Cao Dân Pagoda

Overview & history

Cao Dân Pagoda (Khmer: Saraymel Chey) is a Khmer pagoda located in Tân Lộc commune, Cà Mau province, Vietnam.

Location

Cao Dân Pagoda is situated along National Highway 63, within the territory of Tân Lộc commune, Cà Mau province, and is about 16 km north of the old centre of Cà Mau city.

History

Cao Dân Pagoda was built in 1922 on a plot of land with an area of 4 hectares donated by Mrs. Diệp Thị Lài. When it was first constructed, local people often called this pagoda Chùa Châu Trắng. During the two Indochina wars and the Vietnam War, the pagoda was destroyed several times. In 1998, the pagoda was newly rebuilt.

Recognition as a heritage site

On 11 June 2007, Cao Dân Pagoda was recognised by the People's Committee of Cà Mau province as a provincial-level historical and cultural heritage site. On 29 December 2017, the pagoda was recognised as a national heritage site by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the announcement ceremony was held on 13 April 2018 on the occasion of the Khmer Chol Chnam Thmay festival.

Photos

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Visiting tips

Dress modestly; remove hats and keep quiet inside the main hall.
Incense, flowers and offerings are usually sold right outside the gate; light an odd number of sticks (1 or 3).
Most pagodas open from early morning to evening and are free to enter (some major sites charge a small scenic fee).
Full-moon days, the 1st of the lunar month and Tet are very crowded; visit on weekday mornings for a quiet experience.
Ask permission before photographing inside shrines; do not touch statues or altar objects.