The Ho Quoc Pagoda (also known as Chùa Hộ Quốc or Chùa Hộ Quốc) is the largest Buddhist temple on Phu Quoc Island. Officially inaugurated on December 14, 2012, this spectacular temple is perched at the base of a lush mountain that faces the sea and the rising sun.
Ho Quoc Temple
The Ho Quoc Pagoda was inspired by Mahayana architecture and is part Buddhist temple, part monastery (Thiền Viện Trúc Lâm), and part eco-tourism site. The grounds climb the hillside in terraces — the pagoda follows the feng shui principle of a mountain behind and the sea in front — so expect a lot of stairs.
Photo: Đại Vương, via Google Maps
Temple Etiquette
- Please take off your shoes when entering rooms containing holy statues.
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages in or around the temple grounds.
- Although not enforced, please dress appropriately.
- Speak softly and enjoy the ambiance and serenity of this place.
- Have fun, relax, and socialize with the monks. They are delighted to see you just as much as you are to see them.
Not To Miss…
- Jade statue: At the entrance of the Ho Quoc Pagoda you will find a large jade statue – Phu Quoc is often referred to as the “Emerald Island”.
- Tet at Ho Quoc Pagoda: People from all over Phu Quoc visit the Hộ Quốc Pagoda during Tet Holiday. It is a great time to visit the temple for an authentic cultural experience.
- Dragon staircase: Past the entrance you will encounter the dragon staircase that contains eighteen stone carvings, nine on each side.
- Giant hanging bell: A fully functional giant bell is located at the top of the temple.
- Panoramic views: from the top of the Ho Quoc Temple, enjoy 360 degree views of the ocean and surrounding mountainous landscape.
- Sunrise: Get here around 5:30 AM and watch the sun rise from behind mainland Vietnam. Ho Quoc Pagoda is one of the best places to watch the sunrise in Phu Quoc.
- Monkeys: Behind the temple complex there is a very lush mountain teeming with wildlife. If you are lucky you may see macaques and hornbills. The best time to spot wildlife here would be during the sunrise hours.
- Dam Beach: There is an amazing beach directly in front of the Ho Quoc Temple called Bãi Đầm. Recent visitors report a lot of washed-up rubbish, so check it from the steps before you plan a swim.
Press play and experience the magic of the Ho Quoc Pagoda
Visiting in 2026
Google rates Ho Quoc 4.7 from 1,446 reviews (October 2026), and it lists the pagoda as open 6:00–18:00. Entry and parking are free.
- Beat the coaches. Tour buses arrive from mid-morning to early afternoon. Come early — the hour after opening is quiet, and on a clear day the sun is still low over the sea.
- Dress for a temple: shoulders and knees covered, shoes off where the statues are.
- The big Lady Buddha statue (Quan Âm) on the terrace is the spot for the view down the coast.
- The beach below: steps lead down to the sea, but recent reviewers found a lot of rubbish washed up there — enjoy it from above.
- Getting back: there are few taxis waiting this far out. Reviewers say a Grab driver will wait a couple of hours for an agreed return fare — arrange it before you go in.
Photo: Rajmund Waligóra, via Google Maps
How to get there
Ho Quoc Pagoda is about 25 km by road from Duong Dong — roughly 35 minutes — in Suoi Lon hamlet on the east side of Duong To. The temple is situated along the eastern coast overlooking the Gulf of Thailand and just north of Sao Beach.
For the island’s other pagodas, temples and churches, see temples and pagodas.
Rating and opening hours: Google Maps, October 2026. Drive time: OpenStreetMap routing (OSRM) from central Duong Dong.
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