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Lost in the Japanese sky at Khanh An monastery in Saigon

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Khanh An Saigon Monastery is a favorite destination of many young people because of its unique Japanese-style architecture, suitable for both sightseeing, pilgrimage and attractive check-in place.

The process of formation of Khanh An Monastery

Khanh An Pagoda is  located in a small street outside Saigon and is a religious building according to the Bac Tong Buddhist school. Not only is a temple with airy space, many green trees create a romantic scene, but the monastery is also quite famous in recent times because of its architectural style different from many other temples.

The history of the monastery has been through many ups and downs. After completion, this religious work was repeatedly burned by the French colonialists. Later, this place was also continuously destroyed by wars and natural disasters. There was even a time when the temple was only rebuilt like a small temple. Until 2006 onwards, the pagoda was largely restored and almost completely rebuilt. Until 2016, the old temple was renamed to Khanh An monastery.

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Favorite destination of many visitors. Photo: wiki-travel

>> See also:  The most beautiful temples in Saigon

Although it is a Buddhist building in Vietnam located in Saigon, the monastery has a distinct Japanese architectural style. If you have the opportunity to travel to Saigon and accidentally come across here, looking broadly, you will definitely be immediately attracted by the beauty of the land of cherry blossoms reflected through the architecture, structure and each decoration. of this famous religious site.

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Entrance to Khanh An pagoda. Photo: homeaz

Khanh An pagoda was renovated half a year ago and has just started operating again, bringing a new look, especially with more Japanese decorations. One of them is the appearance of many wind chimes throughout the monastery, creating a melodious sound, at times low and suddenly creating a feeling of being lost in seclusion and the spiritual world full of peace with tourists want to visit places

Where is Khanh An Monastery located?

Saigon is the largest and most developed city in the country with many amusement parks, tourist attractions, famous destinations such as Dam Sen cultural park, Suoi Tien tourist area , Bui Vien pedestrian street, high rise buildings. as attractive as Bitexco or Lanmark 81. Further, there are famous orchards or Cu Chi tunnels. And it is also difficult to ignore the most beautiful temples in Saigon – spiritual tourist destination whether located in the center or in the suburbs also attracts a lot of visitors.

If Ngoc Hoang Pagoda is located in the city center – District 1, District 9 has a Thai-style Buu Long pagoda , Khanh An monastery, also known as Khanh An meditation center is located at 1055 / 3D QL1, located in An Phu Dong Ward, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City.

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The monastery is located in An Phu Dong ward, district 12. Photo: homeaz

Depending on the location you are in, you can go to Khanh An Saigon meditation center on many different travel routes.

* Derived from Go Vap district

If you depart from Go Vap district, you should follow Nguyen Oanh street, then continue straight on Ha Huy Giap street. Keep going straight until you reach the overpass at the Ga intersection, then turn right onto National Highway 1A. From here, visitors only need to go about 3 km to the traffic light of National Highway 1A and Vo Thi Thua street, looking to the left will see a large sign that is the entrance to the monastery. Now you just need to follow the instructions, turn left, and you will see the monastery appear before your eyes.

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The monastery is in the style of Tonkin Buddhism, with bold Asian architecture. Photo: 123didulich

* Starting from the direction of Binh Trieu Bridge, Binh Thanh District

You start from Xo Viet Nghe Tinh street, Binh Thanh district in the direction of Thu Duc district. When crossing Binh Trieu Bridge, the roundabout of Binh Loi overpass, you just go straight to reach Highway 13. From here, go straight for about 5 km, you will reach the intersection of Binh Phuoc, then turn left onto the national highway. 1A and go straight through Binh Phuoc Bridge. After that, continue for about 1.5 km to reach the red and green light intersection on National Highway 1A, the intersection with Vo Thi Thua Street (on the right hand side). Just like going from District 12, at this time, just turn right and you will see the monastery on the left hand side.

The path to the monastery has a lot of shops outside that evoke the bustling scene, but rest assured because once entering the monastery gate, everyone can feel they are in a different world with a full landscape green trees, flowers, beautiful and quiet little corners, peaceful lake and between religious buildings with unique and attractive Japanese architecture.

