Soc Trang

Soc Trang

Soc Trang

Soc Trang

Soc Trang province is located in the Mekong River Delta area near the mouth of the Bassac River (Song Hau Giang). It is the centre of an intensive rice-rising area and a crossroad for street and canal traffic. It’s a poor area (as demonstrated by the scruffy condition of the provincial capital, Soc Trang city) with an estimated population of 59,000 simply over 200km from Ho Chi Minh City. The street journey entails two ferry crossings.

The main ethnic communities residing in Soc Trang province are the Kin, Khmer (28%), and Hoya (8%). There are a number of attractions in and around the town, including some excellent pagodas.

Chua Doi (‘Maha Tup’ in Kh’mer, however better referred to as the ‘Bat’ Pagoda)

The unique pagoda was built in the course of the 16th century, however has been renovated a number of times since. It’s notable for its architecture, an ancient Buddha statue and various Buddhist books written on sugar palm leaves, however its main claim to fame is the presence of large numbers of fruit bats. They have wingspans of more than a metre and roost within the timber behind the pagoda, resembling large ripe pears as they cling upside down from the upper branches.

The presence of the bats has not affected the vegetation growing in and around the pagoda (although their droppings can have a marked impact on tourists’ garments), and they appear oblivious to the folks wandering around under them. The best time to see them is in the late afternoon after they fly away to look for food.

The Kh’leng Pagoda

It is a fine example of a typical Kh’mer pagoda. Set on a two-degree terrace, the doors and windows are ornamented with Kh’mer motifs and in bright colours. The interior is dominated by a large gilded Buddha and there are several interesting artifacts in dusty show cases. A donation of the box shall be appreciated.

The guide books usually say the building is often locked, which is true. Nevertheless, these in the know or traveling with Gia Linh Travel, will knock on the door, whereupon one of many resident monks will appear, open up, and be delighted to point out you round and chat in regards to the temple, Buddhism and anything else of interest.

Just across the road is a small Kh’mer museum with some good exhibits referring to the local culture.

A Hidden Gem

Soc Trang also has a really unique pagoda. Chua Buu Son Tu (Valuable Mountain Temple) was based greater than 200 years ago, however is now often known as Chua Dat Set (the Clay Pagoda). At the age of twenty, a devout Buddhist monk called Ngo Kim Tong devoted the remainder of his life and considerable expertise to decorating the temple with clay effigies and objects starting from the exquisite to the bizarre. The fruits of his labour over forty two years are a delight.

He is commemorated by a pair of massive candles lit upon his demise in 1970. They will finally burn down throughout 2005, to be replaced by one other pair. As there are one other 4 pairs in inventory, his memorial will last beyond 2,100!

Please be generous along with your donations. The Clay Pagoda is a household temple and thus depends entirely upon the generosity of effectively-wishers to cover the considerable costs of maintaining the building and its remark ready contents.

Imp Son Rang

Not far from the town, the Im Son Rang is a recently-built Kh’mer pagoda in pleasant gardens among the many orchards on My Phuoc Island. The many monks get pleasure from having visitors. It’s a couple of half-hour boat ride.

The Oc-Om-Boc Festival

Soc Trang is a sleepy place aside from December. On the 14th or 15th day of the tenth lunar month, the local Kh’mers stage a sequence of longboat races that appeal to guests and competitors from all over Cambodia and Vietnam. Every boat is carved from a single tree-trunk, diamond-shaped with curved ends. There’s a substantial cash prize at stake, so it’s a lively event.