Ang Pagoda: Tra Vinh’s Ancient Khmer Treasure in Vinh Long

A Timeless Khmer Cultural Landmark

Tra Vinh, now a vibrant ward of Vinh Long Province following Vietnam’s administrative reform on July 1, 2025, is a Mekong Delta gem nestled between the Tien and Hau Rivers with a 65 km coastline along the East Sea. Renowned for its significant Khmer population (30% of 1 million residents) and over 140 Khmer pagodas, Tra Vinh attracts 10,000 visitors annually. Ang Pagoda, also known as Angkorajaborey, is one of the oldest and most revered Khmer temples in the region, offering a serene cultural experience with entry by donation ($0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND). Set against a tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F), this pagoda’s ancient architecture and vibrant festivals make it a must-visit for cultural enthusiasts.

Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly cultural tours to Ang Pagoda, using bicycles, cyclos, and local guides to showcase its heritage while supporting conservation. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your cultural adventure.

Administrative Note

Use “Tra Vinh Ward, Vinh Long Province” for navigation. Tra Vinh remains a key cultural and tourism hub within Vinh Long, ideal for international travelers seeking authentic Mekong Delta experiences.

With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group serves 15,000 travelers annually across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, prioritizing sustainable tourism. Our Tra Vinh tours feature eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides sharing cultural and historical insights, and partnerships with local communities to preserve sacred sites and ecosystems. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours prior, and 24/7 support. Book through this guide for an immersive, responsible experience aligned with Vietnam’s green tourism vision.

Ang Pagoda, located in Ward 8, 5 km southwest of Tra Vinh city center, is one of the oldest Khmer pagodas in the Mekong Delta, with origins predating 1715 and a major restoration in 1842. Spanning over 4 hectares, this Theravada Buddhist temple is renowned for its Southern Khmer architectural style, featuring a bent, pointed roof, three ornate towers at the gate, and fairy statues on pillars. Surrounded by a lush forest of ancient Cajeput trees, the pagoda offers a serene ambiance and serves as a spiritual hub for Tra Vinh’s Khmer community. It is a focal point for festivals like Ok Om Bok and Chol Chnam Thmay, blending cultural vibrancy with historical significance.

Key Features

• Southern Khmer Architecture: A skillfully designed gate with three towers, intricate murals, and a central Shakyamuni Buddha statue.

• Fairy Statues: Two elegant fairy statues adorn the gate’s pillars, symbolizing Khmer artistry.

• Ancient Forest: A tranquil setting with towering trees, enhancing the pagoda’s spiritual atmosphere.

• Cultural Hub: Hosts major festivals, showcasing Khmer traditions through rituals and performances.

• Proximity to Ba Om Pond: Located next to the lotus-filled pond, ideal for combined visits.

1. Admire Southern Khmer Architecture

• Description: Explore the pagoda’s ornate gate with three towers, intricate murals, and the main temple’s bent, pointed roof. The central Shakyamuni Buddha statue, surrounded by smaller statues in various postures, reflects Khmer craftsmanship.

• Cost: Free entry; donations welcome ($0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use biodegradable offerings; dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) to respect sacred spaces.

• Tip: Visit at 8:00 AM for a peaceful experience; included in Legend Travel Group’s Cultural Tour ($65–$95).

• Best Time: November–April for comfortable exploration.

2. Participate in Buddhist Rituals

• Description: Observe or join morning prayers and incense-burning ceremonies led by monks, offering insights into Khmer Buddhist traditions. During festivals, witness offerings and Buddha statue cleansing.

• Cost: Free; donations ($0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND) and eco-friendly offerings encouraged.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use biodegradable incense; keep the site litter-free.

• Tip: Attend morning prayers (7:00–9:00 AM) for a spiritual experience; included in Legend Travel Group’s Cultural Tour ($65–$95).

• Best Time: April for Chol Chnam Thmay rituals.

3. Experience Ok Om Bok Festival

• Description: Join the UNESCO-recognized Ok Om Bok (October/November), featuring Ghe Ngo boat races, lantern ceremonies at nearby Ba Om Pond, and Khmer dishes like Banh Tet Tra Cuon ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).

• Cost: Free entry; activities $1–$20 (25,000–500,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use biodegradable lanterns; join canal cleanups.

• Tip: Visit evenings (5:00–8:00 PM); book 2–4 weeks ahead; included in Legend Travel Group’s Festival & Eco-Cruise ($70–$100).

• Best Time: October/November for vibrant festivities.

4. Explore the Khmer Cultural Museum

• Description: Visit the nearby Khmer Cultural Museum (1.5 km away), housing over 800 artifacts, including traditional clothing and religious items, to deepen your understanding of Khmer heritage.

• Cost: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) entry.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Walk or cycle to reduce emissions; avoid single-use plastics.

• Tip: Allow 45 minutes for exploration; included in Legend Travel Group’s Cultural Tour ($65–$95).

• Best Time: Year-round; rainy season (May–October) for indoor visits.

5. Cruise Ba Om Pond

• Description: Pair your visit with a cruise on Ba Om Pond, adjacent to Ang Pagoda, featuring lotus blooms and birdlife. Electric boat rides offer a serene complement to the pagoda’s spiritual ambiance.

• Cost: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND, fits 4–6).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use electric boats to minimize emissions; keep the pond litter-free.

• Tip: Visit at sunrise for stunning views; included in Legend Travel Group’s Eco-Cruise ($60–$90).

• Best Time: May–October for lush lotus blooms.

• November–April (Dry Season, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F): Ideal for exploring the pagoda and Ba Om Pond with sunny, comfortable weather and moderate crowds (50–150 daily visitors). Book tours 1–2 weeks ahead.

