Explore Bat Pagoda in Soc Trang with our expert guide! Discover its unique Khmer architecture, bat colony, costs, and sustainable tours. Book with Legend Travel Group for an unforgettable Mekong Delta adventure!
Bat Pagoda - Capture the ecological wonder of Soc Trang’s Khmer sanctuaryNestled at 73B Le Hong Phong Street, Ward 3, Soc Trang, now part of the expanded Can Tho City administrative region, Bat Pagoda (Chùa Dơi or Mahatup Pagoda) is a cultural and ecological marvel in the Mekong Delta, 230 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Built in 1569, this 456-year-old Khmer temple is renowned for its vibrant architecture and a resident colony of over 1,000 fruit bats, known as flying foxes, which lend it its name. Attracting thousands of visitors annually, the pagoda’s serene 4-hectare campus, ancient trees, and mysterious five-clawed pig tombs offer a unique blend of spirituality and nature. Soc Trang’s commitment to sustainable tourism, through the “Mekong Green” initiative, makes it an ideal destination for eco-conscious travelers. Legend Travel Group, a leading local tour operator, offers eco-friendly tours to explore this iconic site. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your journey
Legend Travel Group is dedicated to authentic, sustainable Southeast Asian experiences. Our Soc Trang tours use low-impact transport—bicycles, electric boats, and eco-vans—guided by local experts who share the region’s cultural and ecological stories. Supporting communities in Ward 3 and Nga Nam Wards, we align with Can Tho City’s vision to preserve its heritage. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless adventure. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and travel responsibly
Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has merged Soc Trang and Hau Giang into Can Tho City, with Can Tho as the administrative hub. District-level units are now wards or communes, making Can Tho City Vietnam’s largest by landmass. Enhanced by sustainable infrastructure—cycling paths, electric buses, and a VND800 billion flood mitigation project—Bat Pagoda is easily accessible, offering a perfect blend of culture and eco-tourism.
Photograph the mystical allure of Soc Trang’s Khmer beliefs (Source: Internet)Bat Pagoda, officially Wathseraytecho Mahatup, meaning “created by virtue and blessings,” is one of Soc Trang’s oldest Khmer temples, recognized as a national historical and cultural relic in 1999. Spanning 4 hectares, its vibrant yellow architecture features Naga snake motifs, Kemnar fairy statues, and a 2-meter Shakyamuni Buddha statue. The pagoda’s lush garden hosts a colony of fruit bats, weighing 1–1.5 kg with 1.5-m wingspans, which mysteriously choose only this temple as their home. Unique tombs for five-clawed pigs, believed to be sacred, add to its mystique. Maintained by monks and local authorities, Bat Pagoda is a spiritual hub and eco-tourism destination.
Experience Soc Trang Tours with sustainable adventures (Source: Internet)Constructed in 1569 under Mr. Thach Ut’s guidance, Bat Pagoda began as a bamboo-and-leaf structure, later rebuilt with bricks and tiles. Its name, Mahatup, reflects a historical peasant victory against colonial forces, symbolizing resistance. Major renovations in 1960 enhanced its main hall, but a 2008 fire damaged it, leading to a VND4 billion restoration completed in 2009. The bat colony’s origin is unknown, with local lore suggesting they arrived centuries ago, drawn by the pagoda’s sanctity. Since the 1980s, monks have raised five-clawed pigs, burying them in dedicated tombs upon death, a practice rooted in Khmer beliefs about their spiritual significance. In 2013, the pagoda was developed as a tourist area, preserving its cultural and ecological value.
Bat Pagoda is 3 km from Soc Trang’s central ward, easily accessible:
Fly to Can Tho International Airport (VCA): 60 km from Soc Trang, VCA serves flights from Ho Chi Minh City ($70–$140 or 1,750,000–3,500,000 VND, 45 minutes) or Hanoi ($100–$180 or 2,500,000–4,500,000 VND, 2 hours 10 minutes).
Ground Transport from VCA to Soc Trang:
Eco-Van (Recommended): Legend Travel Group’s electric vans cost $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND) for 2–4 passengers, taking 1–1.5 hours.
