Khleang Pagoda – Things to Do & See in Soc Trang
Kh'Leang pagoda is a notable Theravada Buddhist pagoda in Sóc Trăng, a town in the Mekong Delta region of southern Vietnam. With a large ethnic Khmer population in the town, Khleang pagoda is the most well-known Khmer pagoda which features an architectural style similar to the pagodas of Cambodia.
By Thomas Vietnam at vemekong.com | Official Soc Trang Visitor Guide
1. Better to know as a tourist
Ticket: Free
Spend-time: Half an hour (approx)
Hours: Dawn – dusk
Address: 53 Ton Duc Thang Street, Ward 6, Soc Trang, Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Recognition(s): In 1990, Khleang pagoda was recognized as a national cultural historical relic by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and it is an attractive destination for domestic and foreign visitors.
Site beauties: There are many charming Khmer people and the Pôthi school for teaching the Khmer language.
2. Soc Trang Travel guide to Kh'Leang pagoda
Built in 1533, it was originally made of wood with a roof thatched with palm leaves. Since it’s construction up to now, Khleang pagoda has been restored for two times in 1963 and 1994. The pagoda was later reconstructed with brick, and the roof was covered with tiles. The pagoda lies on an area of 3,800m² with a lot of sugar palm trees. a range of wooden stilt-houses and some architectural works.
The pagoda includes architectural works such as the main gate – with three small towers having designs, vignettes, bright colors in the manner of Khmer people; the Sala temple – house for bonzes and followers, accommodation of master bronze; the stupas containing ashes of the dead incinerator; the guesthouse; the Pôthi school for teaching the Khmer language…In which, the sanctum is the nicest and most majestic, built in 1918 with 2m-high foundation with an area of nearly 200m². The roof of the sanctum has a three-layer architectural style with stylized dragon in Khmer culture at the edges. The sanctum is propped up by 60 pillars. The wood doors of the sanctum are carved patterns in the scene of fighting between good (Fairy) and evil (Yeak). The sanctum worships the 6.8m-high Shakyamuni Buddha statue sitting on a lotus throne. On the wall are the paintings describing Shakyamuni Buddha from his birth until Nirvana.
The pagoda remains to store 70 sprayer-books named Tam Tạng, about 120 books of Pali language, some bibles written in buông leaf… Currently, it still keeps documents copied from Khmer old bibliography telling about the construction origin of the temple and other sites in Sóc Trăng.
In festival days, Khleang pagoda is always a destination of many visitors when they come to Sóc Trăng – a region converging three cultures: Khmer – Hoa – Việt. Khleang pagoda is a place for the faithful, cultural and spiritual activities of Khmer people in Sóc Trăng. It is also the place for holding solemn rituals in the traditional festivals such as Chol Chnam Thmay Festival, Dolta Festival, Ooc Om Boc Festival…Besides traditional harvest time festivals, Khleang pagoda is also a place for holding parties in festival time with sound of drum beat, clarinet, Lâm Thol melody, Dù Kê sing, Răm Vông, Rô Băm classical drama… lively colors. In addition to that games like firecracker, release wind light (thả đèn gió), spin the top of fire… are also very interesting.
3. Better to go with google maps of Kh'Leang pagoda
4. Pro tips
Kh’leang 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 etc. If you go with the children, please remind them not to climb because these are sacred symbols of the Khmer 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
