The Complete Travel Guide to Trà Vinh from A to Z

Trà Vinh is not only famous for its unique Khmer culture but also offers many special experiences waiting to be discovered. Explore the ultimate travel guide to Trà Vinh with Mytour!

Overview of Trà Vinh Tourism

Trà Vinh is a coastal province in the Mekong Delta, situated between the Tiền and Hậu rivers. It is home to ancient Khmer temples, tree-lined roads, and breathtaking landscapes that captivate visitors. The warm hospitality of the locals and the diverse cuisine are gifts to travelers. When visiting Trà Vinh, tourists can also explore nearby regions.

Ideal Time to Visit

Trà Vinh experiences a tropical savanna climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The average temperature is high, around 28°C, and remains warm throughout the year. The rainy season typically lasts from May to November, while the dry season runs from December to April. Generally, tourists can visit Trà Vinh year-round. April is ideal for experiencing the Chol Chnam Thmay festival, the Khmer New Year celebration, or summer for fruit harvesting.

Transportation

By Air

Travelers can fly to Tân Sơn Nhất Airport or Cần Thơ Airport, then take a bus to Trà Vinh city.

By Bus

From Ho Chi Minh City, visitors usually depart from the Miền Tây Bus Station. Bus fares range from 150,000 to 200,000 VND. Popular bus operators to Trà Vinh include Kim Hoàng, Thanh Thủy, Tân Phước Tài, Phương Trang, and Phương Hồng Linh.

Located approximately 130 km from Ho Chi Minh City, travelers can also opt for motorbikes or private cars. For exploring Trà Vinh, options include motorbikes, private cars, and taxis. Motorbike rentals cost around 100,000 – 150,000 VND per day.

Attractions

Âng Pagoda

Traveling to Trà Vinh is incomplete without visiting its temples. Âng Pagoda, also known as Wat Angkor Raig Borei, spans over hectares. Hundreds of ancient starfruit and oil trees provide a cool, shaded atmosphere. The pagoda complex includes dormitories, lecture halls for teaching Pali and Khmer scripts, and surrounds the main hall. Facing east, the pagoda reflects Buddhist philosophy, symbolizing Buddha Shakyamuni looking eastward to bless all beings. The entrance features a wide path flanked by towering starfruit trees, leading across a 4-meter-wide, 400-meter-long moat encircling the main hall. Âng Pagoda harmoniously blends Khmer decorative art with the vibrant designs of Angkor culture.

Address: National Highway 53, Cluster 4, Ward 8, Trà Vinh City, Trà Vinh Province.

Bà Om Pond

Bà Om Pond, also known as Square Pond due to its nearly square shape, has various explanations for its name. One version suggests it was named after the abundant water mimosa (rau ngò om) growing around its banks, a herb used in sour soups. Another version links it to the term 'Prah Ang,' derived from Âng Pagoda. Yet another story attributes the name to a couple, Ông Lũy and Bà Om.

Bà Om Pond is not solely a natural creation but also a result of human effort. The entire area spans over 18 hectares, with the pond covering 42,040 square meters. The pond is surrounded by uneven sandbanks, wide in some areas and narrow in others. Over 500 oil and starfruit trees, including ancient ones, provide shade. Over time, the exposed roots of these ancient trees have formed fascinating shapes.

Every year, on the 14th and 15th of the Khmer month of Ka-đâk (around October 14-15 in the lunar calendar), the Ok-Om-Bok Festival takes place at Bà Om Pond. This festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors who come to enjoy the scenery, participate in traditional games, and watch cultural performances.

Address: Ward 8, Trà Vinh City, Trà Vinh Province.

Vàm Ray Pagoda

Vàm Ray Pagoda boasts a history of over 600 years and has undergone multiple renovations. The current structure was rebuilt on the foundation of the old, destroyed pagoda. Despite this, it retains the traditional charm of Khmer Theravada Buddhism. The main gate, built in the traditional three-entrance style, symbolizes a new beginning. The main hall is an elaborate structure adorned with intricate carvings. Inside, vibrant murals depicting the life of Buddha and Buddhist teachings decorate the walls.

