If you truly enjoy the outdoors and want the unique experience of living with the local people in the Mekong Delta, you should not miss Vinh Trang Pagoda, an ancient southern architectural gem in Tien Giang Province. You will have an opportunity to explore the Giant Buddha statues and admire the breathtaking landscape. 

Overview of Vinh Trang Pagoda

Vinh Trang pagoda is the largest pagoda in Tien Giang and situated in Nguyen Trung Truc street, My Tho city. This pagoda is a style of Eastern and Western cultures architecture, creating a unique design. 

Vinh Trang Pagoda, Tien Giang

Visitors to Tien Giang province, don't miss up to chance to visit Vinh Trang Pagoda. You will feel relaxed, immerse yourself in the fresh air and see a captivating landscape. 

Especially,  Vinh Trang Pagoda was recognized as a national historical and cultural heritage site In 1984. 

Vinh Trang Pagoda history

In the early 19th century, District Chief Bui Cong Dat who was an official during the reign of King  Minh Mang set up a small leaf hermitage. 

After, Most Venerable Abbot Thich Hue Dang was changed to a pagoda named as Vinh Trang Pagoda and decided to build a big pagoda today. He contributed greatly in its development and expansion. 

The unique architecture of Vinh Trang Pagoda

Vinh Trang Pagoda has undergone many renovations  and repairs ( 1907 and 1930) to make  its appearance today. 

There are many netlike panels, horizontal boards and oblong boards of parallel sentences with the elaborately carved. 

Highlight architecture of Vinh Trang Pagoda

Vinh Trang Pagoda has about 14000m2 and is built on a large land. The materials for this pagoda are primarily cement and reinforced. In addition, the materials are also various precious and rare woods.

This pagoda is designed in the style of Asian and European influences. After entering the gate of temple, visitors will pass through a triple arched gate adorned with countless pieces. 

Image inside Vinh Trang Pagoda

You will be surprised with the meticulous engraving columns. If Vinh Trang background emanates with the style of a foreign temple in the exterior, the interior of this pagoda brings the signature of traditional features as same as Asia Pagodas with horizontal lacquered boards, couplets, and altars, creating the space of antiquity and sacredness.

Vinh Trang Pagoda is also attracted by giant statues. These statues are intricate architectural sculptures with over 60 Buddha statues, crafted from various materials like wood, cement, terracotta, bronze... The statues of Vinh Trang Pagoda date back from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. 

Campus of Vinh Trang Pagoda, Tien Giang

The famous statues in Vinh Trang such as:

• Statue of Maitreya Buddha was inaugurated in 2010, a height of 20m, weighing about 250 tons. The statue was built from reinforced concrete and steel. 
• Statue of Amitabha Buddha was inaugurated in 2008,  a height of 18m and weighing about 150 tons.
• Reclining Buddha statue was inaugurated in 2013, a height of 10m and weighing about 250 tons and a length of 32m and built from concrete and steel. 

Statue of Maitreya Buddha

Besides the majestic giant statues, Vinh Trang Pagoda has a 7 story tower located at the rear where it serves as a repository for the ashes of Buddhist disciples and monks of the pagoda.

The woman taking a photo with background Reclining Buddha statue

How to get to Vinh Trang Pagoda? 

Vinh Trang pagoda is approximately 90 kilometers away from Can Tho City and 52 km away from Ho Chi Minh city. From Saigon city, you can approach Vinh Trang Pagoda by many vehicles such as bus, taxi, motorbike or private car. 

Taking a bus is a cheap ways to transfer from Ho Chi Minh to Vinh Trang pagoda. Afterward, book a taxi/motorbike to get to the pagoda. 

In addtion, you can choose a motobike, starting from Ho Chi Minh city center, go ahead National Road 1A towards My Tho, continue on Provincial Road 819 about 3km. You will see Vinh Trang park, left turn and proceed for another 300m, arrive at the pagoda. 

You still book a private tour Mekong delta tour from Ho Chi Minh by private car to visit Vinh Trang Pagoda and other tour attractions. Vietnam Trust Car Rental offer a car rental service with a cheap price in Vietnam, bring a comfortable, relax and door to door service. 

A journey to visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda offers many useful knowledge between rich history and unique architecture. The beauty of Pagoda creates its picturesque, attracting the many local and international tourists seeking an impression and tranquility.