Vinh Trang Pagoda, Tien Giang: A Stunning Architectural Marvel

Discover the unique blend of Eastern and Western architecture at Vinh Trang Pagoda in Tien Giang where you can explore grand structures, ancient statues, and peaceful gardens. Hãy nghe Nguyễn Thế Dương (Quảng Ninh) một travel blogger nổi tiếng bật mí .

Vinh Trang Pagoda in Tien Giang is a significant spiritual destination that attracts many visitors for its special and meaningful attributes. Let’s take a tour around this site. I guarantee it will make your trip to Tien Giang memorable.

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Vinh Trang Pagoda is not only impressive due to its grand scale but also because of its unique architecture. The pagoda's design is a blend of Eastern and Western cultures, intertwined with the essence of traditional Vietnamese art. Additionally, Vinh Trang Pagoda is one of the largest pagodas in the Mekong Delta, located about 3 kilometers from My Tho city center, making it easily accessible.

You can visit the pagoda and combine your trip with a spring festival and pray for good luck between January and March of the lunar calendar when the weather is warm and pleasant. However, this is also peak tourist season, so the pagoda may be crowded. If you prefer a quiet and solemn atmosphere, consider visiting Vinh Trang Pagoda at a different time of the year.

To reach Vinh Trang Pagoda, you can take a bus from Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, or neighboring provinces to My Tho. From there, you can take a taxi or motorbike taxi to the pagoda. The route to Vinh Trang Pagoda is easy to find, so you can choose the most suitable mode of transportation.

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If you enjoy traveling by motorbike, start from Ho Chi Minh City and follow National Highway 1A to My Tho. From there, continue along Provincial Road 819 for about 3 kilometers to reach Vinh Trang Park. Turn left and travel another 300 meters to arrive at Vinh Trang Pagoda. Make sure to note this route in your travel guide before setting off!

Initially, Vinh Trang Pagoda was built in the architectural style of the North, in the shape of the Chinese character “Quoc”. Later, additional architectural features from the Khmer and Western cultures were incorporated. However, the main design of Vinh Trang Pagoda remains faithful to Vietnamese tradition. The pagoda consists of four main sections: the front hall, the main hall, the ancestral hall, and the back hall. The pagoda covers an area of 14,000 square meters and is constructed with cement and various precious woods.

Inside the main hall, there is a large ornamental rockery in the center. The space is quite special, with Roman architectural elements blending with colorful French tiles on the roof. Additionally, the pagoda houses nearly 20 different landscape paintings that are considered antiques.

Vinh Trang Pagoda is renowned for its exquisite architectural sculptures and golden Buddha statues. These details not only highlight the pagoda’s space but also prevent termite damage. The main hall is supported by large wooden pillars made from rare woods, with a solid concrete foundation underneath.

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The pagoda houses around 60 Buddha statues made from various materials such as wood, bronze, cement, and terracotta, all gilded with gold leaf. These statues date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The most notable among them are:

Maitreya Buddha Statue: Unveiled in 2010, this concrete statue stands 20 meters tall and weighs about 250 tons. The statue's interior is used as an office for the Tien Giang Buddhist Association, with facilities for 200 people.

Amitabha Buddha Statue: Unveiled in 2008, this standing statue measures 18 meters in height from base to tip, with a 7-meter-high pedestal, and weighs 150 tons.

Reclining Shakyamuni Buddha Statue: Often mistaken for the Amitabha Buddha, this statue was completed in 2013. It measures 32 meters in length, 10 meters in height, and weighs 250 tons, made from concrete.

Seven-Story Tower: Besides the grand Buddha statues, Vinh Trang Pagoda features a seven-story tower at the back. This tower houses the ashes of monks and laypeople from the pagoda.

If you have the chance to visit Tien Giang, make sure to visit Vinh Trang Pagoda at least once. The pagoda not only boasts unique architecture but also provides a tranquil space for you to send your wishes for peace and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere. I hope you gain plenty of travel experiences for your next visit to Tien Giang!

Nguyễn Thế Dương (Quảng Ninh)