'Gateway to Heaven' amidst rice fields at a Khmer temple in the Bay Nui region.

Nestled amidst rice paddies in the Bay Nui region (An Giang province), Koh Kas, the "gateway to heaven" of the Khmer Tual Prasat pagoda, has become a popular photo spot thanks to its unique architecture.

The temple gate is located quite far from the main hall.

In An Giang , wherever there is a large concentration of Khmer ethnic people, "gateways to heaven" often appear. In particular, the gate of Tual Prasat pagoda is the first place to be associated with this name because it bears the strong imprint of time and is well-known to many tourists.

The "Gateway to Heaven" of this Khmer temple in the Bay Nui region is said to have been built in the 19th century.

PHOTO: DUY TAN

Unlike other temples, the "gateway to heaven" at Koh Kas is located quite far from the main temple, about 500 meters away. The road from the gate to the temple is winding and meandering through a vast field.

From the gate, you have to drive more than half a kilometer, following a winding local road through rice fields, to reach the temple.

PHOTO: DUY TAN

According to legend, the temple gate was built in the 19th century. Having stood for so long, the gate still stands strong in the vast field. The gate is intricately carved with exquisite Buddhist patterns and motifs. Inside, the gate features hand-painted and embossed cement patterns reflecting Khmer culture. The gate also bears the names of Buddhist followers who contributed to its construction.

The temple gate features the characteristic muted colors of Buddhism.

PHOTO: DUY TAN

Like other gates at Khmer temples, the roof of the Koh Kas "gate to heaven" is a cluster of three small towers. These three towers are supported by four sturdy pillars below. These pillars are also meticulously and elaborately carved, showcasing the skill of the craftsmen of that time. On top of each tower is a statue of a four-faced deity. The sides of the gate are stylized into statues of the Naga serpent god.

The gate is carved with extremely intricate Buddhist patterns and motifs.

PHOTO: DUY TAN

A popular spot for tourists to take photos.

Tual Prasat Pagoda sits peacefully amidst vast, sprawling rice fields. While not grand in scale, it attracts a large number of visitors. Tual Prasat Pagoda boasts eye-catching architecture in every detail. The main hall is a two-story, five-bay building with a tiled roof and three pointed spires adorned with intricate and sophisticated decorative motifs.

Inside the gate are hand-painted and cement-sculpted floral patterns that reflect the rich Khmer culture.

PHOTO: DUY TAN

Koh Kas' "Gateway to Heaven" is a popular check-in spot for tourists from near and far due to its enchanting beauty. To capture stunning photos with the gate, visitors can go at any time of year, as the path leading to the temple is particularly beautiful, flanked by endless rice paddies. Especially in late November and early December, the golden ripe rice fields create a dazzling and vibrant scene.

Tourists enjoy taking photos at Koh Kas, the "gateway to heaven."

PHOTO: DUY TAN

Huynh Nha (20 years old, residing in Can Tho city) said that he enjoys backpacking with his girlfriend, so he often chooses An Giang province as his destination because of its pristine and beautiful scenery. What impressed him most was the "gateway to heaven" at Koh Kas, with its stunning architecture and the breathtaking view of the vast, lush green rice fields surrounding it. This place instantly captivated travel enthusiasts like him.

Architectural structures within the Tual Prasat temple grounds

PHOTO: DUY TAN

Tual Prasat Pagoda in the Bay Nui region (An Giang province)

PHOTO: DUY TAN

As someone passionate about exploring and photographing Khmer temples, Trong Nhon (35 years old, from Can Tho city) said that Koh Kas' "heaven's gate" has warm, muted colors and architecture that is distinctly nostalgic, showcasing a unique Khmer architectural style. With the right angle, anyone can capture stunning photos with the high sky and distant mountains as a backdrop.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cong-troi-giua-canh-dong-lua-o-ngoi-chua-khmer-vung-bay-nui-185260403093939774.htm