Tra Vinh: The Beating Heart of Khmer Culture in Vietnam

Where is Tra Vinh?

Trà Vinh is a province in the southeastern Mekong Delta, located between the Tiền and Hậu rivers, two major branches of the Mekong. It is a quiet, untouristy destination, offering a true glimpse into rural Vietnamese life.

In addition to its scenic beauty, Trà Vinh is a significant hub of Khmer culture in Vietnam. With dozens of Khmer temples and pagodas dotted around the province, the city has a unique and serene beauty due to the strong and deeply ingrained cultural presence.
The abundance of greenery and very clean air in this little, still mainly undeveloped city only serve to highlight its uniqueness. Trà Vinh is one of the most breathable cities in Vietnam, with its many hundred-year-old trees. According to IQAir 2024, it really came in third place out of the 15 cleanest cities in Southeast Asia.

Best times to visit Tra Vinh

The climate of Tra Vinh, like the rest of the Mekong Delta, has two main seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. However, Tra Vinh is distinguished by a cooler and more pleasant atmosphere, without the oppressive heat of cities like Can Tho or Ho Chi Minh City.

• Rainy season: From May to October.
• Dry season: From November to April.

Top events not to miss in Trà Vinh

🌸 April – Chol Chnam Thmay Festival (Khmer New Year)

Held every April, Chol Chnam Thmay is the most important celebration for the Khmer community in Trà Vinh. This vibrant festival marks the Khmer New Year with joyful dances, traditional songs, religious ceremonies, and lively community gatherings. It’s a time of renewal and purification, where families come together to honor their ancestors, share festive meals, and take part in games and cultural activities that fill the streets with color and energy.

🐟 May – Nghinh Ông Festival

Celebrated by fishing communities across southern Vietnam, the Nghinh Ông Festival is a spiritual event honoring the sea gods. Held in May (based on the lunar calendar), it’s a time when locals gather to pray for safety and a prosperous fishing season. Expect colorful processions, offerings, and lively waterfront ceremonies that reflect the deep connection between the people and the sea.

🧘 September/October – Kathina Festival

One of the most important Buddhist celebrations in the Khmer calendar, Kathina takes place between September and October (lunar calendar). Over two days, locals make merit by offering robes and necessities to monks — first with prayers at home, then in a grand ceremony at the pagoda. It's not just a religious ritual; it’s a festive time filled with blessings, traditional dances, and performances, deeply cherished by the Khmer community.

🚣‍♂️ November – Ghe Ngo Boat Race Festival

One of Trà Vinh’s most exciting annual events, the Ghe Ngo Boat Race Festival is a thrilling celebration of Khmer culture and river life. Held in November, it features longboat races on the waterways, drawing crowds from all over the region.

How to Get to Tra Vinh

Tra Vinh does not have its own airport. The two nearest options are Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) and Can Tho Airport.

• From Ho Chi Minh City: You can either rent a private car or head to the Western Bus Station (Ben xe Mien Tay) and catch a bus to Tra Vinh. The journey is around 130 km and takes approximately 2.5 hours.
• From Can Tho: Buses are available from the local station and take about 1 hour 45 minutes (80 km).

👉 For a seamless and stress-free visit, our agency offers tailor-made tours with a private vehicle and driver. Don't hesitate to contact us to plan your trip.

Places to discover in Tra Vinh

Trà Vinh is renowned for its many spiritual sites, such as pagodas, temples and shrines, as well as for the cultural richness of the Khmer community.

• The Ang Pagoda 

Ang Pagoda is the oldest of the 143 Khmer pagodas in Tra Vinh Province. Built over 10 centuries ago, it boasts a unique architecture and has, over time, become a place of cultural identity, reflecting both the spiritual and daily lives of the Khmer inhabitants of the region.

This pagoda is a typical example of Theravada Buddhism, followed by the Khmer people in the Mekong Delta. Its layered roofs, detailed carvings, and gold decorations reflect the style of Cambodian temples. Surrounded by greenery, it's a quiet and peaceful place — perfect for reflection and learning about local culture.

In the pagoda, there is a classroom where teaching is given in Khmer, and certain spiritual practices also occupy an important place there.

• Ba Om Pond

Next to Ang Pagoda is the picturesque Ba Om Pond, a natural site spanning over 300 hectares, composed of three main parts: the pond, its banks, and the ancient trees surrounding it. The clear blue water surface is covered with lotus and water lilies. The pond is bordered by undulating sand dunes and ancient trees with imposing, majestic roots.