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The whole view of the monastery when viewed from above. Photo: thuvienhoasen.org

Because it is located on the outskirts of the city, the road to the monastery is quite far away but it is easy to go and especially less traffic jams or crowded as in the center during peak hours.

Japanese bold design of Khanh An monastery

If you are a Buddhist or like pilgrimage, sightseeing temples, the beautiful monastery located in District 12 of Saigon named Khanh An is a destination not to be missed.

Especially on the full moon or festivals and important Buddhist anniversaries of the year, there are many Buddhists as well as visitors of all ages here to visit and make pilgrimages. So what makes the monastery so attractive. The first attraction of this famous religious work is the bold Japanese beauty emanating from the monastic architecture.

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A Japanese feature in the heart of Saigon. Photo: @ kimma.kimma Dubbed the miniature Japan of Saigon, this unique Saigon monastery possesses quite an impressive design. Right from the time you were on the road, when you were looking at you from afar, the pagoda named Khanh An appeared with unmistakable Japanese appearance. The closer you get, and especially after stepping inside the campus, the space and architecture of the monastery become more attractive, worthy of the name “Little Tokyo” in the heart of Saigon.
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This place owns Bac Tong Buddhist architecture. Photo: homeaz The monastery includes works such as the Tam Quan Gate, Awakening Buddha Street, the Dharma Hall of Mindfulness, the Peaceful Tang Dynasty, Thoi Thoi Guest House, The Lost Room, the Buddha Observatory, Quan Am Garden and the Unique names like Old Marks, The Land Going Back, Sitting In The Wind.
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Hexagonal lanterns appear only in Japanese Buddhist-style structures. Photo: homeaz It can be said that the whole building in the monastery has applied extremely flexibly the architectural style of the land of Phu Tang, luxurious, majestic but not too subtle but delicate and meticulous. All are most clearly shown through the roof of the pagoda, the colors and small decorative details, the carvings on the columns, each door made of light wood, the red paint prominently on the blue sky, or just It is simply a paved road amidst green scenery shady trees … all make up the beauty of a Japanese temple located in the middle of Saigon, giving you the feeling of being slowed down, temporarily forgetting the hustle and bustle life. worry about out there.
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Brown and rose red are the main colors that make up the striking appearance of the monastery. Photo: emmi.hoang

Khanh An Monastery is also outstanding because it is different from many traditional Vietnamese temples, instead of using the main yellow color, it harmoniously combines many colors from the white of lime, the yellow color of patterns, wood. has impressive red and brown colors, creating a luxurious feeling, but still very close.

Another highlight in the architecture of the monastery is the curved arches that curl straight up the bright blue sky of Saigon. If you have ever traveled to Japan or ever had the opportunity to study and live in the land of the rising sun, you will find this architecture quite similar to the Buddhist works there.

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The dome design is different from traditional temples. Photo: 123didulich

Continue to visit the main hall of the monastery, you will admire the beauty of the largest work here, made of wood and stone. The main hall was built solidly and extremely majestic with the official name of “Buddha of Awakening”. This is a place for monks and Buddhists to meditate and chant prayers every day.

In terms of structure, this area includes 1 ground floor and 2 floors. On each floor, there is a stone railing and elaborate carvings, making visitors suddenly feel like they are lost in the palace of Hue Imperial City in the Central region. Each pillar, rafter in this special temple is made from precious wood material, which is both bright and smooth.

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The rose house and living area, wooden texture and painted wood imitation color with distinctive red. Photo: battrangvn

The monk’s house and the guest house area are also built of wood, but it is painted with a distinctive red color of wood, making many people think they are in the land of the rising sun when they discover the monastery.

Luxurious and ornate inside, the outer precinct of Khanh An pagoda is equally well cared for. In the middle, there is a large, pure lotus pond with the island system. This scene will give visitors a peaceful and cool experience.

