Phuoc Hai Pagoda Festival: Celebrate Saigon’s Spiritual Heritage in Ho Chi Minh City

A Vibrant Chinese-Vietnamese Tradition
In the heart of Saigon’s Ward 1, the Phuoc Hai Pagoda, popularly known as Ngoc Hoang Pagoda, hosts a captivating festival on the 9th day of the first lunar month, drawing thousands to Ho Chi Minh City. Built in 1892–1900 by Chinese merchant Luu Minh and inaugurated in 1906, this national architectural monument at 73 Mai Thi Luu features yin-yang tile roofs and intricate ceramic figurines. Renamed Phuoc Hai Tu in 1982, it remains a spiritual beacon for fertility and prosperity prayers, especially during its annual festival. The event, with chanting, incense offerings, and dragon dances, blends Chinese-Vietnamese heritage in a 6,772 sq.km megacity. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly tours, using bicycles and Metro Line 1, guide you through this cultural celebration sustainably, supporting local communities. Begin your spiritual journey—book our tours via links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or sales@legendtravelgroup.com! TripAdvisor Ho Chi Minh City

Administrative Update
Vietnam recently merged Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau into Ho Chi Minh City, creating a 6,772 sq.km megacity with 13.7 million residents across 168 wards, including District 1 now Ward 1. This reorganization enhances festival accessibility via cycling paths, electric buses, and a VND1 trillion flood control project, connecting Ward 1’s spiritual sites to Thu Duc’s cultural hubs and Can Gio’s eco-attractions. The political center remains at 86 Le Thanh Ton, Ward 1.

Legend Travel Group, a premier Southeast Asia tour operator, offers immersive, eco-conscious cultural tours to the Phuoc Hai Pagoda festival. Our tours use bicycles and low-emission vehicles, guided by experts sharing Saigon’s Chinese-Vietnamese traditions. Supporting communities in Ward 1, Ward 5, and Thu Duc, we align with the city’s “Green Metropolis” vision. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless experience. Book our eco-tours via links on this page and celebrate sustainably! TripAdvisor Reviews

Located at 73 Mai Thi Luu, Ward 1, 1,730 km south of Hanoi, Phuoc Hai Pagoda (Ngoc Hoang Pagoda) is a cultural gem in Ho Chi Minh City’s tropical monsoon climate: dry season (December–April, 25–35°C or 77–95°F) and rainy season (May–November, 23–32°C or 73.4–89.6°F), with peak rainfall in June–September (150–400 mm). Built from 1892 and recognized as a national monument in 1989, the pagoda’s Chinese-style architecture features yin-yang roofs and deity statues, including the Jade Emperor (Ngoc Hoang). Its festival, held annually on the 9th day of the first lunar month (typically January–February), attracts thousands for prayers, incense offerings, and dragon dances. Nearby attractions like Binh Tay Market enhance its appeal, accessible via Metro Line 1 and bicycles.

Phuoc Hai Pagoda in Ward 1 is centrally located in Ho Chi Minh City’s transport hub:

• By Air: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), in Tan Binh Ward, serves 40 million passengers annually via Terminal T3 (Vietnam Airlines domestic) and T1/T2. Round-trip costs:

  • Hanoi: $80–$150 (2,000,000–3,750,000 VND).

  • Da Nang: $60–$120 (1,500,000–3,000,000 VND).

  • Bangkok/Singapore: $200–$500.

  • Taxis/Grab to Ward 1 (7 km): $5–$8 (120,000–200,000 VND).

• By Bus: From Hanoi (30–34 hours, $35–$60 or 875,000–1,500,000 VND), Da Nang (18–20 hours, $20–$40 or 500,000–1,000,000 VND), or Can Tho (3–4 hours, $5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND). Local bus #109 to Ward 1: $0.55–$0.80 (15,000–20,000 VND).

• By Train: Saigon Railway Station in Ward 7 connects to Hanoi (30–34 hours, $40–$80 or 1,000,000–2,000,000 VND). A high-speed rail is planned for 2030.

