Soc Trang’s Pagodas: A Journey Through Khmer Spiritual Heritage

Soc Trang, a vibrant cultural hub in the Mekong Delta, now part of the expanded Can Tho City administrative region, is renowned for its rich Khmer, Vietnamese (Kinh), and Chinese heritage, attracting over 3 million visitors annually. Located 230 km from Ho Chi Minh City, Soc Trang is home to over 90 Khmer pagodas, showcasing intricate architecture, spiritual depth, and centuries-old traditions. These sacred sites, like the iconic Bat Pagoda and ancient Kh’leang Pagoda, offer a glimpse into the Khmer Theravada Buddhist lineage, blending art, history, and community life. Soc Trang’s commitment to sustainable tourism, through the “Mekong Green” initiative, ensures eco-friendly exploration. Legend Travel Group, a leading local tour operator, curates sustainable eco-tours to immerse you in these spiritual landmarks. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your cultural journey!

Legend Travel Group specializes in authentic, sustainable Southeast Asian experiences across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar. 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 spiritual stories. Supporting communities in Soc Trang’s central ward and Nga Nam, we align with Can Tho City’s vision to preserve its heritage. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before tours, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless travel experience. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and explore Soc Trang’s pagodas 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—Soc Trang’s pagodas, from Kh’leang to Chén Kiểu, are easily accessible, offering a serene blend of spiritual and eco-tourism exploration.

Soc Trang’s pagodas are architectural and spiritual masterpieces, predominantly influenced by Khmer Theravada Buddhism, with some reflecting Vietnamese and Chinese elements. These temples, often centuries old, serve as community hubs for worship, education, and festivals like Ooc Om Bok (October–November). From the bat-inhabited Bat Pagoda to the clay-crafted wonders of Clay Pagoda, each site offers unique features, from intricate Naga snake motifs to ancient palm-leaf scriptures. Most pagodas are free to visit, with optional donations supporting maintenance. Below are the top pagodas, updated with current details, costs, and sustainable visit tips.

1. Bat Pagoda (Chùa Dơi or Mahatup Pagoda)

Overview: Located at 73B Lê Hồng Phong Street, Ward 3, this 456-year-old Khmer temple, built in 1569, is a national relic (1999) famous for hosting over 1,000 fruit bats (flying foxes) and unique five-clawed pig tombs. Its vibrant yellow main hall, adorned with Naga snakes and Kemnar fairies, reflects Theravada Buddhist artistry.

• Highlights: Observe bats hanging like fruit at dawn (5:00 AM–7:00 AM) or flying out at dusk (5:00 PM–6:00 PM); explore murals in the main hall; join meditation sessions.

• Cost: Free entry; donations $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); guided tours $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

• How to Get There: 3 km from central ward; walk (30 minutes), bike ($1–$2/day or 25,000–50,000 VND), or taxi ($2–$4 or 50,000–100,000 VND).

• Best Time: February–April for Khmer New Year; October–November for Ooc Om Bok Festival.

• Experience: Respect bat habitats by maintaining distance; attend cultural events during festivals.

• Sustainability Tip: Support temple preservation through donations; avoid plastic waste in the garden.

• Included in: Soc Trang Cultural Tour ($55–$75), Soc Trang Festival Tour ($70–$90).

2. Kh’leang Pagoda

Overview: At 71 Mậu Thân Street, Ward 6, Kh’leang Pagoda is Soc Trang’s oldest temple, built in 1532 and a national relic (1990). Rebuilt in 1918, its three-tiered main hall houses 45 Shakyamuni statues, blending Khmer, Chinese, and Vietnamese motifs. It’s a hub for Khmer cultural education and festivals.

• Highlights: Admire the main hall’s gilded statues and ceiling paintings of dancing fairies; explore the Sala assembly house; join calligraphy workshops ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND).

• Cost: Free entry; donations $1–$2; guided tours $5–$10; workshops $10–$20.

• How to Get There: 1 km from central ward; walk (10 minutes), bike ($1–$2/day), or taxi ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND).

• Best Time: October–November for Ooc Om Bok; February–April for Khmer New Year.

• Experience: Participate in meditation or festival rituals; study palm-leaf scriptures in the library.

• Sustainability Tip: Donate to support the Khmer cultural school; use reusable water bottles.

• Included in: Soc Trang Cultural Tour ($55–$75), Soc Trang Festival Tour ($70–$90).

3. Clay Pagoda (Chùa Đất Sét or Bửu Sơn Tự)

Overview: Situated at 286 Tôn Đức Thắng Street, Ward 5, this 1929 temple, managed by the Ngô family’s fourth generation, is a national relic (2013) renowned for 1,900 clay Buddha statues, dragon sculptures, and six giant candles (200 kg each) burning for decades. Its intimate setting offers a unique spiritual experience.

