Vinh Trang Pagoda is a Buddhist temple complex in My Phong, in Mỹ Tho city, Tiền Giang Province, about 5 km from the city centre. It was built in the mid-19th century and mixes Vietnamese, Chinese, Khmer and French architecture. The grounds hold large Buddha statues, including a standing Buddha, a laughing Buddha and a reclining Buddha, along with gardens of bonsai and shrines. The triple gate at the front is covered in porcelain mosaics that tell Buddhist stories. The pagoda is a common stop on a Mekong Delta route.
History and layout
The pagoda was built in the mid-19th century in My Phong, where it still stands. Its design mixes Vietnamese, Chinese, Khmer and French influences, which is why European-style arches sit beside traditional temple roofs and carved details.
The complex is laid out as four connected halls: a front hall, a main hall, a worship hall and a rear hall. The plan takes the shape of the Chinese character for nation. Ceramic tiles used on the buildings were imported from Italy, and their patterns and colours have kept their shape over time.
The site has been listed as a national historical-cultural relic since 1984. It is the largest Buddhist temple in Tiền Giang Province.
The triple gate
Two large three-door gates stand in front of the pagoda. They follow an ancient architectural style, and their surfaces are made from pieces of porcelain and pottery arranged into scenes.
The scenes show stories from the life of the Buddha, folk tales and mythical creatures such as dragons, unicorns, turtles, phoenixes and fish. Other panels show the four seasons, flowers and clouds.
Statues and grounds
The Buddha statues are the main draw inside and across the grounds. A tall white standing Buddha, a large seated laughing Buddha known as Maitreya, and an enormous reclining Buddha representing peace and nirvana are all here. Over 60 gold-gilded historical statues are kept inside. Eighteen Arhats, the disciples of the Buddha, appear as lifelike wooden carvings more than a century old.
Other details include a scholar's rock with a miniature temple built into it, giant bronze bells in the cloisters, and seated statues of scholar-saints surrounded by incense. The gardens hold bonsai trees, a lotus lake and old shade trees.
Planning the visit
The pagoda is about 1.5 hours by road from Saigon. It is a common stop on a Mekong Delta route, and it is often visited after a delta tour.
The pagoda is on Nguyen Trung Truc Street. The entrance, restroom and parking lot are all wheelchair accessible. Monks hold prayers here, and if you are lucky you can see them.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is Vinh Trang Pagoda?
It is in My Phong commune, in Mỹ Tho city, Tiền Giang Province, about 5 km from the city centre. The address is on Nguyen Trung Truc Street.
How far is it from Ho Chi Minh City?
It is about 1.5 hours by road from Saigon, on the way into the Mekong Delta.
Do I need to take off my shoes?
Yes. Remove your shoes before entering the main pagoda.
Is the pagoda wheelchair accessible?
The entrance, restroom and parking lot are all wheelchair accessible.
When is the best time to visit?
Weekdays or early mornings are quieter. If you are lucky, you may see monks at their prayers.
