The Burning Monk memorial in Saigon Vietnam Ho Chi Minh

The Burning Monk Memorial in Saigon

The burning monk memorial is the most powerful monument in all of Saigon. It commemorates the moment when a Vietnamese monk shocked the world with a single match.

On June 11, 1963, Thich Quang Duc set himself on fire – in protest to brutal government oppression.

Today, the monument stands on the very spot of his self-immolation.

We highly recommend visiting this site for its beauty, historical importance, and personal impact. But be warned, it’s also very moving and quite sad too.

The memorial honors the noble sacrifice of a genuine martyr, but that sacrifice was gruesome and haunting. And you’ll be standing exactly where it happened.

Visit with care. This may affect your mood far more than typical sightseeing.

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The Burning Monk memorial in Saigon Vietnam Ho Chi Minh

Background of the Burning Monk’s Sacrifice

From 1954-1963, Vietnam was led by Ngo Dinh Diem, a staunch Catholic. Although 70-90% of the country was Buddhist, Catholics controlled the government, military, and most of the wealth.

Buddhists were savagely oppressed in many ways. Property was seized, villages were ransacked, people starved, and some were shot in the streets.

After other forms of protest had failed, Thich Quang Duc decided to make the ultimate sacrifice. He wanted the world to know of the horrors faced by Vietnamese Buddhists and bring them to an end.

Malcome Browne captured the moment in perhaps the most famous photo of the period – titled simply “burning monk.”

The Burning Monk memorial in Saigon Vietnam Ho Chi Minh

The Original “Burning Monk” Photo taken by then AP Saigon correspondent Malcom Browne.

Pictures of the sacrifice were published by the AP. The tragic self-immolation quickly became world news and led to the fall of the oppressive regime a few months later.

Shrine of The Burning Monk Memorial

The Burning Monk memorial in Saigon Vietnam Ho Chi Minh

Super Human Serenity

Thich Quang Duc’s super-human calm is even more legendary than his selfless sacrifice. This is beautifully portrayed in the sculpture. The flames engulf him. The agony must have been intense, but his expression is the essence of serenity.

Amazingly, this is true, not just the creative license of the sculptor. You can see his calm face in the photo. And eyewitness accounts say the same.

American journalist, David Halberstam was there on that fateful day. In his book The Making of a Quagmire, he gave this description of the scene.

“Flames were coming from a human being; his body was slowly withering and shriveling up, his head blackening and charring. In the air was the smell of burning human flesh; human beings burn surprisingly quickly. Behind me I could hear the sobbing of the Vietnamese who were now gathering. I was too shocked to cry, too confused to take notes or ask questions, too bewildered to even think … As he burned he never moved a muscle, never uttered a sound, his outward composure in sharp contrast to the wailing people around him.”

The Burning Monk Video

We’ve seen the video on YouTube, and that’s exactly what happened.

He just sat in the lotus position and burned for several minutes. He was silent and motionless as he died and his body fell over.

(Another word of caution: It is an extraordinary video, but it’s the real thing. It shows his death. You can’t un-see something like that.)

The Relief Sculpture The Burning Monk Memorial in Saigon Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City

The relief sculpture behind the shrine visually depicts the context for the event.

The Burning Monk Memorial in Saigon Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City

Images of Oppression

On the left, it shows scenes of brutality and the oppression of Buddhists.

The Burning Monk Memorial in Saigon Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City

Photo-realistic Depiction of the Self-Immolation

In the middle, it shows Thich Quang Duc enveloped by flames. The sculpted image is almost a perfect copy of the photo.

The Burning Monk Memorial in Saigon Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City

Images of Liberation

On the right, it shows the positive effects of his sacrifice. People are liberated and freed from oppression.

Recommendation

The Burning Monk Memorial is open all day, but we suggest visiting at night. It’s much more beautiful and poignant in the dark.

Also, our mood after visiting is pretty reflective and somber. We prefer this to be the last activity of the day.

It’s a public monument. There is no entrance fee.

Location

‪The monument is at the intersection “Cach Mang Thang Tam” Street and “Nguyen Dinh Chieu” Street. That’s in District 3 of Ho Chi Minh City, about a 20-minute walk from the tourist area of District 1.