• Vam Ray Pagoda

Vam Ray Pagoda, the largest Theravada Buddhist pagoda in Vietnam, is a magnificent example of Angkor-style Khmer architecture. Officially inaugurated in 2010, it retains a majestic presence and timeless elegance, captivating visitors with its gilded ornamentation and exquisite carvings.

Upon entering, one is struck by the omnipresence of gold, covering every detail of the building, from the facades to the delicately carved motifs. True to Khmer tradition, the main sanctuary has four portals, with the main entrance facing east. In the center of the courtyard stands a ceremonial pillar, supported by five-headed nagas, protective mythological figures. This pillar, lit during ceremonies, symbolizes the light of Buddhism guiding humanity.

The sanctuary's finely carved doors blend religious art and traditional motifs, giving the complex a character that is both sumptuous and steeped in history. A true pride of the Khmer community of Trà Vinh, the Vàm Ray Pagoda is a must-see for anyone wishing to discover the rich spiritual and architectural heritage of the Mekong Delta.

• Ba Dong Beach

Surprising, isn't it? Even in the Mekong Delta, there is a beach. However, this region is not an ideal seaside destination for relaxation, as the water is cloudy. This is due to the constant influx of silt from the Mekong River, which flows into the sea. If you have the opportunity to visit Ba Dong, the main attraction lies in tasting seafood at very affordable prices. It's also a good opportunity to observe the daily life of local fishermen.

Should You Stay Overnight?

To be honest, Tra Vinh doesn’t have many high-quality accommodation options yet. Most places fall into the budget or mid-range category. Depending on your route, you might find something that fits your needs, but in general, Tra Vinh works best as a day trip. It’s the kind of place you can explore for a few hours and move on without needing to stay overnight.

>>> Also read: Southern Vietnam – The Most Beautiful Places to Visit!

What Other Destinations Can Be Combined with Tra Vinh?

Tra Vinh is small and peaceful — perfect as part of a wider Mekong Delta itinerary. It’s ideal as a short stop that adds cultural depth to your trip. Here's a suggested route starting from Ho Chi Minh City:

• Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City → Ben Tre
  Head to Ben Tre, the land of coconut palms. Enjoy a boat ride on the Mekong and a relaxing rowboat journey through shaded canals. Stay overnight in a riverside lodge.

• Day 2: Ben Tre → Tra Vinh → Can Tho
  Cycle through quiet delta paths before heading to Tra Vinh — a charming and lesser-known town with a strong Khmer influence. Continue on to Can Tho for the night.

• Day 3: Can Tho → Ho Chi Minh City
  Visit the famous Cai Rang Floating Market, the biggest in the region, then travel back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Discover the local cuisine, what dish to eat?

• Waxy coconut, a gourmet rarity

Also known as cream coconut, this variety is distinguished by its exceptionally thick, tender, and melting flesh, much creamier than that of a classic coconut. Unlike regular coconuts, it contains very little water, as if the water had been transformed into a smooth, velvety texture.

This rare variety grows in only one region, where the climatic conditions and soil are particularly favorable. Because its production is limited, its price is systematically much higher than that of conventional coconuts, reaching up to ten times their value. A true local curiosity, it is one of the must-try specialties.

• Sticky Rice Cake – Banh Tet

A festive favorite in Trà Vinh, Banh Tet is a traditional sticky rice cake often prepared during holidays and special celebrations. What makes it unique here is the use of fragrant glutinous rice and natural dyes from local plants, giving the cake its soft texture and colorful look. Inside, you’ll usually find a savory-sweet mix of beans, pork, and salted egg — a delicious balance of flavors wrapped in banana leaves.

>>> Read more about: Bánh Chưng: The Heart of Tet, Vietnam’s New Year Tradition

Our last words,

Tra Vinh is a pleasant stopover on a trip to the Mekong Delta. With its Khmer pagodas, tranquil atmosphere, and local cuisine, it's a great place to explore the region. Ideal for a short visit, it easily fits into a larger itinerary through the delta.

>>> Read also:

• Top 7 Ethnic Markets in North Vietnam to Visit
• Floating markets in Vietnam: How is it doing at the moment? 
• Ben Tre, Vietnam: The Kingdom of Coconut Palms In The Mekong Delta
• Can Tho, Vietnam: Discover The Heart Of The Mekong Delta
• Floating Markets in the Mekong Delta – #2 Will Shock You!