Immerse yourself in the shimmering golden heritage of the Khmer community at Munir Ansay Pagoda (Munirangsyaram), the largest and most magnificent Theravada temple in Can Tho. Standing proudly on the busy Hoa Binh Avenue, this architectural gem offers a striking contrast to the city’s Vietnamese pagodas with its intricate Angkor-style carvings and towering golden stupa. This complete Munir Ansay Pagoda travel guide takes you beyond the dazzling facade, exploring the deep cultural meanings behind the statues and the vibrant murals of Buddha’s life. We provide essential insights for your visit. Additionally, we curate a perfect city walking itinerary, seamlessly connecting this spiritual sanctuary with nearby landmarks.
An Overview of Munir Ansay Pagoda
A glance of Munir Ansay Pagoda
- Built: 1948 (Completed in 1954, renovated extensively in later years)
- Location: 36 Hoa Binh Avenue, Tan An Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho (Near Ninh Kieu Park)
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Time Needed: 30 – 45 minutes
- Famous For: Spectacular golden Khmer architecture, intricate reliefs of Buddhist legends, and being a center for Khmer cultural festivals (Chol Chnam Thmay).
About Munir Ansay Pagoda
Munir Ansay Pagoda is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture, instantly recognizable by its vibrant colors and sharp, upward-curving roof details.
- Architectural Brilliance: The pagoda complex is divided into distinct sections: the main hall (Chanh Dien), the monk’s living quarters, and the stupa tower. The Main Hall is elevated on a high foundation to avoid flooding and to show respect. Inside, it houses a large statue of Shakyamuni Buddha seated on a lotus throne, surrounded by colorful murals depicting his life story from birth to enlightenment.
- The “Angkor” Influence: The exterior is a visual feast. Every pillar, archway, and wall is adorned with relief carvings of key figures from Khmer mythology, such as the Keynor (a mythical bird-woman), Yeak (guardian giants), and the Naga (seven-headed serpent) guarding the stairs. The golden color scheme symbolizes the wisdom and purity of the Buddha.
- A Living Cultural Hub: More than just a relic, Munir Ansay is the heartbeat of the local Khmer community. It serves as a school teaching the Khmer language and Buddhism to young monks and locals. If you visit during major celebrations like Chol Chnam Thmay (Khmer New Year in April) or Ok Om Bok (Moon Worship Festival in October), the pagoda transforms into a lively venue for traditional music, dance, and lantern releases.
Video about Munir Ansay Pagoda (Eng subtitles)
Planning Your Visit to Munir Ansay Pagoda
Location & Address
Munir Ansay Pagoda is located in the most central part of the city, right on the main avenue, making it one of the easiest cultural sites to access.
- Address: 36 Hoa Binh Avenue, Tan An Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City.
- Landmark: It is situated directly opposite the Ninh Kieu District People’s Committee and just a few minutes’ walk from the Can Tho Museum and Ninh Kieu Park.
Operating Hours & Schedule
The pagoda is an active place of worship and education for the local Khmer community.
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily.
- Best Time to Visit: The morning (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM) is ideal for seeing the golden architecture sparkle in the sunlight. Alternatively, visiting during Khmer festivals (like Chol Chnam Thmay in mid-April or Ok Om Bok in October) offers a vibrant cultural experience with traditional music and dance.
Admission & Duration
- Entrance Fee: Free. Visitors are welcome to enter the grounds and the main hall without a ticket.
- Duration: The complex is relatively compact. A typical visit lasts about 30 to 45 minutes, giving you enough time to circle the main hall, admire the relief carvings, and take photos of the golden stupa.
How to Get There
Because it is on the city’s largest boulevard, finding the pagoda is very straightforward.
- On Foot: If you are staying near Ninh Kieu Wharf or the Uncle Ho Statue, simply walk up Hai Ba Trung Street until you hit Hoa Binh Avenue. It is about a 10-15 minute walk (approx. 800m).
- By Motorbike/Taxi:
- Ask the driver for “Chùa Munir Ansay” or simply “Chùa Khmer” on Hoa Binh Avenue.
- Parking: Motorbikes can usually be parked inside the pagoda gate (to the side of the courtyard) for free or a small donation. If the courtyard is full during festivals, you can park at the nearby Can Tho Museum or commercial centers.
