Chùa Ông: A Splash of Color and History at Cần Thơ's Riverside
Ong Pagoda (Chùa Ông), officially the Quảng Triệu Hội Quán (Cantonese-Zhaoqing Assembly Hall), stands as one of Cần Thơ’s most distinctive landmarks. Its prime location near the busy Ninh Kiều Wharf makes it an unmissable destination. Visitors immediately notice the temple’s vibrant colors, intricate carvings, and purely Chinese architectural style, which transports them to a different era. The pagoda actively functions not only as a place of worship but also as a hub for the local Chinese-Vietnamese community.
Address: 32 Đ. Hai Bà Trưng, Tân An, Ninh Kiều, Cần Thơ, Vietnam.
I. History and Cultural Significance
The history of Ong Pagoda begins in the late 19th century. Cantonese immigrants from Guangzhou (Quảng Châu) and Zhaoqing (Triệu Khánh) in China built the temple between 1894 and 1896.
Community Center: They established the hall as a place for meeting and mutual support in their new home, demonstrating the strong community ties of the Chinese settlers.
National Heritage: Vietnam officially recognized the pagoda as a National Historical-Cultural Relic in 1993, reflecting its lasting cultural and artistic value.
Deity Worship: The temple primarily dedicates its worship to Quan Công (Kuan Kung or Guan Yu), a legendary Chinese general revered for his loyalty and integrity. The halls also honor other significant deities like Thiên Hậu Thánh Mẫu (Goddess of the Sea) and the Phúc Đức Chính Thần (God of Fortune), reflecting the polytheistic nature of Chinese folk religion.
II. Architectural Splendor
Ong Pagoda captivates visitors with its unique and well-preserved Chinese architectural style. The builders imported many of the original construction materials and ornate decorations directly from Guangdong, China.
Structure and Layout: The building adopts the shape of the Chinese character for “nation” (國), a typical layout for assembly halls, featuring an enclosed structure with a central courtyard or “Sky Well” (Thiên Tỉnh). This open space welcomes sunlight and rainwater, symbolizing a connection between earth and heaven.
Roof Decorations: The roof features double tiles and elaborate blue ceramic edges. You should look closely at the rooftops, which showcase vibrant ceramic motifs of mythological figures, including the “two dragons fighting for a pearl” (Lưỡng long chầu nguyệt) and “fish transforming into dragons.”
Interior Details: Visitors admire the intricate wood carvings and colorful bas-reliefs found throughout the halls. The middle hall often displays a distinctive wooden dragon boat, suspended overhead, which symbolizes good fortune and safe passage.
III. Essential Visitor Guide
Ong Pagoda is a spiritual landmark, so we advise visitors to plan their visit respectfully.
Operating Hours: The pagoda generally opens daily from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Hours may vary seasonally; check locally).
Entrance Fee: Admission remains free for all visitors. They may charge a small fee for parking motorbikes.
Etiquette: Please show respect by wearing modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Refrain from speaking loudly and avoid using flash photography inside the main altar areas. We recommend you visit during major festivals, such as Tết Nguyên Đán (Lunar New Year), when the temple hosts traditional activities like lion dances.
Contact: You can call the pagoda at +84 292 3823 862 for information. Its central location guarantees easy access from any hotel in the Ninh Kiều district.
