Truc Lam Phuong Nam meditation complex is a famous spiritual destination in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho. 

The pagoda complex is situated 15 kilometers from downtown, in My Khanh Ward, Phong Dien District. Built in 2013-2014 on an area of four hectares, Truc Lam Phuong Nam is one of the largest Buddhist complexes in the Mekong Delta.

Visitors can see a one-pillar pagoda in a small lotus lake at the entrance of the complex, which resembles the iconic one-pillar pagoda in Hanoi.

The construction follows the one-pillar architectural style employed in the Ly Dynasty era (1009-1225). 

The pagoda was placed on a wooden pillar with a cement base less than a meter to the water level.

The main hall, called Dai Hung Buu Dien, is the place for praying. The building has 44 giant ironwood columns that can barely be hugged by an adult. The columns are placed on gray stones with stylized lotus carvings.

The main hall has a roof with eight parts in the architectural style of the Tran Dynasty (1225-1400), while the ancestor worship hall has a four-part roof in Ly Dynasty style.

The main hall is located inside the center with two layers of roofs, each with eight parts. A 3.5-ton bronze statue depicts a seated Shakyamuni Buddha with a flower in hand.

Along the main entrance of the main hall are the statues of the 18 Arhat.

A way at the side of the main hall leads to the back of the ancestor veneration hall. Along the two aisles are also statues of the Arhat with pictures describing the activities of the center.

A bell tower and a drum tower are modeled after the Keo Pagoda bell tower in the northern province of Thai Binh. The main building material used for the main hall, ancestor worship hall and towers was ironwood imported from South Africa.

The interior of the ancestor worship hall resembles that of ancient houses in southern Vietnam. There are two old sofas inside.

After worshiping and taking a look around the center, visitors can go outside where there is a garden. 

Inside the complex are also many other constructions such as the Bodhisattva temple, a hall for guests, lecture halls, a library, and a traditional medical room.  

Photos by Phong Vinh, Robin Westerbeeke