Phno Don pagoda in Tra Vinh province (Ngoc Anh/VOV)

Phno Don pagoda is also called Gong Lon pagoda or Stork pagoda. It was built in 1677 on the alluvial bank of a big canal in Dai An commune, Tra Cu district, 40 km south of Tra Vinh city.  

The pagoda is surrounded by green bamboo groves, several species of evergreen trees, and vast rice fields stretching to the horizon. Flocks of storks come here to shelter.

Trinh Van Minh, a resident of Dai An commune, said: “Storks stay in the land surrounding the pagoda, so people call it Stork pagoda. They come here in the rainy months to nest and breed. This is the largest, most famous, and most beautiful pagoda in Tra Vinh province. It attracts many visitors from across Vietnam and even some foreigners. During the New Year holiday the pagoda is very crowded.”

Decoration at Phno Don pagoda (photo: Ngoc Anh/VOV)

The Khmer architectural style can be seen in the pagoda gate, the main hall, the monks’ house, the main hall, and the towers that hold the ashes of cremated monks. The external decoration is a harmonious combination of gilded lacquer paint and traditional Khmer patterns.

On the intricately carved main gate four fairies are raising their hands as if to support the roof. There are embossed paintings of lotus flowers and deities on either side.

Tran Keo, Head of the Phno Don pagoda Management Board, said: “The pagoda was built more than 340 years ago. The main hall is approximately 50m high, 60m wide, and 100m long. Outside there are statues of warriors holding weapons to guard the main hall and girls greeting arriving guests. A flagpole in the shape of a bird flies a Buddhist flag on one side and a national flag on the other. The pagoda has been recognized as a provincial relic site. This site has attracted foreign visitors.”

The main hall is decorated with splendid paintings and Buddha statues. The main roof has beautiful curved lines in the shape of a dragon's tail. The rooftop towers are shaped like Mount Xôme and images familiar to the Khmer, such as the four-faced God Mohabrom, the sacred bird Keynor, Riehu, and Mahaknot.

The spacious main altar has a large statue of a seated Sakyamuni Buddha. Below it are six smaller statues of Buddha in enlightenment and Buddha holding a bowl and begging for alms.

Head monk Truong Van Bien said: “Khmer pagodas often have images of dragons, snakes, and sacred figures, and statues of ogres and demons of the underworld. The 4-faced statue is of Brahma, who reminds parents, kings, and ordinary people to hold on to their virtue, compassion, and equanimity. Khmer people go to pagodas to soothe their souls. On the 1st, 8th, 15th, and 30th day of the lunar month, Buddhist followers visit the pagoda to worship and bring food to the monks. When the pagodas are repaired, people make a voluntary contribution of whatever they can afford.”

Every Khmer pagoda is a work of art, but only Phno Don pagoda is famous for also sheltering thousands of storks.