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An Giang isn't just famous for its scenic beauty; it's also a haven for architecture enthusiasts, boasting numerous structures inspired by foreign designs. These buildings not only reflect the cultural diversity and lifestyle of the locals but also serve as unique and trendy check-in spots. Let's explore with Vntrip!
1. 'Dubai' at Al-Ehsan Cathedral
If you've ever dreamed of visiting Dubai but haven't had the chance yet, then Al-Ehsan Cathedral might just fulfill your desires.
Al-Ehsan Cathedral in An Giang. Image: Exploring An Giang
Al-Ehsan Cathedral is located in the Chăm village of Da Phuoc, which is predominantly inhabited by the Chăm people. As soon as you step into the village, you'll easily spot men wearing turbans and square hats, with older men wearing white hats and younger ones wearing black hats. Women wrap themselves in dark scarves covering their faces. It feels like you're stepping into a true Islamic country rather than Vietnam.
Unique architecture of Al-Ehsan Cathedral. Image: Hoàng Linh Hà
As you enter Da Phuoc village and walk about 200 meters further, you'll notice the prominent Al-Ehsan Cathedral on the left, towering high with onion-shaped domes and crescent moon spires.
Front view of Al-Ehsan Cathedral. Image: Hoàng Linh Hà
Spacious and airy corridors. Image: Hoàng Linh Hà
The cathedral features a predominantly white color scheme, with some decorative elements or small details in shades of green, resembling the architecture of mosques in Dubai. Al-Ehsan consists of a ground floor and a mezzanine, surrounded by wide corridors. These corridors serve as the procession area for the village, a resting place for the elderly, and also a communal dining area for celebrations.
Important Note
- If you want to capture beautiful photos, it's best to visit here between 10 am and 12 pm. Although it's quite sunny, the cathedral is usually empty during this time, with hardly any locals or tourists around.
- Even though there are daily cleaning routines, before stepping onto the stairs, remember to take off your shoes as a sign of respect and courtesy since it's a cathedral.
- About 200 meters from the cathedral, there are 2 souvenir shops selling traditional products of the Chăm ethnic group.
2. 'Japan' at Lầu Pagoda
Upon setting foot in Lầu Pagoda for the first time, you'll undoubtedly be amazed as it resembles a miniature corner of Japan in An Giang.
Lầu Pagoda in An Giang. Image: Instagram @phithogn
Named 'Lầu Pagoda' because it's built in a stacked three-story structure supported by sturdy columns. According to the abbot of Lầu Pagoda, this temple is over 130 years old. In 2009, it was rebuilt with funds contributed by Buddhist followers.
With its predominant red color scheme, Lầu Pagoda exudes a vibrant and captivating allure. Every line, wall, column, staircase, or any part of the high roof is adorned with the presence of red.
The captivating beauty of Lầu Pagoda with its predominant red color scheme. Image: Instagram @p.t.o.a.n
Super stylish photo spots. Image: Instagram @xlenn__
Additionally, you'll come across a small park with numerous types of grass, vibrant flowers, and lush foliage surrounding the exterior of Lầu Pagoda. To add greenery to the pagoda, various beautiful plants such as paper flowers, cockscomb, marigolds, chrysanthemums, and even lotus ponds are planted and carefully tended to. Visitors not only have the opportunity to visit the pagoda but also immerse themselves in nature.
The courtyard brimming with grass, flowers, and foliage. Image: Collected
Especially, there's a fairly long suspension bridge here for those seeking an adrenaline rush. Standing on the bridge, you can admire rows of palm trees, lush green fields, and soaring birds, providing an incredibly cool backdrop for your photos.
3. 'Cambodia' at Xvayton Pagoda
Xvayton Pagoda was built over 200 years ago, serving as a renowned Buddhist temple of the Theravada sect, showcasing the architectural artistry of Khmer pagodas in the Mekong Delta region. Hence, when you gaze upon the pagoda, you'll notice distinct resemblances to those in Cambodia.
Front view of Xvayton Pagoda. Image: Hoàng Linh Hà
The pagoda's vast courtyard is divided into various areas, with the main hall situated at the entrance, impressively large with a magnificent, colorful roof adorned with intricate patterns. The opulence and grandeur present in almost all Khmer pagodas reflect reverence and aspirations for the divine realm.
The spacious pagoda courtyard, filled with coconut palms and ancient trees. Image: Hoàng Linh Hà
Each tower serves as a repository for the cremated remains of the temple's practitioners. Image: Hoàng Linh Hà
Surrounding the main hall are rows of towers, with elegant and refined architecture gradually soaring upwards, adorned with various colors and intricate carvings of small statues around them. At the top of each tower sits a four-faced Bayon deity carved from stone (the creative deity), which holds significant meaning in Khmer culture. It is believed that this deity brings prosperity, luck, health, and happiness. Each tower bears the names of the practitioners whose cremated remains are housed within.
Xvayton Pagoda is an amazing spot for stunning photos. Image: Hứa Quốc Anh
On the left side of the pagoda, there's a large pond planted with lotus flowers and water lilies; coconut palms and ancient trees provide shade over the rows of towers.
Note:
- To visit the temple, drive straight inside through the main entrance, park your vehicle inside the temple grounds; there's no valet parking available outside or inside.
- If you wish to learn more about this temple, you can go to the back and ask the monks here.
4. 'Thailand' at Tà Pạ Pagoda
The temple is not built on flat ground but on sturdy pillars tens of meters high, so when you look from a distance, you'll see the temple seemingly floating in the air, standing out amidst a mountainous forest.
Overview of Tà Pạ Pagoda in An Giang. Image: Collected
Looking down from above, you'll see Tà Pạ Pagoda in An Giang planned into 5 main areas. These include the Main Hall, Memorial Hall, Pagoda Tower, Buddha Landscape, and the Resting Area for monks and teachers. The areas within the temple are connected by long pathways, with railings on both sides to ensure safety on the hilly terrain. All structures are intricately carved, adorned with numerous relief sculptures, floral motifs featuring winding branches and leaves, blended with highly artistic characters.
Outside area with a large Buddha statue. Image: Hoàng Linh Hà
All structures are intricately carved. Image: Collected
Especially, from this temple, you can overlook the vast town of Tri Tôn and immerse yourself in the lush green fields of Tà Pạ. In the distance, you can also see towering mountains like Forbidden Mountain, Long Mountain, and Co To Mountain, with their majestic and endless beauty.
From Tà Pạ Pagoda, you can overlook the vast town of Tri Tôn. Image: Hoàng Linh Hà
Apart from these locations, An Giang offers countless other beautiful architectural sites waiting for you to explore. So, plan yourself a detailed itinerary, gather your team, and set out to discover the beauty of An Giang.
