Tran Hung Dao Holy Temple

The Tran Hung Dao Temple is dedicated to Tran Hung Dao, the Vietnamese hero and monarch who defeated the Mongols in 1287.

Tran Hung Dao temple was originally constructed in 1932 on the site of Van An Pagoda. In 1958, it was completely reconstructed with the current architecture, a T-shaped structure with two stacked roofs and eight curved corners embellished with dragon and phoenix images.

Although the temple retains its original form, it is now decorated with golden dragons, tigers, and phoenixes as a result of several repairs… …and a Tran Hung Dao statue in the center of its yard. There are reliefs commemorating Tran Hung Dao’s numerous thunderous victories at the entrance to the main shrine.

Due to diligent maintenance, the temple’s superb Asian interior is brand new. The décor of the main temple is the most stunning of the three. If you appreciate architecture and Asian traditions, you will be blown away. There are numerous horizontal and vertical lacquered boards carved with compliments for the talented strategist, in addition to a number of beautiful incense tables and parasols. Keep in mind that you cannot burn the inside, and remove your shoes to show respect.

The most important rites at the temple take place during the New Year and on the twentieth day of the eighth lunar month to honor Tran Hung Dao.

Currently, the Saigon Tran Hung Dao temple consists of three minor temples: one for Tran Hung Dao and his companions, one for Buddha and Bodhisattva, and one for Ho Chi Minh and Vo Nguyen Giap.

Inside the temple are numerous horizontal and vertical lacquered boards, along with intricately carved and inlaid incense tables. On the wall are images of Tran Hung Dao, who in the 13th century repelled Kublai Khan’s Mongol invaders.