Taxi/Grab: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Bus: $3–$6 (75,000–150,000 VND), 1.5–2 hours.
From Soc Trang Central Ward to Bat Pagoda (3 km): Follow Hai Ba Trung Street south 800 m to Tran Hung Dao, continue 800 m to Le Hong Phong, then turn right onto Van Ngoc Chinh for 1 km. Options include:
Walking: 30–40 minutes.
Bicycle Rental: $1–$2/day (25,000–50,000 VND).
Motorbike Rental: $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND).
Taxi/Grab: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).
Sleeper Bus to Soc Trang: 5–6 hours, $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND). Book via Baolau or 12go.asia.
Private Eco-Van: $50–$80 (1,250,000–2,000,000 VND) for 2–4 passengers, 4.5–5 hours.
Tip: Book eco-van transfers via Legend Travel Group for sustainable travel. Download Maps.me or MyCanTho app for navigation.
Learn Soc Trang’s cultural heritage with expert insights (Source: Internet)Watch over 1,000 fruit bats (flying foxes) hanging from starfruit and fig trees, active at dusk (6:00 PM) when they fly out to feed, returning by 5:00 AM. Their respect for the pagoda’s fruit trees adds to the mystery.
Cost: Free; donations $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM daily; bats best seen 5:00 PM–6:00 PM.
Tip: Bring binoculars for close-up views. Included in our Soc Trang Cultural Tour ($55–$75).
Admire the main hall’s yellow-tiled roof with Naga snake carvings, Kemnar fairy statues, and a 2-meter Shakyamuni Buddha statue on a Muchalinda snake throne. Murals depict Buddha’s life from birth to Nirvana.
Cost: Free; donations $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.
Tip: Photograph the sub-gates’ five-headed snakes. Included in our Soc Trang Cultural Tour ($55–$75).
Discover the unique tombs behind the pagoda, each marked with a pig image, dedicated to five-clawed pigs raised by monks since the 1980s, believed to ward off misfortune in Khmer lore.
Cost: Free; donations $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.
Tip: Respect the sacred area; avoid touching tombs. Included in our Soc Trang Cultural Tour ($55–$75).
Join Theravada Buddhist meditation or prayer sessions with monks in the Sala house, fostering spiritual connection.
Cost: Free; donations $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Hours: On request, typically 7:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Tip: Book via Legend Travel Group for guided sessions. Included in our Soc Trang Cultural Tour ($55–$75).
Participate in Khmer scripture readings or palm-leaf manuscript studies, preserved in the pagoda’s library, to learn about Buddhist teachings.
Cost: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).
Hours: On request, typically 9:00 AM–3:00 PM.
Tip: Ideal for small groups; book in advance. Included in our Soc Trang Cultural Tour ($55–$75).
The dry season (November–April, 25–34°C or 77–93.2°F) is ideal, with mild weather perfect for exploring the pagoda’s gardens and nearby attractions like Nga Nam Floating Market. February–April, especially during Khmer New Year (Chol Chnam Thmay, mid-April), offers vibrant ceremonies and pleasant conditions. The rainy season (May–October, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F) provides fewer crowds and 15–25% discounts, ideal for indoor activities like meditation, but August–October may bring flooding. The Ooc Om Bok Festival (October–November, lunar calendar) aligns with lively bat activity and cultural events, though prices rise 10–20%. Visit at dusk (5:00 PM–6:00 PM) to see bats take flight. Check AccuWeather for forecasts.
Tip: Book 3–5 weeks in advance for November–April or festivals to secure better rates. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer cooler weather and fewer crowds.
Begin your Soc Trang Tours with a scenic adventure (Source: Internet)Entrance Fees:
Bat Pagoda: Free; donations $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Workshops: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).
Guided Tours: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Transport:
Bicycle Rental: $1–$2/day (25,000–50,000 VND).
Motorbike Rental: $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND).
Taxi/Grab (within Soc Trang): $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).
Eco-Van (VCA to Soc Trang): $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Dining (Nearby):
Street Food (e.g., Bún Nước Lèo, Bánh Pía): $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Restaurants: $3–$12 (75,000–300,000 VND).
