Vietnam — Chùa Xá Lợi (Xa Loi Pagoda), Sư Thiện Chiếu, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam

A historic Buddhist temple in Ho Chi Minh City

September 2015

When visiting anywhere, I always like to explore local temples and shrines, and in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), I went to the Chùa Xá Lợi (Xa Loi Pagoda).

The Chùa Xá Lợi (Xa Loi Pagoda) is culturally significant for the Vietnam War, as it is here that the body of the monk who set himself on fire was brought.

The temple was built in 1956 and was raided and vandalised on 21 August 1963 by the Army of the Republic of Vietnam Special Forces loyal to President Ngô Đình Diệm. You can find more information about the raids on Wikipedia.

I enjoyed my visit to the temple, as I do with most temples, as I found the place relaxing and tranquil after the city’s busy streets. It was great to see people worshipping and using the temple.

Foursquare: Chùa Xá Lợi (Xa Loi Pagoda)