Aranhut - The oldest Khmer pagoda in Hau Giang

For the Khmer people, a pagoda is not only a place for practicing Buddhist rituals but also where unique tangible and intangible cultural values are kept, preserved, and promoted. Come with us to visit Aranhut, the oldest Khmer pagoda in the Mekong Delta province of Hau Giang.

Aranhut Pagoda was built in 1632 in Long An A hamlet in Cai Tac town, Chau Thanh district. It was initially made from wood with a leaf roof, and was later rebuilt and renovated many times on the same site.

The architecture includes a gate, a fence, a main hall, an ashes-keeping tower, a monks’ house, and a synagogue. The most prominent and most important is the main hall, which was built in the centre of the pagoda on an east-west direction. 

Chosen as a place for religious and spiritual activities for nearly 400 years, Aranhut Pagoda has become a source of pride for local Khmer people. 

Aranhut Pagoda is identified as the oldest Khmer temple in Hau Giang province and the Mekong Delta as well. The ancient Aranhut Pagoda, a unique Khmer art and culture work, is a meaningful destination for anyone, who wants to learn about Khmer culture in Vietnam’s south and explore the peaceful land of Hau Giang./.

VNA