The beauty of a 130-year-old Khmer pagoda in Bac Lieu

With its intricate patterns and unique architecture, Xiêm Cán Pagoda is considered the oldest and most beautiful pagoda among the Khmer pagodas in the Southwest region of Vietnam.

Xiêm Cán Pagoda is located in the coastal area of Vĩnh Trạch Đông commune ( Bạc Liêu City, Bạc Liêu Province), about 12km from the center of Bạc Liêu City. The pagoda was built in 1887 and covers an area of about 5 hectares.

The entrance gate to Xiêm Cán Pagoda is designed as a three-arched gate with motifs and patterns that reflect the rich traditional Khmer culture.

Initially, Xiêm Cán Pagoda had the Khmer name Komphisako, reflecting the erudition and depth of Buddhist wisdom. The name Xiêm Cán comes from the Xiao language (the language of people of Teochew origin from China, many of whom now live in Bac Lieu), meaning "bordering water," because the area's topography used to be next to a coastal alluvial plain.

The Xiêm Cán pagoda complex comprises many structures facing east, built in the distinctive Theravada Buddhist style but bearing strong influences of Angkorian architecture.

From the main gate into the temple, on the left visitors can admire reclining Buddha statues, and on the right is the main hall.

The main hall of Xiêm Cán Pagoda. The main hall is built in a rectangular shape, with its main facade facing east. Eighteen steps lead up to the main hall, above which is a bas-relief sculpture of Buddha Shakyamuni.

The walls, ceiling, and columns of the main hall are elaborately decorated. The interior walls and ceiling are adorned with vibrant, colorful murals depicting the life of the Buddha from his birth, through his spiritual journey, to his enlightenment.

The interior of the main hall is adorned with paintings depicting the life of Buddha.

In addition, the temple complex also features impressive architectural structures including: a sala (lecture hall), monks' quarters, a Khmer language teaching building, and cultural activity spaces...

The pagoda houses over 100 statues representing the incarnations of Buddha Shakyamuni, a stone stele inscribed with ancient Khmer script, and a bronze bell dating back to 1887.

For the Khmer people, the pagoda is a center for community cultural activities.

Not only is it a famous temple known for its unique architectural style and art, Xiêm Cán Pagoda is also known as a place that preserves and shapes many beautiful cultural aspects in the spiritual life of the Khmer ethnic people.