Discover Hang Pagoda in Tra Vinh, Vinh Long, a serene Khmer temple with a unique cave-like gate and bird sanctuary. Book eco-friendly tours with Legend Travel Group for an authentic Mekong Delta adventure!
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. Home to over 140 Khmer pagodas and a significant Khmer population (30% of 1 million residents), Tra Vinh is a cultural hub attracting 10,000 visitors annually. Hang Pagoda, known as Kompông Chrây Pagoda, is a standout for its mystical cave-like gate, lush bird sanctuary, and intricate Khmer architecture. With entry free or by donation ($0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND), this 300-year-old Theravada Buddhist temple offers a tranquil escape, 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).
Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly cultural tours to Hang 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.
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.
Hang Pagoda, located on National Highway 54, 4 km from Tra Vinh city center, is a Theravada Buddhist temple built in 1637, covering 2 hectares. Named for its iconic cave-like gate (12 meters wide, long, and deep), it’s also known as the “Stork Pagoda” for its vibrant bird sanctuary, home to thousands of storks, egrets, and other birds. The pagoda’s Southern Khmer architecture, with a 3-meter-high main temple, bent roofs, and Kẽn Naarr dancing-girl statues, exudes mystique, while its shaded grounds and wood carving workshop add to its allure. A spiritual and cultural haven, Hang Pagoda offers a serene retreat for visitors.
Cave-Like Gate: A 12-meter-wide entrance with green moss and cracks, creating a mystical ambiance.
Main Temple: Elevated 3 meters, adorned with intricate patterns, pointed roofs, and Kẽn Naarr statues propping the roof, housing a central Shakyamuni Buddha statue.
Bird Sanctuary: A protected haven for storks, herons, and egrets, offering a lively natural spectacle, especially at dusk.
Wood Carving Workshop: Operating for nearly 30 years, producing intricate sculptures sold across Vietnam.
Cultural Significance: A center for Khmer moral education, traditional arts, and Theravada Buddhist practices.
Description: Walk through the iconic 12-meter gate, adorned with moss and cracks, evoking a sense of ancient mystery. The gate, named Kompong Chray (“banyan-tree wharf”), faces a riverbank, reflecting Khmer and Indian influences.
Cost: Free entry; donations welcome ($0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Keep the area litter-free; respect the natural moss and surroundings.
Tip: Visit at sunrise (6:00–7:00 AM) for serene ambiance; included in Legend Travel Group’s Cultural Tour ($65–$95).
Description: Explore the main temple’s elevated structure, with its bent, layered roofs and Kẽn Naarr dancing-girl statues. The Shakyamuni Buddha statue, flanked by smaller statues in various postures, anchors the ornate interior.
Cost: Free entry; donations welcome ($0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees); use biodegradable offerings.
Tip: Visit during morning prayers (7:00–9:00 AM) for a spiritual experience; included in Legend Travel Group’s Cultural Tour ($65–$95).
Description: Observe thousands of storks, egrets, and herons in the pagoda’s lush forest, a protected sanctuary since the 1990s. The birds soar out in the morning and return at dusk, creating a lively spectacle.
Cost: Free; donations support sanctuary maintenance ($0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Avoid disturbing wildlife; join bird sanctuary cleanups to support conservation.
Tip: Visit at dusk (4:00–6:00 PM) to see birds return; included in Legend Travel Group’s Cultural Tour ($65–$95).
Description: Discover the pagoda’s 30-year-old wood carving workshop, where artisans craft intricate sculptures from tree roots, renowned across Vietnam for their artistry.
Cost: Free to observe; carvings for purchase ($5–$20 or 125,000–500,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Support sustainable artisans; use reusable totes ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) for purchases.
Tip: Engage with artisans to learn about their craft; included in Legend Travel Group’s Cultural Tour ($65–$95).
Description: Pair your visit with Tra Vinh’s culinary delights at nearby Tra Vinh Night Market, offering dishes like Banh Canh Ben Co ($1.50–$3 or 37,500–75,000 VND) or Makapuno Coconut ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).
Cost: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND) per dish.
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose vendors with reusable cutlery; bring a reusable tote for takeaway.
Tip: Visit the market (5:00–8:00 PM) after the pagoda; included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($70–$100).
November–April (Dry Season, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F): Ideal for exploring the pagoda and bird sanctuary 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:
Chol Chnam Thmay (April): Khmer New Year with vibrant rituals at Hang Pagoda, drawing 150–200 visitors.
Ok Om Bok (October/November): Moon-worshipping festival with nearby events at Ba Om Pond, attracting 200+ visitors.
Timing Tip: Visit mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) for prayers and cooler weather; dusk (4:00–6:00 PM) for bird sightings. Book festival tours 2–4 weeks ahead.
Hang Pagoda is located on National Highway 54, 4 km from 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 “Hang 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 Hang 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).
Entry/Donations: $0–$1 (0–25,000 VND).
Workshop Purchases: $5–$20 (125,000–500,000 VND) for carvings.
Nearby Attractions (e.g., Ba Om Pond boat tours): $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).
Khmer Cultural Museum Entry: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Guided Cultural Tour: $20–$35 (500,000–875,000 VND).
Homestay: $10–$25/night (250,000–625,000 VND).
Local Dishes (e.g., Banh Canh Ben Co, Chao Am): $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Drinks (e.g., iced coffee, coconut water): $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
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).
Budget: $5–$15 (walking, street food, homestay).
Mid-range: $20–$35 (cyclo, guided tour, local dining).
Luxury: $50–$80 (taxi, premium dining, homestay).
Timing: Visit mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) for prayers and cooler weather; dusk (4:00–6:00 PM) for bird sightings. November–April for dry weather; April for Chol Chnam Thmay. 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 reusable items; join bird sanctuary cleanups. Choose eco-transport like bicycles or Xanh SM taxis.
Navigation: Save “Hang Pagoda, Tra Vinh Ward, Vinh Long Province” in offline maps; located 4 km from city center via National Highway 54.
Safety: Secure valuables; respect sacred sites by removing shoes and dressing modestly.
Cultural Respect: Greet monks and locals with “xin chào”; ask about the wood carving process or bird sanctuary for a cultural exchange.
Explore Hang Pagoda with our eco-friendly tours:
Tra Vinh Cultural Tour ($65–$95/person, 1 day): Visit Hang Pagoda, Ang Pagoda, and Ba Om Pond, with local dining. Includes guide, cyclo transport, entry fees.
Tra Vinh Cultural & Nature Adventure ($140–$190/person, 2 days): Explore pagodas, Khmer Cultural Museum, homestay. Includes meals, guide, bicycle transport.
Mekong Delta Explorer ($340–$480/person, 4 days): Discover Tra Vinh, Ben Tre, Can Tho, with pagoda visits and eco-stays. Includes meals, eco-transfers.
Prices include guides, eco-transport, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book via this guide.
Hang Pagoda in Tra Vinh Ward, Vinh Long Province, is a mystical Khmer sanctuary, blending ancient architecture, a vibrant bird sanctuary, and a renowned wood carving workshop. With Legend Travel Group’s Vinh Long Tours, you can immerse in this cultural gem while supporting local conservation efforts, ensuring a sustainable Vinh Long Travel experience. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your tour today for an authentic, sustainable adventure in Tra Vinh!
Ready to discover Hang 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, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
Favorite experiences booked by travelers