The beauty of Tra Vinh through Khmer temples

Khmer temples are present in almost all the provinces of the Mekong Delta but Tra Vinh has the highest number of Khmer temples.

The temples were built in different historical periods but in architecture, each Khmer temple is a work of art.

Ang Temple

The Ang Temple.

Ang Temple in the Khmer language is Angkorajaborey. It is located on Highway 53, in group 4 , Ward 8, Tra Vinh city, about 5 km from the city center.

The temple was built in the 10th century and restored in 1842. This is one of the oldest temples in Tra Vinh and represents the unique architecture of the Khmer temple system.

Ang Temple is the result of a harmonious combination between the fine decorative arts of Khmer culture and colorful designs of Angkorian culture.

From the gate, the roof, the poles to the inside architecture, all are dressed up the symbolic shirt of bird heads, fairies and Naga snake god.

If these pillars, the statues in the shapes of bird heads and Naga snake bring about the feeling of powerful majesty of an ancient temple, you will find the soft and comfortable familiarity in each curved roof.

In addition to the unique architecture, Ang Temple brings about the peaceful feelings with a few hundreds of trees of hundreds of years old and the fresh air.

Hang (Cave) Temple

The Hang Temple.

Hang or Kompong Chray Temple is a Theravada Buddhist temple located on Highway 54 in Chau Thanh district, 4 km from Tra Vinh City. It is called Hang (Cave) Temple because the temple gate is built like a cave, with the width, length and depth of up to 12 m.

As an ancient temple of over 300 years old, Hang Temple has beautiful architecture, situated amid the campus of more than 2 hectares, with a lot of trees which are the home to thousands of birds. This makes the unique characteristics of the ancient temple.

Hang Temple is also famous for a giant wood sculpture workshop. From the rustic pieces of wood, through the skillful hands of the monks, vivid statues are created, deeply imbued with Khmer culture.

Co (Stork) Temple

Co or Nodol Temple is an ancient and big Khmer temple in the village of Giong Lon in Dai An commune, Tra Cu district, about 40 km north of Tra Vinh City.

The temple was built in 1677, with the unique characteristics of Khmer culture. In addition to worship and enjoy the scenery, you will have a chance to enjoy the beautiful painting made of thousands of white storks while listening to the sound of prayers.

As the home to thousands of storks, this temple is named Co or Stork Temple. You can see storks everywhere in the temple.

Vam Ray Temple

The Vam Ray Temple.

Vam Ray Temple is the largest Khmer temple in Vietnam, located in Vam Ray Hamlet, Ham Tan commune, Tra Cu district.

Although it is newly inaugurated, the temple has contributed to the new look of cultural tourism of Tra Vinh and the system of Khmer temples in Southern region. Here, you will be overwhelmed by the splendid temple of Khmer culture.

Apparently, Vam Ray Temple is splendid as a golden palace with meticulously carved patterns. Everywhere you will see the color of gold from the dome to walls, pillars, bas-reliefs and statues of gods. In addition to the architecture, Vam Ray Temple impresses tourists with its 54m long statue featuring the Buddha Enter Nirvana.

If you go to the temple in the right time, you will also have the opportunity to participate in cultural festivals of the Khmer such as the Chol Chnam Thmay (New Year), Dolta (worshiping the ancestors), Ok Om Bok (worshiping the moon), cotton and water offering festivals.