Attraction Category: Places of Worship

The Linh Ung Pagoda is considered the largest pagoda in Da Nang — both in terms of scale and architecture. It features contemporary style combined with the traditional Vietnamese style of pagodas, with its curved dragon-shaped roof, and the solid pillars surrounded with sinuous yet sophisticated dragons. The pagoda has a main shrine wherein the Sakyamuni Buddha statue can be found in the centre, flanked by an Avalokitesvara Boddhiattva statue on the right and a Buddha Tripitaka statue on the left. It is also protected by 4 Guardians and 18 Arhats, with each statue embodying different emotions.

Another notable sight is the Lady Buddha statue that is considered as the tallest in the country, standing at 67m in height and 35m in lotus diameter, which is almost the equivalent of a 30-story building.

 

Location

The Linh Ung Pagoda is located in Bai But, Son Tra, Da Nang.

 

Opening Days and Hours

You can visit the Pagoda every day, from 06:00 to 19:00.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

There are no entrance fees but there are a number of donation boxes around the complex.

 

How to Get There

  • Fly directly to Da Nang via JetStar, Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Express, and Vietnam Airlines.
  • From the airport, grab a taxi or Uber going to the Linh Ung Pagoda.

 

Suggested For

  • Backpackers/solo travelers
  • Couples
  • Group of friends
  • Families

 

Time to Spend

You can explore the complex for around 3 to 4 hours.

 

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The best time to visit is during the early part of the day when the sun and temperatures are a bit cooler.

 

Food

There are a number of food options located near the Linh Ung Pagoda, including Suoi Rang and Madame Hanh.

 

Nearby Attractions

  • Lady Buddha
  • Son Tra Mountain (Monkey Mountain)
  • Art in Paradise
  • Da Nang Home Cooking Class
  • My Khe Beach

 

Stay

Accommodations found around 2 kilometres away from Linh Ung Pagoda include Forever Hotel, Grant Hotel, Pavilion Hotel, and Rich Hotel. Prices range from USD 19 to USD 45 per night.

 

Good to Know

Be sure to dress respectfully when you plan to visit the Pagoda. And take your shoes off before you enter the halls.

Located in a secluded place, finding this tourist attraction can present quite a challenge for first-time visitors, but the temple’s peaceful ambiance and seemingly endless collection of little statues are great rewards to those who took the challenge. This multi-tiered temple features a living area, a Buddhist “cemetery,” and a floor which holds almost 10,000 relics. Together, the relics and the overall architecture make a stunning sight so don’t forget to take lots of photos.

 

Location

Chua Van Phat Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas is located at 66 Nghia Thuc Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.

 

Opening Days and Hours

The temple is open from 8:00 to 17:30.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance to this temple is free.

 

How to Get There

  • Fly to Ho Chi Minh City via AirAsia, Philippine Airlines, Korean Airlines, and Thai Airlines.
  • From the airport, board a taxi or a shuttle to the city centre.
  • From the city centre, charter a mototaxi or a taxi to Ba Thien Hau Temple.

 

Suggested For

  • Solo Travelers
  • Couples
  • Families with Kids
  • Groups of friends

 

Time to Spend

Suggested duration in this attraction is 30 minutes.

 

Popularity and Best Time to Go

Start early. This attraction is a bit hard to find, visiting late can limit your stay here.

 

Food

Dining options near Chua Van Phat – Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas include Pho Le, Tan Nha Restaurant, Mr. Le, Hau Quan, Xu Coffee, Pizza Roma, and Au Pagolac.

 

Nearby Attractions

  • Vietnam Silver House
  • Urban Tales
  • Saigon Culinary Art Centre

 

Stay

Rain Bow Hotel, Mai Villa Hotel SuVan Hanh, Windsor Plaza Hotel, An Dong Center Hotel are some hotels offering accommodations near Chua Van Phat Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas.

