The red sign over the gate reads Phước Lộc Thọ, which refers to the three gods of Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity.
The statue in the pink robe is Lady Buddha (Avalokiteshvara), or Quán Thế Âm Bồ Tát in Vietnamese.
The blue plaque says “Đại Bi Quan Thế Âm Bồ Tát” (The Great Compassionate Bodhisattva).
She is the most beloved figure in Southern Vietnamese Buddhism, seen as a protector who hears the cries of those in distress. You’ll find her at the entrance of many alleys to “guard” the residents living inside.
A large, ancient tree trunk has integrated right into the structure. In Saigon culture, old trees are often believed to house spirits, so instead of cutting them down during construction, people build around them and treat them with great respect.
1april2026
I love how they respect the trees. I wish we respected anything, having to do with nature, or anthing else.
Yes, I agree.