Vietnam PagodasDictionary of Vietnamese pagodas & temples

Gia Lam Ancient Pagoda

Cần Thơ(formerly Hậu Giang)(Già Lam Cổ Tự)

Overview & history

Gia Lam Ancient Pagoda is located in Xeo Vong C hamlet, Hiep Loi commune, Nga Bay city, Hau Giang province, on grounds of about 2,376 m². A Northern-school (Mahayana) temple, it features a distinctive Indian-influenced architectural ensemble rare in the Mekong Delta.

History

The pagoda was founded in 1940 by Venerable Thich Hue Duc, initially named Quan Thanh De; in 1970 it was renamed Gia Lam Co Tu. Since 1988 it has been led by Venerable Thich Hue Sanh. Besides Shakyamuni Buddha, it venerates Quan Thanh De (Guan Yu) — a legacy of its original name. Tradition holds that in 1964 a devotee donated a large sum to cast the statue of the red steed Xich Tho that stands before the courtyard.

Architecture and statuary

The grounds display about 145 statues of Buddhas, bodhisattvas and arhats — the most of any pagoda in the Mekong Delta — including a 14 m reclining Buddha, a 12 m Avalokitesvara, and tableaux of the Lumbini and Deer Park gardens. The main hall houses statues of Guan Yu, the eighteen arhats and the ten Kings of Hell, each considered an artistic masterpiece tied to Buddhist lore.

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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.

Read more & references

Useful links to learn more before your visit:

References

Other pagodas in Cần Thơ

Chùa Bốn Mặt

Bốn Mặt Pagoda, also known as Preah Buone Preah Phek, Wat Nei Rei, Wat Ba Rai, Wat Prha Buông Mút, Wat Buôl - Pres - Phek, or Wat Prés on Prés Buôl Prés Phék in Khmer, is an ancient pagoda within the Khmer pagoda system in Cần Thơ city. Built in the early 16th century and having existed for nearly 500 years, the pagoda still retains its overall original structures, including the Tam Quan gate (three-entrance gate), Main Hall, Sala house (assembly hall), burial area, refectory, and monks’ quarters, all featuring the distinctive Angkor-Khmer architectural style typical of the Southwest region of Vietnam. This site is a cultural destination in Cần Thơ, with characteristic designs and activities such as religious practice, cultural events, education for local children, and monthly entertainment. Every year, the pagoda grounds also host many traditional festivals of the Khmer people in Cần Thơ.

Chùa Chrôi Tưm Chắs

Chrôi Tưm Chắs Pagoda (also known as Old Trà Tim Pagoda, Chruitim Chắs) is one of the oldest Khmer pagodas in the Sóc Trăng region of Southern Vietnam, built around the 15th–16th centuries. The pagoda is notable for its hundreds of ancient Hopea (Hopea spp.) trees, which remain lush and green. These trees create a cool and peaceful atmosphere throughout the year.

Dơi Pagoda is a pagoda with architecture blending the Vietnamese and Khmer cultures, located in Cần Thơ city. The pagoda is also known as Serây tê chô mahatúp, which in Khmer means 'created by virtue and merit'.

Chùa Đất Sét

Đất Sét Pagoda (official name: Bửu Sơn Tự, Chinese characters: 寶山寺) is one of the religious worship sites belonging to the organisational system of the Bửu Sơn Kỳ Hương sect in Cần Thơ city. It is famous for housing thousands of clay statues and four pairs of large candles.

Chùa Hội Linh (Cần Thơ)

Chùa Hội Linh (Cần Thơ)

Hội Linh Pagoda, also known as Hội Linh Cổ Tự, belongs to the Lâm Tế Zen school. It is currently located in an alley at 314/36 Cách mạng Tháng Tám Street (about 200 metres from the main road), in Bình Thủy Ward, Cần Thơ City, Vietnam. This ancient pagoda features unique architecture and, over its 118-year history, has played a significant role in the resistance movements against the French and the Americans in Cần Thơ. From 1941 to 1975, the venerable monks, abbots, monks and nuns at the pagoda, together with the local people, sheltered and protected many revolutionary cadres and soldiers operating in the area, making it a revolutionary base that served the revolutionary movement in Cần Thơ. Many meetings to implement important Party resolutions were held here, contributing to the victories of the armed forces and people of Cần Thơ.

Khleang Temple (Khmer: វត្តឃ្លាំង [ʋŏət kʰlĕəŋ]; Vietnamese: Chùa Khléang) is a notable Theravada Buddhist temple in Sóc Trăng, a city in the Mekong Delta region of southern Vietnam known for its large Khmer Krom population.