Just a few hours away from the noisy Saigon, Tra Vinh is a captivating destination celebrated for its cultural diversity and stunning natural beauty. This hidden gem seamlessly blends Vietnamese, Khmer, and Chinese traditions, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Visitors to Tra Vinh can explore scenic landscapes filled with lush green rice fields, immerse themselves in the vibrant Khmer culture, or savor the local cuisine. Join me in this Tra Vinh travel guide as we uncover the unique attractions, hidden gems, and delightful experiences that make the province a must-visit destination in southern Vietnam.

Things to See and Do in Tra Vinh

Hang Pagoda

Hang Pagoda, known in Khmer as Wat Kompong Ch’rây, is a famous Khmer Buddhist temple, about 5 km from the center of Tra Vinh City. This pagoda is also known as the stork pagoda, being home to tens of thousands of birds such as white storks, red-necked storks, night herons, and egrets that nest in the trees on the temple grounds. The birds here are well-loved and protected, so they are very familiar with people. Do bring a hat with you if you’re visiting the temple, in case of bird droppings. 

If you have the opportunity to visit Hang Pagoda, you will have the chance to directly observe the artisans and monks at the wood carving workshop using various tools for carving, chiseling, and polishing. All products are handcrafted and come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, made from tree roots. Over nearly 30 years of operation, the art wood carving workshop of Hang Pagoda in Tra Vinh Province has produced plenty of impressive works in various sizes.

Ba Om Pond and Ang Pagoda

Ba Om Pond, located 5 km southwest of Tra Vinh, is a large, square pond filled with lotus and surrounded by ancient trees. The pond is named after a local legend involving a woman named Ba Om, who is said to have won a competition by digging the pond in a single night, thereby changing societal norms and the role of women in the community.

Surrounding the central pond is a relatively intact preserved primeval forest, with thousands of endemic plant species, including hundreds of ancient dầu trees that are centuries old.

Other than a famous picnic spot, Ba Om Pond is also one of the main centers of the Ok Om Bok Festival, which has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, taking place on the 15th of the 10th lunar month.

Located adjacent to the Ba Om Pond is the Ang Pagoda, also known by its Khmer name, Wat Angkor Raig Borei. The pagoda dates back to the 10th century and is one of the oldest Khmer pagodas in the Mekong Delta region. It is built in the traditional Khmer architectural style, with intricate carvings, vibrant colors, and a distinctive tiered roof. The four walls of the main hall are adorned with unique murals depicting the path to enlightenment of Gautama Buddha. On the ceiling of the main hall are four other murals illustrating important stages in the life of Gautama Buddha, from birth, renunciation, and enlightenment to entering Nirvana.

Khmer Minority People’s Museum

There’s another site nearby that people would usually include in their Ba Om Pond-Ang Pagoda tour. That is the Khmer Minority People’s Museum, also known as the Khmer Culture Museum, covering an area of more than 1,700 square meters, with a combination of traditional and Khmer architecture.

The museum currently houses and displays over 800 artifacts, images, and documents about the life of the Khmer community in Tra Vinh. The exhibition area is divided into 4 rooms with distinct themes:

Room 1: The spiritual life of the Khmer people.

Room 2: The cultural life, including food, clothing, work, housing, and daily activities of the Khmer people.

Room 3: Traditional handicrafts of the Khmer people.

Room 4: Traditional and contemporary performing arts of the Khmer people.

Cycling Around Town

Exploring Tra Vinh by bicycle is a fantastic way to experience both the town’s charm and the surrounding lush countryside. The flat terrain and well-maintained, lightly trafficked roads make for a pleasant and easy ride. Alternatively, motorbikes and motorcycle taxis are readily available for those who prefer a different mode of transportation.

In Tra Vinh town, you'll find a captivating blend of old and new. The streets are lined with French colonial shophouses and elegant villas, though modern high-rise buildings have begun to dominate the skyline, much like in other Vietnamese towns over the past twenty years. 

Cycling through Tra Vinh's verdant countryside offers a glimpse into local life. You'll encounter bustling small markets and vibrant farms along the way, providing a vivid picture of the daily routines and traditions of the local people. This journey through Tra Vinh allows for an immersive experience, showcasing the region's rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty.

Take a Cooking Class

Taking a cooking class in Tra Vinh is a delightful way to immerse yourself in the local culture, learn about traditional cuisine, and acquire new culinary skills. Many cooking classes include a guided tour of a local market where you’ll have the opportunity to explore stalls brimming with fresh produce, herbs, spices, and other essential ingredients used in Vietnamese cooking. After gathering ingredients, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! 

Depending on the class, you may learn to prepare a variety of traditional dishes such as Pho, spring rolls, Banh Xeo (Vietnamese savory pancakes), or local specialties specific to Tra Vinh. Your instructor will share insider tips, cooking hacks, and traditional techniques passed down through generations. The best part of the cooking class? Tasting the fruits of your labor! Sit down to a delicious meal featuring the dishes you’ve prepared, accompanied by refreshing beverages or local specialties.

Where to Stay in Tra Vinh

Tra Vinh offers a range of accommodation options to suit various preferences and budgets. Here are some recommendations for places to stay in Tra Vinh:

Vila Basi

Address: Dau Giong, Cang Long, Tra Vinh Province.

Price: From 454,000 VND/room/night.

A budget-friendly option with clean and comfortable rooms. Vila Basi is situated in a quiet area, perfect for a relaxing stay.

Bich Ngoan Hotel

Address: 19/22 19-5 Street, Hamlet 2, Ward 1, Tra Vinh City, Tra Vinh Province.

Price: From 700,000 VND/room/night.

Located in the city center, Bich Ngoan Hotel offers convenient access to major attractions. The hotel features comfortable rooms and modern amenities.

Mekong Garden Resort

Address: Ap Giong Lon, Hieu Tu Commune, Tieu Can District, Tra Vinh Province.

Price: From 1,000,000 VND/room/night. 

A resort-style accommodation surrounded by lush gardens and waterways. Ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat in nature.

How to Get to Tra Vinh

Tra Vinh is only about 130km from Ho Chi Minh City, making it pretty easy for visitors to travel here. It takes about 4-5 hours to reach Tra Vinh by bus. You just need to get on the bus, take a nap, and you’ll arrive at Tra Vinh before you know it.

You can also reach Tra Vinh on a tour provided by a local agency. We offer tours of some of the Mekong Delta highlights (including Tra Vinh). You can just sit back, relax and let us take care of everything. If you’re interested, you can contact us for more details or check out some of the posts below:

=> Mekong Delta 3-Day Itinerary