Hộ Quốc Temple

A hillside Zen monastery on the quieter east coast, backed by forest and looking straight out to sea — the best-sited temple on the island. Built in traditional style with carved wooden halls and stone dragon staircases, it's an active monastery, so keep it respectful and dress with shoulders and knees covered. The sea views from the upper courtyard are the reason to make the trip, and it's usually calm compared with the island's busier attractions. Free to enter. Combine it with the east-coast beaches, and go in the morning before the heat and the tour buses.

Highlights