved tile roofs along with dragon and phoenix figures intricately carved on pillars and railings, recall the ancient constructions of the Nguyen Dynasty era.

The pagoda grounds are spacious, covered by cool green canopies, creating a pure and peaceful space (Source: Internet)

Intricate carved floral patterns express the characteristics of traditional Vietnamese architecture (Source: Internet)

3.2. Gotama Cetiya Pagoda

The Gotama Cetiya Pagoda is a structure bearing the distinctive architectural style of Theravāda Buddhism, one of the largest and most beautiful pagodas in Vietnam. The tower is about 56 meters high, with a capacity of up to 2,000 people, designed with multiple levels and sharp peaks reaching upward, creating an appearance that is both majestic and graceful.

The distinctive feature of the pagoda lies in its symmetrical form, domed roofs stacked on top of each other, and pure light yellow paint combined with the dominant white color. This is not only a place of worship and practice but also a check-in spot that attracts crowds of visitors.

The Gotama Cetiya Pagoda is considered the largest and most beautiful pagoda in Vietnam (Source: Internet)

The tower is designed with multiple levels and sharp peaks reaching upward, creating an appearance that is both majestic and graceful (Source: Internet)

3.3. Solemn and Sacred Main Hall

The main hall of Buu Long Pagoda (also called the Monks' Quarters) is where ceremonies are held and important study activities are organized. The distinctive feature of the main hall lies in its open structure with many large pillars supporting the domed roof, spacious interior space, without elaborate carvings, allowing visitors to comfortably visit without needing to offer incense or offerings.

The hall's roof is designed according to ancient Thai architecture with multiple layers of curved roofs stacked in tiers, roof corners have stylized dragon-shaped knife heads, combined with exquisite patterns hand-molded in relief.

The main hall of Buu Long Pagoda is where ceremonies are held and important study activities are organized (Source: Internet)

The hall's roof is designed according to ancient Thai architecture with multiple layers of curved roofs stacked in tiers (Source: Internet)

3.4. Emerald Green Water Lake Creating a Peaceful Focal Point

The emerald green water lake located right in front of the Gotama Cetiya Pagoda has a rarely seen color, not from dyeing, but as a result of the filtration system and reflected light, creating pure and peaceful beauty for visitors. Surrounding the lake are railings and walkways decorated with patterns inspired by Southern Buddhism, evoking a magnificent and solemn appearance.

The rarely seen emerald green water lake right in front of the Gotama Cetiya Pagoda (Source: Internet)

Light reflecting on the lake surface creates pure and peaceful beauty for visitors (Source: Internet)

3.5. Harmonious Combination of Thai Architecture and Nguyen Dynasty Essence

Buu Long Pagoda is also known as Thai Pagoda due to its design and characteristic yellow colors of the Golden Pagoda country. However, when visiting the pagoda, you will encounter details such as dragons, phoenixes, and lotus flowers carved to clearly express Vietnamese culture. This cultural intersection creates a unique pagoda complex, both modern and preserving traditional values, attracting domestic and international visitors to visit and worship.

Buu Long Pagoda expresses the unique combination of Thai Buddhist architecture and Nguyen Dynasty essence (Source: Internet)

The exquisite carved lines on the railings recall the architecture of ancient Vietnamese palaces (Source: Internet)

4. 4 Experiences Visitors Cannot Miss When Visiting the Pagoda

Whether you are seeking spiritual enrichment, historical insight, or simply the chance to witness breathtaking artistry, these four essential experiences will ensure your visit becomes a meaningful journey rather than just another tourist stop.

4.1. Worship Buddha and Pray for Peace

Visitors can enter the main hall or worship areas around the pagoda to pay respects to Buddha and pray for themselves and their families. With its quiet, solemn space and design true to the spirit of Theravāda Buddhism, the worship ritual at Buu Long Pagoda brings a sense of tranquility, helping the mind calm down and turn toward good things.

Visitors can enter the main hall or worship areas around the pagoda to pray for themselves and their families (Source: Internet)

4.2. Pagoda Sightseeing, Enjoying the Peaceful Space of This Sacred Place

The spacious grounds, shaded by trees and quiet water lakes, make strolling around the pagoda a wonderful relaxing activity. The gentle sounds from wind chimes, falling leaves and wind blowing combined with the faint scent of incense will bring you into a state of stillness, helping you temporarily forget daily noise and regenerate positive energy.

Strolling around the pagoda's spacious grounds is a wonderful relaxing activity that brings you into a meditative state (Source: Internet)

4.3. Taking Photos with Majestic Architectural Works

Buu Long Pagoda is a beloved "check-in" spot for many travel and photography enthusiasts. The most beautiful photo spots include in front of the Gotama Cetiya Pagoda, beside the emerald green water lake, or along the tree-shaded corridors, etc.

Buu Long Pagoda is a beloved "check-in" spot for many travel and photography enthusiasts (Source: Internet)

4.4. Doing Merit Work or Participating in Charitable Activities

If you have time, you can participate in support activities such as sweeping the courtyard, cleaning, or helping in the vegetarian kitchen to cultivate mental stillness, learn to live humbly, and spread positive energy. Additionally, the pagoda also organizes charitable activities such as distributing free vegetarian meals, collecting donations for the needy, etc., creating opportunities for visitors to contribute a small part to sowing good karma in life.

If visitors want to participate in merit work activities at the pagoda, please contact the Administrative Board (Merit Work Board) in advance to ask about schedules, especially during major festivals such as Buddha's Birthday, Ullambana Festival, full moon days, etc.

Visitors contribute a small part to sowing good karma in life through merit work activities (Source: Internet)

5. Tips and Things to Note for a Memorable Trip

To make your visit to Buu Long Pagoda more complete and meaningful, you should note the following to both maintain reverence for the place of worship and have a peaceful, serene experience:

• Ideal time to visit the pagoda: Early morning or late afternoon when the weather is cool, the light is gentle and not too crowded, suitable for strolling and admiring the architecture.
• Choose appropriate attire: Wear polite, modest clothing, prioritizing shirts with sleeves, long pants or skirts that go past the knee. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes, off-shoulder or overly short outfits to show respect for the spiritual space.
• Remove shoes before entering the pagoda and main hall: This is a mandatory rule at the pagoda. You can leave your shoes in the designated area for convenient movement.
• Limit filming and photography inside the pagoda: Although the pagoda has many beautiful angles, when entering worship spaces, you should limit the use of electronic devices to maintain silence and solemnity.
• No incense burning or offerings: Unlike Northern Buddhist pagodas, Buu Long Pagoda follows Southern Buddhism so there is no custom of burning incense or making offerings. Instead, you can meditate, chant sutras, or simply sit quietly to contemplate.
• Maintain hygiene, don't litter: Please dispose of trash in designated places and don't make noise to avoid affecting others.
• Respect the practice space: Don't talk loudly, don't run around or joke in the pagoda grounds, especially in the main hall and pagoda areas.

Following pagoda regulations will help make your visit complete and memorable (Source: Internet)

Buu Long Pagoda is not only a prominent spiritual destination in the heart of Saigon, but also an ideal place for you to temporarily set aside life's burdens and find peace in your soul. Let your heart settle, let the pagoda bell gently ring, and let the experiences here become unforgettable marks in your meaningful pilgrimage journey.

To make your trip more convenient and memorable, you can choose Vietnam Airlines – the National Airline with flexible flight schedules, international 4-star standard service, and professional flight crew. Book your ticket to Ho Chi Minh City today to begin your journey exploring the quiet yet captivating beauty of Buu Long Pagoda!