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Why Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda — A Spiritual Site In Southern Vietnam?

I. Where is Vinh Trang Pagoda located?

Vinh Trang Pagoda is located in My Tho, Tien Giang Province, in southern Vietnam. It is about 70 km from Ho Chi Minh City, roughly a two-hour drive by car.

Surrounded by lush greenery in the heart of the Mekong Delta, the pagoda is easily accessible for a day trip. Thanks to its strategic location, it often serves as a major stop on southern Vietnam tours. This peaceful site attracts both devout Buddhists and curious visitors, drawn in by its unique architecture combining Vietnamese, Chinese, and European styles.

A true symbol of tolerance and cultural beauty, the pagoda is a must-see in southern Vietnam. For an authentic discovery of this emblematic site, trust a Vietnam travel agency — Autour Asia, an expert in tours combining spirituality and heritage. They will help you explore Vinh Trang in the best possible conditions, with passionate guides and high-quality service.

II. What to do and see at Vinh Trang Pagoda?

1. Admire the blend of Eastern and Western architecture

Built in the 19th century, Vinh Trang Pagoda makes an impression from the entrance, with its finely carved gates and traditional Vietnamese roofs. What makes this place truly unique is its remarkable architectural fusion: Buddhist elements mix with Gothic, Romanesque, and French colonial influences. The columns covered in colorful mosaics, the monumental statues of the Laughing and Reclining Buddha, and the peaceful gardens together create a site of great spiritual and artistic harmony.

2. Visit a living and respected spiritual site

Vinh Trang Pagoda is not only a famous tourist site of the Mekong Delta — it is, above all, an active Buddhist place of worship. Monks live here, chant prayers, and hold religious ceremonies daily. In the early morning, visitors can hear Buddhist chants echoing through the serene gardens, while devoted followers sit silently, meditating with fervor.

The atmosphere is imbued with serenity, conducive to reflection and contemplation. It’s not uncommon to witness a morning ceremony, where the slow rhythm of rituals, incense, and mantras creates a suspended moment, almost outside of time. A visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda offers not only a journey through a masterpiece blending European and Asian influences, but also a chance to experience the spiritual energy that has inhabited the site for over a century.

3. See the breathtaking monumental statues

It’s impossible to talk about Vinh Trang Pagoda without mentioning its monumental Buddhist statues dominating the landscape. At the entrance, three imposing figures capture attention: a serene Standing Buddha, a Reclining Buddha symbolizing Nirvana, and above all, a seated Laughing Buddha with a radiant smile. This last statue, over 24 meters high, embodies joy, abundance, and benevolence.

Visible from afar, it seems to watch peacefully over the temple and its visitors. While the statues impress with their size, they are even more moving for their deep spiritual meaning in Vietnamese Buddhism. Each posture tells a story from the life of Buddha, inviting reflection and meditation. These grand representations, nestled in a lush green setting, lend the site a mystical aura that fascinates both the faithful and the curious.

4. Stroll through the lush garden

Wandering through the peaceful gardens of Vinh Trang Pagoda, one enters a true haven of greenery. All around, nature flourishes generously: delicate lotus flowers float on pond surfaces, graceful palm trees sway in the breeze, centuries-old trees with powerful roots stand tall, and fish ponds teem with colorful carp. This carefully maintained natural setting creates an atmosphere of peace and contemplation.

Many visitors take time to pause here, sitting on a bench or on the steps of a statue, a book in hand or simply lost in the landscape. Others prefer to stroll, letting their steps guide them along the paved paths. These trails weave through bushes and occasionally lead to discreetly hidden statues, engraved stones, or silent corners where one feels completely alone in the world.

In this natural setting, far from the bustle of the cities, the spirituality of the pagoda is fully expressed. Every corner of the garden seems to whisper an invitation to slow down, breathe, and listen to the silence.

III. Tips for visiting Vinh Trang Pagoda

• Wear modest and respectful clothing to enter this sacred site.
• Try to visit in the morning when the site is quieter and morning ceremonies take place.
• Respect silence, especially in prayer areas.
• Be prepared to remove your shoes before entering the main halls.
• Don’t forget your camera, but always ask before photographing monks or worshippers.
• Combine your visit with other attractions in the Delta to enrich your experience.

IV. Suggested attractions around Vinh Trang Pagoda

1. Cruise on the Mekong

​​From My Tho — now the administrative center of the new Dong Tien Province (merging Tien Giang and Ben Tre starting in 2025) — embark on an unforgettable boat ride along the Tien River, one of the Mekong’s branches. Explore peaceful islands such as Turtle Island or Unicorn Island, sailing through narrow canals lined with water coconut trees.

2. My Tho Central Market

To immerse yourself in daily life in Dong Tien Province, a visit to My Tho Central Market is a must. You'll find a wide variety of fresh produce, spices, tropical fruits, and Delta specialties. It’s also the ideal place to observe the local culinary habits of the region’s inhabitants.

3. Vinh Long Cathedral

About an hour’s drive from My Tho, Vinh Long Cathedral offers a peaceful and contrasting break in this largely Buddhist region. Built during the colonial era, this Catholic church stands out for its neo-Gothic architecture, ochre walls, and tall bell tower visible from afar.

The simple and bright interior reflects French influence while maintaining a very calm local atmosphere. Located near the Co Chien River, the cathedral is surrounded by trees and quiet streets, perfect for a stroll after the visit. For history buffs or those curious about Vietnam’s religious diversity, it’s a unique stop to add to a Mekong Delta itinerary.

Visiting Vinh Trang Pagoda leaves no one indifferent. Between spirituality, art, and history, this sacred site perfectly embodies the soul of southern Vietnam. Every statue, fresco, and garden corner tells a story, bearing witness to centuries of faith and resilience. It is a soothing stop, ideal for reflection, far from the bustle of big cities. In discovering the pagoda, one gains deeper insight into the role of Buddhism in everyday Vietnamese life and the importance of preserving such heritage. For those wishing to combine cultural discovery and authentic emotion, Vinh Trang Pagoda is an essential stop. You leave not just with photos, but with a sense of peace, sincere admiration for this unique place, and a newfound understanding of a rich and living culture.