Getting to Phuoc Hai Pagoda:

• Metro Line 1: From Ben Thanh Station (2 km away), $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND), then 5-minute walk.

• Bus #109: Stops near Mai Thi Luu, 3-minute walk, $0.55–$0.80 (15,000–20,000 VND).

• Grab/Taxi: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND) within Ward 1.

• Bicycle Rental: $1–$3/day (25,000–75,000 VND), ideal for Ward 1’s flat streets.

• Walking: 15-minute walk from Independence Palace (1 km).

Tip: Use bicycles for eco-friendly travel; book our Saigon Spiritual Tour ($45–$65) for guided festival access.

The festival occurs on the 9th day of the first lunar month (typically January–February), aligning with the dry season (25–35°C or 77–95°F), ideal for outdoor rituals and dragon dances. Lunar New Year festivities amplify the event with crowds and vibrant decorations, but book early for tours. The rainy season (May–November) offers cooler temperatures (23–32°C or 73.4–89.6°F) and 15–25% tour discounts, suitable for visiting the pagoda outside festival time. Evening visits on the 8th (6:00 PM–9:00 PM) for chanting or early mornings on the 9th (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid peak crowds.

Tip: Book tours 3–5 weeks ahead for the festival; visit early on the 9th for quieter worship. Check lunar calendars for exact dates.

Pack these essentials for a respectful and comfortable experience:

• Clothing: Modest attire (covered shoulders, long pants) for temple visits; lightweight outfits for dry season; waterproof jackets for rainy season.

• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat for outdoor rituals.

• Footwear: Comfortable shoes for walking; sandals for warm days; waterproof shoes for rainy season.

• Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella, mosquito repellent.

• Tech Gear: Smartphone with Maps.me, portable charger, camera for photos (non-intrusive).

• Documents: Passport notes, travel insurance, tour confirmations, VND (50,000–100,000 notes).

• Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote bag, incense sticks ($0.50 or 12,500 VND) for offerings.

Tip: Carry small VND notes for donations; bring a light shawl for temple etiquette.

The Phuoc Hai Pagoda festival, held at Ngoc Hoang Pagoda, is a cornerstone of Saigon’s Chinese-Vietnamese spiritual life, honoring the Jade Emperor (Ngoc Hoang) for fertility, prosperity, and health. Established in 1892 and renamed in 1982, the pagoda’s Chinese architecture—yin-yang roofs, ceramic deity figurines, and lotus motifs—creates a serene backdrop. On the 8th lunar day, evening chanting led by monks sets a sacred tone, followed by the 9th day’s rituals, including incense offerings, prayers, and dragon dances. Attracting both Chinese and Vietnamese devotees, the festival reflects Ward 1’s cultural diversity, with over 30% Chinese-Vietnamese residents. New 2024 accessibility ramps enhance inclusivity, making this national monument a must-visit during its vibrant celebration.

1. Join Festival Rituals at Phuoc Hai Pagoda

Offer incense and pray for prosperity on the 9th day, with dragon dances and chanting.

• Cost: Free; donations $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Hours: 8th evening (6:00 PM–9:00 PM); 9th (6:00 AM–6:00 PM).

• Tip: Included in our Saigon Spiritual Tour ($45–$65).

2. Explore Binh Tay Market

Visit this Cho Lon market, 4 km away in Ward 5, for festival snacks and souvenirs.

• Cost: Free; snacks $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–7:00 PM.

• Tip: Included in our Saigon Foodie Tour ($55–$75).

3. Worship at Thien Hau Pagoda

Discover this 1706 Chinese temple, 4 km away in Ward 5, for additional festival prayers.

• Cost: Free; donations $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–5:00 PM.

• Tip: Included in our Saigon Spiritual Tour ($45–$65).

4. Visit Independence Palace

Walk 1 km to Ward 1’s 1966 palace, a historical complement to the festival.

