Discover Ao Ba Om – Where Ancient Roots Shape the Mysterious Beauty of Tra Vinh
Ao Ba Om, located in Ward 8 of Tra Vinh City, about 5 kilometers from the city center, is one of the most famous scenic and cultural landmarks of the province and the Mekong Delta region. The heritage site covers an area of more than 300 hectares, consisting of a 15-hectare freshwater lake, surrounding embankments, and an ancient forest. The lake was manually excavated by local residents centuries ago to store rainwater for daily use and agricultural production.
In 1994, Ao Ba Om was recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Relic, and it serves as the venue for traditional Khmer festivals such as Chol Chnam Thmay, Sel Dolta, and Ok Om Bok.
The area around the lake stands out for its ancient oil and hopea trees, whose massive, uniquely shaped roots have surfaced over time due to the region’s soil conditions and natural erosion. In 2016, Tra Vinh Province invested over VND 7 billion to renovate the site — dredging and reinforcing the lakebed to prevent erosion, conserve water, and enhance the landscape.
Beyond sightseeing, visitors can explore the Khmer Cultural Museum and Ang Pagoda, one of the oldest and most beautiful Khmer temples among more than 140 in Tra Vinh Province.