• May–October (Rainy Season, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F): Lush greenery and fewer crowds (30–100 daily visitors); bring rain gear ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND). Last-minute bookings often available.

• Festival Seasons:

  • Ok Om Bok (October/November): Features boat races and lantern ceremonies, drawing 200+ visitors.

  • Chol Chnam Thmay (April): Khmer New Year with vibrant rituals, attracting 150–200 visitors.

• Timing Tip: Visit mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) for prayers and cooler weather; evenings (5:00–8:00 PM) for festival events. Book festival tours 2–4 weeks ahead.

Ang Pagoda is in Ward 8, 5 km southwest of Tra Vinh city center:

• From Ho Chi Minh City (2.5–3.5 hours, 130 km): Bus ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND) + taxi ($12–$18 or 300,000–450,000 VND); private car ($60–$80 or 1,500,000–2,000,000 VND); Xanh SM electric taxi ($90–$120 or 2,250,000–3,000,000 VND, eco-friendly).

• From Hanoi (4.5–5 hours): Flight to Can Tho ($65–$130 or 1,625,000–3,250,000 VND) + taxi ($50–$60 or 1,250,000–1,500,000 VND).

• From Vinh Long Ward (45–60 minutes, 45 km): Taxi ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 VND); motorbike rental ($7–$12/day or 175,000–300,000 VND, Vietnamese license required).

• Navigation Tip: Save “Ang Pagoda, Tra Vinh Ward, Vinh Long Province” in offline maps (Maps.me). Parking: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Opt for buses or Xanh SM taxis; book through Legend Travel Group for sustainable transport.

• Walking: Free, suitable for city center sites (1–2 km radius).

• Cyclo: $1–$3/hour (25,000–75,000 VND), eco-friendly, ideal for short trips to Ang Pagoda.

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$5/day (50,000–125,000 VND), sustainable, perfect for pagoda visits.

• Taxi/Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND), best for longer trips.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Prioritize cyclos or bicycles; book through Legend Travel Group for eco-transport.

• Tip: Confirm fares upfront; rent bikes near Tra Vinh Market.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable visit:

• Clothing: Lightweight, breathable attire, sturdy sandals, hat; modest clothing for pagodas (cover shoulders and knees); waterproof poncho ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) for rainy season.

• Gear: Reusable water bottle ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), reusable tote ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND), biodegradable sunscreen.

• Essentials: Compact umbrella ($3–$6), hand sanitizer, mosquito repellent ($0.80 or 20,000 VND).

• Tech: Smartphone with Vietmap/Maps.me, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND).

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).

Pagoda Costs

• Entry/Donations: $0–$1 (0–25,000 VND).

Activity Costs

• Khmer Cultural Museum Entry: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Ba Om Pond Boat Tours: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

• Festival Activities (e.g., food, lanterns): $1–$20 (25,000–500,000 VND).

• Guided Cultural Tour: $20–$35 (500,000–875,000 VND).

• Homestay: $10–$25/night (250,000–625,000 VND).

Transport Costs (Local)

• Cyclo: $1–$3/hour (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$5/day (50,000–125,000 VND).

• Taxi/Xanh SM: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $10–$20 (homestay, street food, bicycle).

• Mid-range: $25–$40 (homestay, guided tour, local dining).

• Luxury: $50–$80 (hotel, taxi, premium dining).

• Timing: Visit mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) for prayers and cooler weather; evenings (5:00–8:00 PM) for festival events like Ok Om Bok. Expect 30–100 visitors on weekdays, 50–150 on weekends.

• Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead; book homestays 1–2 weeks ahead for festivals (April, October/November).

• Sustainability: Use biodegradable offerings; join local cleanups. Choose eco-transport like bicycles or Xanh SM taxis.

• Navigation: Save “Ang Pagoda, Tra Vinh Ward, Vinh Long Province” in offline maps; located 5 km from city center.

• Safety: Secure valuables; respect sacred sites by removing shoes and dressing modestly.

• Cultural Respect: Greet monks and locals with “xin chào”; ask about Khmer rituals for a cultural exchange.

Explore Ang Pagoda with our eco-friendly tours:

• Tra Vinh Cultural Tour ($65–$95/person, 1 day): Visit Ang Pagoda, Ba Om Pond, and Khmer Cultural Museum, with local dining. Includes guide, cyclo transport, entry fees.

• Tra Vinh Cultural & Nature Adventure ($140–$190/person, 2 days): Explore pagodas, Ba Om Pond cruise, homestay. Includes meals, guide, bicycle transport.

• Mekong Delta Explorer ($340–$480/person, 4 days): Discover Tra Vinh, Ben Tre, Can Tho, with pagoda and cultural visits. Includes meals, eco-transfers.

• Prices include guides, eco-transport, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book via this guide.

Ang Pagoda in Tra Vinh City, Tra Vinh Regional, Vinh Long Province, a timeless Khmer sanctuary blending ancient Southern Khmer architecture with vibrant festivals like Ok Om Bok, is located 130 km from Ho Chi Minh City. This cultural treasure, built in 1838, features ornate golden spires, intricate bas-reliefs, and serene gardens, drawing thousands yearly with free entry. Legend Travel Group’s Tra Vinh Tours guide you through this spiritual haven, ensuring a sustainable Tra Vinh Travel experience with eco-friendly practices like low-impact tours and support for local conservation efforts, paired with visits to Ba Om Pond and Ba Dong Beach. Don’t miss out—book your tour today for an authentic, sustainable adventure in Tra Vinh Province!
Ready to discover Ang Pagoda? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group for an unforgettable cultural journey!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources:

• Ang Pagoda Information: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group