What Makes Xiem Can Pagoda Special: Bac Lieu’s Khmer Cultural Jewel in the Mekong Delta

A Khmer Cultural Beacon in the Mekong Delta

Bac Lieu, now a vibrant ward of Ca Mau Province following Vietnam’s administrative reform, is a cultural gem in the Mekong Delta, celebrated for its rich heritage and natural beauty. With a 56 km coastline and a population of 1.3 million, including 20% Khmer residents, Bac Lieu attracts 18,000 travelers annually. Xiem Can Pagoda, one of the largest and most splendid Khmer pagodas in southern Vietnam, captivates with its Angkor-inspired architecture and deep cultural significance. Recognized as a National Historical Relic, it’s a must-visit for its intricate designs and role as a Khmer cultural hub. Visiting costs range from free to $45 (0–1,125,000 VND) for activities in 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 tours to Xiem Can Pagoda, integrating cultural experiences with sustainable practices like electric transport to support local communities. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your Mekong Delta adventure.

Administrative Note

Use “Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province” for navigation. Xiem Can Pagoda, located in Vinh Thanh Dong Ward (not Hiep Thanh commune, as outdated sources suggest), is 15 km from Bac Lieu’s center, easily accessible for cultural exploration.

With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group serves 15,000 travelers annually across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, prioritizing sustainable tourism. Our Bac Lieu tours feature eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides, and partnerships with local Khmer communities to preserve cultural traditions, contributing to Vietnam’s sustainable tourism goals. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours, and 24/7 support. Book through this guide for a responsible, immersive journey aligned with Vietnam’s green tourism vision.

Exquisite Khmer Architecture

Constructed in 1887 on a 50,000 m² campus, Xiem Can Pagoda is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture, drawing inspiration from Cambodia’s Angkor temples. Its vibrant design features:

• Golden Spires and Murals: The pagoda’s golden spires and colorful murals depicting the Ramayana Epic and Gautama Buddha’s life shimmer under Bac Lieu’s sunlight.

• Intricate Carvings: Walls, pillars, and stairs are adorned with embossments of Nagar basilisk snakes, symbolizing Buddha’s compassion in taming dangerous creatures, and female fairies and monsters, representing spiritual challenges for Buddhists.

• Serpent-Patterned Fence: A solid wall with serpent motifs encloses the pagoda, surrounded by ancient trees and longan gardens, creating a serene ambiance.

• East-Facing Sanctum: The main hall, a square structure with a two-meter semicircular platform for worshiping Gautama Buddha, faces east, symbolizing the journey to enlightenment.

• Cost: Free entry; donations $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND) appreciated.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Avoid littering to preserve the site’s sanctity; support preservation with donations.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

Xiem Can Pagoda is a vital cultural center for Bac Lieu’s Khmer community, serving as a place of worship, education, and celebration. It hosts Khmer language classes and traditional festivals, fostering community unity and cultural pride. Visitors can engage with monks, learn about Hinayana Buddhist practices, and experience the hospitality of locals, making it a profound cultural immersion. The pagoda’s role in festivals like Ok Om Bok and Chol Chnam Thmay highlights its importance as a living heritage site.

• Activities: Guided cultural tours ($10–$15 or 250,000–375,000 VND); Khmer craft workshops ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Support local artisans with purchases like traditional crafts ($2–$10 or 50,000–250,000 VND).

• Dry Season (November–April): Clear skies and cooler temperatures (24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F) are ideal for exploring the pagoda’s architecture and gardens, with 100–250 daily visitors.

• Rainy Season (May–October): Lush surroundings enhance the pagoda’s beauty, with fewer crowds (70–180 daily visitors). Short showers (1–2 hours) allow ample exploration time.

• Festivals:

  • Ok Om Bok (October/November, lunar 10th month): Features boat races, Nhac Dan Toc music, and lantern releases, drawing 400+ visitors.

  • Chol Chnam Thmay (April): Khmer New Year with music, dance, and rice offerings, perfect for cultural immersion.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use reusable water bottles ($0.80 or 20,000 VND); book festival tours 2–4 weeks ahead for sustainable planning.

• Tip: Visit during festivals for vibrant cultural experiences; mornings offer cooler weather and fewer crowds.

Xiem Can Pagoda is 15 km from Bac Lieu’s center in Vinh Thanh Dong Ward, accessible via updated routes replacing outdated references to Hiep Thanh commune or longan garden paths.

From Bac Lieu Center (15 km, 20–30 minutes)

• Bicycle: Rent for $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND) from Bac Lieu Market. Follow Tran Phu St. to Vinh Trach Coastal Rd., then signs to Vinh Thanh Dong Ward. Ideal for eco-conscious travelers.

• Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $6–$10 (150,000–250,000 VND) via app or hotline. A sustainable, low-emission option.

• Motorbike Taxi (Xe Om): $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND) via Grab or Xanh SM apps.

• Navigation Tip: Save “Xiem Can Pagoda, Vinh Thanh Dong Ward, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province” in offline maps (Maps.me). Limited signage may require asking locals.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Prioritize bicycles or electric taxis for low-impact travel.

From Ho Chi Minh City (280 km, 5–6 hours)

• Bus: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND) from Mien Tay Bus Station to Bac Lieu Bus Station (Ward 7), then a taxi ($6–$10 or 150,000–250,000 VND). Operators: Phuong Trang, Mai Linh.

• Private Car: $100–$130 (2,500,000–3,250,000 VND) for 4–7 seaters; $150–$180 (3,750,000–4,500,000 VND) for minivans via Legend Travel Group’s Eco Tour ($85–$130).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose buses or electric vehicles; book through Legend Travel Group.