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84 Comments
  • Samantha Sparrow
    Posted at 04:25h, 23 March

    This was such an amazing history lesson for me, I don’t know too much about this part of the world. It’s good to hear the context of famous monuments, and it sounds like Thich Quang Duc made the ultimate sacrifice. I do believe visiting would affect your mood, but it is a beautiful statue.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 04:33h, 23 March

    Hi Samantha. That’s true. He’s been an inspiration to many.

  • Geneva
    Posted at 08:11h, 23 March

    This is such a powerful sculpture after having read the history behind it! What a noble and heart wrenching thing to do for your people. Amazing.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 08:22h, 23 March

    Hi Geneva. Youre right it is heart wrenching.

  • Sahar
    Posted at 09:18h, 23 March

    That was a sad incident and heartbreaking to know he had to sacrifice his life for the rights. Governments ignore many rights of people to remain in power and become wealthy.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 09:22h, 23 March

    Hey Sahar. Yes it’s sad that it still happens.

  • Suzanne
    Posted at 09:31h, 23 March

    Self-immolation is not for the faint hearted, that’s for sure. Halberstam’s description of the event also rests heavily on the mind. The history behind the sculpture is very powerful. I am glad you took the time to understand it and so understand Vietnam better.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 09:33h, 23 March

    Hi Suzanne. The history is quite moving and heavy for sure.

  • Kristen Morris
    Posted at 10:58h, 23 March

    Incredible- I got chills just looking at the pictures of the memorial, seeing it in person must be so intense and powerful. I remember seeing pictures of the burning monk in my school history books, it’s an important act that must not be forgotten

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 10:59h, 23 March

    Hi Kristen. Yes, in person, its very touching, especially standing at the very spot.

  • Maggie
    Posted at 11:10h, 23 March

    Wow! What an honor it must have been to see this in person. The history here is just amazing. He made the ultimate sacrifice!

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 11:11h, 23 March

    Hey Maggie. It does boggle the mind how he managed it.

  • Abby
    Posted at 11:38h, 23 March

    Oppression is a part of history. Have read so much about it since it’s happened in so many places, even my country. But I haven’t heard of Thich Quang Duc before. He looked so serene while burning. That image will be difficult to ever replace.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 11:44h, 23 March

    Hey Abby. Yes, once you see it. It stays with you.

  • Andrea Broom
    Posted at 12:02h, 23 March

    There is a large part of oppression in history and have read a lot. I have heard about this. It must have been an incredible, honoring experience.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 12:11h, 23 March

    Hi Andrea. Youre right it was.

  • Savannah
    Posted at 12:24h, 23 March

    I’m in awe! What a truly amazing yet very sad story. Thank you for sharing this part of history I’m sure so many people have yet to learn. Hopefully one day I could visit this monument. I’m sure it will be breathtaking.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 12:33h, 23 March

    Hi Savannah. This monument inspired awe in us too.

  • Doreen Pendgracs
    Posted at 14:19h, 23 March

    I have learned so much about Saigon from your posts! I will not watch the video, as I’m sure I will find it too disturbing. But I would be interested in seeing the Burning Monk Memorial.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 14:22h, 23 March

    Hi Doreen. That’s a good choice. It is, but the memorial is quite inspiring.

  • Urvi
    Posted at 15:26h, 23 March

    I have heard a lot about burning monk but never read such detail about it. The video which you have attached in the post is breathtaking. I know he did sacrifice for his people but I really feel sad. But I will still be interested to visit this memorial and learn about it more.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 15:33h, 23 March

    Hi Urvi. We feel the same. He’s heroic, but the situation is tragic.

  • Sushmita
    Posted at 16:27h, 23 March

    Wasn’t aware of it, you have introduced us to the history of the incident and the place well. Thank you for the information.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 16:33h, 23 March

    Hi Sushmita. You’re welcome. This memorial was very meaningful for us.

  • Emma
    Posted at 18:39h, 23 March

    How horrific – I just watched the video and was amazed my his calmness and composure throughout his death – what a brave and courageous way to stand up for oppression. I bet the experience to the shrine was very moving and thought provoking

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 18:44h, 23 March

    Hi Emma. It is very thought provoking. There are also some benches nearby to sit on.

  • Esse D
    Posted at 19:15h, 23 March

    I was actually moved by just reading the background here. I would be interested in visiting, but I’ll definitely be affected being in the place where it happened.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 19:22h, 23 March

    Hi Esse. True it requires some preparation.

