It’s a “calming sanctuary from the bustle of the busy streets,” says Have Camera Will Travel. A small Taoist pagoda built by the Chinese community in 1909, it’s a “fascinating mix of Buddhist and Taoist myths” containing a “dark warren of rooms” and “hallways with peeling red paint, intricate carvings, elaborate woodwork and fearsome statues of gods holding swords,” observes Wandering Carol. The pagoda “has long been listed in the city’s must-visit tourism destinations,” and welcomes “a huge number of Buddhists during several traditional holidays,” notes Tuoitre News. “It will give you an insight into daily lives of Vietnamese people and will leave you with some great photos and memories,” advises The Blond Travels.
Jade Emperor Pagoda is just “one of many” pagodas in Saigon, explains Traveller. “For a dose of southern India's colour, check out Mariamman Temple, built in the 19th century by traders to honour the Hindu goddess Mariamman.” and for a “wealth of Chinese temples,” go to Cholon or take a day-trip to the Cao Dai temple at Tay Ninh -- “incorporating aspects of Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism and even Catholicism, it was built between 1933 and 1955.”