Nestled in a quiet, hidden little enclave in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, the Jade Emperor Pagoda offers a calming sanctuary from the bustle of the busy streets outside. It’s a small Taoist pagoda built by the Chinese community in 1909. It also goes by other names–Phước Hải Tự (Luck Sea Temple) and the pond crammed tortoises to the right of the main entrance hints at the other–the Tortoise Pagoda.
Inside is dark, lit with the scattered and garish light of fluorescent bulbs and candles, and crowded with statues, tributes, and an assortment of Chinese Taoist religious symbolism.
Photos of the Jade Emperor Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City
Where to Next?
Travel Advice for Vietnam
You can find the latest U.S. Department of State travel advisories and information for Vietnam (such as entry visa requirements and vaccination requirements) here.
The British and Australian governments offer their own country-specific travel information. You can find the British Government's travel advice for Vietnam here and the Australian Government's here.
Health & Vaccinations
The CDC makes country-specific recommendations for vaccinations and health for travelers. You can find their latest information for Vietnam here.
Guidebooks for Vietnam
If you're looking for a guidebook to make the most of your visit, these are some of the most popular ones currently for Vietnam. Some are available in both paper and e-book formats.
- Stewart, Iain (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- Fodor's Travel Guides (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- DK Eyewitness (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- DK Eyewitness (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
Travel Insurance For Your Trip to Vietnam
I never travel without travel insurance, and I've run into several situations where I've had to make claims. I consider it essential.
But shopping for travel insurance can be a pain and confusing. Thankfully, there are some travel insurance comparison sites that show you a wide range of plans, make it easy to compare coverage, and can save you money at the same time. And the coverage can be much better tailored to your specific needs than the checkbox offering at travel booking sites or through your credit card.
These are some good places to shop for travel insurance for your next trip to Vietnam :
Hopefully, you won't need it, but if something goes wrong, you'll sure be glad you have it!