A trip to the elaborately decorated Phu Chau Temple is a nice respite from the relentless pace and concrete jungle of central HCM City.

Situated on a 2,500 sq. m islet, Phù Châu Miếu Nổi (Floating Pearl Temple) is located on an islet on Vam Thuat, a branch of the Saigon River running between Go Vap District and District 12.

The temple is adorned with mosaic designs. From Nguyen Thai Son St in Go Vap District, visitors can take a boat for a round-trip cost of VNĐ10,000 (US$0.44) to the temple.

Built more than 300 years ago, local authorities in 1989 renovated Phu Chau Temple, which had been left to fall into disrepair over the previous 15 years.

VietNamNet/VNS/Zing