• Highlights: Marvel at hand-crafted clay statues; see the candles lit since 1970; explore the Ngô family’s devotional art.

• Cost: Free entry; donations $1–$2; guided tours $5–$10.

• How to Get There: 2 km from central ward; bike ($1–$2/day), taxi ($2–$4), or walk (20 minutes).

• Best Time: Year-round; early morning (6:00 AM–8:00 AM) for quiet visits.

• Experience: Photograph intricate clay work; learn about the Ngô family’s legacy from monks.

• Sustainability Tip: Respect the delicate clay artifacts; avoid littering to preserve the site.

• Included in: Soc Trang Cultural Tour ($55–$75).

4. Chén Kiểu Pagoda (Sa Lon Pagoda)

Overview: Located in Đại Tâm Commune, Mỹ Xuyên Ward, 12 km from central Soc Trang, this 1815 temple, a national relic (1990), is famed for its walls adorned with recycled porcelain bowls and plates, creating intricate motifs during its 1969 reconstruction. Its seven-story tower and 20 Shakyamuni statues are highlights.

• Highlights: Admire porcelain-tiled walls and Fairy Kayno statues; explore palm-leaf scripture library; view paintings of Buddha’s life.

• Cost: Free entry; donations $1–$2; guided tours $5–$10.

• How to Get There: Taxi ($8–$12 or 200,000–300,000 VND, 20 minutes) or motorbike ($5–$10/day or 125,000–250,000 VND). Legend’s eco-vans cost $15–$20 (375,000–500,000 VND).

• Best Time: November–April for mild weather; festival seasons for cultural events.

• Experience: Photograph the unique porcelain designs; join prayer sessions.

• Sustainability Tip: Support local artisans by purchasing Khmer crafts nearby; respect sacred spaces.

• Included in: Soc Trang Cultural Tour ($55–$75).

5. Som Rong Pagoda (Wat Pătum Wôngsa Som Rông)

Overview: At 367 Tôn Đức Thắng Street, Ward 5, this over 600-year-old Khmer pagoda, rebuilt in 2017, features ancient Som Rong trees and a striking 63-meter reclining Buddha statue, one of Vietnam’s largest. Its red-gold architecture evokes Angkor Wat’s grandeur.

• Highlights: Climb the seven-story tower for city views; admire the reclining Buddha; enjoy sunset serenity with pigeons.

• Cost: Free entry; donations $1–$2; guided tours $5–$10.

• How to Get There: 2 km from central ward; bike ($1–$2/day), taxi ($2–$4), or walk (20 minutes).

• Best Time: Dusk (5:00 PM–7:00 PM) for poetic ambiance; year-round for quiet visits.

• Experience: Photograph the tower’s intricate sculptures; relax in the tree-lined campus.

• Sustainability Tip: Avoid feeding pigeons to protect the ecosystem; donate for pagoda maintenance.

• Included in: Soc Trang Cultural Tour ($55–$75).

6. La Hán Pagoda

Overview: Located at 123 Điện Biên Phủ Street, Ward 8, this Vietnamese-Chinese temple, originally a worship tent, was rebuilt in 1956 and expanded in 1990. It features a two-story main hall with 18 Arhat statues, Quan Yin, and a lotus pond with Phổ Đà Mountain.

• Highlights: Explore the ornate main hall with Thai Thượng Lão Quân statues; relax by the turtle lake; admire dragon-unicorn motifs.

• Cost: Free entry; donations $1–$2; guided tours $5–$10.

• How to Get There: 4 km from central ward; bike ($1–$2/day), taxi ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND), or local bus ($0.50 or 12,500 VND).

• Best Time: Year-round; Tet (January–February) for vibrant ceremonies.

• Experience: Join prayers for peace; photograph the octagonal lamp and pond.

• Sustainability Tip: Respect the turtle lake ecosystem; use eco-friendly transport like bikes.

• Included in: Soc Trang Cultural Tour ($55–$75).

The dry season (November–April, 25–34°C or 77–93.2°F) is ideal for visiting pagodas, with clear skies and mild weather, especially February–April during Khmer New Year (mid-April) for vibrant rituals. The rainy season (May–October, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F) offers fewer crowds and lush temple gardens, though August–October flooding may affect rural sites like Chén Kiểu. Ooc Om Bok Festival (October–November, lunar calendar) brings lively ceremonies at Kh’leang and Bat Pagoda, but expect crowds and 10–20% higher transport costs. Visit early mornings (6:00 AM–8:00 AM) for quiet reflection or evenings (4:00 PM–6:00 PM) for festivals and bat activity at Bat Pagoda. Check AccuWeather for forecasts.