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A corner of the monastery grounds. Photo: traveloka

The area is also planted with trees and flowers that evoke a poetic scene. It can be said that the whole monastery, from the main building to the side, the main hall or the outside, makes visitors feel the religious world of Buddhism, harmony between the religious beauty and the typical Japanese architecture.

Free to check in at Khanh An monastery

The monastery has a moderate area, not very large, but it feels cool and airy. Not only that, this architectural building also bears Japanese imprint with its deep brown tile roof, unmistakable Tokyo-style hexagonal lights, wind chimes swaying every minute of flowers and leaves shaking amidst the miniatures. Zen statue surrounded by a small lake. Therefore, the monastery was quickly known by many people and became a place to visit and check in – virtual living of many tourists, especially young people, the group loves cosplay, wear nostalgic costumes …

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Enjoy a virtual life in any corner of the monastery. Photo: 123didulich

After sightseeing, visiting the pagoda and praying for peace for relatives and family, you will be spoiled for virtual life with “a thousand and one” angle of not only very beautiful but also unique – strange. Any corner, front, far away or inside the monastery, … will also help you bring back a series of beautiful and attractive photos like checking in in the land of cherry blossoms.

If you are a person who likes to take pictures and is passionate about the beauty of new architecture, Khanh An Pagoda is really your ideal destination because it has many architectural features and decorations like Japanese temples. . This religious and practice work is also a “paradise” for those who love the culture of the country of cherry blossoms without or without the opportunity to go directly.

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Little Tokyo in the heart of Saigon. Photo: battrangvn
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Any small corner of the monastery grounds also becomes the ultimate virtual living spot. Photo: battrangvn

After checking in the fire at the beautiful cafes in District 1 , admire the beauty of the Saigon symbol at Tan Dinh church, enjoy snacks at Con Rua lake , let’s go far to the middle of the group of friends. Please pay a little attention to Saigon to visit and take pictures at the monastery.

Meaningful Buddhist activities

Not only known as a beautiful and impressive architectural work with bold Japanese style, Khanh An monastery is also a frequent destination for Buddhists. This place regularly organizes meaningful Buddhist activities, creating a special feature for the spiritual life of Saigon people.

Specifically, every month, the monastery holds Awakening Life retreat on Sunday. Especially during the epidemic period spread by Covid 19, the pagoda also carried out a lecture program called Starting love before the epidemic for everyone. In addition, the monastery also offers short-term retreats for Buddhists and pilgrims from afar.

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Enjoy the cool, peaceful space between the monastery. Photo: vietnammoi

The temple also regularly organizes charity programs to help difficult and unhappy situations such as lonely elderly, orphans and disadvantaged children. Visitors, especially young people can come and join hands with the nuns in the temple to create positive values ​​for the community.

Note when visiting Khanh An monastery

The monastery is located far from the city center but always attracts a large number of tourists and Buddhists to visit and pilgrimage. If you want to enjoy the tranquil and serene beauty of Khanh An Pagoda , you should come here at a time when there are few people. It is early or midweek, avoid weekends or full moon occasions, important holidays.

The monastery is a solemn practice place, so visitors need to follow the pagoda’s order, pay attention to follow the signposts such as dress politely, discreetly, limit “incense”, keep quiet and stop. In the places where students are practicing, avoid affecting this quiet place.

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Note about costumes when visiting the monastery. Photo: strongphamds Khanh An Saigon Temple has the beauty of a meditation place, owns Japanese architecture with beautiful and airy view, allows free entrance to take pictures, so when coming here, you should prioritize wearing floating colors like white. , yellow, pink, blue, … to be able to take many beautiful pictures because the overall monastery has a deep brown color. 
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The check-in place is loved by many young people. Photo: metrip.vn

With beautiful architecture, characteristic of the land of cherry blossoms and possessing a green space, not too far from the city, Khanh An monastery is a Saigon tourist attraction that attracts and impresses visitors. Because this place is far from the usual hustle and bustle of the country’s largest metropolis. Whenever you feel tired, want to find a calm and peaceful place without enough time to travel far away, come here.

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Đăng bởi: Liễu Nguyễn

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