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In the Vietnamese psyche, the God of Wealth Day, celebrated on the 10th day of the first lunar month, is not simply an occasion to buy gold for hoarding or queue up to wait for good fortune from lottery tickets, but also a pilgrimage to sacred spiritual sites to express wishes for a year of smooth sailing and abundant wealth.
The God of Wealth always occupies a special place, revered as the guardian deity of fortune, an eternal symbol of prosperity and abundance. For Vietnamese people, worshipping the God of Wealth is not just a habit, but has been elevated to a beautiful aspect of their business culture. Especially for business people, the 10th day of the first lunar month is considered a "golden time" to express deep gratitude for the good fortune received in the past year, and also an opportunity to pray for a prosperous new year, smooth sailing, and protection from unforeseen risks.
In Vietnamese folk beliefs, the God of Wealth is considered a symbol of fortune, riches, and prosperity.
North
Bia Ba Temple (Ha Dong)
At the top of the search list is Dinh Bia Ba, part of the La Khe historical complex in Ha Dong. This temple is dedicated to Saint Tran Thi Hoang Phi, a revered empress during the Mac Dynasty, renowned for her intelligence and kindness. People in Hanoi and surrounding provinces often whisper about the temple's miraculous powers. Stories of "wishes coming true," from winning lottery tickets to successful multi-million dollar real estate deals, have made Dinh Bia Ba a top destination for businesspeople on the day of the God of Wealth.
Tay Ho Palace
Tay Ho Temple is a sacred place that preserves many cultural and spiritual values of Hanoi. It is not only a place where people frequently visit to pray for peace and good fortune, but also one of the famous tourist destinations and symbols of Hanoi.
To this day, the exact time of Tay Ho Palace's construction remains unknown. It is estimated to have been built around the 17th century, but it could also be later. The earliest books on the relics of Thang Long also contain no mention of Tay Ho Palace.
Many people wonder who is worshipped at Tay Ho Temple. It is dedicated to Lady Lieu Hanh, who was bestowed the title of "Mother of the World" by the Nguyen Dynasty, and is one of the "Four Immortals" of Vietnam. The four immortal saints in Vietnamese folk beliefs are: Tan Vien Son Thanh (Son Tinh); Phu Dong Thien Vuong (Thanh Giong); Saint Mother Lieu Hanh; and Saint Chu Dao To (Chu Dong Tu).
Dinh Ung Thien
Ung Thien Temple is an ancient temple with unique architecture, and also a sacred place to pray for good fortune. When visiting the temple, people often pray for good things in life, expressing their reverence and sincere wishes.
Visiting Ung Thien Temple is not only a spiritual journey but also an opportunity for each person to reconnect with their roots, express their reverence for the deities and those who have contributed to the nation. In this sacred place, each person's soul is cleansed, becoming more peaceful amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Central region
Huyen Tran Princess Temple
The Huyen Tran Cultural Center, also known as the Huyen Tran Princess Temple, is a complex of architectural structures steeped in cultural, spiritual, and historical significance. For a long time, it has been a popular tourist destination in Hue, imbued with a spiritual atmosphere and meditative surroundings, while still maintaining a sense of familiarity through imagery associated with Buddhism and Hue culture.
Nestled at the foot of Ngu Phong Mountain is a complex of architectural structures steeped in cultural, spiritual, and historical significance. The Huyen Tran Cultural Center, located approximately 7km west of Hue City, covers a total area of over 28 hectares. It is not only a cultural and spiritual tourist destination but also a historical site, transporting visitors back to a significant historical event in the defense and expansion of Vietnam's territory during the Tran Dynasty in the 14th century. The solemn atmosphere, filled with the lingering scent of incense, helps business people find balance, leading to wiser decisions for their enterprises.
Linh Ung Pagoda
Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra Peninsula is one of the most prominent spiritual landmarks in Da Nang. Situated at an altitude of 693 meters above sea level, the pagoda is surrounded by majestic nature, with its back against the mountain and its front facing the East Sea. It is one of the three famous Linh Ung pagodas in Da Nang, alongside Linh Ung Pagoda in Ngu Hanh Son and Linh Ung Pagoda in Ba Na, forming a "spiritual triangle" protecting the city.
The temple's location, facing the sea and nestled against the mountains, not only creates a magnificent landscape but, in terms of feng shui, is also considered a place where positive energy gathers, bringing good fortune and smooth sailing to large-scale projects undertaken by entrepreneurs.
Southern
Jade Emperor Pagoda (District 1)
Jade Emperor Pagoda is a must-visit destination when traveling to Saigon. Besides its spiritual significance and its sacred place for praying for children and love, this pagoda also boasts beautiful and ancient Chinese architecture.
The Jade Emperor Pagoda in Saigon was built in the early 20th century by a Chinese man named Liu Ming, also known as Liu Dao Yuan. Initially, it was a temple dedicated to the Jade Emperor, and Liu Ming also used it as a secret meeting place to plan the overthrow of the Manchu dynasty. Later, in 1982, the pagoda was taken over by Venerable Thich Vinh Khuong and officially belonged to the Vietnam Buddhist Association. In 1984, the temple was renamed Phuoc Hai Temple.
After a long period of time, Ngoc Hoang Mai Thi Luu Pagoda has now become a famous tourist destination near the Saigon River. Locals and tourists alike still know the pagoda for its sacredness, and for those praying for children, love, and peace.
A little secret passed down among the locals is to rub your hands on the statue of the deity and put a red amulet in your wallet so that money will always be plentiful throughout the year. Besides praying for wealth, the temple is also a place where families entrust their faith in praying for children at the shrine of the Twelve Midwives.
Vinh Nghiem Pagoda
Vinh Nghiem Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, located at 339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 3, is a famous pagoda known for its traditional, ancient-style reinforced concrete architecture, built between 1964 and 1971. It is one of the most important spiritual and pilgrimage destinations in Southern Vietnam, notable for having the tallest stone tower in Vietnam, a majestic central building, and meaningful Buddhist and charitable activities.
To ensure that visiting the God of Wealth on this auspicious day is truly meaningful, it's important to remember that sincerity must be accompanied by thorough preparation. Offerings don't need to be overly elaborate or expensive, but they should be civilized, neat, and appropriate to the customs and traditions of each locality.
Most importantly, praying for good fortune at temples and pagodas should be seen as a form of spiritual therapy, helping to strengthen faith and focus. After leaving the temple, each entrepreneur needs to concretize their prayers with practical action plans. Faith helps us stay steadfast, but perseverance, transparency, and a keen business strategy are the key to unlocking the door to success in the Year of the Horse 2026.
