Vam Ray Pagoda: Tra Vinh’s Majestic Khmer Sanctuary in Vinh Long

A Monument of Khmer Heritage

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 a significant Khmer population (30% of 1 million residents), Tra Vinh is renowned for its over 140 Khmer pagodas, with Vam Ray Pagoda standing out as the largest Theravada Buddhist temple in Vietnam. Attracting 10,000 visitors annually, this cultural landmark offers a serene and awe-inspiring experience with entry free or 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). Vam Ray Pagoda’s Angkor-style architecture and spiritual significance make it a must-visit for cultural explorers.

Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly cultural tours to Vam Ray 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.

Vam Ray Pagoda, located in Vam Ray Hamlet, Ham Tan Commune, 25 km southeast of Tra Vinh city center, is a Theravada Buddhist temple with over 600 years of history. Restored with a $1 million investment by Buddhist patron Tram Be, the pagoda was rebuilt over three years to preserve its cultural significance. Known for its striking Angkor-style architecture, Vam Ray features a grand three-arched yellow gate, a towering Naga God Snake pillar, and vibrant interiors. Spanning 4 hectares, it serves as a spiritual center for Tra Vinh’s Khmer community, hosting festivals like Chol Chnam Thmay and offering a serene space for reflection.

Key Features

• Angkor-Style Architecture: A towering three-arched yellow gate facing east, adorned with intricate designs, reflects the grandeur of Khmer temples.

• Naga God Snake Pillar: A central pillar with snake-shaped columns, used for candle-burning during festivals, symbolizing protection in Buddhist culture.

• Main Temple: Elevated with ornate murals, statues, and a large Shakyamuni Buddha statue, showcasing Khmer craftsmanship.

• Cultural Significance: A hub for Khmer spiritual practices and festivals, preserving traditions for over six centuries.

• Serenity: Surrounded by lush greenery, offering a peaceful retreat for visitors.

1. Admire Angkor-Style Architecture

• Description: Explore the pagoda’s grand three-arched yellow gate and main temple, adorned with intricate murals and statues. The Angkor-style design, with layered towers and vibrant colors, reflects Khmer heritage.

• 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, to experience Khmer Buddhist traditions. During festivals, witness candle-lighting at the Naga God Snake pillar.

• 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 Chol Chnam Thmay Festival

• Description: Join the Khmer New Year (mid-April, 3–4 days) at Vam Ray Pagoda, featuring Apsara dances, communal feasts with Banh Tet Tra Cuon ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND), and Buddha statue cleansing ceremonies.

• Cost: Free entry; food and activities $1–$10 (25,000–250,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use biodegradable offerings; avoid single-use plastics during events.

• Tip: Book 2–4 weeks ahead for festival tours; included in Legend Travel Group’s Cultural Tour ($65–$95).

• Best Time: April for vibrant festivities.

4. Savor Local Cuisine Nearby

• Description: Pair your visit with Tra Vinh’s culinary delights at nearby eateries or Tra Vinh Night Market (25 km away), offering 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–$6 (25,000–150,000 VND) per dish.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose vendors with reusable cutlery; bring a reusable tote ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND).

• Tip: Visit the night market (5:00–8:00 PM) after the pagoda; included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($70–$100).

• Best Time: Evenings for vibrant dining.

5. Explore Nearby Cultural Sites

• Description: Combine your visit with stops at Ba Dong Beach (30 km from Vam Ray, free entry) or Ba Chua Xu Temple (5 km from Vam Ray, free entry) for coastal and cultural experiences.

• Cost: Free–$5 (0–125,000 VND) for entry; beach activities $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Join beach cleanups; use eco-friendly transport to nearby sites.

• Tip: Visit Ba Chua Xu during the My Long Sea Worshipping Festival (June/July); included in Legend Travel Group’s Coastal Tour ($70–$100).

• Best Time: November–April for dry weather.

• November–April (Dry Season, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F): Ideal for exploring the pagoda 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, 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; book festival tours 2–4 weeks ahead.

Vam Ray Pagoda is in Vam Ray Hamlet, Ham Tan Commune, 25 km southeast of Tra Vinh city center:

• From Ho Chi Minh City (3–3.5 hours, 150 km): Bus ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND) + taxi ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 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 (5–6 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 (1–1.5 hours, 70 km): Taxi ($20–$25 or 500,000–625,000 VND); motorbike rental ($7–$12/day or 175,000–300,000 VND, Vietnamese license required).

• Navigation Tip: Save “Vam Ray 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 in Tra Vinh city.

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$5/day (50,000–125,000 VND), sustainable, suitable for city exploration.

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

• 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

• Nearby Dining (e.g., Banh Canh Ben Co, Chao Am): $1–$6 (25,000–150,000 VND).

• Nearby Attractions (e.g., Ba Dong Beach, Ba Chua Xu Temple): $0–$5 (0–125,000 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; 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 biodegradable offerings; join local cleanups. Choose eco-transport like bicycles or Xanh SM taxis.

• Navigation: Save “Vam Ray Pagoda, Tra Vinh Ward, Vinh Long Province” in offline maps; located 25 km from city center via National Highway 53.

• 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 Vam Ray Pagoda with our eco-friendly tours:

• Tra Vinh Cultural Tour ($65–$95/person, 1 day): Visit Vam Ray Pagoda, Ang Pagoda, and Ba Om Pond, with local dining. Includes guide, Xanh SM taxi, 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 and coastal visits. Includes meals, eco-transfers.

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

Vam Ray Pagoda in Tra Vinh Ward, Tra Vinh Region, Vinh Long Province, Vietnam’s largest Khmer temple, offers a stunning blend of Angkor-style architecture and spiritual serenity, located 130 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Built in 1838, this National Cultural Relic features intricate bas-reliefs, a 7-tiered stupa, and serene gardens, drawing thousands yearly with free entry. Legend Travel Group’s Tra Vinh Tours guide you through this cultural gem, 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 Ang Pagoda and Ba Om Pond. Don’t miss out—book your tour today for an authentic, eco-conscious adventure in Tra Vinh Province!
Ready to discover Vam Ray Pagoda? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on 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:

• Vam Ray Pagoda Information: vietnamtravel.com, vietnamoriginal-travel.com, asiatravellinks.com, scootersaigontour.com, vemekong.com, tnktravel.com