• By Air: Fly to Can Tho International Airport (VCA), 60 km away, 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). Eco-van transfers to Soc Trang cost $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND, 1–1.5 hours).

• By Bus: From Ho Chi Minh City (5–6 hours, $6–$15 or 150,000–375,000 VND) via Phuong Trang (Futa Bus) from Mien Tay Bus Station. From Cần Thơ (1–1.5 hours, $3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND). Book via Baolau or Vexere.

• By Car/Motorbike: Drive 230–250 km from Ho Chi Minh City via National Highway 1A (3.5–5 hours, fuel $15–$30 or 375,000–750,000 VND) or the ferry route through Ben Tre and Trà Vinh (4–6 hours, ferry $1–$4 or 25,000–100,000 VND).
  Tip: Book eco-vans via Legend Travel Group for sustainable travel; use Maps.me for navigation.

Pagoda Visits:

• Entry: Free; donations $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Guided Tours: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

• Workshops (e.g., calligraphy): $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

Transport in Soc Trang:

• Taxi/Grab (1–5 km): $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND); to Chén Kiểu (12 km): $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND).

• Motorbike Rental: $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND); fuel $1–$2/liter (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Bicycle Rental: $1–$2/day (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Eco-Van (rural pagodas): $15–$20 (375,000–500,000 VND).

Dining Near Pagodas:

• Street Food (e.g., Bún Nước Lèo, Bánh Cóng): $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 (Ward 2/3):

• Homestays/Guesthouses: $10–$25/night (250,000–625,000 VND).

• Hotels: $20–$80/night (500,000–2,000,000 VND).

• Resorts: $120–$300/night (3,000,000–7,500,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Excluding Tours):

• Budget: $15–$40 (homestay, street food, bike rental).

• Mid-range: $40–$80 (hotel, dining, taxi).

• Luxury: $80–$150 (upscale hotel, premium dining, eco-van).

Tip: Carry VND for donations and small purchases; use ATMs in Soc Trang Central Ward. Book early for festival seasons to save 15–20%.

• Book Early: Reserve tours 3–5 weeks in advance via Legend Travel Group (+84 938 987 654) or platforms like Klook for peak seasons like Ooc Om Bok.

• Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me) or MyCanTho app. Central pagodas (Kh’leang, Bat, Clay, Som Rong, La Hán) are bike-friendly; Chén Kiểu requires a taxi or motorbike.

• Sustainability: Use bicycles ($1–$2/day) or eco-vans; avoid plastic waste; donate to support pagoda upkeep.

• Cultural Respect: Dress modestly (covered shoulders, knees); remove shoes in worship areas; say “cảm ơn” (thank you); tip guides ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); avoid touching artifacts or wildlife.

• Health Precautions: Apply mosquito repellent for evening visits; bring sunscreen (SPF 50+); stay hydrated with reusable bottles.

• Safety: Secure valuables in crowded festival settings; respect bat and turtle habitats at Bat Pagoda and La Hán Pagoda.

Explore Soc Trang’s pagodas with our sustainable tours:

• Soc Trang Cultural Tour ($55–$75/person): Kh’leang Pagoda, Bat Pagoda, Clay Pagoda, Khmer Museum, calligraphy workshops. Includes bike rentals, eco-transfers, and snacks.

• Soc Trang Festival Tour ($70–$90/person, October–November): Ooc Om Bok Festival at Kh’leang Pagoda, Ngo boat races, Som Rong Pagoda. Includes eco-transfers and dining.

• Mekong Delta Explorer ($250–$400/person, 2–3 days): Kh’leang, Chén Kiểu, Nga Nam Market, eco-tours across Soc Trang. Includes all activities, meals, and eco-transfers.

• Soc Trang Foodie Tour ($50–$70/person): Pagoda visits, Soc Trang Central Market, Bún Nước Lèo tasting. Includes eco-transfers and meals.

• Soc Trang Nature Tour ($65–$85/person): Bat Pagoda, Tân Long Stork Garden, Binh An Eco-Area. 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!

Soc Trang’s pagodas, from the bat-filled serenity of Chùa Dơi to the porcelain artistry of Chén Kiểu, offer a profound journey into the Mekong Delta’s Khmer spiritual heritage. These sacred sites, steeped in history and adorned with intricate designs, captivate with their cultural depth and tranquil beauty. Legend Travel Group’s Soc Trang Tours let you explore these temples sustainably, ensuring a sustainable Soc Trang Travel experience that supports local communities and preserves Soc Trang’s legacy. Plan your pagoda pilgrimage today and immerse yourself in the spiritual heart of Soc Trang!
Ready to discover Soc Trang’s sacred pagodas? Reserve your eco-friendly tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on a spiritual adventure!

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: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group