Covering 250,000 square meters of mountain forest, Ta Cu Mountain Park is a sanctuary for wildlife crowned by a Buddhist pagoda. Those of strong body can opt for the 2-hour hike up the mountain, which is made a bit more comfortable thanks to the smaller shrines and a restaurant position on the way. The more mindful will likely want to enjoy the panoramic views offered by a ride in the cable car, though this comes at an extra fee. Once you reach the mountain’s peak , you’ll pass the three entrance pillars to reach the Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda. Home to several prayer halls, the central attraction is the 19th century reclining Buddha - the largest Nirvana Shakyamuni style in Southeast Asia. Nearby are the 7-meter-tall “Three Buddha Postures” statues, each of which depicts a different Buddha.

Built in 1942, the Chua Buu Long pagoda is renowned in Vietnam because of its gorgeous amalgamation of architectural styles from countries throughout Southeast Asian including Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Many locals even call it the “Thai temple” for its distinctive style, and because it practices the same Theraveda branch of Buddhism as in Thailand. The temple is also unique in that worshippers do not use candles or incense to pray, and only the Buddha is revered here - most temples also worship other deities. Despite the ornate exterior and serene gardens, the temple interior is simple and modern, bordering on the austere. On the top floor you’ll find relics from Buddha and his disciples that are revered throughout the Buddhist world.