Vinh Long is famous for the unique Khmer pagodas here. Among them, Vam Ray Pagoda was rebuilt from the foundation of an old temple, more than 600 years old, that was destroyed during the war. Although newly rebuilt, it still retains the ancient, traditional features of Khmer Theravada Buddhism.
Overview of Vam Ray Pagoda
Vam Ray Pagoda is built on a large area located in Vam Ray hamlet, Ham Giang Commune, Vinh Long province. The pagoda is located about 41km from Tra Vinh ward or around 170 km from Ho Chi Minh City; therefore, the best way to visit the pagoda is to rent a private car with a driver.
The pagoda possesses a majestic and splendid space, along with a long-standing ancient architecture, associated with the tradition of Southern Khmer Buddhism. Up to now, it is considered one of the largest pagodas and has the most beautiful architecture among the Khmer temples.
Besides, Vam Ray Pagoda also owns a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha with a length of about 54m, a height of 20m, and a width of 16m, and it is covered with a layer of gold cardigan. Every year, the pagoda welcomes a large number of tourists from all over to pray and explore its beauty.
The best time to visit Vam Ray Pagoda is during the major festival seasons of the Khmer people. Typically, the New Year festival Chol Chnam Thmay (April every year), the Dolta grandparents worshiping ceremony (September every year), and the Ok Om Bok – full moon festival (full moon day of the 10th lunar month every year). Visiting the pagoda at these times will create favorable conditions for you to immerse yourself in and discover the cultural festival of the Khmer people.
Vam Ray Pagoda is open to serve tourists for sightseeing and pilgrimage from 7:00 a.m. to 19:00 p.m. every day. In addition, when visiting the pagoda, you will not need to pay any entrance fee. Therefore, you can choose a suitable time frame to visit Vam Ray Pagoda at any time you want.
What’s special at Vam Ray Pagoda?
Vam Ray Pagoda is famous for inheriting the typical Angkor-style architecture of Khmer Cambodia. Stepping from the outside to the inside, you will see the pagoda, shaped like a magnificent, splendid, and extremely magnificent gilded palace, adorned with a layer of brilliant gold paint, and paired with the Tam Quan gate, which follows the Asian style.
In addition, the grounds of Vam Ray Pagoda also feature a towering cylindrical column with the image of a 5-headed Naga snake, serving as bodyguards that protect the peace and purity of the pagoda. In addition, this pillar is also used to light candles on festivals, symbolizing that Buddhism enlightens humanity. This is a religious concept towards the goodness of the Khmer people associated with the legend of snakes reforming evil.
Not only that, but at Vam Ray Pagoda, you will also have the opportunity to see the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha lying down, measuring 54m in length and about 20m high. In addition, all Buddha statues are coated in a layer of golden ochre, lending grandeur to the entire illustrious pagoda.
The most prominent thing at Vam Ray Pagoda is the main hall. This place is designed and carved with sophisticated patterns, combining outstanding pagoda architecture and folk carving art to create unique, ancient designs.
Besides, the area inside the main hall of Vam Ray Pagoda is also spacious and splendidly built with colorful reliefs in Khmer ethnic culture. These topics mainly cover the life of the Buddha and Buddhist philosophies. In addition, the main hall is quite large, with high ceilings, exuding elegant, cool beauty and bringing comfort to visitors as well as “believers” coming on pilgrimage or worship.
Useful information about Vam Ray Pagoda
- Best for: solo, family, student, pilgrims.
- Entrance: Free
- Tourist spots nearby: Museum of Khmer Ethnic Culture, Ba Om Pond, Ang Pagoda, Nodol Pagoda…
Source: collected by An
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