Vinh Trang Pagoda (Vietnamese: chùa Vĩnh Tràng, chùa means “pagoda”) is a renowned ancient pagoda and a unique architectural work, located in My Tho ward, Tien Giang Province. The pagoda’s beauty is evident not only in the visual arts but also in its reflection of the region’s art history. Therefore, if you are interested in religion and truly want to enjoy the unique architecture, you should not miss this pagoda.
History and architecture of Vinh Trang Pagoda
Vinh Trang is the best-known Buddhist pagoda in the Mekong Delta. The pagoda was built in the early 19th century by the endeavours of Mr and Mrs Bùi Công Đạt. At first, the pagoda was only a simple cottage.
In 1894, monk Thich Hue Dang from Giac Lam Pagoda (old Gia Dinh, currently Ho Chi Minh City) returned to the abbot to organise the construction of a great pagoda. To date, the pagoda has been restored multiple times by various monks, especially in 1907 and 1930, including the main hall, the three-arched entrances, and the patriarch hall.
The pagoda measures 14,000m², 70m long, 20m wide, built of cement and precious wood, 1m high, with a cast foundation, and surrounded by solid walls. The highlight of Vinh Trang pagoda is the three-arched entrance gate with the art of joining pieces of crockery and porcelain.
Entrance of Vinh Trang Pagoda
From the colours of various types of crockery, the ancient artisans have skillfully arranged many paintings illustrating the Buddha’s stories, folk tales, themes of the four supernatural creatures, flowers, leaves, clouds… great colour like a picture.
In particular, the pagoda’s façade is decorated in a harmonious European-Asian architectural style, featuring slender columns, curved arches, reliefs of the eight fairy-riding animals from the Renaissance period, Roman-style arches, French iron wool, and Japanese ceramic tiles. Inside the main hall and the ancestral house, the architecture is boldly Vietnamese with wooden statues skillfully and delicately carved.
Inside the main hall of Vinh Trang Pagoda
The pagoda houses many fine artworks created by generations of artisans throughout Vietnam. For example, in the middle of the main column is a set of eight fairies, made around 1907 – 1908, by local artisans. The two main pillars, carved with the four Holy Beasts in Vietnam, were donated by Mrs Le Thi Ngoi in Ba Tri (Ben Tre) in 1909.
In the pagoda, there are also 3 large Buddha statues: Amitabha, 98 cm high; Guanyin and Mahasthamaprapta, 93 cm high; and a large bronze bell, 1.2 m high, weighing about 150 kg with the word “Vinh Truong Tu” engraved on its body, cast in 1854.
Buddha statues in the main hall
This bronze bell was cast in 1854
In particular, at the temple, there are eighteen Arhat statues. These 18 statues are located on both sides of the main hall wall, carved from jackfruit wood; each is about 0.8m high and 0.58m in width. The Arhats all rode animals, holding treasures in their hands.
Arhats status in Vinh Trang Pagoda
Particularly in the front part outside the main hall, visitors will see Renaissance-style patterns or Roman-style arches. This is French iron wool, which is Japanese ceramic tiles. You will also see familiar features such as Chinese characters written in ancient seal script and national languages written in Gothic script.
Around the pagoda are ornamental gardens planted with a variety of fragrant flowers and unusual herbs, and ancient trees provide shade, creating a harmonious balance between the natural scenery and the architectural space, making the pagoda more ancient and profound. Prominent in the middle of the park is a Maitreya Buddha statue in a sitting position in the middle of the park, with a length of 27m, a width of 18m, a height of 20m. This Buddha statue is considered the symbol of the pagoda.
Maitreya Buddha statue
The statue of Shakyamuni Buddha entering Nirvana was started on February 15, 2012, completed on February 15, 2013, and inaugurated on March 26, 2013. The statue is designed to lie in an auspicious position, 32 m long, 10 m high, weighing about 250 tons, with a very gentle and peaceful facial expression that makes all pilgrims feel relaxed.
The Reclining Buddha Statue is 32 meters long and has a majestic appearance.
Outside the pagoda is a campus with many ornamental trees, many tall old trees, a shady orchard and a beautiful lake. With great historical values and unique architecture, Vinh Trang Pagoda was recognised as a national historical and cultural relic in 1984, becoming a tourist destination in Tien Giang that attracts a large number of tourists from all over to visit and admire.
Join with our Mekong Delta tour to visit Vinh Trang Pagoda and Thoi Son Islet for 1 day.
Useful information about Vĩnh Tràng Pagoda
- Location: My An hamlet, My Phong Ward, Dong Thap province.
- Best for: Family, couple, solo travellers, pilgrims…
- Entrance: Free
- Walk lightly, don’t laugh or speak loudly in a respectful place. This is also the living space and activities of the monks, so you need to respect the private space and not disturb the daily routine in the temple. Wear polite clothes when entering the pagoda.
- Opening Hours: Daily 06:30 – 18:30
- Tourist spots nearby: Thoi Son Islet, Sac Tu Linh Thuu Pagoda, Mr Kiet Ancient House, Cai Be Floating Market, Đồng Tâm Snake Farm, Tan Phong Islet...
Source: collected by An
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