The Buddha Tooth and Relic Museum was conceptualised and designed by the Temple’s Chief Venerable Abbot Venerable Shi Fa Zhao. It is based on the elements of the Tang Dynasty and the Buddhist Mandala and cost approximately SGD 75 million (USD 57 million) to establish. It features a vast array of Buddha’s revered artefacts, including bone and tongue relics. But the must-see and perhaps most important is the relic from which the Museum got its name — the Buddha Tooth Relic, which is housed in a giant stupa that weighs a whopping 3500 kgs and made from 320 kgs of gold — 234 of which came from devotees’ donations.

Another Museum highlight is the Eminent Sangha Museum — a theatre that features cultural performances, talks, and film screenings. So if you are looking for a bit of peace and cultural immersion in Chinatown’s busy streets, then the Buddha Tooth and Relic Museum is a must-visit.

 

Location

The Museum is located in 288 South Bridge Road, Singapore.

 

Opening Days and Hours

The Buddhist Culture Museum and Relic Chamber is open daily from 09:00 to 18:00, while the Eminent Sangha Museum is open daily from 07:00 to 19:00.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance is free but donations are welcome.

 

How to Get There

  • Fly into Singapore via the Changi International Airport.
  • Take the MRT and alight at the Chinatown Station.
  • Take Exit A at Pagoda St. and turn right at the South Bridge Road.

 


Suggested For

  • Backpackers/solo travelers
  • Couples
  • Group of friends
  • Families

 

Time to Spend

The average time spent in this attraction is 2 to 3 hours.

 


Popularity and Best Time to Go

This is an indoor attraction so you can opt to visit any time of the day. On the other hand, the best time to visit Singapore is during the months of February to April, when the weather is not that wet nor hot.

 

Activities

You can explore the Museum’s various areas:

  • First Floor: Hundred Dragons Hall – Maitreya Hall, Universal Wisdom Hall – Avalokitesvara Hall
  • Second Floor: Manjushri Hall – Aranya Gallery
  • Third Floor: Samantabhadra Hall, Sacred Buddha Relics Chamber
  • Fourth Floor: Sacred Light Hall – Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic Chamber
  • Roof Top: Temple Roof Top Vairocana Buddha Prayer Wheel

 

Food

Restaurants located near the Museum include Eight Treasures Vegetarian, Well Dressed Salad Bar and Cafe, Juice Farm, Lee Tong Kee, Li Ji Chuan Chuan Xiang, Hi Chuan Chuan, and Muse Amuse.

 

Nearby Attractions

  • Ming Fang Antique House
  • Chinatown
  • Singapore City Gallery
  • Sri Mariamman Temple
  • Chinatown Heritage Centre

 

Stay

Singapore hotels and accommodations located in Chinatown include Jinshan Hotel, Santa Grand Hotel Lai Chun Yuen, The Inn at Temple Street, and Hotel Mono. Prices range from USD 67 to USD 250.

Good to Know

  • Wear appropriate attire on your visit: conceal your backs, shoulders, and no shorts or mini-skirts.
  • Non-vegetarian food and pets are not allowed inside.

Taluksangay Mosque is considered the centre of propagation of Islam in the Western Mindanao region. It is also the oldest, having been built in 1885 by Abdullah Maas Nuno. It is large and well-maintained Mosque, thanks to the number of expansions made throughout the years to accommodate the growing community. It is worth a visit as it allows appreciation of history and cultural diversity.

 

Location

The Taluksangay Mosque is located in Barangay Taluksangay, around 18 kilometres north-east of the city centre of Zamboanga.

 

Opening Days and Hours

You can visit the Mosque anytime within the day except during times of prayer at 05:46, 11:54, 14:58, and 18:01.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance to the Mosque is free.

 

How to Get There

  • Fly from the country’s capital of Manila to Zamboanga City via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines.
  • From the Zamboanga City proper, take a jeep bound to Taluksangay along Sevilla St. corner of Don Pablo Lorenzo St. You can find the jeep queue at the front of the Southway Square Mall, near Plaza Pershing. Tell the driver to drop you off at the Taluksangay Mosque.

