Ong Met Pagoda - an ancient pagoda in the heart of Tra Vinh city

The Khmer call the pagoda Wat Kompong, meaning “Ben Pagoda”. The familiar name “Ong Met” has been passed down through many generations, possibly from the name of a Khmer abbot, or the exclamation “Men Det oi!” of the people in the past, gradually becoming a simple but affectionate name.

This pagoda dates back to the 7th century. It was built around 642 and has undergone many renovations, but to this day it still retains almost the original traditional architecture of Khmer Theravada Buddhism. The pagoda is like a sturdy old tree in the heart of the Khmer community in Tra Vinh . Passing through the three-door gate carved with sophisticated Khmer traditional patterns, visitors seem to enter another world - a place where tranquility and majesty intertwine. The main gate stands out with a statue of the seven-headed Naga snake god, and pillars carved with the Kayno bird god as the gatekeeper of the Buddha's realm. The main hall faces the East where light begins, built on a green stone foundation, with a three-story roof curved like a dragon's tongue flying high into the sky. Inside, the statue of Buddha Shakyamuni sits majestically in the middle of a large hall, more than 4 meters high, shining with golden light. The walls are covered with paintings of the Buddha's life from birth to Nirvana, like a vividly colored history.

Main hall of Ong Met Pagoda.

The ancient library, built in 1916, with typical Khmer stilt house architecture, is where Buddhist scriptures, historical books, precious wooden statues and ancient gilded engravings are kept. Next to it are the monks' quarters, stupas, and flagpoles - in harmony with the continuous breaths of the pagoda over the years. Ong Met Pagoda is not only a place for practice but also a large Buddhist school, where monks are trained from elementary to intermediate level. This place used to be a cultural center, a spiritual support for many revolutionary movements in the past.

Visiting Ong Met Pagoda during the traditional festival season, visitors will witness the colorful scene, the sound of drums and spirituality in harmony. On Chol Chnam Thmay - the traditional Khmer New Year taking place in mid-April - the pagoda is bustling with chanting, people offering incense to bathe Buddha, and praying for peace in the new year. The whole campus is filled with traditional Sampot costumes, Romvong dances and meaningful vegetarian meals. On the occasion of Sene Dolta - taking place in the 9th lunar month - is an occasion for descendants to remember their ancestors, Khmer people offer rice to the pagoda, hold soul-calling ceremonies, gather together in the joy of reunion and deep gratitude. The Ok Om Bok Festival on the full moon of the 10th lunar month is considered the "festival of light". After the sacred moon worship, each ngo boat glides on the Long Binh River. The shimmering light from hundreds of flower lanterns on the shore makes the whole sky seem to hum prayers.

Coming to Tra Vinh, visiting Ong Met Pagoda, listening to the temple bell ringing and the incense scent wafting under the shade of the palm trees, visitors feel their hearts calm and peaceful - light as the countryside breeze and clear as the water from the deep well beside the pagoda.

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/van-hoa-du-lich-van-hoc-nghe-thuat/202509/chua-ong-met-ngoi-chua-co-giua-long-pho-tra-vinh-90e0719/