From Hanoi (1,800 km, 5–6 hours)

• Flight to Can Tho + Transfer: Fly to Can Tho International Airport ($70–$150 or 1,750,000–3,750,000 VND, 2–2.5 hours) via Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, or Bamboo Airways, then a taxi ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 VND) or bus ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) to Bac Lieu, plus a local taxi ($6–$10 or 150,000–250,000 VND).

• Flight to Ho Chi Minh City + Transfer: Fly to Tan Son Nhat Airport ($60–$120 or 1,500,000–3,000,000 VND), then a bus ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND) or taxi ($150–$180 or 3,750,000–4,500,000 VND) to Bac Lieu.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose fuel-efficient flights and electric taxis.

From Ca Mau City (60 km, 1–1.5 hours)

• Taxi: Xanh SM electric taxi ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 VND).

• Bus: $3–$6 (75,000–150,000 VND) from Ca Mau Bus Station to Bac Lieu, then a local taxi ($6–$10 or 150,000–250,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Opt for electric taxis or buses.

• Phong Dien Bird Sanctuary (12 km): A 40 km² haven for over 50 bird species ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND).

• Tac Say Floating Market (15 km): Vibrant river market with boat tours ($12–$22 or 300,000–550,000 VND).

• Bac Lieu Salt Fields (Vinh Trach Ward, 10–20 km): Eco-tours of shimmering fields ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).

• Nha Cong Tu Mansion (Ward 3, 1.5 km): Historic 1919 French-colonial estate ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).

• Quan Cong Pagoda (Tac Say Ward, 15 km): 19th-century Chinese temple, free entry.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or electric taxis; support conservation with entry fees.

• Accommodations:

  • Mekong Breeze Homestay (Hiep Thanh Ward, 10 km): $18–$40/night (450,000–1,000,000 VND), eco-friendly with solar power.

  • Royal Bac Lieu Hotel (Ward 2): $50–$150/night (1,250,000–3,750,000 VND), modern amenities.

  • Muong Thanh Luxury Ca Mau Hotel (Ca Mau City, 60 km): $60–$200/night (1,500,000–5,000,000 VND), upscale with pool.

• Dining:

  • Bac Lieu Night Market (Ward 1): Offers Banh Xeo ($1.50–$3 or 37,500–75,000 VND) and Lau Mam ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND).

  • Quan An Ngon (45 Cao Van Lau St., Ward 2): Serves Bon Bon salad ($2–$6 or 50,000–150,000 VND).

  • Lau Mam Thanh Tam (123 Tran Phu St., Ward 1): Specializes in Lau Mam ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose accommodations and eateries using local, sustainable ingredients; bring reusable cutlery ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND).

Activity Costs

• Pagoda Entry: Free; donations $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Guided Tours/Workshops: $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).

• Nearby Attractions: $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND).

• Boat Tours (Tac Say): $12–$22 (300,000–550,000 VND).

Transport Costs

• Local Bicycle: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND).

• Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $6–$10 (150,000–250,000 VND) for 15 km.

• Motorbike Taxi: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND) for 15 km.

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $18–$35 (self-guided visits, cycling, market dining).

• Mid-range: $40–$70 (guided tours, homestay stays).

• Luxury: $90–$130 (premium tours, upscale accommodations).

• Best Time: November–April for dry weather and clear access; October/November for Ok Om Bok; April for Chol Chnam Thmay. Book festival tours 2–4 weeks ahead.

• Sustainability: Use reusable water bottles ($0.80 or 20,000 VND); support local artisans with craft purchases ($2–$10 or 50,000–250,000 VND).

• Safety: Remove hats and shoes before entering the main hall; dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees). Secure valuables; carry travel insurance ($5–$10/day or 125,000–250,000 VND).

• Navigation: 15 km from Bac Lieu center; use a Vietnamese SIM ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND) for apps like Vietmap. Have the address in Vietnamese.

• Cultural Respect: Greet with “xin chào”; avoid touching sacred objects and respect festival customs.

Explore Xiem Can Pagoda with our sustainable tour packages:

• Bac Lieu Foodie & Nature Tour ($80–$120/person, 1 day): Visit Xiem Can Pagoda, cruise Tac Say Floating Market, taste Lau Mam. Includes guide, eco-transport, meals.

• Bac Lieu Eco Adventure ($160–$220/person, 2 days): Explore Xiem Can Pagoda, salt fields, and homestays with Nhac Dan Toc. Includes meals, guide, eco-transport.

• Mekong Delta Explorer ($360–$520/person, 4 days): Visit Bac Lieu, Ca Mau City, and U Minh Forest with cultural and eco-tours. Includes meals, eco-transports.

• Prices include guides, eco-transport, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now for an unforgettable journey.

Xiem Can Pagoda in Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province, a magnificent Khmer cultural jewel in the Mekong Delta located 170 km from Can Tho, blends Angkor-inspired architecture with deep spiritual and communal significance, drawing thousands yearly with free entry. Its intricate carvings, vibrant festivals, and role as a cultural hub make it a must-visit for travelers seeking heritage and serenity. Legend Travel Group’s Ca Mau Tours guide you through this iconic pagoda, ensuring a sustainable Ca Mau Travel experience with eco-friendly practices like low-impact tours and community support, paired with visits to Phong Dien Bird Sanctuary and Tac Say Floating Market. Don’t miss out—contact Legend Travel Group to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to discover Xiem Can Pagoda’s cultural splendor? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable Mekong Delta adventure!

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:

• Xiem Can Pagoda Information: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group