Address: Vàm Ray Hamlet, Trà Cú District, Trà Vinh

Hang Pagoda

Hang Pagoda, known as Kompông Chrây in Khmer, is a renowned Khmer Theravada Buddhist temple. Visitors to Trà Vinh should not miss this site. Established in 1637, it has seen 22 abbots. Severely damaged by bombs in 1968, it was restored in 1977. The name 'Hang Pagoda' comes from its western side gate, designed to resemble three adjacent caves: a large central cave flanked by two smaller ones.

The main hall, situated on higher ground, is adorned with intricate patterns and motifs. Its multi-tiered roof culminates in a towering, majestic spire. Inside, two rows of grand columns support the structure. A large statue of Buddha Shakyamuni sits elevated, surrounded by smaller Buddha statues. The pagoda is set within a lush 2-hectare green space, home to various birds and bats, making it a serene and refreshing destination.

Address: Cluster 4, Châu Thành Town, Châu Thành District, Trà Vinh

Rừng Đước Eco-Tourism Area

The mangrove forest stretches across Long Vĩnh, Đông Hải, and Long Khánh communes. The Long Khánh area alone covers 882 hectares, home to mangroves, fish species, and other saltwater flora. Visitors can stay at nearby homestays to immerse themselves in the unique ecosystem of the mangrove forest.

Address: Duyên Hải District, Trà Vinh

Ba Động Beach

Ba Động Beach, a famous scenic spot, is located 50 km from Trà Vinh city center. Situated between the Cung Hầu (Tiền River) and Định An (Hậu River) estuaries, it faces the East Sea. This rare gem in the Mekong Delta boasts a 10 km sandy stretch from Nhà Mát Hamlet to Cồn Trứng Hamlet. The beach features clear waters, especially after the Lunar New Year, and offers stunning sunrise and sunset views. Visitors can also enjoy safe water sports like jet skiing.

Trà Vinh Cuisine

Flattened Rice (Cốm dẹp)

Visitors to Trà Vinh are often impressed by its culinary offerings. Among the local delicacies, flattened rice (cốm dẹp) holds a special place, especially for the Khmer community, as it carries deep spiritual significance. It is traditionally offered to deities during the Ok Om Bok Festival. The process of making cốm dẹp involves harvesting sticky rice, roasting, pounding, and sifting, each step requiring skill and precision. The final product, mixed with shredded coconut, sugar, and coconut milk, is wrapped in fresh banana leaves, enhancing its flavor.

Bánh tét (Sticky Rice Cake)

Trà Vinh is renowned for its bánh tét, a cylindrical sticky rice cake. The quality of the cake depends on the selection of fragrant and sticky glutinous rice. The rice is often dyed with natural colors from vegetables and fruits, such as green from katuk leaves, purple from magenta plant leaves, and orange from gac fruit. The filling typically includes mung bean paste and slices of pork belly. Wrapped meticulously in fresh banana leaves, the cakes are both visually appealing and delicious.

Waxy Coconut (Dừa sáp)

Trà Vinh is the capital of waxy coconut, with over 1,000 hectares dedicated to its cultivation. This unique coconut variety has been grown here for over a century. Waxy coconut is known for its thick, soft, and sticky flesh, with a rich, creamy texture and distinct aroma. Besides being eaten fresh, it is used to make ice cream, smoothies, candies, shredded coconut, dried coconut, and even yogurt fermented from its water.

Bún nước lèo (Fermented Fish Noodle Soup)

Bún nước lèo is a must-try specialty for every visitor to Trà Vinh. Originating from the Khmer community, this dish embodies the unique flavors of Trà Vinh cuisine. Despite its simple name, it combines roasted pork, fermented fish sauce (mắm bò hóc), fresh herbs, and a broth naturally sweetened with fish and shrimp.

Bún suông

This dish is renowned for its carefully selected ingredients. The noodles, called 'suông,' are thick and wide, about the size of a pinky finger. It is served with shrimp cakes, pork trotters, fresh herbs, and a flavorful broth, creating a uniquely delightful taste.

Bánh canh Bến Có

A bowl of Bến Có bánh canh offers a delicious and balanced mix of meat and rice noodles. The dish stands out due to its rich flavors and diverse ingredients, with the broth made from pork bones and meat providing a natural sweetness. Adding a few chili slices and a squeeze of lime enhances its savory taste.

