Sri Thenday Yuttha Panin Temple & Best Waterfalls in Vietnam to Explore in 2025

The Soulful and the Scenic – Vietnam’s Hidden Surprises

Vietnam is a country that thrives on contrasts. From vibrant city life to silent spiritual havens, and from high-energy food markets to peaceful mountain trails, it’s a land where every corner tells a story.

In the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, surrounded by the buzz of modern life, stands a colorful and sacred site — Sri Thenday Yuttha Panin Temple in Vietnam. This temple is not just a place of worship; it's a living piece of cultural harmony, connecting Vietnam’s Indian heritage to its vibrant present.

As you continue your trip to Vietnam, you’ll find that theend in temples and towns. Venture further north or into the countryside, and you’ll stumble upon some of the most stunning waterfalls in Vietnam — hidden within jungles, clifftops, and remote valleys.

This guide gives you both: a deep spiritual experience and a journey into nature. Let’s begin.

Sri Thenday Yuttha Panin Temple in Vietnam – An Unexpected Spiritual Jewel

Where Is It Located?

Nestled on Truong Dinh Street, in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, this temple stands out with its vividly painted gopuram (tower), colorful deities, and beautiful Dravidian-style architecture. Despite the urban rush around it, the temple maintains a calm, spiritual vibe.

What Makes It Special?

🛕 1. South Indian Architecture in the Heart of Saigon

Built in the early 20th century, the temple is modeled after Tamil Nadu’s classic temple designs — complete with intricate carvings, tall columns, and detailed sculptures of Hindu gods like Murugan, Shiva, Parvati, and Ganesha.

🕉️ 2. Cultural Harmony

It’s one of the very few active Hindu temples in Vietnam, serving both the Indian Tamil community and curious Vietnamese locals. It reflects Vietnam’s openness to all cultures and religions.

🪔 3. Festival Vibes

If you're lucky to visit during Thai Pongal or Thaipusam, the temple comes alive with music, flowers, traditional attire, and grand pujas (rituals). It’s a whole different energy.

Best Time to Visit

Morning (7 AM – 11 AM) or Evening (4 PM – 7 PM) for rituals

Festivals like Pongal (January) or Thaipusam (late January/February) are great for cultural immersion

Open daily and free to enter, but donations are welcomed

Dress Code and Tips

Wear modest clothing (covered shoulders and legs)

Remove your shoes before entering the temple

Photography is allowed outside, but ask before clicking inside

Be respectful during ongoing rituals — the space is very sacred to locals

Nearby Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City

Ben Thanh Market – For souvenirs, snacks, and local life

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica – French architecture meets Vietnamese spirit

War Remnants Museum – Powerful and moving exhibits

Nguyen Hue Walking Street – Perfect for evening strolls and local eats

Waterfalls in Vietnam – Nature’s Hidden Masterpieces

Once you’ve soaked in the spiritual essence of Saigon, the road to Vietnam’s natural beauty begins. If you’ve never explored the waterfalls in Vietnam, prepare to be blown away — they’re lush, powerful, and surprisingly offbeat.

1. Ban Gioc Waterfall – The Grand Jewel

Location: Cao Bang Province (North Vietnam)

Ban Gioc is Vietnam’s most iconic waterfall, located on the border with China. It spans over 300 meters, making it the widest in the country.

Highlights:

Bamboo rafts to view the falls up close

Caves nearby (Nguom Ngao Cave)

Jaw-dropping photo ops

Lush greenery and rice fields all around

Best time: September to October when water flow is high and weather is pleasant

2. Pongour Waterfall – The Layered Beauty

Location: Near Da Lat, Central Highlands

Pongour is often called the “seven-step waterfall” for its unique cascading layers. Surrounded by eucalyptus forests, it’s serene and photogenic.

What to Do:

Picnic in nature

Walk the stone paths around the waterfall

Visit during Pongour Festival (Lunar New Year)

3. Elephant Waterfall – Raw and Roaring

Location: 25 km from Da Lat

Not as polished or touristy, Elephant Waterfall is rugged and wild. A short hike down takes you close to the thundering falls — and if you're lucky, a rainbow might greet you.

Wear sturdy shoes – the rocks can be slippery!

4. Dambri Waterfall – The Tallest in Southern Vietnam

Location: Bao Loc, Lam Dong Province

Height: 90+ meters

Perfect for a day trip from Da Lat or Ho Chi Minh City, this waterfall has a scenic park area, cable car, and luge ride nearby for families and solo travelers alike.

5. Giang Dien Waterfall – An Urban Escape

Location: Dong Nai Province (just 1.5 hours from HCMC)

If you're short on time, Giang Dien offers a quick escape from the city. Great for day picnics, couples, and families, the waterfall is accessible, well-maintained, and has camping options.

Tips for Visiting Waterfalls in Vietnam

Go early to avoid crowds and catch the best light

Bring snacks, water, insect repellent, and good hiking shoes

Respect local signs and safety zones — some rocks are slippery

Avoid peak rainy days (July–August), especially for rural waterfalls

Cultural Pairing: Why Temples and Waterfalls Make the Perfect Itinerary

Your trip to Vietnam can balance both spiritual reflection and nature’s wild power. Visiting Sri Thenday Yuttha Panin Temple in Vietnam gives you insight into the multicultural harmony of the country. And heading out to see the waterfalls in Vietnam lets you unwind and reconnect with the raw elements of nature.

This combination brings the yin and yang of Vietnamese travel — the internal peace from prayer halls and the outward energy of cascading rivers and jungle trails.

Suggested 5-Day Itinerary (Spiritual + Scenic Blend)

Day 1: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, explore Nguyen Hue Street

Day 2: Visit Sri Thenday Yuttha Panin Temple, relax in the afternoon, sunset at Bitexco Tower

Day 3: Day trip to Giang Dien Waterfall, local lunch, evening market

Day 4: Fly to Da Lat, visit Elephant Waterfall or Pongour

Day 5: Explore Da Lat town, coffee farms, and return

Conclusion: Let Vietnam Surprise You

There are sides of Vietnam most people never see — and that’s where the real magic lies. Whether it’s standing barefoot in front of Sri Thenday Yuttha Panin Temple in Vietnam, hearing sacred chants in a foreign land, or watching white water thunder down the cliffs at Ban Gioc, you’ll find pieces of yourself in every experience.

This 2025, go beyond the clichés. Let your trip to Vietnam be one of balance — of temples and treks, colors and calm, people and places.

The spirit is waiting. So is the splash.