What is Van Phuoc Pagoda?
Location & Setting
Van Phuoc Pagoda is located in Binh Chien Hamlet, Binh Dai District, about 47–48 km from Ben Tre City and roughly 125 km south of Ho Chi Minh City. The drive from Ben Tre takes over an hour, mostly along small provincial roads. The pagoda sits in a flat, rural landscape surrounded by shrimp ponds, canals, and mangrove trees. It feels very much like the Mekong countryside—remote, humid, and waterlogged—making the scale of the temple complex stand out even more against its natural setting.
History & Development
Unlike many pagodas in Vietnam, Van Phuoc is relatively new. Construction began in 2000 on what was then swampy, salt-flooded wasteland. The transformation was gradual: in 2005, monk Thich Phuoc Chi established a small monastery here, with support from both local people and Buddhists from other regions.
Over the years, new halls, statues, and functional buildings were added, eventually turning the site into one of the largest pagodas in Ben Tre Province. In 2008, it was formally recognized by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha as a pilgrimage destination.
Use today
Today, Van Phuoc Pagoda functions both as a place of worship and as a large religious complex that attracts pilgrims and curious visitors. Beyond its statues and halls, the pagoda also houses practical facilities such as a charity pharmacy and living quarters for monks, nuns, and some disabled residents.
Festivals and ceremonies are held here throughout the year, with the biggest event being the Amitabha worship ceremony on the 17th day of the 11th lunar month, when the grounds become especially lively with rituals and visiting devotees.
Highlights of visiting Van Phuoc Pagoda
1. Tam Quan Gate (Three-entrance Gate)
The entrance gate is the first sign that this pagoda is built on a grand scale. Instead of a traditional tiled roof, it rises with two stupa-like towers painted in bright gold. At sunset, the light bounces off the paint and makes the whole structure glow, giving it an almost surreal presence in the otherwise flat countryside.
2. Main Hall
Past the gate, the main hall is the spiritual center of the complex. Inside, you’ll find statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, Amitabha, and a Thousand-armed Avalokitesvara. The walls are decorated with carved panels showing scenes from the Buddha’s life, which add a sense of detail and storytelling. It’s spacious and quiet, though compared to older temples, the atmosphere here feels more constructed than ancient.
3. Reclining Buddha
On the right-hand pond sits a large Reclining Buddha on a small island. The size and placement are impressive, but it does have a staged feeling—less like an organic part of the pagoda grounds, more like a monument placed to fill space. Still, it’s one of the most photogenic corners of the complex.
4. Maitreya (Laughing) Buddha
The golden Maitreya Buddha is the central focal point as you walk through the grounds. At 12 meters tall and weighing 99 tons, it’s impossible to miss. The statue’s size and shiny surface make it striking, though again, it’s grandeur over subtlety. Visitors often stop here for photos and prayers before continuing deeper into the complex.
5. Standing Avalokitesvara (Quan Âm)
Towering at 54 meters, the white Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva statue dominates the skyline and is visible long before you reach the pagoda itself. This is the most defining landmark of Van Phuoc Pagoda and probably the reason many people visit. From up close, the scale is overwhelming, though some travelers may find it more spectacle than sacred.
6. Gardens, Ponds & Bridges
The complex is dotted with lotus ponds, arched bridges, and small shrines. It looks picturesque at first glance, but the artificial grass and some unfinished construction give parts of the grounds a theme-park vibe. For a quiet moment, the back area facing the river is calmer and more natural, offering a pleasant view away from the gold paint and statues.
7. Other elements
Scattered across the grounds are other functional and symbolic structures: a worship house with additional Buddha statues, long corridors painted with scenes from the Buddha’s life, and buildings that serve as an office, charity pharmacy, and living quarters for monks, nuns, and disabled residents. There is even a small area dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh, reflecting the mix of religious and cultural symbols that often appear in modern Vietnamese pagodas.
Practical visiting information & Tips
Location & Getting there
Van Phuoc Pagoda is about 47–48 km from Ben Tre City, which takes roughly 1–1.5 hours by car or motorbike. From Ho Chi Minh City, the journey is closer to three hours, combining highways and smaller provincial roads. The most common route is via National Highway 57B and Provincial Road 883. While it’s possible to self-drive, first-time visitors may find the rural roads confusing and poorly signposted. Hiring a private car or joining a local tour is often the easier option.
Opening hours & Entrance
The pagoda is open daily from 06:30 to 20:00. Entry is free, though small donations are welcomed. These usually go toward temple maintenance or charitable work.
Best time to visit
You can visit year-round, as the site is not tied to any particular season. However, the atmosphere is livelier during festivals, especially the Amitabha worship ceremony on the 17th day of the 11th lunar month. Do note that parts of the pagoda are still under construction, so you may encounter noise or blocked-off areas.
Dress code & Etiquette
As with any Buddhist site in Vietnam, dress modestly—cover shoulders and knees—and avoid flashy or revealing clothing. Keep your voice low, especially in the main hall. Photography is fine around the outdoor statues, but ask or observe local behavior before taking photos inside the sacred halls.
Nearby sights
The closest attraction worth combining with a visit is Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary, about 15 km away, which is best explored in the late afternoon when the birds return to roost. Other sights in Ben Tre, such as coconut workshops, boat trips, and countryside cycling, are further afield. For a broader overview, see the full Ben Tre travel guide.
Is Van Phuoc Pagoda worth visiting?
Van Phuoc Pagoda is hard to miss if you’re in the area—giant statues, golden gates, and a skyline dominated by a 54-meter Avalokitesvara make it one of the most visually striking pagodas in the Mekong Delta. The scale alone can feel impressive, and for photography it certainly delivers. The grounds are spacious, dotted with ponds, bridges, and shrines, which give visitors plenty to look at and walk around.
That said, the temple is very modern and doesn’t carry the historical or cultural depth of older pagodas in Vietnam. Much of the complex feels staged, with artificial grass, painted facades, and an almost theme-park atmosphere. Construction is still ongoing in some parts, so expect noise or unfinished corners. For travelers used to more traditional temples, it may feel excessive rather than spiritual.
In short: Van Phuoc Pagoda is not a must-see if your time in Ben Tre is limited. If you’re already heading out to Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary nearby or are simply curious about enormous Buddha statues, it can be an interesting stop. Otherwise, Ben Tre’s river life, coconut workshops, and bird sanctuaries generally offer more authentic experiences.
