Vinh Trang Pagoda
Mekong Delta Region
Vinh Trang Pagoda, located near Mỹ Tho in the Mekong Delta region of southern Vietnam, is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the area. Established in the mid-19th century through the efforts of district chief Bùi Công Đạt and monk Thích Từ Lâm, the temple was completed in 1850. It has faced significant challenges, including damage during the French colonial conflicts and a devastating tropical storm in 1904, followed by multiple renovations. Architecturally, the temple is notable for its unique fusion of European and Asian styles, especially evident in its main Tam quan gateway built in 1933, which features a steel central gate flanked by fortress-like concrete side gates. The temple houses numerous statues of Buddhas, arahants, and bodhisattvas, including some of the oldest bronze statues of Amitabha, Avalokiteshvara (replaced by a wooden statue), and Đại Thế Chí bodhisattva. The garden is beautifully maintained with pot plants and contains the stupa of Thích Chánh Hậu, whose ashes are interred there. Today, Vinh Trang Pagoda serves as the office of the provincial Buddhist Association of Tiền Giang Province and is a major destination for both tourists and pilgrims.
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Tip: The best time to visit Vinh Trang Pagoda is during the dry season to avoid tropical storms and enjoy the temple gardens in full bloom. Visitors are advised to wear modest clothing appropriate for a religious site. It is recommended to check opening hours in advance and consider guided tours to fully appreciate the temple's art and history. While entrance is generally free, donations are welcomed and support temple maintenance. Purchasing tickets or joining tours ahead of time can help avoid crowds during peak pilgrimage times.
Interesting facts
- •The main Tam quan gateway was constructed in 1933 by craftsmen from the imperial capital Huế, featuring a steel central gate and concrete side gates styled like a fortress.
- •The temple houses 18 wooden statues of arahants carved in 1907 by southern Vietnamese craftsmen, each about 80 cm tall.
- •The oldest statues in the temple include bronze figures of Amitabha Buddha, Avalokiteshvara (now replaced by a wooden statue), and Đại Thế Chí bodhisattva.
- •Under a tree in the temple garden lies the stupa containing the ashes of abbot Thích Chánh Hậu, who led significant renovations in the early 20th century.
History
Vinh Trang Pagoda was founded in the mid-19th century, initiated by district chief Bùi Công Đạt and completed in 1850 under monk Thích Huệ Đăng.
It suffered damage during the French colonial wars between 1859 and 1862 and was subsequently rebuilt under abbot Thích Thiện Đề.
The temple underwent a major renovation in 1895 and was severely damaged by a tropical storm in 1904, leading to reconstruction in 1907.
Further enhancements, including the iconic Tam quan gateway, were added in 1933, reflecting a blend of European and Asian architectural influences.
Over time, it has become a significant religious and cultural site in the Mekong Delta.
Place Guide
Main Tam Quan Gateway1933
The iconic triple gate built in 1933, featuring a steel central gate with two fortress-like concrete side gates. The upper level includes another large gate, flanked by statues of Thích Chánh Hậu and Thích Minh Đàn, crafted by Nguyễn Phi Hoanh.
Main Hall
The temple's main hall contains multiple statues of Buddhas and bodhisattvas, including Amitabha Buddha, Gautama Buddha, and Đại Thế Chí bodhisattva. It also features statues of former abbots Thích Chánh Hậu and Thích Minh Đàn. The three oldest statues are made of bronze, though the Avalokiteshvara statue has been replaced by a wooden version.
Temple Garden and Stupa
The garden is adorned with numerous pot plants and is regularly maintained. Beneath the shade of a tree stands the stupa of Thích Chánh Hậu, housing his ashes, making it a place of reverence and tranquility within the temple grounds.
Contact
Phone: 0273 3873 427