Jade Emperor Pagoda Tours

Jade Emperor Pagoda showing a temple or place of worship, religious elements and interior views
This structure offers some of the most impressive woodcarvings, figurines and art in all of Vietnam.

The Jade Emperor Pagoda is most well-known for its floor-to-ceiling woodcarvings and its tortoise population, giving rise to its alternative name, the Tortoise Pagoda. It was built around the turn of the 20th century for Cantonese migrants. It is still a functioning temple today and a site for both Taoist and Buddhist worshippers.

The entrance to the pagoda is usually very busy, with monks and worshippers wandering all around the courtyard. Step inside to be greeted by an intricate carving of the Jade Emperor, the Taoist ruler of Heaven. Above him, you’ll find the roof is designed with just as much attention to detail. The temple is split into a number of rooms, which you can view in any order. You might also like to head to the roof terrace that overlooks the surrounding area and the pagoda itself.

The Hall of Ten Hells is one of the most popular areas within the temple. Here, massive woodcarvings depict the suffering that awaits those in hell. Other halls in the temple are devoted to the goddesses of fertility and health.

Like many of Ho Chi Minh’s temples, the Jade Emperor Pagoda is always buzzing with activity. Tourists and worshippers make the temple crowded most days of the week, so come early in the morning to beat the tourists and mix with the locals. Outside the temple, you can choose to buy a small tortoise to release into the pond as a symbol of hope.

The Jade Emperor Pagoda is open daily and is located in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City. It is isolated from other attractions in the city however, it’s easily accessible by taxi and some buses. The imagery may be frightening for some young children, and the level of incense may be overwhelming for others.

Plan a trip to see Jade Emperor Pagoda

Bluesky MarQ Luxury Vaccation
Justay Millennium Riverside
La Vela Saigon Hotel
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Jade Emperor Pagoda

Orchids Saigon Hotel
Orchids Saigon Hotel
4 out of 5
192 Pasteur Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Orchids Saigon Hotel
La Vela Saigon Hotel
La Vela Saigon Hotel
4.5 out of 5
280 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ward 8, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
La Vela Saigon Hotel
Sherwood Residence
Sherwood Residence
4.5 out of 5
127 Pasteur Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Sherwood Residence
Lotte Hotel Saigon
Lotte Hotel Saigon
5 out of 5
2A-4A Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Lotte Hotel Saigon
Caravelle Saigon
Caravelle Saigon
5 out of 5
19 - 23 Lam Son Square, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Caravelle Saigon
Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint
Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint
4 out of 5
59 - 61 Pasteur Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint
Novotel Saigon Centre
Novotel Saigon Centre
4 out of 5
167 Hai Ba Trung Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Novotel Saigon Centre
Somerset Ho Chi Minh City
Somerset Ho Chi Minh City
4 out of 5
8a Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ho Chi Minh City
Somerset Ho Chi Minh City
InterContinental Saigon, an IHG Hotel
InterContinental Saigon, an IHG Hotel
5 out of 5
Corner of Hai Ba Trung St & Le Duan Blvd, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
InterContinental Saigon, an IHG Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.