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An Giang is a sacred land with myriads of religious structures. Among them, Ta Pa Pagoda distinguishes itself as a symbol of Khmer culture. Keep reading Asia King Travel’s article as we will reveal why it has become a favorite stop for many travelers visiting this province.
Ta Pa Pagoda stands out as a remarkable emblem of Khmer heritage
On a quiet hillside, Ta Pa Pagoda was built and spans nearly 4,000 square metres. Over the years, this pagoda has undergone several restorations, with the latest completed in 2019. Thanks to these efforts, Ta Pa has transformed from a modest wooden temple into a complex that now attracts many travelers.
What makes Ta Pa Pagoda instantly stand out is the way it’s placed. The main hall doesn’t sit flat on the ground like most temples; instead, 120 concrete pillars lift the entire structure unevenly, some rising as high as eighteen meters. From a distance, the pagoda looks as if it floats above the trees.
From afar, the pagoda appears to be hovering over the treetops
Moving further inside, you will notice the influence of Khmer Theravada Buddhism. Firstly, they are in the tones of gold and red that dominate every nook and cranny here. Or you can also find them in those Khmer roofs with dragon-like curves. Even a random carving on the stairs leading up to the main hall has something to tell you about Buddha’s life as well as the Khmer people’s tradition.
Beyond the main sanctuary, there are various parts of the complex that are worth visiting, such as the stupa, meditation areas, and open courtyards where monks and locals gather for ceremonies.
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Ta Pa Pagoda is at the top of Ta Pa Hill in Tri Ton Ward, An Giang Province, Vietnam. With this elevated position, no doubt why many travelers choose Ta Pa Pagoda as a comfort spot to escape from the rush of everyday life.
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Ta Pa Pagoda sits atop Ta Pa Hill in Tri Ton District of An Giang Province
Currently, An Giang does not have a major airport to serve visitors from other regions. Therefore, if you plan to travel by air, the nearest airport you can land at is Can Tho International Airport. From there, you can continue your journey to An Giang by bus, taxi, or private car.
Ta Pa Pagoda is located quite far from the center of Chau Doc Ward (formerly Chau Doc City), about 41 kilometers away. To avoid fatigue after a long trip, it’s a good idea to take public transportation. However, if you still prefer to travel by private vehicle, you can follow this possible route:
If you’re flying to An Giang, the closest airport available is Can Tho International Airport
Start from Chau Doc and go straight along Road 91 for about 15.5 kilometers. Then, at the first intersection, turn onto Provincial Road 948 to reach Tri Ton Ward. Continue driving straight until you cross Cay Me Bridge, then make a right turn at the first crossroads. From here, Ta Pa Pagoda is less than 1 kilometer away. You can also ask residents for more specific directions; they’re always happy to help.
Ta Pa Pagoda is one of those places that never really has a “bad time” to visit. However, what you hope to experience can help a lot in enhancing your trip satisfaction.
If you need specific light conditions for photographing, early morning possesses soft sunlight mixed with dreamy mist lingering around Ta Pa Hill. Conversely, the golden filter of late afternoon would add some tranquil vibes to your outcome photos.
Every window reveals a unique charm of Ta Pa Pagoda
Moving on, the scenery around Ta Pa Pagoda is also worth taking into consideration. From May to August, Ta Na Lake nearby will burst into bloom with pink lotus flowers. Meanwhile, during harvest season between October and December, Ta Pa fields shimmer in shades of gold and green. Each window offers a different beauty here; you just have to pick the one that speaks to you most.
One of the most enjoyable parts of visiting Ta Pa Pagoda is the walk up its stone staircase. Stretching about seventy meters in length and fifteen meters in width, this path guides visitors from the foot of the hill to the main hall above. It’s not a challenging climb since there are just 240 steps in total. You can slow down and take in the beauty of Tri Ton’s natural surroundings.
If you are lucky enough to arrive at daily meditation sessions, you will have a chance to join in with the monks at Ta Pa Pagoda. That said, they start by guiding you on how to focus on your breathing and clear your thoughts. Then, you might feel the tension of everyday life slowly fade away while sitting in silence under the open sky.
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You’ll have the opportunity to meditate alongside the monks at Ta Pa Pagoda
What made the experience even more profound was listening to the monk’s Dharma talks afterward. They spoke not in grand or abstract terms but through simple stories about kindness, patience, and gratitude. Those lessons, though rooted in Buddhist philosophy, felt universally human. They reminded you that peace does not depend on where we are, but on how we see and accept the world around us.
After exploring the hilltop pagoda and reflecting yourself with some meditation sessions, you shouldn’t miss out Ta Pa Lake, which lies just a short walk from the temple grounds.
Ta Pa Lake is a peaceful retreat created by nature. It was once a stone quarry, then transformed over the years into a crystal-clear lake, which has small green islets on the surface.
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You can even rent Khmer costumes to add a touch of local culture to your shots at Ta Pa Lake
Here, you can snap some iconic photos as every angle of the lake seems camera-ready. Some even rent out traditional Khmer costumes so that the outcomes could capture as much cultural spirit of the region. On weekends or holidays, Ta Pa Lake becomes even livelier since local vendors might set up food stalls for you to recharge your battery after hiking to the main hall.
The intricate lines of Khmer architecture make Ta Pa Pagoda a symbol of how faith endures through time. We hope our guide can inspire you to come and see this pagoda with your bare eyes. And in case you want to do so, Asia King Travel is always ready to be a helpful companion on your next southern Vietnam adventure.
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