 


Suggested For

  • Backpackers/solo travelers
  • Couples
  • Group of friends
  • Families

 

Time to Spend

You can opt to stay 1 to 2 hours exploring the Mosque.

 


Popularity and Best Time to Go

You can visit any time of the day except during times of prayer.

 

Food

Small local food stalls and restaurants can be found within the barangay.

 

Nearby Attractions

  • Yakan Weaving Village
  • Paseo del Mar
  • Pasonanca Park

 

Stay

You can find a number of accommodations within the Zamboanga city proper, such as Grand Astoria Hotel, Garden Orchid Hotel, CityInn Hotel, Winzelle Suites, and Casa Canelar Pension House. Rates range from USD 20 to USD 45.

Small and secluded, yet beloved, the Chinese Vat Sopse Temple became famous both to locals and tourists thanks to the popular legend that follows it. Many believe that the spirit of Grandfather Sopse resides in the temple to grant the wishes of visitors. The temple is not as popular as the other attractions at Pakse, so those who want to visit and meditate will surely enjoy the serenity present in the area. The Chinese Vat Sopse temple also offers a remarkable view of the Mekong River — the temple itself is located on the spot where the Mekong and Xe Don rivers meet.

 

Location

The Chinese Vat Sopse Temple is located at Thanon 11 Road, Pakse, Laos.

 

Opening Days and Hours

Opens daily, 24 hours.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance to the temple is free.

 

How to Get There

  • If you are coming from Vientiane and Savannakhet, you can fly to Pakse via Lao Airlines.
  • You can also take the bus from Vientiane.
  • Hire a motorbike or a tuk-tuk to Vat Sopse Temple.

 


Suggested For

  • Backpackers/solo travelers
  • Couples
  • Group of friends
  • Families

 

Time to Spend

Suggested stay in this attraction is 1 hour and a half.

 


Popularity and Best Time to Go

Best time to visit the Vat Sopse Temple is during festival times — Chinese New Year (February), Tet (February), and Mid Autumn Festival (September).

 

 

Food

Jasmine Restaurant, Xuan Mai, Daolin, Burger Kong, Champady, and Amin Restaurant are some of the dining options around town that serve both Lao and Western dishes.

 

Nearby Attractions

  • Si Phan Don
  • Wat Phou
  • Champasak Palace

 

Stay

Accommodations around town include Champasak Palace Hotel, Arawan Riverside Hotel, Athena Hotel, Phi Dao Hotel and Lakham Hotel. Rates range from USD 30 to USD 150.

*Banner image might not accurately represent attraction.

Located near the Mekong River, Pakse Chinese Temple is one of the attractions inside the Chinese cultural complex where tourists can learn more about the extent of Chinese influence in the area. One cannot help but be amazed at the stunning decorations that represent traditional Chinese architecture — fierce dragon statues, red and gold lanterns, and regal lion sculptures can be seen all over the temple. There is a certain sense of serenity and calm ever present in the location — something that makes the temple a great place to enjoy peace and meditation.

 

Location

Pakse Chinese Temple is located in Pakse, Laos, just across Wat Luang.

 

Opening Days and Hours

Opens daily from 8:00 to 16:00.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance to the temple is free.

 

How to Get There

  • If you are coming from Vientiane and Savannakhet, you can fly to Pakse via Lao Airlines.
  • You can also take the bus from Vientiane.
  • Hire a motorbike or a tuk-tuk to Pakse Chinese Temple.

 


Suggested For

  • Backpackers/solo travelers
  • Couples
  • Group of friends
  • Families

 

Time to Spend

Suggested time to spend in this attraction is 1 hour and a half.

 


Popularity and Best Time to Go

Best time to visit Wat Luang is between 9:00 and 11:00.

 

 

Food

Dining options around the town center are plenty. Choose from Jasmine Restaurant, Xuan Mai, Daolin, Burger Kong, Champady, and Amin Restaurant.

