Ghositaram Pagoda is one of the unique tourist attractions in Bac Lieu that clearly shows the Buddhist culture and beliefs of the Khmer people in the South. This is one of the Khmer temples with the most beautiful space and architecture in the Mekong Delta.

Where is Ghositaram Temple?

The Ghositaram Pagoda, commonly known as the island pagoda, is situated about 5 kilometers from Bac Lieu city in the Cu Lao hamlet of the Hung Hoi commune in the Vinh Loi district. One of the most exquisite Khmer temples can be seen in the Mekong Delta. Visitors to the Ghositaram temple won't be taken aback by the building's stunning architecture and vibrant colors.

Ghositaram is a location of religious activities and more to the residents than just a temple. But this location is comparable to a "fine art museum" in that it preserves typical Khmer cultural architecture. For this largest Khmer temple in Vietnam, the brilliance and significance combined with the refined beauty have produced everlasting value.  

Ghositaram Pagoda, a "fine art museum" showcasing the skills of Khmer artisans, is situated in Cu Lao hamlet, Hung Hoi commune, Vinh Loi district, Bac Lieu province. The 4 hectare Ghositaram Pagoda, also known as Cu Lao Pagoda, was constructed in 1860. In front of the entrance is a row of towering palm trees, a common sight in Western landscapes.

Architecture of Ghositaram

The temple follows the Khmer Theravada Buddhist school, Ghositaram Pagoda was built in 1860 and was first inaugurated in 1872. Over hundreds of years of existence, the pagoda began to deteriorate and was restored. in 2001. It took nearly 10 years to build the main hall of the new temple, with an area of more than 400m2 and a height of 40m.

The main hall, monks, lecture halls, stupas, schools, and other typical Khmer temple spaces are all present in the Ghositaram Pagoda. Come to visit as the temple has slowly degraded over time. The main hall underwent reconstruction in 2001; it was finished in 2010. With a surface area of about 427 m2 and a height of over 36 m, this main hall is thought to be the largest among Vietnamese temples.

The towers above the main hall were constructed and ornately ornamented in the manner of Khmer architecture.

According to the Buddhist Tripitaka's mythology, the outside and interior are both ornamented with hundreds of various images. The main hall is covered in intricately carved and embossed designs with a high creative value, creating a piece of culture that is infused with national identity.

Stories concerning the life of Buddha and Buddhist teachings draw spectators through the rows of carved reliefs displaying several colorful stories. The ornate themes and designs of the entire temple were created by artists over a period of up to 4 years.

The porch and side walls of the temple are decorated with representations of the Buddha's life and Khmer cultural icons. The pagoda's main hall is filled with numerous carvings and sculptures that are richly decorated with reliefs and intricate patterns. There are also two flags that are over 40 meters high, two towers that have been used to store the remains of Buddhists throughout the ages, a crematorium, and many other auxiliary structures on the temple grounds. They all pay tribute to the magnificent majesty of the temple as well as its intimacy and warmth.

Children from Khmer study at Ghositaram Pagoda. Khmer tradition dictates that a son must enter a monastery when he reaches adulthood (about 14–15 years old) in order to show filial respect to his parents, study Buddhist scriptures, and acquire other life-essential knowledge. Following the completion of their religious responsibilities, they resume their regular lives, bringing knowledge to support their families, pay for their upbringing by their parents, and give back to society.