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Bat Pagoda (or “Chua Doi” in Vietnamese) is located in Van Ngoc Chinh Street, Ward 3, Soc Trang City. It is the only cultural space dedicated to the worship of Buddha by the Khmer community in the southern region of Soc Trang Province.
Bat Pagoda is also known as Mahadupa Pagoda in Khmer, which means "created by virtue and blessings". The reason behind the name "Bat Pagoda" is that the pagoda is home to a large colony of bats.
Bat Pagoda @Thamhiemmekong
According to historical records, construction of the pagoda began in 1569, more than 440 years ago. The main hall was initially built with leaves and bamboo but was reconstructed with bricks and tiled roofs later. In 1960, the residents enhanced the main sanctuary's stunning beauty with extensive restorations, which resulted in its current majestic aspect.
In 1999, Bat Pagoda was recognized as a national historical and cultural relic. The Soc Trang authorities then continue to implement a policy of preservation and enhancement, both to educate visitors about religious beliefs and to establish the Bat Pagoda as a familiar tourist destination in the province.
Visiting Bat Pagoda @letstours
You can be confident that your visit to Bat Pagoda will be a memorable and enjoyable experience.
At Bat Pagoda, you'll find a variety of impressive architectural structures, including the main hall, Sala, the assembly hall for monks and followers, the residence of monks and abbots, cremation towers, and guest rooms. Those buildings are situated in a vast compound adorned with numerous ancient trees, spanning across an area of roughly 4 hectares.
The pagoda features tiled roofs with four curved corners resembling the Naga serpents, with a pointed tower crowning the roof. Surrounding the main hall are rows of columns, each adorned with statues of Kemnar fairies clasping their hands in front of their chests.
In the main hall, you'll find a magnificent Buddha statue. It was carved from a single block of stone and stands atop a lotus pedestal, towering at about 2 meters tall.
The architecture of Bat Pagoda @dulich.reatimes
When visiting Bat Pagoda, you should not overlook the fascinating tales of the bats that lend their name to the temple. The pagoda grounds are home to numerous starfruit and fig trees, serving as sanctuaries for thousands of bats. Every evening, swarms of bats flock back to the temple courtyard, filling the sky with their presence.
The bats are primarily active at night, around 6 PM, when they venture out to forage for food, returning around 5 AM. the next morning. Although there are many other serene temples in Soc Trang with shady gardens, the fact that these bat colonies only choose Bat Pagoda as their residence remains a mysterious phenomenon. They only roost on the branches within the temple grounds, never venturing outside.
Bats in the Bat Pagoda @Toquoc
Also, the bats may recognize the kindness of the pagoda's monks. They do not disturb any fruit trees in the garden, which is a testament to the friendly and respectful relationship between the bats and the monks. When they move, they seem to instinctively fly in circles instead of directly over the main temple roof.
That may be the reason why the monks at this temple confidently consider the presence of bats to be a blessing from Buddha, unlike our fear of them. They take measures to protect the bat colonies in a friendly manner.
Bats in the Bat Pagoda @dangcongsan.vn
According to the Khmer people, the five-toed pig is considered the animal that holds the human’s essence of evil. Therefore, these pigs are seen as mischievous beings and raising them is believed to bring misfortune and turmoil to families. As a result, they have been sent to the Bat Pagoda to be taken care of by the monks for over 20 years.
If you wish to witness these creatures firsthand, the monks are ready to guide you to the rear gate of the temple to visit the five-toed pigs in their pens.
The five-toed pigs in Bat Pagoda @Nguoi Lao Dong
The weather at Bat Pagoda is typically warm and tropical, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C throughout the year. Visitors should expect humid conditions, especially during the rainy season from May to October.
When you visit Bat Pagoda, we recommend wearing light and breathable clothing to stay comfortable. Remember to bring sunscreen and insect repellent to keep your skin safe from the sun and bugs. We want you to have the best experience possible!
Bat Pagoda during Summer @Thamhiemmekong
While there are no accommodations directly at Bat Pagoda, visitors can find various lodging options in Soc Trang City.
From budget-friendly guest houses which cost VND 250.000/room/night to luxurious resorts which cost VND 1.000.000/room/night onwards, various accommodations suit every traveler's preferences and budget. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and warm hospitality as you explore the enchanting surroundings of Bat Pagoda.
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You can go around the Bat Pagoda surrounding and find out that there are various choices of foods in the area.
When it comes to local specialties, everyone knows about the famous and delicious banh pia (durian pie). There are also many other choices, such as noodle soup with rich broth (bun nuoc leo), noodle soup with fermented fish sauce (bun mam), fried shrimp cakes (banh cong), Chinese sausage, and more.
The prices in Soc Trang are notably affordable, and instances of overcharging are uncommon, providing a high degree of confidence when it comes to dining and exploring the area.
Banh Pia (Durian pie) - Bat Pagoda @Shutterstock
To reach Bat Pagoda, travelers can take a scenic drive of approximately 3 kilometers from Soc Trang City Follow the signs along the route to Bat Pagoda, and enjoy the picturesque journey through the lush countryside of the Mekong Delta. Alternatively, guided tours and transportation services are available for those seeking a hassle-free travel experience.
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Please note that Bat Pagoda is a sacred site, and visitors are kindly reminded to respect the religious customs and traditions observed at the temple. Dress modestly and avoid making loud noises or disruptive behavior while exploring the grounds. Take only memories and leave only footprints to preserve the sanctity of this spiritual sanctuary.
After reading this introduction, you'll gain insights into the local lifestyle and culture, which will provide an overview of your trip to Bat Pagoda.
For more information about Vietnamese tourist attractions, please visit our Vietnam Destination Overview. Our articles offer valuable insights to help you plan your trip to Vietnam effectively.
If you're interested in more in-depth information about traveling to Vietnam, be sure to check out our Vietnam Travel Blog. You'll find plenty of helpful information about the local lifestyle and culture there!
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