Som Rong Pagoda, also known as Bôtum Vong Sa Som Rong, is located at 367 Ton Duc Thang, Ward 5, Soc Trang City. The pagoda earned its name from the abundant Som Rong trees, which bear Bôtum flowers, that used to surround it. Initially constructed in 1785 with temporary thatched materials, it has undergone numerous renovations across 12 abbacies to achieve its current grandeur.
Spanning 5 hectares, Som Rong Pagoda comprises four main areas: the main hall, sala, monks’ residence, and a library housing over 1,500 Buddhist scriptures. It is also the only pagoda in Soc Trang that features a colossal statue of the Reclining Buddha, constructed since 2017.
Ong Bon Pagoda
Ong Bon Pagoda is a renowned Chinese-built pagoda in Soc Trang. With a nearly 150-year history, it boasts an ancient architectural style. The pagoda is shaped like the Chinese character “Fu,” symbolizing wealth and abundance.
Adorned with a glazed tile roof, high-hanging red lanterns, and intricate dragon and kylin sculptures, Ong Bon Pagoda offers a spacious and serene ambiance despite its compact grounds. The structures within the pagoda are crafted from stone and wood, featuring elaborately decorated and gold-plated tablets, statues, and altars.
Chen Kieu Pagoda
Chen Kieu Pagoda, also known as Sa Lon Pagoda, is situated along National Highway 1A in Dai Tam Commune, My Xuyen District. Initially thatched, the pagoda was rebuilt in 1969 with its current architecture, including a main hall, sala, and stupa. Unlike the typical golden hue of Khmer pagodas, Chen Kieu Pagoda stands out with vibrant purple, green, red, pink, and orange motifs.
The interior decorations of Chen Kieu Pagoda are crafted from local Khmer people’s donated ceramics, plates, and bowls, not only reducing construction costs during difficult times but also creating a unique feature. Thus, the pagoda earned the name “Chen Kieu,” meaning “Dish Temple.”
Bat Pagoda
Bat Pagoda, or “Doi Pagoda,” showcases a blend of Vietnamese and Cambodian architectural styles in Soc Trang Province. Alternatively called “Serây tê chô mahatúp” in Khmer, which translates to “built by blessings,” the pagoda’s construction commenced in 1569, over 450 years ago. While there are other serene pagodas with lush gardens in the area, this particular colony of bats has chosen to reside only in Bat Pagoda, hanging exclusively from the trees within its premises.
During the day, the bats hang upside down from the branches like ripe fruit clusters. Around 6 PM, they depart in search of food, returning at about 5 AM the next morning. Interestingly, instead of flying straight, the bats circle as they pass over the main hall’s roof.
Kh’leang Pagoda
Kh’leang Pagoda, constructed in the 16th century, is one of the oldest pagodas in Soc Trang, dating back almost 500 years. Located at 71 Ward 6, about 1 km from the city center, it initially featured a simple thatched structure. After several renovations, it was rebuilt with bricks and tiles, and in 1918, the main hall and Sala were reconstructed to their current design.
Kh’leang Pagoda’s architecture includes a main hall, sala, monks’ quarters, and a hall, harmoniously arranged on elevated ground. Among the Khmer community’s pagodas in Soc Trang, it retains the valuable ancient Khmer architectural style in terms of aesthetics and artistry. Additionally, it seamlessly integrates decorative patterns from Kinh culture with carp and dragon motifs from Chinese culture, reflecting the cultural fusion of the three ethnicities that have long coexisted in Soc Trang.
Thien Hau Pagoda
Thien Hau Pagoda, located on Ly Thuong Kiet Street in My Xuyen Town, My Xuyen District, is a distinctive architectural landmark built by the Chinese community. On the 23rd of the third lunar month each year, the pagoda hosts a festival honoring Thien Hau, attracting a large number of visitors.
Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a striking display of high-hanging red lanterns. My Xuyen District is also home to another Thien Hau Pagoda, known as Quan Chau Thien Hau Pagoda, situated on Phan Dinh Phung Street in My Xuyen Town.
Phat Hoc 2 Pagoda (Now Renamed Quan Am Linh Ung Pagoda)
The Soc Trang Buddhist Cultural and Charitable Center, also known as Phat Hoc 2 Pagoda, is located about 5 km from the city center along Pham Hung Street (toward Long Phu District) in Ward 5, Soc Trang City.
Visitors to the center can find peace in the gentle breezes and the tranquil act of feeding thousands of fish in the pond. The majestic 7-meter-tall statue of Buddha Shakyamuni in a seated posture, adorned with six hand gestures symbolizing peace and true compassion, is a sight to behold. Additionally, the pagoda houses a 17-meter-long statue of the Reclining Buddha and 20 manifestations of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.
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