Chùa Hộ Quốc (Ho Quoc Pagoda)

1. Location and architecture

• Unique location: the complex occupies around 110 hectares on a mountainside. The temple follows the traditional principle “tọa sơn hướng hải”, with its back to untouched mountain forest and its façade directly facing the Gulf of Thailand.^2,3
• Architectural style: buildings follow the style of Vietnam’s Ly and Tran dynasties, using precious lim wood.²
• Main features:
• The monumental Tam Quan entrance gate.²
• A ceremonial staircase of 70 stone steps with carved dragon reliefs.²
• The main prayer hall, a jade Buddha statue, bell and drum towers, and a replica of the famous One Pillar Pagoda.
• A panoramic viewpoint at the temple’s foot overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.

2. Opening hours and admission prices

• Admission price: Free.^1,2
• Opening hours: every day, without days off, from 06:00 to 18:00.²
• Sunrise at the pagoda: this is considered one of the island’s best places for sunrise. Tourists and island residents often arrive at 05:30-06:00 to see the first rays over the sea.^1,2

3. Dress code and visiting rules

• As this is an active Buddhist monastery, the compulsory rule is that shoulders and knees must be covered.^1,2
• If you arrive in revealing clothes, such as short dresses or shorts, long coverings or skirts are usually available at the entrance.²

4. Getting there

The pagoda is around 20-25 km south of the central town, Dương Đông (Duong Dong).²

• By taxi (Grab / Xanh SM): a return trip from the town centre with the driver waiting for 1-1.5 hours is usually booked for \~500,000 VND. In a taxi app, the location is easy to find as Chùa Hộ Quốc or Ho Quoc Pagoda.²
• By motorbike or car: follow the main road south towards An Thới (An Thoi), turning east towards the coast at the signs.
• Public transport: scheduled buses do not run directly to the temple complex entrance. Take VinBus 17 or 19 to southern stops on the main road, then change to a taxi.^1,2