1. Where is Ta Pa Pagoda?
Ta Pa Pagoda is located on the top of Ta Pa Hill, in Tri Ton Commune, An Giang Province, Vietnam. It is about 65 km northwest of An Giang Province. And about 240 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh City.
2. How is Ta Pa pagoda unique?
An Giang is a land famous for many tourist destinations with strong spiritual colors. As well as possessing extremely unique architecture and peaceful, tranquil natural scenery. One of them cannot fail to mention Ta Pa Pagoda. This is a unique Khmer pagoda, it impresses with its “floating” position in the middle of majestic nature. Moreover, it is not only a spiritual destination but also attracts tourists with its picturesque scenery.
Ta Pa Pagoda is also known as Chua Nui or Chua Chun – Num as the Khmer people call it. The pagoda follows the Southern sect of Theravada Buddhism, typical of Khmer culture. Located at a towering height when located on the top of Ta Pa mountain, about 45m above the ground. This prime location is located in the middle of majestic limestone mountains with beautiful natural scenery. In addition, it is also close to famous tourist attractions such as Ta Pa Lake and Ta Pa ripe rice fields.
It makes this place of worship exude a gentle field breeze and a fresh, airy atmosphere. When coming here, you will immerse in a peaceful, quiet, and serene space. So that you can get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
3. When is the best time to visit Ta Pa Pagoda?
The best time to visit Ta Pa Pagoda is during the dry season, from November to April of the following year. During this time, the weather is mild, dry and the sky is clear. It is convenient for traveling, sightseeing, exploring and participating in outdoor activities.
In particular, the period from September to November is the season of golden ripe rice in the Tri Ton area. It will bring you a picturesque scene from the top of Ta Pa hill looking down.
In addition, you can combine attending traditional Khmer festivals. Such as: Chol Chnam Thmay (Traditional New Year) or Ok Om Bok Festival to better understand the spiritual and cultural life here.
4. How to get to Ta Pa pagoda?
Currently, the Bay Nui area in An Giang does not have a civil airport. To serve local people and tourists from all over the world. Therefore, if you travel by plane, you can land at the nearby Can Tho airport. From here, you will take a taxi or bus and travel for a few hours to reach Ta Pa Pagoda. This place is also quite accessible from Long Xuyen city or Chau Doc, and is located about 50-60 km from the city center.
Ta Pa Pagoda is about 44km from the center of Chau Doc city. Departing from Chau Doc, you can choose to take a bus to Tri Ton to save energy, or drive yourself if you want to be proactive with your schedule. From Tri Ton market, follow Nguyen Trai street towards Tuc Dup hill about 2km to reach the pagoda. On the way, you can visit Van Linh pagoda on Cam mountain. To admire the peaceful scenery of the Bay Nui area.
5. Some interesting activities and experiences when traveling to Ta Pa Pagoda
5.1 Discovering the unique Khmer architectural beauty of Ta Pa Pagoda
According to Venerable Chau Sung – abbot of Ta Pa Pagoda, the pagoda currently has an area of nearly 4,000m². Initially, the pagoda was built with simple materials such as wood and thatch. After four renovations, by the end of 2019, the pagoda had been renovated to be more spacious and majestic. Since then, this pagoda has become increasingly known to many Buddhists and tourists.
In particular, Ta Pa Pagoda bears the strong mark of Khmer Southern Buddhist architecture. The roof of the pagoda is covered with decorative tiles of dragons, clouds and fish. It has softly curved roof ends and a peak forming a triangular block surrounding the tall tower in the center. In addition, the special feature in the architecture is that the main hall is built on the side of the mountain. It is supported by 120 solid reinforced concrete columns, with each column ranging in height from 5 to 18 meters.
In addition, the carvings at the pagoda also make a strong impression thanks to their sophistication. Meticulous patterns are shown on each pillar and statue. Therefore, it realistically recreates the image of Buddha’s life and the daily life of the Khmer people. All contribute to creating a spiritual space imbued with identity and unique architectural art.
