The Vietnam Buddhist Academy and Thanh Tam Pagoda (Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City) are expected to be major pilgrimage destinations during the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025.

Located 26 kilometers from the city center, the Vietnam Buddhist Academy, Thanh Tam Pagoda, and Lang Le Cultural Park in Binh Chanh District will serve as the main venues for the UN Day of Vesak 2025.

More than just a spiritual festival, Vesak 2025 is an opportunity to widely promote the distinct identity of Vietnamese Buddhism while fostering messages of peace, understanding, and international cooperation.

A close-up of the Buddha relic - a national treasure of India - housed in the stupa of Thanh Tam Pagoda for public veneration. Previously, on May 2, the relic arrived at Tan Son Nhat Airport on a military aircraft. Following a solemn transfer ceremony, it was escorted to Thanh Tam Pagoda, one of the main venues of the UN Day of Vesak 2025.

Thanh Tam Pagoda opened to the public for veneration of the Buddha relic on the morning of May 3.

The pagoda, originally established in 1956, now serves as a residence for Buddhist nuns pursuing associate, bachelor's, and postgraduate programs under the Academy. It is a well-known spiritual destination in Ho Chi Minh City, attracting visitors with its serene landscape, lush greenery, magnificent architecture, and the unique “Lonely Buddha” statue.

Adjacent to Thanh Tam Pagoda is the Vietnam Buddhist Academy, where the official opening ceremony of the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025 is scheduled for the morning of May 6.

The main hall of the Vietnam Buddhist Academy is named the Minh Chau Lecture Hall.

Its central auditorium has a seating capacity of 2,700, accompanied by five additional halls designated for scientific conferences and symposiums within the Vesak 2025 framework.

The nearby Lang Le Cultural Park will serve as a scenic venue and host various cultural and Buddhist activities on the sidelines of the main events.

At the crescent lake area, visitors can expect to witness artistic performances and floating lantern ceremonies as part of the Vesak 2025 celebrations.

Facilities have been arranged for food services for delegates, along with designated zones for the press center, security, healthcare, and other cultural programs.

The Vesak celebration will take place from May 6 to 8 at the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City’s Le Minh Xuan commune, Binh Chanh District. The theme is “Solidarity and tolerance for human dignity: Buddhist wisdom for world peace and sustainable development.”

This marks the fourth time Vietnam has hosted this significant international event, affirming the proactive role of Vietnamese Buddhism in global forums while promoting the country’s image as a peace-loving nation rich in cultural heritage and friendliness toward international friends.

Nguyen Hue