Quan Am Pagoda and Quan Cong Temple is a must see group of attractions in Hoi An Old Town, Vietnam. It’s constructed to worship the Goddess of Mercy or Lady Buddha who blesses people with good fortune, good life and good wealth. While other Buddhist temples are far from the market, this place is near, making it special. So now, let’s HoiAn Day Trip Company tell everything that visitors need to know about Quan Am Pagoda in Hoi An.
You also may like: Phap Bao Pagoda, Chuc Thanh Pagoda, Lady Buddha Da Nang
• Content by Tam Le, founder of HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD
• Designed by Giang Cong Minh, co-founder of LS E&C LTD and his team
• Photo by Dang Cong Loi, Dao Xuan Son, Tam Le & others
Must Knows about Quan Am Pagoda (Hoi An)
– Location/address: 13 Nguyen Hue street, Minh An ward, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province, Vietnam
– Other name(s):
– Opening hours: 7 AM to 6 PM daily
– Ticket price: 120,000 VND for foreign adult & children above 15 years old, free for smaller kids (see more details)
– Reason(s) to visit: one of the holiest places in Hoi An (together with Quan Cong Temple)
– Best time to visit: anytime during the day
– Time to spend: 15-20 mins
– Travel blog: https://hoiandaytrip.com/quan-am-pagoda-hoi-an
– Recognition(s): national heritage (1991), Unesco world heritage site (1999)
– Food & drink: not available
– Shopping: not available
Quan Am Pagoda on Map
History & Architecture of Quan Am Pagoda in Hoi An
Quan Am Pagoda (or Lady Buddha Temple, Minh Huong Pagoda, Ba Pagoda) is behind the Quan Cong Temple, but on the same ground. Its entrance opens to Nguyen Hue St. It might have been constructed before 1653 because one memorial stele in the temple (carved in 1753) informed that they were over 100 years old. In the late 17th century, Chinese monk Thich Dai San or Shi Dashan (1633-1705) visited Vietnam by invitation of Nguyen lord, and he stayed in Quan Am Pagoda of Hoi An for a while. Later, he wrote something about it in the diaries.
Unlike other towns and cities, Quan Am Pagoda is close to a big market. In local belief, these places are opposite and should be near each other. The pagoda symbolizes peacefulness and serenity, while the market is always busy and noisy. In the past, Chinese people built the pagoda behind Quan Cong Temple, maybe because of the short distance.
Quan Am means Lady Buddha in Vietnamese or Guan Yin in Chinese.
In 1904 and 1943, local Chinese communities in Minh Huong village restored Quan Am Pagoda and other temples. From 1975 to 1989, it served as the office of Minh An ward’s people committee. After that, it’s managed by the Hoi An Center for Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation, and used as a small museum but worshipping activities were still kept. In 2015, artifacts were transferred to the newly built Hoi An Museum of History and Culture. Since 2016, Quan Am Pagoda has been completely a Buddhist temple as it is.
About the architecture, Quan Am Pagoda has a three-arched gate as entrance, front yard, the East house, and a main Buddha hall. Its gate has three doors but only the middle one opens, and four columns. Above the middle door, there are 4 Chinese words meaning ‘Buddhist Temple of Minh Huong (village)’. Two words above the left door mean ‘nothingless’ or ‘emptiness’ and two words above the right door mean ‘supernational existence’ or ‘absolute reality’, in Buddhist terms. On the other side, visitors can see ‘wisdom’ to the left and ‘mercy’ to the right. On the columns, there are poems written in Chinese inscriptions.
The main Buddha hall has three compartments, with a humble architecture. It’s used to worship two Mahayana bodhisattvas regarded as guardians of the pagoda, and in the centre, trio of buddhas: Amitabha (left), Lady Buddha or Guan Yin (middle, main saint) and Mahasthamaprapta or Dashizhi (right). In a corner, Kṣitigarbha or Dizang is also honored.
In the year, there are two main ceremonies taking place here, including the day of death of Lady Buddha on the 19th day of the second lunar month, and the first full moon on the 16th day of the first lunar month. On each first and 15th day monthly (lunar calendar), lots of local people come here to pray.
Tips to Visit Quan Am Pagoda in Hoi An
– Visitors need to buy a Hoi An Old Town ticket to enter Quan Am Pagoda (and Quan Cong Temple in the same ground); Its price is 120,000 VND for adult and children above 15 years old; See more information & details
– Visitors need to wear respectively if want to sightsee at Quan Am Pagoda, especially before entering the worshipping building.
– In Quan Am Pagoda, visitors can see long dresses to choose one and cover for sightseeing. The right place to find them is behind the entrance gate, to the right hand side, and by the big tree. It’s free to use.
