Minh Huong Gia Thanh Hoi Quan, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Buddhist Temple in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Minh Huong Gia Thanh Hoi Quan
Minh Huong Gia Thanh Hoi Quan
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Bùi Thụy Đào Nguyên

Minh Huong Gia Thanh Hoi Quan is one of the top attractions in Ho Chi Minh City for travellers seeking to explore the heritage of the Chinese-Vietnamese community in District 5. Also known as the Assembly Hall of the Minh Huong Congregation, this historic temple was built by Chinese immigrants from Fujian in the early 18th century. Dedicated to Thien Hau, the revered Chinese sea goddess, it is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City and offers an unforgettable look at southern China's traditional craftsmanship. Its ornate roof, decorated with dragons, phoenixes, and mythical creatures, makes this spot one of the must-see places in Ho Chi Minh City.

Inside, the temple glows softly with red lantern light and the haze of incense coils, setting a peaceful tone for worship and reflection. Intricate carvings, ceramic reliefs, painted woodwork, and folklore scenes cover the walls and altars, creating a rich cultural tapestry that has been cherished for centuries.

History and Significance of Minh Huong Gia Thanh Hoi Quan

Minh Huong Gia Thanh Hoi Quan dates back to the early 18th century, when Chinese settlers from Fujian established an assembly hall to worship Thien Hau, the Goddess of the Sea. The Minh Huong community, descendants of early Chinese immigrants, used the hall as both a spiritual sanctuary and a social gathering place.

The hall’s architecture follows the traditional southern Chinese style, with sweeping tiled roofs, elaborate ceramic sculptures, and symbolic guardian figures. Over time, the temple evolved into a cultural landmark where religious ceremonies, community gatherings, and traditional festivals reinforced the identity of the Chinese-Vietnamese population in Cholon.

Today, it remains an important testament to the resilience, traditions, and craftsmanship of this influential community.

Things to See and Do in Minh Huong Gia Thanh Hoi Quan

Visitors are welcomed by the hall’s beautifully decorated roof, covered in ceramic figurines depicting deities, legendary animals, and mythological scenes. Once inside, you’ll find an atmospheric space lit with lanterns and the soft glow of incense coils hanging from the beams.

The main altar dedicated to Thien Hau is surrounded by offerings, flowers, candles, and devotional objects. Several side altars honour additional deities important to the Minh Huong community. The storytelling murals, ornamental carvings, and lacquered woodwork are a delight for those interested in traditional art.

During major festivals like Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival, the hall becomes especially vibrant, hosting lion dances, ceremonies, and community celebrations.

How to Get to Minh Huong Gia Thanh Hoi Quan

Most travellers begin their journey in Ho Chi Minh City via Tan Son Nhat International Airport, then head to District 5's Cholon area. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) on Booking.com.

Visitors arriving by rail can reach Saigon Railway Station and continue their journey into Cholon by taxi or bus. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Travelling by car or taxi is easy, though the streets of District 5 can be congested during peak hours. The temple’s central location makes it simple to pair with nearby pagodas, markets, and cultural attractions.

Practical Tips on Visiting Minh Huong Gia Thanh Hoi Quan

  • Suggested tips: Respect worshippers by moving quietly and not blocking altars.
  • Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and softer light.
  • Entrance fee: Free
  • Opening hours: Typically 6:00-17:00
  • Official website: Not available
  • How long to spend: 30-60 minutes.
  • Accessibility: Ground-level entry; some interior spaces can be narrow.
  • Facilities: Shops and cafés are available in the surrounding streets.
  • Photography tip: Capture the ornate rooftop sculptures from the courtyard.
  • Guided tours: Many Chinatown walking tours feature this temple.
  • Nearby food options: The surrounding streets offer excellent Chinese-Vietnamese dishes.

Where to Stay close to Minh Huong Gia Thanh Hoi Quan

For convenience and comfort, a nearby option is Windsor Plaza Hotel, located close to Chinatown’s cultural highlights. Another good choice is The Garden Hotel, offering easy access to temples, markets, and eateries.

Add a Is Minh Huong Gia Thanh Hoi Quan Worth Visiting?

Yes, Minh Huong Gia Thanh Hoi Quan is worth visiting. Its beautiful architecture, deep cultural roots, and serene atmosphere offer a meaningful experience for travellers interested in the Chinese-Vietnamese heritage of Ho Chi Minh City.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.8 (39)

Minh Huong Assembly Hall at 380 Trần Hưng Đạo in District 5 is an old communal house in Chợ Lớn tied to the Minh Hương community of Chinese descendants; visitors note its beautiful, well‑preserved Chinese–Vietnamese architecture and frequent guided explanations by locals, and many come to offer incense, make wishes using small soldier figures and interact with ritual objects like a horse statue for luck; it opens daily mornings from 8:00 to 12:00.

Thien Lam
8 years ago
"If you love the ancient architecture of Asian, then you should never miss this one. Super nice place fof me."
IWAN DARMADI0906555292
3 years ago
"Beautiful old Chinese building I stumbled upon when walking around the Chinatown. Not a temple but an ex assembly hall of the Ming dynasty immigrantsfamily. I am lucky that the auntie can speak english very well and sincerely explained the history. Thank you auntie Vuong 🙏..."
황 량 균
3 weeks ago
"Minh Huong Gia Thanh Communal House is located at 380 Tran Phu, District 5, is an important historical and cultural relic, built in the late 18thcentury (around 1789). * Special community: The Communal House is the center of religious activities and a place of co ection for the Minh Huong community - descendants of Chinese immigrants who have deeply integrated into Vietnamese culture. * Purpose: This is the place to worship the local Thanh Hoang and the ancestors who have contributed to the development and establishment of the community, showing respect for ancestors and the tradition of "remembering the source of water when drinking water."n* Unique architecture: The Communal House has a mixed architectural style between Vietnam and China, clearly showing the unique cultural fusion of the Minh Huong people. Minh Huong Gia Thanh Communal House is recognized as a National Architectural and Artistic Relic, a historical symbol of the settlement and sustainable development of a community rich in traditions in Saigon...."

FAQs for Visiting Minh Huong Gia Thanh Hoi Quan

It was built by early Chinese immigrants from Fujian who formed the Minh Huong congregation.
Yes, but be discreet and avoid disrupting worship.
Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and other traditional Chinese celebrations.

Nearby Attractions to Minh Huong Gia Thanh Hoi Quan

The Minh Huong Gia Thanh Hoi Quan appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)!

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Planning Your Visit

Address: 明鄉嘉盛會館- Minh Hương Gia Thạnh Hội Quán, Đường Trần Hưng Đạo, phường 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): 9 km

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