The Unique Beauty of Xiem Can Pagoda in Bac Lieu - The Largest Pagoda in Bac Lieu Province

There are many remarkable and distinctive temples in the Bac Lieu area. The Xiem Can Pagoda in Bac Lieu is one of these noteworthy sites. Replete with Khmer architectural and cultural elements, this temple has drawn a lot of tourists eager to explore and take in its originality. Join us Vietnam Budget Car Rental and explore the fascinating qualities that this temple has to offer and draw in so many visitors.

Some information about Xiem Can Pagoda in Bac Lieu

• Address: DT31, Hamlet Bien Dong B, Vinh Thanh Dong Commune, Vinh Trach Dong, Bac Lieu
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

A well-known location that international visitors frequently visit when visiting Bac Lieu is the Xiem Can Pagoda. Travellers frequently combine this visit with other sites because of its closeness to the city centre.

Theravada Buddhism's distinctive colour is carried by the Xiem Can Pagoda, which also has a distinctive architectural mark. This location holds numerous rituals every year to benefit the nearby and distant local Khmer population.

Teochew ( Tiều ) language is where the word Xiem Can comes from, and it means "coastal border." This moniker for the temple comes from its previous placement next to the coastal embankment. The temple was gradually pushed further from the coast by sedimentation over time. At the moment, the temple is around 5 kilometres from the coast.

In 1887, the Xiem Can Pagoda in Bac Lieu was built thanks to the financial support of more than thirty houses and a wealthy couple from the area named Mr. Nen and Mrs. Nghet. Under the name Komphisako at first, Abbot Thach Mau oversaw it. The Xiem Can Pagoda has since experienced numerous restorations and repairs throughout the years, as well as nine generations of abbots.

How do you get to Xiem Can Pagoda in Bac Lieu?

1. By private car

Firstly, you need to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Bac Lieu. The first option recommended by Vietnam Budget Car Rental for safety, reasonable pricing, and convenience during the journey is to rent a private car from Ho Chi Minh to Bac Lieu. 

Upon reaching Bac Lieu, from the city center, take Trần Huỳnh Street, then turn onto Tôn Đức Thắng Street. After traveling approximately 6 kilometers, make a right turn. Drive for another 6 kilometers, and you'll spot the entrance to Xiem Can Pagoda in Bac Lieu. The route to the pagoda is quite straightforward, but the road signs and street names might be somewhat concealed, so following Google Maps directions can make the journey easier.

2. By bus

The second choice if you prefer not to rent a car is to travel to Bac Lieu by bus. The ticket prices for a trip from Ho Chi Minh to Bac Lieu range from 190,000 VND to 350,000 VND, depending on the bus company. Some reputable bus companies suggested by Vietnam Budget Car Rental include Phuong Trang, Hảo, or Mai Linh.

3. By motorbike

Once you arrive in Bac Lieu and want to travel to Xiem Can Pagoda by motorbike, it's also a fantastic option if you're seeking adventure. Moreover, along the way, you can stop by some other incredibly famous spots such as Bac Lieu Bird Sanctuary, Cao Van Lau Memorial, The Wind Farm in Bac Lieu, and more. However, before any journey, make sure to prepare adequate supplies and be cautious on all roads. If possible, find some travel companions to make the trip even more enjoyable.

When should you visit Xiem Can Pagoda in Bac Lieu?

With two different seasons—a sunny season from December to April and a rainy season from May to November—the Southwest region has a very nice climate. You can choose any time of year to explore the Southwest because this region retains its distinct charm, regardless of the weather.

In particular, the Xiem Can Pagoda in Bac Lieu is a hub for Khmer learning, where people congregate to study trades, literacy, and traditional dance. It is also home to a large number of monks. Many traditional Khmer festivities are held at this location each year, with a sizable attendance of Khmer ethnic people.

Visitors can take in the vibrant environment and learn more about the traditional culture of the Khmer people during festival seasons. Selecting festival times when visiting Bac Lieu or the Xiem Can Pagoda will help you interact with and learn more about the traditional culture of the Khmer people.