– In the dry season, from February to the end of August, visitors should bring sun cream, sun glasses, hat/cap/umbrella, and bottles of water.
– In the rainy season, from September to January, visitors should bring rain poncho/jacket or umbrella, sandals or waterproof shoes.
– Visitors are not allowed to go into monk’s houses and other private places (often with a sign to let people know).
– On the 1st and 15th days of each lunar month, there are many locals coming here to pray and listen to chanting.
– It’s better to visit with a local guide. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo).
How to Get to Quan Am Pagoda in Hoi An
Quan Am Pagoda is located at 13 Nguyen Hue Street, Minh An ward, Hoi An city, Vietnam. It lies within the Hoi An Ancient Town world heritage area.
If stay in or near the Hoi An Ancient Town, visitors can walk to Quan Am Pagoda. From hotels or places in Cam Pho, Minh An and Son Phong areas, the distance isn’t long.
Visitors can easily ride the bicycle to get to Quan Am Pagoda. It’s often free at many hotels, so please ask again when check in (come first serve first). If not available, renting a bicycle is also very cheap at Hoi An. A good one should have basket in the front (to storage perfonal items), horn to warn when needed, and a locker to use when go shopping or sightseeing. Different from motorized vehicles, visitors can ride the bicycle anytime of the day, to the Hoi An Ancient Town and Quan Am Pagoda. Just park around the entrance of the house (sure, it’s free).
If ride the motorcycle, visitors can go to Quan Am Pagoda anytime during the day because it doesn’t lie within Hoi An’s pedestrian zone. Just park on the sidewalk near the entrance of Quan Am Pagoda.
If getting to the town by car/taxi/minivan, let’s tell the driver to drop off at the parking lot near the crossroad of Hoang Dieu Street and Phan Chu Trinh Street, then walk to Quan Am Pagoda. From anywhere inside Hoi An, a car ride to the town is 15-20 mins maximum. From Da Nang, it’s 45-60 mins. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) to book a private car to Hoi An with a good price.
HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD daily organizes transfers to Hoi An and Da Nang. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Itinerary to Visit Hoi An Old Town for First Timer
First of all, to enter and visit the Hoi An Old Town (the part inscribed by Unesco), visitors need to buy an entry ticket. Its price is 120,000 VND per adult and children above 15 years old and free of charge for smaller kids. Entry to 5 attractions is also included for free. See more information & details
If possible, first time visitors should go with a local guide, to know better about history and culture. Contact us by +84968009827 (call/whatsapp) to book a private English-speaking guide.
We suggest this itinerary for first timers:
Total distance: 1,65 kilometers
– Starting point: the Japanese style gate (the west end of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street). A model of the Red Seal Ship (Japanese merchant’s ship) and a ticket office are in a close distance.
– Walk along Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street. On this road, visitors will have the chance to sightsee Cam Pho Communal House (ticket required), Japanese Culture Gallery (ticket required), Phung Hung Old House (one of the best heritage houses, ticket required), Nguyen Tuong Family Chapel (in the alleyway, ticket required).
– Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the symbol of Hoi An. This place definitely is a must see attraction.
– Walk along Tran Phu Street, the most beautiful road in Hoi An, until Hoi An Central Market. On this road, visitors will have the chance to sightsee so many historical attractions. From the bridge to the market, there are Cantonese Assembly Hall (ticket required), Museum of Sa Huynh Culture (ticket required), Duc An Old House (ticket required), Kazik Park (free), Quan Thang Old House (ticket required), Museum of Trade Ceramics (ticket required), Trung Hoa Assembly Hall (ticket required), Fujian Assembly Hall (ticket required), Quan Cong Temple (ticket required), Quan Am Pagoda (ticket required), Hoi An Central Market (free to enter), a couple of rooftop coffee shops, Instagrammable spots, shophouses selling lanterns, food, souvenirs and fashion items.
– Walk southwards and along Tieu La Street (east side of Hoi An Central Market). On this road, there are many vendors and stalls selling a diversity of local products, giving a good chance to know about local life and photograph.
– Walk westwards and along Bach Dang Street (the riverside street). On this road, visitors will see Hoi An Traditional Performance House (ticket required if want to watch shows) and Museum of Folklore (ticket required).
– Turn into Le Loi Street and then turn left, walking along Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. On this road, visitors will see Tan Ky Old House (one of the best heritage houses, ticket required) and Diep Dong Nguyen Old House (not yet opened to visitors, see from outside).