Architecture Highlights of Munir Ansay Pagoda
Munir Ansay Pagoda follows the traditional Theravada Buddhist architecture of the Khmer people, characterized by brilliant golden colors, towering spires, and intricate carvings that strongly resemble the Angkor Wat style found in Cambodia.
The Triple Gate (Tam Quan)
The first thing that captivates visitors is the magnificent arched entrance gate.
- Design: Unlike the square gates of Vietnamese pagodas, this gate features a distinct, rounded arch shape topped with three small towers.
- Symbolism: These three towers represent the “Three Jewels” of Buddhism: the Buddha, the Dharma (his teachings), and the Sangha (the community of monks). The gate is painted in vibrant yellow and orange, colors that symbolize wisdom, concentration, and liberation in Khmer culture.
The Main Hall (Chanh Dien)
The heart of the pagoda is the Main Hall, which is built on a raised foundation nearly two meters high.
- The Naga Stairs: To enter the hall, you must climb a staircase flanked by two majestic Naga serpents (seven-headed snakes). In Khmer legend, the Naga spread its hood to protect the Buddha from rain during his meditation.
- The Roof: The roof is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, consisting of three overlapping tiers that create a sense of soaring height. The corners of the roof are adorned with curved, sharp details resembling the tail of a dragon, pointing towards the sky.
- Interior Murals: Inside the hall, the walls are covered in colorful frescoes. These paintings do not just serve as decoration but tell the chronological story of Shakyamuni Buddha’s life, from his birth to his enlightenment and entering Nirvana.
The Golden Stupa (Xo-la)
Standing proudly in the courtyard is a towering, multi-story tower known as the Stupa (or Xo-la).
- Purpose: This structure is used to house the bone ashes of high-ranking monks and devout Buddhists, serving as a solemn memorial space.
- Decoration: The tower is surrounded by smaller statues and intricate relief carvings of lotuses and geometric patterns, all painted in shimmering gold that glows brilliantly under the Can Tho sun.
Mythical Guardian Statues
One of the most fascinating aspects of Munir Ansay is the presence of mythical creatures carved into the pillars and walls, each with its own meaning:
- Yeak (Yakshas): You will see statues of fierce-looking giants with bulging eyes and fangs. These are the guardians who ward off evil spirits and protect the sanctity of the temple.
- Keynor (Kinnara): On the columns supporting the roof, look for the Keynor—mythical beings with the face and torso of a beautiful woman and the legs and wings of a bird. They symbolize beauty, grace, and artistic devotion to the Buddha.
- Reahu: On the gates or arches, you might spot the face of a monster swallowing the moon or sun, depicting the legend of eclipses in Khmer folklore.
Must-Try Experiences at Munir Ansay Pagoda
Admire the “Living” Murals
Don’t just walk past the walls inside the Main Hall—stop and read them like a book.
- The Story: The interior walls are covered in vibrant frescoes that depict the entire life of Shakyamuni Buddha. Even if you don’t know the history, the visual storytelling is incredibly clear, showing his journey from a prince living in luxury to an ascetic monk seeking truth under the Bodhi tree.
- The Art: The style is distinctly Khmer, with bright colors and figures that have sharp, angular features and expressive postures, differing significantly from the softer art style found in Vietnamese Mahayana pagodas.
Receive a Thread of Luck
If you are lucky enough to visit when the head monk is present or during a ceremony, you might have the chance to receive a red thread (or sometimes yellow) tied around your wrist.
- The Meaning: In Khmer culture, this thread is a blessing for peace, health, and protection against bad luck. It is a warm, personal gesture that connects visitors directly with the spiritual community of the pagoda.
Join a Traditional Festival
The best way to experience Munir Ansay is not just to see it, but to hear and feel it during a major festival.
- Chol Chnam Thmay (April): This is the Khmer New Year. The pagoda becomes the center of the city’s celebrations, with water-splashing rituals (to wash away bad luck), sand mountain building, and traditional “Lam Thon” dancing in the courtyard.
- Ok Om Bok (October): Known as the Moon Worship Festival. Locals gather here to offer young rice (“Cốm dẹp”) to the moon and release colorful lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere.
Learn about the “Leaves of Knowledge”
Ask the monks or the caretakers about the pagoda’s collection of Satra.
- The Heritage: These are ancient Buddhist scriptures written on dried palm leaves. It is a traditional art form where monks use a sharp stylus to etch Pali or Khmer script onto the leaves. While many are stored away for preservation, learning about this painstaking method gives you a deep appreciation for their dedication to preserving knowledge.