 

Nearby Attractions

  • Si Phan Don
  • Wat Phou
  • Champasak Palace

 

Stay

Accommodations around town include the Champasak Palace Hotel, Arawan Riverside Hotel, Athena Hotel, Phi Dao Hotel and Lakham Hotel. Rates range from USD 30 to USD 150.

If you’re a first-time visitor in Pakse and you’re not sure where to go first, always choose Wat Luang — this stunning temple located near the Seo Don River is the largest temple in town, and a crowd favourite, too. The temple’s large compound is home to several interesting attractions — funerary reliquaries housing the ashes of prominent people in Pakse, a school for monks, and a structure with fascinating carved plaster walls decorated with fancy prints. Tourists can volunteer in the library inside the temple’s premises, or visit the back area of the temple where they can see a stunning view of the Mekong River and interact with monks and other visiting locals.

 

Location

Wat Luang is located at Road 13, Pakse, Laos.

 

Opening Days and Hours

Wat Luang is open from 6:00 to 18:00, but you can still walk around the grounds during the night.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance to the temple is free.

 

How to Get There

  • If you are coming from Vientiane and Savannakhet, you can fly to Pakse via Lao Airlines.
  • You can also take the bus from Vientiane.
  • Hire a motorbike or a tuk-tuk to Wat Luang.

 


Suggested For

  • Backpackers/solo travelers
  • Couples
  • Group of friends
  • Families

 

Time to Spend

Suggested duration in this attraction is 1 hour and a half.

 


Popularity and Best Time to Go

Best time to visit Wat Luang is between 16:30 to 18:00.

 

Food

Pakse’s town centre is full of interesting restaurants that you should try. Indulge in delicious Lao dishes at Sabaidee Pakse Restaurant, a French experience at Le Panorama, some tasty street food from Xuan Mai, and enjoy Western dishes from Burger Kong.

 

Nearby Attractions

  • Vat Phou
  • Dream Weavers
  • Xplore Asia Day Tour

 

Stay

Choose from several hotels such as Pakse Hotel and Restaurant, Champasak Grand Hotel, Arawan Riverside Hotel, Malaythong Hotel, and Mekong Riverside Hotel. Rates range from USD 30 to USD 90.

With a height of, it seems as though the Buddha serves as the guardian of the place — his gaze seems to be reviewing every detail of Pakbe’s daily activities. The Golden Buddha is the highlight of an attraction park that is still under construction — this explains some of the materials scattered near the statue. The Golden Buddha’s location is a perfect place to unwind and relax — here you can have a perfect view of the sunset while you interact with curious locals over delicious Lao street food.

 

Location

The Golden Buddha is located at Road 16W, Pakse, Laos. 

 

Opening Days and Hours

Visitors can go and see the Golden Buddha from 8:00 to 17:00.  

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

There is no entrance fee required when visiting the Golden Buddha.  

 

How to Get There

  • If you are coming from Vientiane and Savannakhet, you can fly to Pakse via Lao Airlines.
  • You can also take the bus from Vientiane.
  • Hire a motorbike or a tuk-tuk to Golden Buddha’s location.

 


Suggested For

  • Backpackers/solo travelers
  • Couples
  • Group of friends
  • Families

 

Time to Spend

Suggested time to spend is one hour. However, you can choose to stay longer if you want to watch the sunset from the Golden Buddha’s location.

 


Popularity and Best Time to Go

You can visit the Golden Buddha anytime.

 

 

Food

Pakse’s town center is full of interesting restaurants that you should try. Indulge in delicious Lao seafood at Sabaidee Pakse Restaurant, a more French ambiance at Le Panorama, gobble up some tasty street food from Xuan Mai, and enjoy Western dishes from Burger Kong.

 

Nearby Attractions

  • Vat Phou
  • Wat Luang Temple
  • Xplore Asia Day Tour

 

Stay

Those who want to splurge, and who make sure they stay on budget can find great accommodations around Pakse. Choose from several hotels such as Pakse Hotel and Restaurant, Champasak Grand Hotel, Arawan Riverside Hotel, Malaythong Hotel, and Mekong Riverside Hotel. Rates range from USD 30 to USD 90.

