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Soc Trang is home to a large Khmer population. They have built religious structures that reflect their culture. Among the hundreds of Khmer temples in the city, Wat Som Rong stands out as the most impressive and well-known, being the greatest pride of the local people.
A peaceful corner in Wat Som Rong
Wat Som Rong's full name in Khmer is Wat Patum Wongsa Som Rong. The name Som Rong comes from a fact. In the past, the area surrounding the pagoda was abundant with wild trees called Som Rong, leading to the name after them. Only two Som Rong trees remain nowadays yet thriving.
According to the monks, Wat Som Rong was built in 1785 and has undergone 12 generations of abbots. Initially, it was a simple structure made of bamboo and leaves. After several renovations, it has become as magnificent as today. Let's join Asia King Travel and pay a visit through this article.
Wat Som Rong is at 367 Ton Duc Thang Street, Soc Trang City, Soc Trang Province. Thanks to the prime location in the city and convenient access, the pagoda attracts a large number of visitors from near and far. It is about 210 kilometers southwest of Ho Chi Minh City.
You might mistake it for a temple in Thailand or Cambodia
Taking a bus is the most convenient option with a travel distance equivalent to a 4-hour drive. Coach ticket prices range from VND 120,000 to VND 200,000 depending on the class type. You can also travel by private vehicle from Ho Chi Minh City to Soc Trang via National Highway 1A.
Three Kinh-Hoa-Khmer Girls Statue
Upon arriving in Soc Trang City, go straight from National Highway 1A to Hung Vuong Street. At the roundabout with the statue of the three Kinh-Hoa-Khmer girls, turn onto Nguyen Chi Thanh Street. Then, turn left onto Ton Duc Thang Street, where the pagoda is located.
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You can visit Wat Som Rong at any time of the year. Overall, the weather in the South is relatively mild with little variation. Consider visiting in October or November to participate in the Ok Om Bok Festival.
Boat race at Ok Om Bok Festival. Source: VOV
This is the biggest festival of the year for Khmer people in the Mekong Delta, expressing gratitude to the deities for a bountiful harvest. In addition to rituals, there are fun activities such as boat racing, lantern releasing, and Ouk Chaktrang (Khmer chess).
Wat Som Rong is built in a similar architectural style to other Khmer temples in the Mekong Delta, covering an area of 5 hectares. Includes a main hall, a sala (community hall), and a residence for monks. The pagoda also has a library with over 1,500 books. The architectural structures are all harmoniously integrated.
The ancient gate contrasts with the grandeur inside
Upon approaching the pagoda, you are greeted by a grand entrance gate adorned with intricate gold-leafed patterns and various Khmer cultural symbols. Above the gate, five spires symbolize Mount Meru, a mythical mountain where five future Buddhas will attain enlightenment according to Buddhist beliefs.
Walking about 100 meters inside, you will encounter Grand Stupa. The stupa has four sides and four entrances. It has seven tiers, gradually decreasing in size from bottom to top, and a three-tiered base. At the center of the stupa is the image of Buddha Shakyamuni seated on a lotus pedestal.
Each side of the Stupa is designed to be similar and symmetrical to each other
The meticulous craftsmanship of every detail in Grand Stupda is evident in the stylized lotus flowers, the vines running along each edge, and the flame patterns. Color is a standout aspect of the Stupa. Instead of the traditional yellow, it is painted in gray. It exudes a modern yet majestic and ancient aura akin to monolithic stone structures.
The main hall is opposite the Grand Stupa. It is more solemn with brown-red color and golden accents. The exterior of the main hall is painted in vibrant colors and intricate patterns. In front of the main hall's entrance is the image of the newborn Buddha taking his first steps on a lotus pedestal.
Outside the Main Hall
The altar inside the main hall houses numerous statues of Buddha Shakyamuni. Among them, two Buddha statues are in a standing posture, with their arms extended forward and their palms facing outwards, with red-painted fingertips. This symbolizes a reminder for people to refrain from evil deeds and to do good.
The reclining Buddha statue of Shakyamuni entering Nirvana is the most remarkable landmark of the pagoda. The statue 63 meters long and 22.5 meters high, is considered the biggest reclining Buddha statue in Vietnam. Thousands of tourists and professional photographers came to capture its beauty.
Shakyamuni Buddha statue overlooking and protecting visitors. Source: VOV
The statue depicts the Buddha's position from above, looking down upon sentient beings, clearly seeing all the sufferings of humanity. This design also signifies the Buddha's protection over people, as he observes and supports them through all hardships from his elevated perspective.
Wat Som Rong is not only a place of worship but also a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. With such a breathtaking landscape, you should quickly add this destination to your next travel itinerary. Don't forget that Asia King Travel is always here to accompany you on your journey to discover Southeast Asia.
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