HCM CITY—A trip to the elaborately decorated Phù Châu 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 Vàm Thuật, a branch of the Sài Gòn River running between Gò Vấp District and District 12.

The temple is adorned with mosaic designs. From Nguyễn Thái Sơn St in Gò Vấp 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 Phù Châu Temple, which had been left to fall into disrepair over the previous 15 years.

While some pagodas stand out for their architecture, the temple is more known for its unique location.