Phung Son Pagoda, Saigon/HoChiMinh City

The Phung Son Pagoda also called the Go Pagoda, is located in District 11, Ho Chi Minh City. It has been declared a national Historical and Cultural Vestige by the Government.

The Pagoda was built by a Bonze or monk named Lieu Thong between 1802 and 1820. Archeological excavations have revealed that there were structures from the Funan civilization at the site before the construction of the temple. According to legend, it was at one time decided to move the location of the temple. All artifacts were loaded on an elephant for transportation to the new site. On the way, the elephant tripped and many relics fell into a nearby pond. Local people saw this as a sign that the temple should stay in its original location. It has been renovated twice, once between 1904 and 1915 by the Bonze, Tue Minh and later in 1960.

The Phung Son Pagoda has many notable artifacts. There are over 40 gilded wooden statues. Other valuable objects are the Di Da Tam Ton statue, the gilded stone statue of the Buddha called the Ngu Hien Thuong Ky Thu and a statue of Tieu Dien made of ceramic. Archeological excavations around the temple have unearthed objects made of baked earth and ceramics belonging to the Funan Oc Eo civilization.

Tip:
The main entrances are locked most of the time, but the side entrance is open during prayer times (4-5pm, 6-7 pm).