Asia is world-renowned for housing some of the most beautiful and amazing ancient masterpieces ever created by the hands of man. And it’s fitting that they should be so otherworldly and enjoy such longevity considering we’re talking about temples devoted to the worship of a higher being. Although India and China are often the first places people think of when it comes to famous temples, you might be surprised to learn that Vietnam has a lot to offer in this arena. So whether you already live in the environs or you’re traveling from afar, here are some must-see temples that you should add to your itinerary when you visit Vietnam.
1. Mỹ Sơn. Some of the structures on this spectacular temple site devoted to the worship of the Hindu god Shiva date back as far as the 4th century (while some are more recent, dating up to the 14th century). Funny enough, it doesn’t seem to be well-known outside the country, even though it is one of the most incredible Hindu temple sites still in existence (although it has fallen into ruin). Historically, the temples here were used by the kings of the ruling dynasties of Champa for religious ritual and burial. Today, you can still see many of the 70 buildings that once stood in this complex (a few are in remarkably good condition), replete with incredibly intricate carvings and some of the earliest known examples of brick-laying.
2. Cao Dai Great Temple. If you are planning to visit the infamous Cu Chi tunnels (from which the Tet Offensive was launched during the Vietnam War), take the time to stop in and visit the unique temple that resides nearby. This “great” temple is aptly named, considering that the unique religion is an amalgamation of several practices. Followers worship Jesus, Buddha, Confucius, and the Tao. Fittingly, the structure features four towers, but the real treat resides on the interior of the domed ceiling, which is painted to resemble the night sky.
3. Jade Emperor Temple. There are quite a few temples to the Jade Emperor, but the sample in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is the one you’ll want to see. The structure, which is known as the Tortoise Pagoda (its namesakes lounge in a pond to one side of the temple), is charming and quaint for its type, although westerners will likely be astounded by the bright colors and artistic embellishments that adorn both the interior and exterior of this small structure. Wooden statues of various deities (including the Jade Emperor, also known as the “god of the heavens”) are posted throughout, and wall carvings and decorated alters round out the spread.
4. Po Nagar. Located near the city of Nha Trang, this 8th century temple dedicated to the goddess Yan Po Nagar (the local deity, associated with the Hindu goddess Durga) isn’t too hard to reach. Although the temple itself is worth seeing, as are a number of decorative stele, the real draw is a statue of the patron deity sporting ten hands that hold symbolic items.
5. Angkor Wat Temple Complex. You probably associate this massive temple complex with the country of Cambodia, where it mainly resides. But its many buildings are spread over such a vast area that it actually reaches into both Laos and Vietnam. You’ll quickly see why this site is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World when you see the main temples (flanked by a huge lily-filled pond) and Ta Prohm, a stone structure that is slowly being swallowed by massive tree roots.
Jamie Ryan writes for Thailand Holidays where you can plan your next exciting vacation.
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