5.2 Visiting the pagoda and admiring the beauty of Tri Ton
Ta Pa Pagoda has bold Khmer architecture with brilliant colors. With curved tile roofs and typical sophisticated carvings. In addition, the main hall is elaborately designed with the image of a winding dragon. This is a place where many pilgrims come to worship and pray.
Not only a spiritual destination, Ta Pa Pagoda also offers the experience of enjoying the typical scenery of Tri Ton. From the temple yard, you can look out over the lush rice fields and the towering rows of palm trees. This is an indispensable symbol of Tri Ton land. With its ancient, close and rustic beauty, it makes Ta Pa Pagoda an indispensable stop on the journey to explore An Giang.
5.3 Conquering the road to the temple
The journey to conquer Ta Pa Pagoda begins from the road leading to the main hall. Besides, this is a special highlight that contributes to making the experience memorable. According to Venerable Chau Sung, abbot of the pagoda, to create favorable conditions for people and tourists to visit the temple. In 2020, the pagoda built a staircase about 70m long and 15m wide, connecting the foot of the hill to the main hall area.
The staircase not only makes moving easier but is also part of the experience space. Moreover, this is also a place where you can walk while admiring the green natural landscape on both sides. As well as welcoming the cool breeze, and feeling the serenity gradually spreading.
5.4 Checking-in with the magnificent architecture of the pagoda
As soon as you set foot in Ta Pa Pagoda, you will be impressed by the magnificence of the unique architectural work bearing the Khmer mark. The main hall stands out with a colorful multi-layered dome, a majestic Buddha statue. Along with the sculptures bearing the cultural identity of Theravada.
Furthermore, no matter which angle you stand at, you can easily capture beautiful frames like paintings. From the three-door gate to the corridors shaded by green trees. Therefore, all are ideal settings to capture impressive moments.
6. Enjoying specialties when traveling to Ta Pa Pagoda
When visiting this unique pagoda, you have the opportunity to experience the delicious dishes of this beautiful land.
- O Thum grilled chicken: The chicken is marinated with spices and grilled over fire, with a delicious and distinctive flavor.
- Papaya salad: A sour, spicy, and crispy salad with papaya, shrimp, meat, and herbs.
- Tri Ton beef porridge: A special porridge with fresh, flavorful beef.
- Grilled stuffed frog: The frog is stuffed with minced meat, mushrooms, and spices, then grilled until golden brown.
7. Accommodation when traveling to Ta Pa pagoda
When visiting this beautiful pagoda, you can refer to some of the following accommodations:
- Rong Vang resort. Address: No. 19 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Tri Ton Commune, An Giang.
- Tuyet Anh Homestay & Coffee. Address: No. 86 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Tri Ton Commune, An Giang.
- Vuon Sao Hotel. Address: To Ha, Tri Ton Commune, An Giang.
- Lac Hong Hotel. Address: 25 Tran Hung Dao, Tri Ton Commune, An Giang.
- Tri Ton Hotel. Address: 39 3 Thang 2, Hamlet 5, Tri Ton Commune, An Giang.
8. Some important notes when traveling to Ta Pa Pagoda
To make your trip to Ta Pa Pagoda a complete joy. You should refer to some necessary notes below:
- Dress politely and discreetly: Avoid short, revealing clothes; prioritize light clothes. Clothes suitable for spiritual space.
- Maintain order, respect the sacred space: Do not laugh loudly, do not climb or touch Buddha statues and architectural works.
- Wear suitable shoes and water: The way to the pagoda has long stairs; you should wear sneakers. Or flat sandals, bring water to avoid exhaustion.
- Learn about Khmer culture and Theravada temple rituals: Help behave properly, respect local beliefs.
- Protect the environment: Be aware of protecting the landscape, the environment of the destination is always green, clean and beautiful. Do not litter.
Not as noisy as famous tourist destinations, Ta Pa Pagoda attracts with its quiet beauty and spectacular scenery. Join Origin Vietnam – a professional tour operator. We will accompany you on your Vietnam tour to explore this unique and beautiful pagoda. Therefore, this is a place you should visit once to fully experience the spiritual and natural beauty of Tri Ton – An Giang.
