Discover a Century-Old Pagoda in Vietnam's Mekong Delta, Hailed by Travelers for Its Unique Architecture and 'Unforgettable' Beauty.

The striking beauty of this century-old temple, boasting truly unique and impressive architecture, has utterly captivated countless visitors, leaving them enchanted and wanting to linger.
The beauty of the century-old temple, with its unique and impressive architecture, has captivated countless visitors, leaving them enchanted.
As an East Asian country, one of Vietnam's most distinctive cultural features is its Buddhist faith. Currently, there are 18,491 temples across the country, accounting for 36% of the total land area. These temples are not just places for religious and cultural activities, but also fascinating attractions for travelers, especially international visitors.
Among nearly 20,000 temples, some truly stand out with their compelling historical stories, unique architectural styles, or special locations. Xiêm Cán Temple in Bạc Liêu is a perfect example. Images of Xiêm Cán Temple shared across travel groups and forums have garnered significant interest from many travelers due to its architecture, which is notably different from most other temples nationwide.
The temple has received even more attention, especially after Miss Phương Khánh's post featuring her photos taken there. In her post, Miss Phương Khánh expressed: “Xiêm Cán Temple, a place I will never forget.”


These images posted by Miss Phương Khánh during her visit to Xiêm Cán Temple garnered significant interest.
Bạc Liêu's Most Splendid Century-Old Temple with Unique Architecture
The temple is precisely located in Biển Đông B hamlet, Vĩnh Trạch Đông commune, Bạc Liêu city. Situated in the Southwestern region, over 200km from Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can expect a journey of more than 5 hours to reach it. Besides its popular name, Xiêm Cán Temple, it is also known by its Khmer name, Komphisako. While this name might be relatively unfamiliar to tourists, for the people of Bạc Liêu and the Mekong Delta region, the temple is a well-known spiritual hub, especially during festive occasions.
According to information from the Bạc Liêu Provincial Party Committee's Propaganda Department, Xiêm Cán Temple was built in 1887 with an initial area of 4500m2. This means the temple is now 136 years old. The original Khmer name, Komphisako, signifies the profound wisdom of Buddhist teachings. Later, a group of migrants to the area decided to translate it to Xiêm Cán, which means "bordering the water," reflecting the temple's location near the coast, making it easier to read and remember.

An overview of the Xiêm Cán Temple complex.
For over a century, Xiêm Cán Temple has been regarded as a significant cultural and religious center, and an artistic hub, for the Kinh, Khmer, and Hoa ethnic groups in particular, and for the Buddhist community in Bạc Liêu and surrounding areas of the Mekong Delta in general. Furthermore, its distinctive architecture makes it one of the most beautiful and magnificent temples in Bạc Liêu.
Overall, the architectural complex of Xiêm Cán Temple mostly faces east and is built in the Southern Buddhist architectural style. The predominant colors that visitors will easily notice are a distinctive yellow combined with red, featuring pointed roofs that make the structure stand out from a distance. Interspersed among the buildings is the lush green of trees and gardens, adding a special charm to the overall appearance of Xiêm Cán Temple.
Passing through the temple's triple-gate (tam quan), visitors will walk along an asphalt road shaded by green trees before reaching the Main Hall. A distinctive feature of the Main Hall is that instead of focusing on the front entrance, the side entrances are more expansive, designed to prevent the morning sun from shining directly into the sanctuary. Inside the hall, large murals depict the life, philosophies, and teachings of the Buddha, enveloping the entire space.

The triple-gate (tam quan) entrance leading to Xiêm Cán Temple.

Side view of the Main Hall at Xiêm Cán Temple.
After paying respects and exploring the Main Hall, visitors can leisurely wander to other structures such as the Stupa (Xá Lợi Tower), the traditional Sala house, or areas featuring impressive statues, bas-reliefs, and columns within the temple complex.
Every detail within the structures of Xiêm Cán Temple has been meticulously and elaborately crafted. This includes the triple-gate, the surrounding walls, the bas-reliefs, the steeples, and the interiors of the Main Hall. These features predominantly showcase carvings, sculptures, raised reliefs, or paintings depicting familiar imagery from Angkorian architecture. From majestic images of monks, deities, and the Buddha, to mystical dragons, the mythical Krut bird, herds of elephants, and coiled five-headed serpents, each element exudes an air of solemnity and mystery.

Inside the Main Hall.





A collection of images showcasing different corners of Xiêm Cán Temple.
A Hub for Unique Cultural Festivals
As mentioned earlier, Xiêm Cán Temple is considered a cultural and spiritual heart for the people of Bạc Liêu, especially during festival seasons. Each year, it hosts numerous distinctive festivals featuring engaging activities that attract not only devout followers but also local residents and visitors from neighboring regions.
These include the Khmer New Year – Chôl Chnăm Thmây, celebrated from April 14-16; the Ceremony for Ancestors – Sen Dolta, held from October 8-10; and the Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony – Kathanhna, which takes place from September 16 to October 15 of the Lunar calendar.
Visiting Xiêm Cán Temple during these festivals offers travelers an enriching opportunity to participate in unique traditional activities, thereby learning more about the culture, history, and customs of the local people.

Visiting Xiêm Cán Temple during festivals provides travelers with an opportunity to delve deeper into the local cultural activities and customs.
Due to its rich cultural, historical, and architectural significance, Xiêm Cán Temple is increasingly becoming one of the most prominent tourism symbols in Bạc Liêu and the wider region. In June 2022, the temple was officially recognized by the Mekong Delta Tourism Association as a "Typical Tourist Destination of the Mekong Delta." Prior to that, in 2001, the Bạc Liêu Provincial People's Committee also classified the temple as an Architectural and Artistic Relic.
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Update day : 14/10/2023
Source : Tổ quốc .vn Affiliate links
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