Chùa Hang (Trà Vinh)

Kompông Chrây Pagoda (meaning "banyan tree wharf"), also known as Kompongnikroth (the main name of the pagoda is Kompông Chrây, because in the past there was a ferry wharf under a banyan tree in front of the pagoda gate). Later, as people saw that the side gate was designed like a cave, it became commonly known as "Chùa Hang" (Cave Pagoda). The pagoda belongs to the Khmer Theravāda Buddhist tradition; it is located in Hamlet 4, Châu Thành commune, Vĩnh Long province, Vietnam.

From Trà Vinh market, follow Điện Biên Phủ road for about 6 kilometres, cross the Tầm Phương saltwater prevention sluice, and you will reach Kompông Chrây Pagoda. The pagoda is situated within a compound of more than 6 hectares, about half of which is an ancient tree garden (mainly sao and dầu trees).

The pagoda was founded in 1637 and has had 22 generations of abbots. In 1968, during the Tết Mậu Thân (Tet Offensive) event, the pagoda was heavily damaged by bombs and bullets. In 1977, Venerable Thạch Suông (now the 23rd abbot) returned and initiated the restoration of the pagoda. Since then, through many renovations, the pagoda has become spacious and imposing.

The main gate of Kompông Chrây faces the riverbank. On either side of the main gate are two Yak demon statues, life-sized. The side gate lies along provincial road 36, built with an arched vault, very thick walls, 12 metres long, shaped like a cave, which is why people commonly call it Chùa Hang (Cave Pagoda).

The main hall (chánh điện) of the pagoda is built on a platform 3 metres high, with many steps leading up, lavishly decorated with various patterns and motifs. The roof of the main hall consists of many overlapping layers, creating a soaring space, with a pointed top like a tower spire. At the ends of the columns are statues of the celestial dancer Kẽn naarr, arms outstretched to support the roof. Inside the main hall are two rows of tall, majestic columns. In the centre of the main hall is the altar. A large statue of Shakyamuni Buddha is placed high up, with smaller statues of Shakyamuni Buddha in various postures below.

The flagpole in front of the main hall is shaped as the seven-headed Nāga serpent deity, symbolising the seven days and seven nights spent wholeheartedly protecting Shakyamuni Buddha as he meditated.

In the past, the pagoda grounds were home to many bats. During the Tết Mậu Thân (1968), bombs and bullets caused severe damage to the pagoda, causing the bats to leave. Today, many species of birds shelter there, most notably storks.

Like many other pagodas of the Khmer Theravāda Buddhist tradition, Kompông Chrây Pagoda plays a very important role in the spiritual life of the local Khmer people. The pagoda is not only a place for monks to practise, but also a place for educating Khmer youth in ethics and preserving the cultural and artistic traditions of the people.

The most special feature of Kompông Chrây Pagoda is that it has its own wood carving handicraft workshop. According to Venerable Thạch Suông, during the war, many ancient trees in the pagoda garden were destroyed, and there still remain underground many intact root systems with strange and fascinating shapes. The venerable thought that if these were embellished by the skilful hands of woodcarving artisans, they would surely become valuable works of art. From this idea, the venerable invited Mr. Thạch Buôl (a famous woodcarving artisan from Vĩnh Long) to the pagoda to open vocational classes for monks and talented young people. Since then, the pagoda has trained more than 20 skilled apprentices. The woodcarving works at the pagoda are very diverse and rich, such as Buddha statues, animal statues, etc., and are highly praised by both domestic and international visitors.