Phat Hoc 2 pagoda (Buddhist Pagoda 2) or Soc Trang Buddhist Charity Cultural Center is a structure in the largest campus in Soc Trang province up to the present time.
By Thomas Vietnam at vemekong.com | Official Soc Trang Visitor Guide
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Nowadays, there are more and more green and responsible tours which are meaningful and educational as well. This is why Can Tho noodle factory is getting popular for both Vietnamese and foreigners to come and explore the cuisine culture and the typical local life in Can Tho, Mekong Delta.
Ticket: Free
Spend-time: Half an hour (approx)
Hours: Dawn – dust
Address: Buddhist Pagoda 2 (Phat Hoc 2 Pagoda) also known as Quan Am Linh Ung Pagoda, is located in Ward 8, Soc Trang City, about 5km from the city center.
In 2011, Phat Hoc 2 Pagoda started construction with an initial area of 1.5 hectares, now it has been expanded to 8.5 hectares, including works with massive items such as garages for thousands of vehicles, many living rooms equipped with air-conditioner, hundreds of hammocks are arranged under the trees. The green garden is always ready to serve guests with a peaceful lunch break.
The first impression of visitors when arriving at this temple must be the quietness and coolness because the temple space is very large. Visiting the Buddhist Temple 2, visitors will be able to see the majestic beauty of the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha in a sitting position with a height of 7m; In addition, there is a statue of Buddha attesting to Nirvana with a length of 17m; 20 incarnations of Buddha Guanyin.
On the large pond arranged in the center of the temple, visitors can see the bottomless bowl of wisdom boat, which carries 8 Buddhas in the middle of the sea, saving sentient beings from the cycle of reincarnation. The design is quite sacred as a typical highlight of the project. People also listen to the gentle relaxation when feeding thousands of iridescent fish in the pond with their own hands. Watching them splash on the water is like a peaceful and compassionate dance.
Behind the main hall is a space that makes anyone feel relaxed with miniatures simulating meaningful folk tales about the sacrifices of the Buddhas, about human love, expressing good over evil such as: "The legend of betel nut and areca"... Besides, there are many species of birds, deer, monkeys, pythons, tigers, dragons.
Not only that, the pagoda is also a free treatment facility for the poor named Tue Tinh Duong with spacious and clean facilities. Every day, this place receives many cases. Patients who live far away are also arranged to eat and stay for free on the spot. Some people have volunteered to stay at the temple when they have recovered from their illness to do good deeds and accumulate virtue for their children and grandchildren. The pagoda also adopts children who are wandering, orphaned, orphaned.
Buddhist Pagoda 2 (Phat Hoc 2 Pagoda) in Soc Trang is a solemn place, so you should choose beautiful clothes that are still polite and discreet. In the temple grounds, there are many animal statues such as elephants, snakes, birds, and the ponds etc. If you go with the children, please take care of them well and remind them not to climb because these are sacred symbols of the local people.
The monks don’t ask for money, although donations won’t hurt.
Bring your hat, sunglasses, and sunblock, scarf to wear when visiting temples, pagodas, and the cathedral.
If you plan to extend your tour to Soc Trang homestay, do not forget to bring mosquito repellent cream.
When visiting the Soc Trang or doing any customized tours, choose reputable providers with boat trips equipped with lifebuoys, jackets, motorcycle and cycling tours with the helmets. Safety is a priority!
Soc Trang tourist attractions are magnificent itself, but if you have enough time, don’t forget to put other places onto your bucket lists such as Bat pagoda, Chen Kieu (Bowl) pagoda, Dung islet, Ghe Ngo boat race festival, pink trumpet tree road, Clay pagoda (Chua Dat Set), Khleang pagoda, Nga Nam floating market, Phat Hoc 2 pagoda, Soc Trang central market, Soc Trang museum, Som Rong pagoda, popular and clean homestays and hotels in Soc Trang…
Soc Trang food & drink guide ranges from street food, authentic, fancy to fusion foods. As a tropical land of many fresh vegetables and homegrown gardens, which always make Soc Trang cuisines fresh, close to nature and very traditional. If you are a food lover, don’t hesitate to put other bites onto your food lists such as Cong Cake, Pia Cake, Bun Nuoc Leo Soc Trang’s Noodle Soup…
Bring the raincoat if you travel to Soc Trang in the rainy season, as Soc Trang always looks fantastic in the full rain and full sun.
Hopefully, the above tips will help you to come up with a great plan for your adventure in Soc Trang, Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Have a safe trip!
“Sleep less, travel more, respect more” – Thomas Vietnam – Local travel expert.
Thank you