  • Amber Myers
    Posted at 19:56h, 23 March

    Oh wow, how powerful. I remember hearing about this story. I can’t watch the video though, it would squeeze my heart.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 20:00h, 23 March

    Hey Amber. Good choice. It’s a tough one to watch.

  • Jean
    Posted at 20:26h, 23 March

    I remember learning about this in history classes. The video is haunting. I had no idea that there was a memorial in Saigon for this. Thank you for the wonderful article.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 20:27h, 23 March

    Hey Jean. Yes the memorial is not that well known.

  • Author Brandi Kennedy
    Posted at 20:29h, 23 March

    I’ve heard his story before – it breaks my heart. But his strength of will must have been astonishing – he looked almost peaceful despite how terribly painful it must have been.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 20:33h, 23 March

    Hi Brandi. It is an incredible feat of human will. His internal strength is unimaginable.

  • Payastyle
    Posted at 20:50h, 23 March

    You are so lucky you got the chance to see it in person!

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 20:55h, 23 March

    Hi Payastyle. We do feel lucky for sure.

  • Elizabeth O.
    Posted at 22:38h, 23 March

    It’s such a stunning video, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I watched. It’s also enlightening. A man can do that for the love of his country. Amazing! And yet here we are abusing the kind of freedom these people have sacrificed for.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 22:39h, 23 March

    Hi Elizabeth. He is an amazing example of devotion.

  • Carol Cassara
    Posted at 22:40h, 23 March

    That’s really amazing, it’s so powerful and moving as well. I never saw anyone that calm, his face was definitely filled with peace at that time. I would love to visit the place where it all happened.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 22:41h, 23 March

    Hi Carol. His self control was incredible.

  • yvette
    Posted at 23:19h, 23 March

    Oh wow! This article is so amazing. Thank your for giving all that historical context to the location, and that image and quote by the journalist is just unbelievable. I can not imagine. I love reading about historical travel destinations like this.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 23:22h, 23 March

    Hey Yvette. Us too. Knowing the historical background really improves travel.

  • Rebecca
    Posted at 23:43h, 23 March

    Wow, such a powerful sculpture. I’ve read about Thigh Quang Duc but had forgotten the full story so thank you for sharing. I also didn’t realize this sculpture existed.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 23:44h, 23 March

    Hey Rebecca. Yes, many aren’t aware of it. It doesn’t get much attention.

  • blair villanueva
    Posted at 02:28h, 24 March

    Wow your story creates some goosebumps on me. I hope that the latest generation will value this sacrifice and not to turn to waste.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 02:33h, 24 March

    Hi Blair. He is very highly revered today in Vietnam.

  • Anmaria Djong I Onelazychic
    Posted at 03:23h, 24 March

    I can’t even bring myself to look at the video as I think I would be too sad and disturbed. What a great sacrifice he made and I hope the history will teach many people the lesson.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 03:33h, 24 March

    Hi Anmaria. His sacrifice was very great. We too hope the lesson is well learned.

  • Sarah
    Posted at 05:30h, 24 March

    Skipped the video; my heart is too weak to take it. Not that I wouldn’t want to visit the Burning Monk monument next time, but visiting the war museum when I was there already sucked the energy and cheerfulness in me. It was that sad and depressing that someone and people in that time had to go through all that loss and pain.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 05:33h, 24 March

    Hi Sarah. That’s a good point. The other war related site can be difficult to process too.

  • Otilia
    Posted at 06:39h, 24 March

    It must’ve been such an honor to see them in person.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 06:42h, 24 March

    Hi Otilia. It was definitely an inspiration.

  • SisterChronix
    Posted at 09:10h, 24 March

    Wow… Words fall short, but thank you for this post. Very touched, and very inspired. The burning monk offering himself for the people, reminds us of one of our favourite sayings, “we are all in this together”.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 09:11h, 24 March

    Hi SisterChronix. We felt the same way. We are all in this together.

  • neha
    Posted at 10:08h, 24 March

    I don’t know how exactly to react to this. My intension is not to hurt anyone’s sentiments. But these kind of things should be put to a stop is what I feel. There are many other ways a monk can contribute to the well being of fellow human beings. Burning himself just doesn’t seem right to me

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 10:11h, 24 March

    Hey Neha. Yes, I wouldn’t want anyone do this.

  • Heather @Travelationship
    Posted at 11:33h, 24 March

    Important post! Great job on relaying the history and stressing the importance to visit this memorial.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 11:34h, 24 March

    Hi Heather. We think the history is important.

