A Match Made In Heaven: 3 Temples To Manifest Love The Vietnamese Way

For many Vietnamese, visiting temples and pagodas is a familiar ritual—one rooted in prayers for health, prosperity, and peace, especially during Tet. Yet beyond wishes for luck and wealth, there is another, quieter hope that often accompanies the incense smoke: finding love.

In recent years, praying for romance has become increasingly common among young people navigating modern relationships. Dating apps promise endless possibilities, yet love can still feel uncertain and exhausting. In response, many turn to a tradition older than any algorithm: cầu duyên—praying for predestined love.

This practice draws from the concept of , a Buddhist belief that relationships are formed through causes, conditions, and timing. Love, in this sense, is neither forced nor chased; it unfolds when all elements align. Over time, Vietnamese people adopted this spiritual language to express deeply personal desires—for a partner, emotional healing, or family harmony.

Praying for love, then, is less about demanding miracles and more about seeking reassurance: that things will fall into place, eventually. So where do people go when they place matters of the heart in the hands of fate?

Temples where Vietnamese go to pray for love

Across Vietnam, certain temples have become closely associated with romance and relationship blessings. They are not officially designated as “love temples,” but through folklore, collective belief, and word of mouth, they have earned their reputation as spiritual destinations for matters of the heart.

Ha Pagoda (North - Hanoi)

Chùa Hà is widely regarded as the most popular love-seeking pagoda among young people in Hanoi. Located in Cau Giay Ward, it has long attracted students and young professionals hoping to find a partner, recover from heartbreak, or protect an existing relationship.

First-time visitors are usually guided through the pagoda’s three main worship areas. The most important for love-related wishes is the Ban Thánh Mẫu (Mother Goddess Altar) at the back. Worshippers light incense, offer flowers and fruit, and sometimes write down specific wishes. After praying, visitors are often given a small red bag of salt to take home. According to local belief, once a partner is found, the couple should eat the salt together to strengthen their bond.

Among those visitors is Chi, a 28-year-old living in Hanoi. She once believed pagodas were only places to pray for peace or health. “Love is something we can’t control,” she said. “It comes when it comes.” That changed after hearing friends claim they met their partners shortly after visiting Chùa Hà. “I started to believe and to admit that maybe I do need this,” Chi shared with Chào Hà Nội.

• Address: 86 Chua Ha Street, Cau Giay Ward, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 7:30am - 5:00pm

Duyen Ninh Pagoda (North - Ninh Binh)

Located within the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Duyen Ninh Pagoda dates back to the 10th century, during the reign of King Dinh Tien Hoang. According to legend, it was once a place where royal matchmaking rituals took place.

Folklore recounts that Princess Le Thi Phat Ngan and General Ly Cong Uan once swore an oath of love here, later giving birth to Ly Phat Ma—who would become King Ly Thai Tong. Because of this story, the pagoda has long been associated with marital harmony and destined unions.

Its name, Duyên Ninh, meaning “peaceful destiny,” reflects the belief that love, when guided by the right conditions, will arrive naturally.

• Address: Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Tay Hoa Lu Ward, Ninh Binh
• Opening hours: 6:00am - 6:00pm

Jade Emperor Pagoda (South - Ho Chi Minh City)

In southern Vietnam, the Jade Emperor Pagoda (Ngọc Hoàng / Phước Hải) is a major spiritual destination for prayers related to love, family, and fertility. Popular with both singles and couples, visitors come not only to seek romantic connections but also to pray for children and domestic harmony.

The temple houses shrines dedicated to Kim Hoa Thánh Mẫu (the Goddess of Fertility), the Twelve Midwives, and Ông Tơ – Bà Nguyệt, the deities believed to tie the red thread of fate between destined lovers. With its blend of Taoist and Buddhist elements, and a long-standing reputation for answered prayers, the Jade Emperor Pagoda remains one of the most trusted places to entrust matters of the heart.

• Address: 73 Mai Thi Luu Street, Tan Dinh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 7:00am - 6:00pm