Ho Quoc Pagoda

Thiền viện Trúc Lâm Hộ Quốc

The island's biggest temple, stepping down to the sea

⚠ Cover shoulders, knees

Hours

Daily 06:00–18:00 (per Vietnamese travel guides)

Tickets

Free (donations welcome)

Address

Hillside in Suoi Lon hamlet on the southeast coast (formerly Duong To commune); "Chua Ho Quoc" works with drivers

Red-tiled halls step down a forested hill toward the sea, and a white Guanyin statue stands on the rocks at the bottom, so by the time you reach the shore the temple and the sea fit in one frame. Early in the morning there is nothing but incense smoke and the temple bell. It is free and breezy, which makes it a favourite rest stop on south-island tours.