Top 7 Famous Tourist Destinations in Tra Vinh

Ang Pagoda is known as the oldest pagoda in the Khmer pagoda system of Tra Vinh province. The pagoda features unique ancient architecture, decorated with various art pieces including statues of gods, angels, demons, and divine birds, all adorned with intricate designs reflecting the spiritual and cultural identity of the Southern Khmer people. Spanning over hectares, the pagoda grounds are home to numerous native plant species like starfruit, oil, bamboo, and rattan, including hundreds of towering starfruit and oil trees that provide shade for the ancient pagoda. Like other Khmer pagodas in Tra Vinh, Ang Pagoda is a complex of architectural structures including the monk’s quarters, classrooms for teaching Pali and Khmer scripts, all surrounding the imposing main hall.

The pagoda faces east, symbolizing the Buddhist belief that the Buddha, seated in the West, looks eastward to guide and protect all beings. It is shaded year-round by ancient starfruit and oil trees, with unique, striking shapes. Having stood for more than a thousand years, Ang Pagoda has preserved its original architecture and many historical artifacts. Over the centuries, it has retained valuable relics, such as a Buddhist scripture written on palm leaves. Additionally, many ancient trees surround the pagoda, providing shelter to various bird species—an impressive sight for visitors.

Location: Luong Hoa, Chau Thanh, Tra Vinh

When people think of Tra Vinh, they envision the land of ancient Khmer pagodas and historic sites steeped in legendary myths, connected to the southward expansion and development of the region. One such historic site is Ba Om Pond, a symbol of pride for the local people. Located in Tà Cú Hamlet, Nguyet Hoa Commune, Chau Thanh District, Tra Vinh Province, Ba Om Pond is a famous tourist destination, with a climate often compared to that of Da Lat, offering cool and refreshing air.

This serene, clear pond stretches about 500 meters long and 300 meters wide, also known as Square Pond. The pond is surrounded by hundreds of ancient trees, most notably starfruit and oil trees that are centuries old, with massive roots rising above the ground, forming unique shapes. Some of these roots are large enough to create small caves for children to play in, and others have grown into natural benches where visitors can relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Visitors to Ba Om Pond often hear the fascinating legend behind it. The story tells of a time when local men and women, wishing to marry, were hesitant to propose due to the high costs of wedding ceremonies and dowries. During a drought when the village lacked water, the villagers decided to compete to dig a pond for water. They were given one night to dig, starting at sunset and finishing when the morning star rose in the east. The team that dug the largest and deepest pond would win, and the loser would be required to propose marriage to the winner. Along the main paths leading to Ba Om Pond is a lively street food market where visitors can enjoy local treats such as shaved ice with milk, fermented fish noodle soup, rice noodle soup, curry noodles, and palm sugar cakes—all at very affordable prices.

Location: Quarter 3, Ward 8, Tra Vinh

Long Tri Eco-Tourism Island, covering over 10 hectares in Long Duc Commune, Tra Vinh Province, is one of the first large-scale eco-tourism spots in the area designed to serve visitors from all over. Established in 2013, this site has developed into an attractive eco-tourism destination and is now considered a perfect getaway for travelers. Surrounded by peaceful natural scenery, vast rice fields, fertile rivers, bountiful fruit orchards, and a rich local culture, the region offers an authentic taste of the Mekong Delta's charm. Western Vietnam is home to countless captivating landmarks, each requiring time and exploration to fully appreciate.

When visiting Long Tri Island, you can immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of rural landscapes, breathing in the fresh air of the countryside. To explore the area, you can take a boat ride along the canals that weave through the orchards. On both sides of the canals, lush fruit gardens bloom, and the sweet fragrance of flowers fills the air, with clusters of ripe fruit offering a stunning sight. The peaceful environment will make you feel at ease and rejuvenate your soul. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the endless greenery of the mangrove forest, the fresh scent of fruit in the air, and glide along the calm water channels, helping to ease the stress of everyday life and the bustling city atmosphere.

When visiting Tra Vinh, one cannot miss the unique Khmer pagodas of the local people, with the Vam Ray Pagoda standing out as a prime example. Built on the site of an older pagoda more than 600 years old, which was destroyed during the war, this new structure still retains the traditional architectural style of the Southern Khmer Buddhist temples. Vam Ray Pagoda is the largest Khmer pagoda in Vietnam. Though recently completed, it has already become a significant cultural and spiritual destination, attracting pilgrims and visitors interested in the rich spiritual heritage of Tra Vinh.

