Located in Tri Ton commune (An Giang province), Tual Prasat Pagoda is quietly located in the middle of a vast rice field. The pagoda has an eye-catching architecture, with the main hall being a 2-story 5-compartment building. The roof is tiled with 3 sharp peaks decorated with many elaborate and sophisticated motifs.
Another highlight of the pagoda that many people know is the gate. Unlike conventional standards, the gate of Tual Prasat pagoda (also known as Koh Kas heaven gate) is located more than 500m from the main hall. The moss and melancholic colors over the years make local people even affectionately call this "gate of time".
The road leading from the gate to the pagoda is softly winding, nestled in the endless rice fields, creating a peaceful scene, separate from the urban noise.
Koh Kas Heaven Gate is carved with many sophisticated Buddhist patterns and motifs. On the gate roof is a cluster of 3 characteristic small towers, supported by 4 solid, elaborately carved pillars. On each top of the tower is a majestic four-sided god statue, and both sides of the gate are stylized into the image of Nagar snake god.
Inside the gate, hand-painted and cement embossed motifs bear the strong Khmer cultural imprint. In particular, the names of Buddhists who contributed to the construction are still solemnly preserved in Khmer script on the gate, as a reminder of community cohesion.
To have "mesmerizingly beautiful" frames, tourists often come here in any season. If the green rice season brings a cool feeling, then late November, early December is the time when the "heaven gate" is most brilliant amidst the sea of ripe golden rice.
Mr. Huynh Nha (20 years old, Can Tho City), a young traveler, shared: "I was immediately captivated by the pristine beauty of this place. The ancient gate appears in the middle of the cool green rice field view, creating an extremely impressive photo space.
Sharing the same passion for culture, Ms. Nguyen Dan Thanh (26 years old, Can Tho City) commented: "With deep tones and nostalgic architecture, just choosing the right camera angle, you will immediately have a photo with the high sky and distant mountains. We call this the gate to heaven because it feels like a sacred junction between heaven and earth.