– The ending point: the crossroad near the north end of An Hoi Bridge or the west end of Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. In the evening, from here, visitors can walk cross the bridge and then turn right to see the entrance of the Hoi An Night Market, the biggest night market in Hoi An.
For more information and details, please browse https://hoiandaytrip.com/hoi-an-self-guided-walking-tour
Guided Tours to Hoi An Ancient Town Vietnam
From Hoi An
– Hoi An Old Town Walking Tour – 2 Hour Express Tour with Local
– Hoi An Half Day Walking Tour: Heritage Sites, Crafts & Show
– Hoi An Early Morning Walking Tour with Local Pho & Coffee
– Hoi An Afternoon Walking Tour + Thu Bon River Sunset Cruise
– Hoi An Night Tour from Hoi An: Lantern Boat, Markets & Food
– Hoi An Walking Tour with Sightseeing & Cooking Class
– Hoi An Late Afternoon Walking Tour with Local Food Tastings
– Hoi An Walking Tour with Thanh Ha Pottery Village by Boat
– Hoi An Instagram Tour: Best Photo Spots & Rooftop Café
– Hoi An Old Town Food Tour with Night Boat Ride
– Hoi An Old Town Private Walking Tour with Local Expert (4 hours duration from departure time)
HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD daily organizes tours in Hoi An and Da Nang. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
From Da Nang
– Hoi An Half Day Tour from Da Nang
– Hoi An Night Tour from Da Nang
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Day Tour from Da Nang
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Night Tour from Da Nang
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Highlights Tour
– Marble Mountain, Lady Buddha & Hoi An Day Tour from Da Nang
– Hoi An Day Tour from Da Nang with Chinese Speaking Guide
– My Son Sanctuary & Hoi An Tour from Da Nang
– Golden Bridge/Ba Na Hills Tour & Hoi An Tour from Da Nang
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Tour from Da Nang Cruise Port
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Tour from Chan May Cruise Port
HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD daily organizes tours in Hoi An and Da Nang. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Places to Visit near Quan Am Pagoda in Hoi An
– Bridges: Japanese Covered Bridge (Pagoda Bridge), Moonlight Bridge, An Hoi Bridge (Bridge of Lights), Cam Nam Bridge, Cam Kim Metal Bridge
– Museums: Museum of Sa Huynh Culture, Museum of Sa Folklore, Museum of Trade Ceramics, Museum of Traditional Medicine, Hoi An Museum of History & Culture, Japanese Culture Gallery, Black Sesame Soup Demonstration
– Chinese assembly halls: Cantonese Assembly Hall, Fujian Assembly Hall, Trung Hoa Assembly Hall, Hainan Assembly Hall, Teochew Assembly Hall
– Heritage houses: Tan Ky Old House, Phung Hung Old House, Duc An Old House, Quan Thang Ancient House, Diep Dong Nguyen House, Thai Phien Ancient House
– Temples & pagodas: Quan Cong Temple (Ong Pagoda), Ba Mu Temple, Phap Bao Pagoda, Quan Am Pagoda, Hoi An Confucius Temple, Cao Dai Temple of Hoi An, Hoi An Ancestral Temple, Cam Pho Confucius Temple, Minh Huong Confucius Temple, Vien Giac Pagoda, Hy Hoa Temple
– Family chapels: Tran Family Chapel, Nguyen Tuong Family Chapel
– Communal houses: Cam Pho Communal House, Hoi An Communal House, Minh Huong Communal House, Tu Le Communal House, Xuan Lam Communal House, Son Phong Communal House
– Markets: Hoi An Central Market, Hoi An Cloth/Fabric Market, Hoi An Night Market (Nguyen Hoang Night Market), Cam Pho Market
– Theatres: Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House, Hoi An Lune Center for Performing Arts (now where Teh Dar Show takes place), Hoi An Memories Land Theme Park (now where Hoi An Memories Show takes place)
– Famous streets: Tran Phu Street, Phan Chu Trinh Street, Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Bach Dang Street/Wharf, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa Street, Phan Boi Chau Street (Hoi An French Quarter), Hoi An Lantern Streets
– Other points of interest: Red Seal Ship Model, Hoi An Evanlegical Church, Thong Dang Prison & Park, Kazik Park (Memory Statue of Kazimierz Kwiatkowski), Hoai River (Hoi An River), Song Hoai Square, An Hoi Sculpture Park, Hoi An Catholic Church, Hoi An Prison, Hoi An Central Park, Ba Le Well, Hoi An Book Street, Hoi An Lantern Park, An Hoi Island, Cam Nam Island, Thu Bon River, Da Ken Tree
Photos, Videos about Quan Am Pagoda in Hoi An
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