Ba Om Pond
A tranquil square pond in Tra Vinh ringed by centuries-old trees with exposed roots, next to a historic Khmer museum and pagoda.
Overview
Ba Om Pond, in Tra Vinh city, is a wide, square-shaped pond bordered by rows of ancient trees whose gnarled, above-ground roots have become a signature image of the site. It sits beside the Khmer Culture Museum and Angkorajaborey Pagoda, making the area a natural cluster for exploring Tra Vinh's Khmer heritage in one visit.
A quiet, shaded spot popular for an easy walk; best combined with the neighbouring museum and pagoda.
Get There
Ba Om Pond is in Khom 3, Ward 8, Tra Vinh City, approximately 5 km southwest of the city centre.
By motorbike or taxi: Follow Vo Van Kiet Street onto National Highway 53 heading southwest from central Tra Vinh. The site is well signposted and takes about 10–15 minutes from the city centre.
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Legend
Ba Om Pond has more than ten origin stories, but the most widely told involves a digging competition between men and women of the ancient Khmer people. The women's team, led by a woman named Om, won through strategy and cleverness. The pond was named after her, and the local tradition of men marrying into women's families and children taking their mother's surname is said to trace back to this legend.
What to See
- The pond itself: A near-square body of water roughly 300 metres wide and 500 metres long, surrounded by ancient fig and coconut trees with enormous exposed root systems. Lotus and water lily flowers bloom seasonally across the surface.
- Ang Pagoda: An ancient Khmer temple on the pond's edge with intricate decorative stonework, a golden tower, and valuable historical artefacts — one of the finest examples of Khmer architecture in the Mekong Delta.
- Ok Om Bok Festival: On the 15th day of the 10th lunar month, the pond comes alive with traditional Khmer celebrations — dancing, Dù kê folk music performances, and lantern releases onto the water symbolising wishes for a good harvest.
Food
A small street food market near the entrance sells local Khmer and Mekong specialities: shaved ice with condensed milk (da bao sua), curry noodles (bun ca ri), fermented fish noodles (bun mam), thick noodle soup (banh canh), and palm sugar pancakes (banh thot not).
Tips
- Combine with Ang Pagoda next door — they share the same grounds
- Visit during Ok Om Bok festival for the most atmosphere (15th day of the 10th lunar month, usually October or November)
- Early morning is best for photography — the still water reflects the trees and pagoda perfectly
