Vinh Trang Pagoda

Vinh Trang was founded in the early nineteenth century outside My Tho and rebuilt several times, and its front is the reason it is known: the entrance combines Khmer roof forms, Cham-influenced detail, Chinese ceramic mosaic and French colonial classical elements in a single composition, which reads as either eclectic or confused depending on taste and is a fair picture of what the delta's influences actually were. Inside are gilded wooden Buddhas of the nineteenth century. Very large modern statues - a reclining Buddha, a standing Amitabha and a laughing Buddha - have been added in the grounds in recent decades.

What's there

• A gate mixing four traditions - Khmer, Cham, Chinese and French.
• Nineteenth century gilded Buddhas - inside the halls.
• Very large modern statues - added in the grounds recently.
• A delta pagoda - founded in the early 1800s.

When to go

November to April, the dry season. An hour.

Practical notes

The huge modern statues dominate the grounds and are not to everyone's taste. It is a standard stop on delta day tours and can be busy with groups. The visit is short. Heat is constant.

Nearby

My Tho and the delta boat trips are next door; Ben Tre is across the river.

Key facts