Located in the historic Chinatown of Cholon, Thien Hau Pagoda—also known as Ba Thien Hau Temple—is closely associated with the spiritual and cultural life of Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinese-Vietnamese community. The temple was established around 1760 by Chinese immigrants, particularly the Cantonese community, who dedicated it to Thien Hau, a revered sea goddess. For generations, worshippers have visited to pray for safety, good fortune and protection for their families and journeys.

The pagoda follows a traditional Chinese architectural layout, with interconnected halls arranged around an open courtyard that allows natural light and ventilation into the complex. Its rooflines, walls and entrances are richly decorated with ceramic figures, reliefs and colourful scenes inspired by Chinese legends and traditional symbolism. Dragons, phoenixes and other auspicious motifs add intricate detail to the historic structure, making the building a rewarding destination for visitors interested in traditional craftsmanship.

Inside, the temple preserves an array of religious and historical objects, including carved wooden elements, stone steles, bronze bells, ceremonial objects and decorative panels bearing Chinese inscriptions. The main sanctuary is dedicated to Thien Hau, while additional altars honour other deities. The combination of incense-filled interiors, traditional furnishings and detailed ornamentation creates an atmosphere distinct from the city’s modern streets.

One of the temple’s most recognisable features is its large spiral incense coils suspended from the ceiling. Worshippers light them as offerings and prayers, sometimes attaching written wishes for health, peace and prosperity. The coils slowly burn above the courtyard and halls, creating a distinctive visual scene that reflects the temple’s continuing role as an active place of worship.

Thien Hau Pagoda is especially lively during the annual Thien Hau festival, held on the 23rd day of the third lunar month. Devotees gather to pay their respects, and traditional ceremonies bring the community’s religious customs and cultural heritage into focus. Visitors who arrive outside festival periods can still observe daily worship and appreciate the temple’s architecture at a quieter pace.