Vinh Trang Pagoda: A Unique Blend of Architectural Styles

A Brief History of Vinh Trang Pagoda

Originally constructed in the 19th century by a local official named Bui Cong Dat, Vinh Trang Pagoda began as a modest thatched hut, known locally as Ong Huyen Pagoda. It was later renamed to Vinh Trang in 1849.

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Over the years, Vinh Trang Pagoda has undergone numerous restorations and expansions, growing into a complex that now spans nearly 30,000 square meters, featuring many impressive structures across its grounds.

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Exploring the Grounds of Vinh Trang Pagoda

Setting it apart from typical Buddhist pagodas, Vinh Trang Pagoda has a diverse architectural style that blends Asian and European influences, combining elements of both ancient and modern design. This blend of styles results from the pagoda’s long history, cultural influences, and builders from different regions who combined various architectural elements.

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Its facade mixes elements reminiscent of ancient French houses in the Mekong Delta, similar to the Huynh Thuy Le Old House in Sa Dec and the Binh Thuy Ancient House in Can Tho.

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The captivating details, both exterior and interior, require a closer look to be fully appreciated.

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Mosaic Gates

The Pagoda features two gates, both built in 1933 by skilled craftsmen from Hue. The gates' architecture mirrors that of Vietnam’s imperial capital and are adorned with intricate mosaic ceramic pieces depicting dragons, unicorns and turtles.

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Just outside the main gates, you can find stalls selling cold water and fresh coconuts, along with a souvenir shop by the east entrance of the main temple.

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Main Temple

The temple has four parts, designed in the shape of the Chinese character 'Quoc,' with a rockery in the middle. Walk around and take a closer look at the intricately carved panels and detailed columns.

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The temple’s highlight is the main hall, which houses an Amitabha Buddha carved from jackfruit wood, prominently displayed in the center. Also notable are the Eighteen Arhats, which are meticulously carved by Southern artisans between 1904 and 1907. Nearby, you can find a 150kg bell cast in 1854.

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The temple remains a place of religious significance and is still used for prayers and ceremonies, so remember to keep conversations to a minimum, remove your hat and take off your shoes when entering the main hall.

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Buddha Statues

Vinh Trang Pagoda features towering Buddha statues set in its beautiful courtyards, which are mostly quiet in comparison to the main temple.

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The flower garden in front of the temple gate is where a statue of Amitabha Buddha stands at 24 meters high. Additionally, the reclining Buddha and laughing Buddha statues are worth a visit, situated in the well-maintained grounds adorned with colorful flowers and bonsai trees. Next to the reclining Buddha, a seven-tiered stupa rises at 35 meters high.

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Several benches in front of the Laughing Buddha statue offer a peaceful spot to relax and take in the atmosphere as the crowds pass by.

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Best Time to Visit

Vinh Trang Pagoda attracts large groups of visitors daily, primarily from tour groups coming from Ho Chi Minh City. To avoid the crowds, try to arrive early, ideally before 9am, when most of the tour buses start arriving.‍

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Read: Best Time to Visit Vietnam

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How to Get to Vinh Trang Pagoda

Located about 75 kilometers south of Ho Chi Minh City, the most convenient way to visit Vinh Trang Pagoda is by joining a day tour from the city. Book your Mekong Delta tour with JoyJourneys, which includes a My Tho boat tour and a visit to the pagoda.

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Read More: Our Day-Trip Experience to My Tho.

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If you're traveling from Ben Tre, you can book a Grab bike for around 150,000vnd ($6). The ride takes about an hour. From our experience, arranging a bike to My Tho City was somewhat challenging due to the limited availability of bikes, while returning to Ben Tre was straightforward. To ensure a smooth trip, consider arranging transportation with your accommodation.

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Read More: Things To Do in Ben Tre

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Opening Hours & Entrance Fee

Vinh Trang Pagoda opens daily from 6:30am to 7pm. While there is no entrance fee, donations are appreciated to support the pagoda’s charity efforts. These contributions help fund events and distributions to assist underprivileged families with food, clothing, essential items, and scholarships for students.

Whether you’re visiting Vinh Trang Pagoda as a stop on your tour or individually, take a few moments to explore the various sections, including the beautifully landscaped gardens and the impressive Buddha statues.

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For more remarkable temples, head to Sam Mountain in Chau Doc. Discover why it’s a favorite destination for devotees in the Mekong Delta, with its numerous pagodas offering some of the region’s most stunning mountain views!