Find Peace in the Courtyard
Despite being on the busiest avenue in Can Tho, the pagoda’s courtyard offers a surprising pocket of silence.
- The Activity: Take a moment to sit on the stone benches near the Stupa. The sound of the city fades away, replaced by the gentle chiming of wind bells hanging from the temple eaves. It is a perfect spot for a few minutes of mindfulness or meditation before continuing your city tour.
Insider Tips for an Enhanced Visit
To ensure a respectful and enriching experience at this important Khmer cultural site, here are some local tips:
- Respect the “Barefoot” Rule: Unlike some other tourist sites, the rule here is strict. You must remove your shoes before walking up the stairs to the Main Hall (Chanh Dien). There are shoe racks provided at the bottom of the steps.
- Dress Modestly: This is a functioning monastery where monks live and study. Please ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. Avoid tank tops, short skirts, or hats inside the prayer areas. If you forget, it’s polite to bring a scarf to wrap around yourself.
- Observe the Monks with Respect: You will often see young monks in saffron robes walking around the grounds or studying. You can take photos of the architecture, but ask for permission before taking close-up portraits of the monks. Also, women should avoid physical contact with monks.
- Check the Lunar Calendar: If you want to see the pagoda at its liveliest, plan your trip around the 15th or 30th of the lunar month. On these days, many local devotees come to offer food and prayers, filling the hall with chanting and incense.
Combining Munir Ansay Pagoda with Nearby Attractions
Because Munir Ansay Pagoda is situated right on Hoa Binh Avenue, you can easily visit it as part of a walking tour of downtown Can Tho. Here are the best spots to visit nearby:
- Can Tho Museum: Located just 300m away (a 3-minute walk across the intersection), this is the largest museum in the Mekong Delta.
- Military Zone 9 Museum: Situated about 500m further down Hoa Binh Avenue, this museum displays outdoor tanks, helicopters, and aircraft used during the Vietnam War.
- Ninh Kieu Park & Wharf: A short 10-minute walk (800m) towards the river will take you to the city’s most famous waterfront.
- Can Tho Grand Prison (Kham Lon Can Tho): Located on Ngo Gia Tu Street (about 1 km away), this historical site preserves the colonial-era prison cells.
- Phat Hoc Pagoda (Chua Phat Hoc): Located diagonally opposite Munir Ansay on Hoa Binh Avenue, this is a massive Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhist temple.
Our Signature Can Tho Tours
We design authentic cultural tours throughout the Mekong Delta, from floating markets and traditional villages to multi-day expeditions showcasing Southern Vietnam’s heritage, sustainable communities, and vibrant river life.
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Can Tho Floating Market & Fruit Garden Tour: Mekong Tropical Sense
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Cai Rang Floating Market Tour | Amazing Can Tho of Mekong Delta
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Can Tho Rural Tour: Cai Rang Floating Market and Rural Cycling
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Ready for the Real Mekong? Book Your Authentic Tour Today
Planning Your Mekong Trip?
Get a free, personalized itinerary from our local experts in under 120 minutes.
Instant WhatsApp Support
100% Tailor-made Itinerary
Get a Free Consultation
Leave your contact, we handle the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions about Munir Ansay Pagoda
Is Munir Ansay Pagoda different from a regular Vietnamese temple?
Yes. It follows Khmer Theravada Buddhism (influenced by Cambodia/India), unlike the typical Vietnamese Mahayana style. Instead of dragons and red tiles, you will see golden spires, sharp roof ridges, and mythical Angkor-style carvings.
Is there an entrance fee for Munir Ansay Pagoda?
No, admission is completely free for all visitors. You may leave a voluntary donation in the box inside the main hall if you wish.
Can I meet the monks at the Munir Ansay Pagoda?
Yes, monks live and study here and are often friendly to visitors. However, please be respectful, ask before taking photos, and remember that women should avoid physical contact with monks.
What should I wear when visiting the Munir Ansay Pagoda?
Dress modestly. You must cover your shoulders and knees. Also, remember to remove your shoes before entering the Main Hall or any prayer areas.
Is the Munir Ansay Pagoda open during lunchtime?
The gates are open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but the Main Hall (Sanctuary) may close briefly for the monks’ rest period between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM.
Where is the Munir Ansay Pagoda located?
It is at 36 Hoa Binh Avenue, right in the city center. Look for the distinctive golden arched gate directly opposite the Ninh Kieu District People’s Committee.
