Culture term

Chua

The Buddhist pagoda you will pass on almost every street, and how to visit with respect.

Chua is the Vietnamese word for a Buddhist pagoda. You will pass them in every city, tucked between shops or set in quiet gardens. They are places of worship first, so visit as a guest.

How will you meet it on the trip?

Look for a curved roof, a courtyard and the smell of incense. Inside you may see a golden Buddha, offerings of fruit and flowers, and monks or nuns at prayer. Some pagodas are free to enter, and others take a small donation.

In Hanoi, a quiet pagoda near the pho co is a calm break from the street.

What is the tip for visiting?

Dress with shoulders and knees covered, speak softly and keep to the paths. Do not point your feet at an altar or touch a monk. Ask before photographing people.

Chua is different from a den (temple), which honours a hero or deity, and a dinh (communal house), which belongs to a village. Check the gate sign if you are unsure.

Den: a temple for a national hero or a spirit.
Dinh: a village communal house for shared gatherings.

For more on the trip rhythm, browse Food and daily travel or use the route chooser.

If temples and pagodas are part of your plan, tell us who is travelling and how much walking suits everyone, and we can fit them into a calm day.

Ask about visits

Common questions

What should I wear to a chua?

Cover your shoulders and knees, and carry a light scarf for the sun or for modesty. Remove your shoes where others do. Muslim women who already dress modestly will find the code familiar. Keep your voice low and avoid posing in front of altars.

Can I take photographs inside?

Usually in the courtyard, but ask or watch for signs before photographing worshippers or the main altar. Never use flash on statues. If a monk or caretaker asks you to stop, stop politely. A quiet attitude is the best permission.

Is a chua the same as a temple?

Not exactly. A chua is Buddhist and usually has statues of Buddha and monks or nuns. A den honours a hero or a deity and a dinh is a village communal house. All three have their own customs, so read the sign at the gate.

Keep planning

DenThe temple that honours a hero or a spirit, and how it differs from a pagoda.DinhThe communal house at the heart of a village, and why it is worth a short stop.Pho coThe old quarter of Hanoi, and whether it is the right base for your group.Food and Daily Travel in VietnamEat well, spend sensibly and stay comfortable on the street, whatever your diet or budget.