Thiền Lâm Gò Kén Temple

About

Gò Kén Temple takes its name from a local hill where kén plants grew. This longstanding temple in the Hòa Thành area is known for its halls, spacious courtyards and outdoor Avalokiteśvara statue, making it a familiar pilgrimage destination in Tây Ninh.

Visitor information

Founded

Origins in the late 19th century; restored and expanded many times.

Visiting hours

Please ask the temple about visiting hours and the practice schedule before coming.

Fees

Please consult the guidance and posted information at the destination; services outside the temple may be charged separately.

Address

Khu vực Hòa Thành, tỉnh Tây Ninh, gần Quốc lộ 22B; địa danh cũ Long Thành Trung.

Highlights

• ✓Historic temple spaces alongside later additions.
• ✓The Avalokiteśvara statue, open courtyards and ponds.
• ✓Traces of cultural and religious exchange in Tây Ninh’s history.

History and origins

Provincial tourism records date the temple’s origins to the late 19th century and note its earlier name, Từ Lâm Temple. In 1926–1927, it was borrowed as the venue for the inauguration of Cao Đài; this historical event should be distinguished from the temple’s present Buddhist function.

Restoration and further construction continued from 2007.

Architecture & surroundings

The buildings and façade combine traditional features with Western influences. Buddhist worship areas, outdoor statues, ponds and trees create successive spaces for visiting. The main hall and patriarch stupas retain traces of earlier periods.

Cultural value

Gò Kén preserves memories of the development of religious life in Tây Ninh. For today’s Buddhist visitors, it is both a place of practice and an opportunity to learn about cultural exchange and change in the locality.

Events & festivals

The temple holds activities on Buddhist observance days; local authorities recorded Vu Lan activities in 2026. Please ask for the latest schedule so that you arrive at the right time, rather than treating the date of a past programme as the annual schedule.