  • Nadine Smith (Scenes From Nadine)
    Posted at 14:18h, 24 March

    This is a really great and powerful post. Even before you talked about how calm he is while he was being burned alive, I already noticed that and thought “Oh my god, how can he look this peaceful?!” I can imagine how extremely painful that is! I mean, I burn my finger with a curling iron, and I’m already swearing in pain! My husband and I watched the video together (I didn’t want to watch alone) and I was even more amazed. It happened so fast!!! And yet, I can only imagine how excruciating those few minutes were, and he was still so serene!

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 14:22h, 24 March

    Hi Nadine. Yes the thought is horrifying. His serenity is incredible.

  • Ree love30
    Posted at 14:46h, 24 March

    Wow it has such history and how gorgeous to look at.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 14:55h, 24 March

    Hi Ree. Yes, the artwork itself is beautiful.

  • Terri Beavers
    Posted at 18:24h, 24 March

    I’ve never heard of this memorial before. I do love history so this would be something I’d be interested in visiting.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 18:33h, 24 March

    Hi Terri. We found the history fascinating too.

  • Global Girl Travels
    Posted at 21:27h, 24 March

    What a powerful means of protest! And it’s good that his death was not in vain as it had something good out of it. The amount of resilience he had to not even move an inch given how much pain he must have been in was beyond words can describe. I’d be honest though, I didn’t watch the video because I’m sure I’ll be haunted by the image forever. But it was nice of you to open us up to this part of Vietnam’s history.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 21:30h, 24 March

    Hi Global Girl. Yes, it was a very powerful protest. Unimaginably so.

  • Cynthia Nicoletti
    Posted at 21:32h, 24 March

    I haven’t heard of this story and could not watch the video. Malcome Browne was surely a brave man. His life lives on in the beautiful statues portrayed of him.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 21:33h, 24 March

    Hi Cynthia. Thich Quang Duc’s story does live on at his memorial. He’s revered figure in Vietnam.

  • Chris
    Posted at 09:22h, 25 March

    Such an incredible moment in history (it truly is an iconic, if horrifying image) captured beautifully in that monument.

    My big fear is of people these days taking ‘selfies’ of themselves at such a reflective location!

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 09:23h, 25 March

    Hi Chris. We agree that would be terrible.

  • Ruth I.
    Posted at 13:56h, 25 March

    The story is really interesting. Thank you for writing it beautifully. I love history of things and people. great to know this and pick up lessons.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 13:59h, 25 March

    Hey Ruth. Thanks Ruth glad you liked the post.

  • jen
    Posted at 15:03h, 25 March

    Oh my goodness, what a lesson in history! What an amazing place to visit!

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 15:11h, 25 March

    Hi Jen. That’s how we feel too.

  • Ana De- Jesus
    Posted at 07:59h, 26 March

    Words cannot describe the pain I felt when I watched the video. Not just because this man had voluntarily burned himself but also because of what it represented. The brutality that the Buddhists faced was I am ashamed to admit not something I was aware of but what a brave , selfless gesture this man did to protect his people and to show the government that they would never be erased no matter how brutally they were treated x

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 08:00h, 26 March

    Hi Ana. So well said. It was so tragic.

  • Sandy N Vyjay
    Posted at 10:46h, 26 March

    The original picture and the video brought goosebumps on my body. The entire scene was shocking. The memorial is indeed an exact replica of the original incident.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 10:55h, 26 March

    Hi Sandy N Vyjay. Yes the memorial is very tasteful and very well done.

  • Abhinav Singh
    Posted at 04:17h, 27 March

    I have read so many articles on Vietnam but somehow I never came across this monument. The back story of this place is poignant. It makes me reflective and contemplative.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 04:22h, 27 March

    Hey Abhinav. Thats true for us too. We just sat for a while to consider it all.

  • CourtneyLynne
    Posted at 22:52h, 27 March

    Omg now that must of been awesome to see!!! So much history behind it!!!

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 23:00h, 27 March

    Hi Courtney. Yes it was really impressive.

  • Siddharth and Shruti
    Posted at 02:59h, 30 March

    Such a powerful sculpture. Haunting! Definitely an non-touristy thing to do. Not for the faint hearted.

  • The Travel Ninjas
    Posted at 03:00h, 30 March

    Hi Siddharth and Shruti. That’s true it is a very powerful sculpture.

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