• Cost: Adults $3.45 (80,000 VND); children $0.85 (20,000 VND).

• Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM.

• Tip: Included in our Saigon Heritage Tour ($50–$70).

5. Stroll Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Explore this festive pedestrian street, 2 km away, for post-festival evening vibes.

• Cost: Free; drinks $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Hours: Evenings best, 6:00 PM–11:00 PM.

• Tip: Included in our Saigon Cultural Tour ($50–$70).

Festival & Nearby Costs

• Phuoc Hai Pagoda Festival: Free; donations $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Binh Tay Market: Free; snacks $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Thien Hau Pagoda: Free; donations $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Independence Palace: Adults $3.45 (80,000 VND); children $0.85 (20,000 VND).

• Nguyen Hue Street: Free; drinks $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

Transportation

• Metro Line 1: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Bus #109: $0.55–$0.80 (15,000–20,000 VND).

• Grab/Taxi: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND) within Ward 1.

• Bicycle Rental: $1–$3/day (25,000–75,000 VND).

Dining

• Street food: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Restaurants: $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).

• Drinks: $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).

Accommodation (Ward 1)

• Hostels: $8–$20/night (200,000–500,000 VND).

• Hotels: $25–$80/night (625,000–2,000,000 VND).

• Resorts: $100–$250/night (2,500,000–6,250,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost

• Budget: $15–$40 (includes donations, metro, street food).

• Mid-range: $40–$80 (includes tours, Grab, dining).

• Luxury: $100–$300 (includes private tours, upscale lodging).

Tip: Carry VND for donations; ATMs are widespread in Ward 1.

• Book Early: Reserve tours via Legend Travel Group (WhatsApp: +84825862222, sales@legendtravelgroup.com) 3–5 weeks ahead, especially for Lunar New Year.

• Seasonal Tips:

  • Dry Season: Use sunscreen; visit early to avoid festival crowds.

  • Rainy Season: Carry raincoats ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND); explore indoor pagoda halls.

• Sustainability: Use bicycles; support local vendors near Mai Thi Luu.

• Navigation: Download Maps.me, Grab; save Phuoc Hai Pagoda (73 Mai Thi Luu, Ward 1) as a landmark.

• Safety: Watch for pickpockets during festival crowds; secure valuables.

• Cultural Respect: Dress modestly; remove shoes in pagoda halls; say “cảm ơn” (thank you); tip guides $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); apply mosquito repellent outdoors.

Our sustainable tours showcase the Phuoc Hai Pagoda festival and Saigon’s heritage:

• Saigon Spiritual Tour ($45–$65/person): Phuoc Hai Pagoda festival, Thien Hau Pagoda, meditation. Includes bike rentals, guide, vegetarian lunch.

• Saigon Cultural Tour ($50–$70/person): Phuoc Hai Pagoda, Binh Tay Market, Nguyen Hue Street. Includes eco-transfers, guide, snacks.

• Saigon Heritage Tour ($50–$70/person): Phuoc Hai Pagoda, Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum. Includes bike rentals, guide, entry fees.

• Saigon Historical & Cultural Escape ($200–$350/person, 2–3 days): Phuoc Hai Pagoda, Cho Lon, Mekong Delta sites. Includes meals, eco-transfers.

Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, and fees. Get 10% off for groups of 8+ or seasonal promotions. Book via links on this page! TripAdvisor Reviews

The Phuoc Hai Pagoda festival, held at Saigon’s Ngoc Hoang Pagoda, is a vibrant celebration of Chinese-Vietnamese spirituality in Ho Chi Minh City. Legend Travel Group’s Ho Chi Minh City Tours immerse you in this cultural event, ensuring a sustainable Ho Chi Minh City Travel experience while exploring nearby heritage sites and supporting local communities. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Saigon festival adventure today!
Ready to celebrate at Phuoc Hai Pagoda? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and experience Ho Chi Minh City’s spiritual heart!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group