As well as boasting an elaborate exterior—highlights include carp-shaped rain spouts on the roof overlooking the courtyard—the temple has a wealth of interesting details. Inside, you’ll find two 10-foot-high (3-meter-high), semigilded, papier-mȃché statues of Quan Cong and his adopted son. A life-size white horse stands proud in the courtyard.
Quan Cong Temple is a must-visit for travelers interested in Vietnam’s history.
To visit the temple, modest and respectful clothing is recommended.
Shoes must be removed when mounting the platform in front of the statues.
Quan Cong Temple is located in Tran Phu Town Center, a 5-minute walk or drive from Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To avoid the stress of navigation, you can visit the temple as part of a private custom tour with round-trip transfers to and from your hotel.
Quan Cong Temple is open daily from 8am to 5pm. Twice a year, according to the lunar calendar, the temple hosts a festival that honors the birth (the 13th of the first lunar month) and death (the 24th of the sixth lunar month) of the genie, a Chinese phantom reputed to grant wishes. During these times, the temple comes to life with pilgrims in colorful costumes.
The temple is a photographer’s dream, which mythical creatures and vibrant colors at every turn. In addition to snapping photographs beside the semigilded statues of Quan Cong and his son, be sure to zoom in on the khaki-colored dragons on the temple roof and admire the image of two blue dragons intertwined amongst clouds above the central doorway.