It took almost 200 years for the ancient Lao people to build this famous temple and even after so many years, devoted Buddhists still flock the area for prayers and offerings. The entire journey to the stupa is a trip worth taking — while on the road, the seemingly endless rice fields and rustic towns can give tourists another insight on life in Savannakhet. Make the most out of your trip to That Phone Stupa by engaging in spiritual activities — you can either make fresh offerings to the stupa or indulge in meditative prayer while tying your hands with colourful cotton strings — this, many people believe, can bring a person lasting peace and happiness in their life.

 

Location

That Phone Stupa is located at Phonethat Village, Xayaphouthong District, Laos.

 

Opening Days and Hours

The temple is open from 8:00 to 18:00.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance to the temple is free.

 

How to Get There

  • Fly from Vientiane to Savannakhet via Lao Airlines.
  • From the airport, board a tuktuk to That Phone Stupa.

 


Suggested For

  • Backpackers/solo travelers
  • Couples
  • Group of friends
  • Families

 

Time to Spend

You can spend less than an hour in this place.

 


Popularity and Best Time to Go

Though the stupa is beautiful, it can’t be considered as a highlight of the trip. Best time to visit here is during the morning before you proceed to other attractions.

 

Food

Small stalls near the stupa sell food to tourists. However, it is encouraged that tourists bring packed food during the trip.

 

Nearby Attractions

  • Thai Ing Hang Stupa
  • Wat Xayaphoum
  • Dinosaur Museum

 

Stay

Nearest accommodations are in Savannakhet. Mid-range hotels, which range from USD 18 to USD 150, include Rattanasawan Hotel, Hoongthip Hotel, and Sala Savan Guesthouse. Those who are considering budget hotels can choose from Phoulavane Guesthouse, Leena’s Guesthouse, Savan Phattana Guesthouse, and Joli Guesthouse which offer rooms starting at USD 12.

At first glance, you would think that the place is more of a palace than a temple because of its unique architectural features — the striking colours of white, gold, and blue, plus the intricate carvings and design that date back to the original Savannakhet make it such a stunning sight to behold. Inside the grounds of the pagoda, you can see a number of Buddhist buildings that include sleeping quarters and monastery for monks, and a place for people to offer prayers. Wat Xayaphoum Temple is the venue of several festivities such as The Lao New Year celebration and the Boat Racing Festival.

 

Location

Wat Xayaphoum Temple is located along the banks of the Mekong River in Savannakhet, Laos.

 

Opening Days and Hours

The temple is open from 5:30 to 18:00.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance is LAK 10,000 (USD 1.20).

 

How to Get There

  • Fly from Vientiane to Savannakhet via Lao Airlines.
  • From the airport, board a tuk-tuk to Wat Xayaphoum Temple.

 


Suggested For

  • Backpackers/solo travelers
  • Couples
  • Group of friends
  • Families

 

Time to Spend

You can spend less than an hour in this attraction.

 


Popularity and Best Time to Go

You can visit the temple any time of the day without worrying about large crowds.

 

 

Food

There are several restaurants near the Wat Xayaphoum Temple that offer a wide variety of Lao and Western dishes. Options include Cafe Chai Dee, Lao View Restaurant, Hoong Thip Restaurant, Hom Fah, and White House Restaurant.

 

Nearby Attractions

  • Thai Ing Hang Stupa
  • Wat Xayaphoum
  • Dinosaur Museum

 

Stay

Those in a budget can choose to stay in nearby guesthouses such as Phoulavane Guesthouse, Leena’s Guesthouse, Savan Phattana Guesthouse, and Joli Guesthouse which offer rooms starting at USD 12. Mid-range hotels include Rattanasawan Hotel, Hoongthip Hotel, and Sala Savan Guesthouse. Rates range from USD 20 to USD 200.