Temples

Although the Mariamman temple is clearly Hindu, it is mostly frequented by Chinese worshippers who clasp incense sticks and prostrate in front of Hindu deities. The Giac Lam pagoda was built in 1744 and is the largest pagoda in Saigon. Inside the compound there is a white statue of Buddha seated on a lotus flower. The temple lies quite far away from the centre of Saigon - getting there takes about 40 minutes by taxi.
To the south lies the Giac Vien pagoda (Buddha's complete enlightenment), which was built in 1771 and dedicated to the worship of the emperor Gia Long. The local monks will allow you to visit the richly decorated pagoda interior. Both the Giac Lam and the Giac Vien pagodas have small monumental cemeteries.