Top 9 Must-See Destinations in Tra Vinh

Vam Ray Pagoda is a must-visit attraction in Tra Vinh. Originally built over 600 years ago, the original temple was destroyed during the war. Despite being rebuilt, it still retains the traditional charm of the Khmer Theravada Buddhist style. The pagoda is beautifully adorned with vibrant murals that reflect the rich Khmer culture.

The spacious and cool main hall offers a serene atmosphere, making it a peaceful place for both tourists and worshippers. Vam Ray Pagoda features Angkor-style architecture, a hallmark of Cambodian design. A visit here on the weekend will leave you with a sense of tranquility, allowing you to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

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

During the Ly-Tran Dynasty, Buddhism was widely practiced and became the dominant religion of the time. Today, this cultural heritage continues to thrive, with many ancient temples showcasing intricate and sacred architecture.

When visiting Tra Vinh, make sure to stop by Bodhisálaràja Pagoda (also known as Kom Pong Pagoda or Ong Met Pagoda). Located in the city center of Tra Vinh, this pagoda was rebuilt in the early 20th century after several renovations. It houses both a main hall and a library.

Despite the passage of time, the pagoda has retained its unique, ancient architectural style. Ong Met Pagoda is recognized as a national cultural monument for its stunning architecture, with intricate carvings that showcase a variety of motifs. This is an ideal destination for those passionate about historical architecture.

Address: Le Loi, Ward 1, Tra Vinh

Ho Chi Minh once expressed regret over not being able to visit the southern regions of Vietnam to meet his people. Similarly, people from the South rarely have the opportunity to visit his Mausoleum. To honor the memory of President Ho, his memorial temple and the replica of his stilt house are meticulously crafted so that all visitors can experience and pay their respects to him.

The Ho Chi Minh Memorial Temple in Long Duc is considered one of the must-see tourist spots in Tra Vinh. It is a place that reflects the deep love and gratitude the people of Tra Vinh have for President Ho.

When you visit the site, you will have the chance to pay tribute at the temple, learn about the life and legacy of Ho Chi Minh, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings with lush greenery, fish ponds, and lotus flowers. You can also admire a nearly 97% accurate replica of Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, which was originally located at his presidential residence in Hanoi. A trip to Tra Vinh would be incomplete without a visit to this meaningful site.

Address: Vinh Hoi Hamlet, Long Duc Commune, Tra Vinh

Next on our list is Ba Om Pond, one of the most captivating tourist destinations in Tra Vinh that you should definitely visit. Known locally as Ba Om Pond or ‘Square Pond,’ it is a serene and crystal-clear body of water. Visitors can enjoy the sight of countless pink lotus flowers and vibrant red water lilies, adding to the romantic atmosphere. The first impression upon arriving at Ba Om Pond is the refreshing coolness and the tranquil beauty of the blue sky reflecting on the water. The pond is rectangular, measuring 300m in width and 500m in length, which is why it’s also called ‘Square Pond.’

The area is shaded by ancient oil and star trees, some of which are centuries old, creating a canopy over the pond. You will be amazed when you see the gigantic roots of the trees, some of which rise above the ground, forming unique shapes such as strange holes or even natural benches where visitors can sit and rest. A visit here promises a delightful and memorable experience.

Address: Hamlet 3, Ward 8, Tra Vinh

Another must-visit spot is the Nodol Pagoda (also known as Stork Pagoda). The main hall of the pagoda features curved roofs resembling dragon tails, with a sharp spire shaped like the Xôme mountain. It also houses well-known statues such as the Reahu deity, the four-faced god Mohabrom, and bird gods like Kâyno and Mahaknốt. In addition to its striking architecture, Nodol Pagoda is famous for its expansive garden filled with lush vegetation, which attracts various wild birds like white storks, yellow-billed storks, and black-billed storks. This is why it’s often referred to as Stork Pagoda, a charming and fitting name.

When visiting, aside from admiring the stunning architecture, visitors can enjoy the sight of storks soaring through the sky during their morning flight to search for food, creating a picturesque scene. The unique blend of the sounds of birds and prayers adds to the serene atmosphere. If you come in the early morning or late afternoon, you’ll witness groups of storks taking flight or returning to their nests after a busy day, offering a truly captivating sight against the backdrop of the blue sky.

Address: Dai An, Tra Cu, Tra Vinh

Now, let me introduce another famous pagoda in Tra Vinh that you definitely should visit. The architecture here is sure to impress with its exquisite details.

Located on a 4-hectare plot just 5 km from the center of Tra Vinh City, Ang Pagoda is part of the Ba Om Pond complex. It is the oldest Khmer pagoda in Tra Vinh, attracting a large number of visitors each year. From a distance, you can see the towering spires of the pagoda, rising majestically towards the sky, exuding both grandeur and reverence.

Visitors to Ang Pagoda are always amazed by the ancient ambiance, the meditative Buddha statues, and the sacred traces of the founding monk from over a century ago. Despite its remote location, people from all over still travel here daily to admire the serene beauty of the temple and enjoy the refreshing atmosphere of Ang Pagoda.

Address: Luong Hoa, Chau Thanh, Tra Vinh

Long Tri Island is located in Long Duc Commune, approximately 3 km north of Tra Vinh City center. Covering an area of 336 hectares, it is one of the first large-scale eco-tourism sites in Tra Vinh, developed to cater to both local and out-of-province visitors.

Over time, Long Tri Island has seen significant upgrades. The site now boasts a completed set of amenities, including a restaurant, a pier, a dining hall, internal roads, and various activities such as boating, fishing, and cycling around the area. These attractions aim to provide a memorable experience for tourists. Situated in the peaceful, vast waters of the Co Chien River, Long Tri Island offers a refreshing, green, and spacious environment for visitors, making it an ideal destination for eco-tourism enthusiasts.

Address: Long Duc, Tra Vinh City, Tra Vinh

Hang Pagoda earned its name because locals noticed a side entrance resembling a cave, hence the name 'Hang Pagoda.' This famous pagoda follows the Theravada Buddhist tradition of the Khmer people.

What truly sets Hang Pagoda apart is its woodcarving workshop. A monk at the pagoda shared that, during the war, many ancient trees in the temple's garden were severely damaged, leaving behind fascinating root formations in the ground. Inspired by this, the monk decided to invite a famous woodcarver from Vinh Long to teach woodcarving skills to the monks and local youth. Since then, the pagoda has trained over 20 skilled apprentices, producing an impressive collection of diverse sculptures, including Buddha statues and animal figures. These works have earned admiration from both local and international visitors.

Address: Block 4, Chau Thanh Town, Chau Thanh, Tra Vinh

With its eco-friendly model and a focus on preserving the environment and local culture, Chim Island has become a popular stop for tourists visiting Tra Vinh. A stroll around Chim Island offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the fresh rural atmosphere, taste local dishes, and enjoy soulful Southern Vietnamese love songs.

Often referred to as a green oasis amidst the peaceful Co Chien River, Chim Island enjoys a refreshing breeze year-round, with clean air and a community that has preserved much of its traditional Southern Vietnamese culture. When you visit Chim Island, you’ll be amazed by the beautiful scenery, the pristine environment, and the variety of seafood that thrives in the brackish waters, including local specialties like bass, catfish, mudfish, shrimp, and crabs.

Address: Chim Island Hamlet, Hoa Minh Commune, Chau Thanh District, Tra Vinh