From the outside, the grandeur of this pagoda is overwhelming, resembling a majestic golden palace. The shimmering golden hues emanate from every part of the pagoda, from the arched roof, walls, and supporting columns to the intricate carvings and statues. Visitors are left in awe of the sheer magnificence and opulence of Vam Ray Pagoda, which is steeped in Khmer culture. The golden decor and meticulously crafted patterns create a dazzling spectacle. Another striking feature is the 54-meter-long reclining Buddha statue, which leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.

Address: Ham Giang, Ham Tan, Tra Cu, Tra Vinh

The Khmer Culture Museum is located within the national heritage site of Ang Pagoda and Ba Om Pond. It is one of only two Khmer culture museums in Vietnam, the other being in Soc Trang. The entire upper floor of the Khmer Ethnic Culture Museum in Tra Vinh is divided into four rooms, each dedicated to different aspects of Khmer culture, including spiritual culture (featuring images of the 143 Khmer pagodas in Tra Vinh and stone sculptures related to the spiritual life of the Khmer people), material culture (with artifacts and tools used in daily life and production), and traditional crafts of the Khmer community (such as mat weaving, sculpture, basket weaving, and making rice cakes).

Today, the museum is a popular destination for tourists from both Vietnam and abroad, offering valuable insight into the material and spiritual lives of the Khmer people throughout history. It is a source of pride for the people of Tra Vinh and the Khmer ethnic group in particular. The museum also showcases unique cultural practices, such as the hand-tying ceremony during weddings, the Ro Bam stage, and the Du Ke dance. The Khmer Culture Museum is designed in a blend of traditional and modern architectural styles, giving visitors the feeling of stepping into another world—a world of divine spirits, brought to life by the craftsmanship and creativity of the artisans.

Address: Nguyen Du, Ward 8, Tra Vinh

Tra Vinh, home to a large Khmer population, boasts a unique charm reflected in its distinctive architecture. Among the many famous landmarks in the province, Hang Pagoda stands out as a must-visit destination. This ancient temple not only draws visitors with its historical beauty but also for its unique bird sanctuary and the intricate sculptures crafted by the skilled hands of the temple's artisan monks. Known in Khmer as Kompông Chrây (meaning "The Banyan Tree Pier"), Hang Pagoda is located in Chau Thanh Town, Chau Thanh District, Tra Vinh Province, and was founded in 1637.

The architecture of Hang Pagoda is strikingly unique, with its main gate facing the river. On either side of the gate stand two fierce Yak statues—giant, bulging-eyed, and clad in armor, holding staffs, yet they have been converted by the Buddha into guardians of the temple. The secondary gate is arched, with thick walls stretching about 12 meters. The temple grounds are adorned with ancient trees like the starfruit and oil trees. A special feature of Hang Pagoda is its wood carving workshop, where visitors can admire detailed and captivating hand-carved works. Like other Khmer pagodas, Hang Pagoda serves not only as a religious site but also as a place for education, moral teachings, and the preservation of traditional Khmer arts. The temple also houses a well-established school and several small stilt houses, providing space for local Khmer people to come for prayers and meditation.

Address: Khóm 4, TT. Châu Thành, Châu Thành, Trà Vinh

Co Pagoda, also known as Vườn Cò Pagoda or Giong Lon Pagoda, is located in Cay Da Hamlet, Dai An Commune, Tra Cu District, about 40km south of Tra Vinh City. The name Vườn Cò (Heron Garden) is well known as the pagoda grounds (spanning 2 hectares) serve as a sanctuary for thousands of birds, including herons and doves. This ancient Khmer pagoda, built around 300 years ago, is one of the most famous in Tra Vinh. Structures such as the main gate, sanctum, and monk's residence are designed in the traditional Southern Khmer architectural style, offering visitors an opportunity to explore both the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Khmer people.

Like other Buddhist pagodas in the Tra Vinh province, Co Pagoda boasts a typical Khmer architectural ensemble. It features a main gate, sanctum, stupa for ashes, monks' quarters, and assembly halls, all set harmoniously within a spacious compound. The pagoda is surrounded by dense bamboo groves, towering starfruit and oil trees, and further out, endless rice fields stretch into the horizon. Visiting Co Pagoda in the early morning or late afternoon, visitors are treated to the sight of flocks of herons soaring across the sky, returning to their nests after a day of foraging, creating a beautiful, tranquil atmosphere. A visit to this peaceful pagoda will leave you feeling calm and refreshed, with the pressures and stress of daily life melting away.