Discover the unique beauty of Xiem Can Pagoda in Bac Lieu

1. The vibrant Tam Quan gate with intricate details

When you reach the temple entrance, the cultural area with its abundance of well-known Khmer colours will enthral you. The gate features striking raised designs with Khmer cultural elements. The gate's signboard, with its characteristic Angkor architectural towers, is adorned with a magnificent Buddha statue that is seated. Two unusual coiled serpent deities and two legendary bird deities may be seen beneath the gate's signboard.

Xiem Can Pagoda has a minor auxiliary gate in addition to the main entrance. Two rows of old star apple trees flank the path from the main entrance to the auxiliary gate, providing a nice and refreshing shade. You can enter the enigmatic and magnificent Xiem Can Pagoda by passing via the auxiliary gate.

2. The majestic Main Hall

Situated within the Xiem Can Pagoda grounds is the magnificent Main Hall. It has been discovered that this hall was built exceptionally high—roughly 1.5 metres above the earth. Encircled by towering columns, the gold-plated pillars featuring distinctive engravings enthral spectators.

Every tourist's eyes are drawn to the stunning murals and bas-reliefs that sculpt the vaulted ceiling. An approximately two-meter-tall, seven-tiered pedestal statue is situated in the centre. The enormous statue of Shakyamuni Buddha stands in the middle, encircled by smaller statues that represent different Buddha incarnations during different rebirth cycles.

3. The Sala area - Lecture Hall and Assembly Hall

The Sala area consists of the lecture hall and the assembly hall, serving as reception areas for Buddhist followers and pilgrims visiting from afar.

Opposite the temple, there are two Buddha towers of varying sizes, each containing a mysterious black Buddha statue. A unique point reflecting the Khmer style is that all the compound areas face east.

Apart from these three main areas, Xiem Can Pagoda in Bac Lieu possesses many more unique and captivating features that can only be fully appreciated by firsthand experience.

4. The base tower and the crematorium beside the Main Hall

Beside the Main Hall, there are the base tower and the crematorium peacefully situated under the shade of refreshing trees. These base towers are adorned intricately and meticulously. Over time, under the moss of time, these structures become more beautiful with ancient colors, drawing attention.

5. The iconic columns with Nagar serpent deity figures

The iconic columns featuring figures of the Nagar serpent deity stand opposite the Main Hall of the temple. Here, people light candles on festival days with the belief that the light will illuminate humanity and make people live better, resembling the dedication of the serpent species to goodness.

6. The meditation hall crafted from precious woods

Inside the Xiem Can Pagoda, there's a meditation hall constructed from precious woods (ironwood, rosewood). Despite its many years, this structure maintains its captivating allure with its glossy black wood tones. This meditation hall has four precious wooden columns, used as a traditional house of prayer.

Tourist destinations to explore near Xiem Can Pagoda

1. Bac Lieu Mansion

When learning about Bac Lieu, the story of Bac Lieu's wealthy landlord is probably very familiar. This ancient Cong Tu Bac Lieu House was built in 1919 by a French architect. It is considered the most beautiful and spacious mansion in the six southern provinces of Nam Ky at that time.

The ticket price for a visit is around 30,000 VND for adults and 20,000 VND for children. The cost is quite reasonable, so visitors can stop by to learn more about the culture and architecture of this place.

2. Bac Lieu Wind Power Field

The Wind Farm in Bac Lieu is a paradise for those who love to check-in and take pictures. Here, there are turbines towering up to 80 meters, white pillars creating a grand and captivating scene. Visitors can enjoy the refreshing air and sea breeze while walking on the bridge over the sea. The entrance fee to this place is around 30,000 VND per person.

3. Mother Quan Am Nam Hai Statue in Bac Lieu

For Buddhist believers, the Mother Quan Am Nam Hai Statue in Bac Lieu is a must-visit. Here, there is an 11-meter-tall statue of Quan Am Bodhisattva facing the East and the sea, believed to bestow blessings and support for people going to the sea.

Moreover, when visiting Bac Lieu, tourists can explore other places such as Ghositaram Pagoda in Bac Lieu, Bird Garden, Salt Farm in Bac Lieu, and more.

With the information shared by Vietnam Budget Car Rental, hopefully, you'll have interesting details to prepare for your upcoming trip to Xiem Can Pagoda in Bac Lieu. With many travelers being attracted by the captivating beauty, this is undoubtedly an extremely fascinating destination that you wouldn't want to miss out on.