Drinks: $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).
Accommodation (Soc Trang Central Ward):
Hostels/Guesthouses: $10–$25/night (250,000–625,000 VND).
Hotels: $30–$100/night (750,000–2,500,000 VND).
Resorts: $120–$300/night (3,000,000–7,500,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost:
Budget: $15–$40 (free entry, street food, bike rental).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (guided tours, dining).
Luxury: $70–$110 (private tours, upscale dining).
Tip: Use ATMs in Soc Trang Central Ward; carry VND for donations. Book early for festival seasons to save up to 20%.
Book Early: Reserve flights, hotels, and tours 3–5 weeks in advance via Legend Travel Group (+84 938 987 654) or Klook for peak seasons or festivals.
Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me) or MyCanTho app. The pagoda is bike-friendly, 3 km from downtown.
Sustainability: Use bicycles; carry reusable water bottles; support local vendors selling farm products ($1–$5 or 25,000–125,000 VND) to align with Mekong Green initiatives.
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly (covered shoulders, knees); say “cảm ơn” (thank you); tip monks or guides ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); avoid disturbing bats or tombs.
Health Precautions: Apply mosquito repellent for gardens; bring sunscreen (SPF 50+); stay hydrated during dusk visits.
Safety: Secure valuables in crowded festival settings; avoid flooded paths in August–October.
Explore Bat Pagoda and Soc Trang with our sustainable tours:
Soc Trang Cultural Tour ($55–$75/person): Bat Pagoda, Chen Kieu Pagoda, Clay Pagoda, meditation sessions. Includes bike rentals, eco-transfers, and snacks.
Mekong River Adventure ($60–$80/person): Bat Pagoda, Nga Nam Floating Market, Hau River cruise. Includes electric boat transfers and lunch.
Soc Trang Nature Tour ($65–$85/person): Bat Pagoda, Tan Long Stork Garden, Vinh Chau Mangrove Forest. Includes eco-transfers and meals.
Soc Trang Festival Tour ($70–$90/person, October–November): Bat Pagoda, Ooc Om Bok Festival, Ngo boat races. Includes eco-transfers and dining.
Soc Trang Foodie Tour ($50–$70/person): Bat Pagoda, Soc Trang Central Market, Bún Nước Lèo tasting. Includes eco-transfers and meals.
Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, entrance fees, and meals/snacks. Enjoy 10% off for groups of 8+ or seasonal promotions. Book now via links around this page
Bat Pagoda (Chùa Dơi or Mahatup Pagoda), located on Van Ngoc Chinh Street in Soc Trang Ward, Can Tho City, 230 km from Ho Chi Minh City, is a 456-year-old Khmer temple blending spirituality, architectural grandeur, and ecological wonder, drawing thousands yearly. Its vibrant main hall, adorned with golden Naga snakes and a 2m-high Shakyamuni Buddha statue, complements the serene 4-hectare campus hosting a bat colony of flying foxes (1–1.5 kg, 1.5m wingspan) that soar at dusk, and unique five-clawed pig tombs, reflecting Khmer beliefs. Supported by sustainable practices like bat conservation and eco-friendly temple maintenance, Legend Travel Group’s Soc Trang Tours ensure a responsible, immersive Soc Trang Travel experience, blending visits to Kh’leang Pagoda, Nga Nam Floating Market, and culinary delights like bún nước lèo ($1–$2, 25,000–50,000 VND). Contact Legend Travel Group at www.legendtravelgroup.com, sales@legendtravelgroup.com, or (+84) 825862222 for personalized itineraries and to book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to explore Bat Pagoda’s mysteries? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and immerse yourself in Soc Trang’s cultural and ecological heart!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Sources:
Bat Pagoda Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, vemekong.com, asiakingtravel.com, scootersaigontour.com, lonelyplanet.com, originvietnam.com, vietnamnet.vn, talkvietnam.com, 63stravel.com, impresstravel.com, fme.travel, dalattrip.com, sonasia-holiday.com, tripadvisor.com
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