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The Thien Hau Temple, also known as Tue Thanh Assembly Hall or Thien Hau Shrine, is located at 710 Nguyen Trai Street, Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City. This architectural structure was built in the late 18th century by Chinese immigrants from Guangzhou Prefecture, Guangdong Province, China, who migrated to Vietnam for trade and settlement.
Nestled amidst the bustling Cholon market, the Thien Hau Temple still retains its own unique and tranquil charm.
This assembly hall serves not only as a meeting place but also as a site for worshipping Thien Hau, a great woman who lived in the 10th century. She is known for her supernatural abilities, being able to foresee the future and help those in distress.
The Thien Hau Temple, nearly 256 years old, is considered the oldest Chinese temple in Saigon. Built in 1760, and having undergone numerous renovations and repairs, the temple still retains its unique architectural features and holds a significant influence on the cultural life of the local Chinese community.
The temple's impressive architecture
The Thien Hau Temple is built in the form of a wooden-framed house with a yin-yang tiled roof, measuring 65m long and 27m wide. The layout, from the outside in, includes a courtyard, main entrance, front hall, skylight, central hall, incense house, and main hall. Notably, the temple is decorated with ceramic reliefs on the walls and roof tiles, depicting diverse themes such as the Two Dragons Fighting for the Pearl, Journey to the West, Bao Gong's Judgment, and the Han-Chu War.
Viewed from the outside.
Upon entering the gate, visitors are immediately immersed in the tranquil and peaceful atmosphere of the temple. Everything is imbued with the patina of time, making the space even more serene. Beyond the small gate, visitors enter a world full of mystery yet also familiar and welcoming. The main structure, where religious activities take place, runs along the length of the temple. In the center is an open space resembling a skylight, providing both light and allowing incense smoke to rise. The pathways are clearly divided, making it easy for visitors to move around, especially on full moon days.
A world full of mystery, yet also possessing a sense of closeness and familiarity.
In the center of the main hall, the statue of the Goddess Thien Hau is placed. Around it, the dominant golden-red light, combined with the black wooden panels and the flickering candlelight, creates a mesmerizing atmosphere. Even a single visit will leave a deep and unforgettable impression on visitors, with the mysterious and tranquil ambiance of this place.
The worship area inside the main hall
The roof is decorated with numerous statues of various shapes and sizes. Despite this, they all harmonize beautifully. If you observe each detail carefully, you will understand the subtlety and meticulousness of the design.
The roof is impressively decorated with reliefs and small statues of various shapes.
Walking amidst the tranquil smoke of incense
A highlight of the Thien Hau Temple is the space filled with hanging incense rings, a characteristic feature of Chinese temples. Visitors can purchase these incense rings, write their wishes and prayers on pieces of paper, and then hang the ring containing the paper to pray and ask for blessings from the Thien Hau Goddess.
The incense sticks carry countless prayers.
What makes this temple special is that all the materials were imported from China. From precious wood to incense burners, from reliefs to small statues... This shows the special importance of the Thien Hau Temple in the lives of the Chinese community in Saigon.
The brick wall is covered with pink prayer scrolls, a unique and rare sight at other spiritual tourist destinations.
Some people come here to pray for good fortune, love, and wealth, while others seek peace and happiness in their family life. Therefore, the incense burner is always filled with the fragrant smoke of incense. The sweet scent wafts through the air, carried by the breeze, along with heartfelt wishes.
This place is always filled with the scent of incense and visitors.
The biggest "Goddess of Mercy" festival in Saigon.
Furthermore, the festival honoring the Goddess Thien Hau takes place from the 22nd to the 24th of the third lunar month – the biggest annual festival at the temple. During these days, a large number of people visit the temple to offer prayers. Besides traditional rituals, visitors can witness the procession of the Goddess Thien Hau's palanquin around the temple. Simultaneously, other activities such as lion and dragon dances and artistic performances are also organized, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere.
The Thien Hau Temple is not only famous for its sacredness and the granting of wishes, but it is also rumored among young people to predict future events through fortune telling and divination.
Visiting Thien Hau Temple is not only for prayer but also an opportunity for tourists to learn about the history, architecture, and culture of this ancient temple. No matter how lost or adrift one may be, a sense of balance and tranquility can be found whenever one visits Thien Hau Temple.