Bánh ống lá dứa (Pandan Tube Cake)

Bánh ống lá dứa is a humble yet iconic specialty of Trà Vinh. Its delightful flavor leaves a lasting impression on anyone who tries it. Made from a blend of rice and glutinous rice, the batter is poured into long tube-shaped molds. Once cooked, the cakes turn a soft green, exuding a warm, irresistible aroma.

Bánh rây

Originally called 'Ọm Chiếl' by the Khmer people, this cake has evolved over time. It is now known as bánh rây or bánh dứa due to its preparation process. The name 'bánh rây' comes from the use of a mesh sieve to sift the batter into the pan, while 'bánh dứa' refers to the pandan leaves ground with the glutinous rice. The cake emits a fragrant aroma when cooked, blending a soft, crispy texture with the sweet, rich flavors of glutinous rice and coconut.

Traditional Festivals

Ok Om Bok Festival

Festivals are a highlight of Trà Vinh's cultural tourism. The Ok Om Bok Festival, or Moon Worship Festival, is one of the most significant events for the Khmer community. Held on the 15th day of the 10th lunar month, it expresses gratitude to the moon for blessings and favorable weather. Key rituals include offerings of flattened rice, bananas, coconuts, and other agricultural products. The festival's highlight is the vibrant ghe ngo boat race on the river, drawing large crowds. Other activities include flying lanterns, tug-of-war, and pot-breaking games.

Chôl Chnăm Thmây Festival

Chôl Chnăm Thmây is the traditional New Year festival of the Khmer people, marking the Buddhist calendar's new year. It is a time to express gratitude to ancestors, pray for peace, and celebrate a fresh start. The festival includes solemn rituals. On the first day (Chôl sangkran Chmây), offerings are prepared and brought to the pagoda to welcome the new year. The second day (Wonbơf) involves offering food to monks. In the afternoon, the 'Sand Mountain Building' ceremony (Puôn phnôm khsach) takes place within the pagoda grounds. The third day (Lơm săk) features the Buddha statue bathing ritual.

Sen Dolta Festival (Ancestor Worship Festival)

The Sen Dolta Festival, or Ancestor Worship Festival, occurs at the end of the 8th lunar month. It is a time for the Khmer people to honor their ancestors and express gratitude to the deceased. The festival is celebrated at homes and pagodas. Alongside solemn rituals, cultural activities are also held. On the first day, families gather or perform ceremonies to welcome ancestors. On the second day, offerings are prepared for the pagoda's alms-giving ceremony. The third day involves a farewell meal to bid ancestors goodbye.

Nghinh Ông Festival

The Nghinh Ông Festival is a unique spiritual and cultural event held in the 5th lunar month. It honors the Whale God, the guardian deity of the sea. The highlight is the sacred procession of Ông Nam Hải from the sea to the shore, conducted with great reverence. Alongside traditional rituals, the festival features lively and joyful activities.

Kathina Festival

The Kathina Festival, or Robe Offering Ceremony, takes place annually around October, after the end of the Buddhist Lent. It demonstrates the devotion of Buddhists to the monastic community. During the festival, devotees offer robes and essential items to monks, accompanied by rituals for peace and prosperity. In addition to the solemn ceremonies, the festival features traditional cultural activities such as folk dances, Khmer music performances, and traditional games.

Ông Tà Festival (Đom Lơng Néak Tà)

The Ông Tà Festival occurs around April or May, marking the start of the rainy season, either before or after the Chol Chnam Thmây Festival. It honors Néak Tà (Ông Tà), a deity believed to bring peace, bountiful harvests, and protection. During the festival, locals perform rituals and offer gifts such as rice, fruits, and incense. Previously lasting several days, the Đom Lơng Néak Tà Festival is now typically celebrated over two days. It has been recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Accommodation

When visiting Trà Vinh, most accommodations are concentrated in Trà Vinh City. Travelers can choose from hotels like The Rose, Văn Thái Bình, Trà Vinh Lodge, and Vilabasi Tháp Cổ, or opt for guesthouses and homestays such as Malis Homestay, Huỳnh Yên, and Lucky.

According to Mytour.vn

***

Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour.vn