ExperiencesCity & Culture4 Khmer pagodas that must be visited when coming to Soc Trang
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City & Culture

4 Khmer pagodas that must be visited when coming to Soc Trang

Translated by Bing
Possessing unique architecture, Som Rong Pagoda, Chén Kieu Pagoda, Bat Pagoda, Kh'Leang Pagoda are 4 pagodas that are worshipped by a large number of tourists inside and outside Soc Trang province.

Soc Trang is a province in the Mekong Delta famous for its charming natural scenery, fruitful orchards and long-standing culture of the residents of the western part of the river. In particular, it must be mentioned that the pagodas are imbued with the Khmer cultural identity of the people here.


Wat Pătum Wongsa Som Rong Pagoda


Wat Pătum Wongsa Som Rong Pagoda was built in 1785, commonly known as Som Rong Pagoda. The pagoda is located at 367 Ton Duc Thang, Ward 5, Soc Trang City. This is one of the most visited pagodas in Soc Trang.


On the temple grounds, there is a majestic Statue of Buddha Shakyamuni with a size of 63m long, 22.5m high and placed 28m above the ground.


Photo: Nguyen Thanh Tinh


The most prominent architecture of Som Rong Pagoda is the stupa painted in gray instead of the traditional yellow, which exudes both modernity and majesty and magnificence. On both sides of the path leading to the tower are extremely exquisitely carved statues of the Naga god. Inside the tower is a Buddha statue sitting on a lotus platform. 


When the sun shines in, the whole stupa exudes a rare illusion, making anyone who has the opportunity to admire it surprised.


Photo: VnExpress


Pagoda


Caun Cai Pagoda (Sa Lon Pagoda) is a Khmer pagoda with a very unique structure. The reason why it is called Chén Cai is because in the past, during the construction process, due to lack of funds, the pagoda mobilized people in Phum Soc to donate all kinds of cups to serve the decoration. Therefore, all the walls, lathes and fences of the pagoda are clad from pieces of cups, plates, and artistic crockery.


Photo: VnE


The pagoda has a 3-storey roof architecture, the bottom floor is quite large in size and gradually decreases as it goes up. Each floor is decorated with many motifs and Khmer statues carrying the desire for peace and transcendence. The back of the main hall is a wall embossed with many pieces of beautiful broken cups.


Photo: VOV


Bat Pagoda


Bat Pagoda, also known as Mahatup Pagoda, is one of the oldest pagodas in Soc Trang. The pagoda was built around the 16th century, more than 400 years ago. The Bat Pagoda is considered a unique artistic masterpiece of the Khmer people in Soc Trang when it not only possesses impressive architectural errors but also a shelter for thousands of crow bats inside the pagoda.


Photo: @bazantravel


The overall architecture of the Bat Pagoda includes the Main Hall, Sala, guest house, house for monks, ash house,... Located in the middle of the main hall is a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni sitting on a 2m high stone lotus, next to which is a statue of Buddha riding a snake god Muchalinda. In the pagoda, there are also many rare artifacts such as scriptures written on let leaves, reliefs or ancient oil lamps,...


Kh'Leang Pagoda


Kh'leang Pagoda in Soc Trang is a pagoda dating back nearly 500 years of history. Kh'leang Pagoda was originally built with on-site materials such as bamboo, wood, leaves, and from voluntary contributions from the diaspora in the area, after the 16th century it was built with bricks and tiles and retains the architecture to this day.


Photo: Chudu24


All works of Kh'leang Pagoda are located in a campus of nearly 4000 m2 with many jaggery trees and are sculpted and carved with many patterns, delicate motifs, and vibrant colors in the ancient Khmer style.


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